NHL trade rumors: Top 3 teams who should trade for Sami Vatanen

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 31: New Jersey Devils defenseman Sami Vatanen (45) after the National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and the Boston Bruins on December 31, 2019 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images /

Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets blueline has a massive, Dustin Byfuglien-sized hole. But since the situation is likely going to be resolved, the Jets should have the cap space necessary to properly address their defense if they want to be buyers at the trade deadline.

Vatanen would be the best fit for them for several reasons. First of all, he’s right-handed, which is huge because the Jets currently only have one right-handed defenseman on their blueline. Vatanen would give them an option there and would easily slide into their top-four.

Secondly, Vatanen’s $4.875 million cap hit would be easy for the Jets to absorb if they terminate Byfuglien’s contract. The Jets were blindsided by his decision to not report to the team and it left them shorthanded defensively. Getting his cap hit off the books will let the Jets trade for someone like Vatanen.

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However, it might be his versatility that would be most valuable to the Winnipeg Jets. Vatanen would give them some options regarding their defense. They could move Vatanen to the right side of the second pairing, putting him with Dmitri Kulikov. Or Vatanen could slide to the left side and allow Sami Niku to remain on the second pairing.

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