With just over one week to go until the NHL trade deadline, it’s time to look ahead at some top targets. These players could dawn new jerseys after March 7 and help a new team chase the Stanley Cup.
John Gibson, G, Anaheim Ducks
It feels like we’ve seen Gibson on the trade block for a long time now, but this year feels like when it could turn into a reality. Gibson has previously expressed interest in playing competitive hockey again, which the Ducks aren’t in a position to do. Additionally, Lukas Dostal has cemented himself as a building block in Anaheim’s rebuild, while GM Pat Verbeek acquired Ville Husso from the Detroit Red Wings, giving the team three goaltenders. Reading between the lines, the Husso trade could have been a precursor to a larger Gibson trade that’s in the works. Whoever makes a run at him is getting a ton of value in chasing for the Cup.
Mikko Rantanen, F, Carolina Hurricanes
This isn’t a typo. The Hurricanes just acquired Rantanen not long ago in one of the most shocking trades in a long time. However, behind the scenes, Rantanen’s future in Raleigh is up in the air. This is the final year of his contract, and he has yet to sign an extension with the team. Even further, he has not expressed a strong desire to extend, leaving Carolina in a tough spot. NHL insider Darren Dreger even hinted at Rantanen not wanting to talk about an extension. This trade would be a risk for whoever acquires him due to the lack of a contract extension, but if Rantanen expresses a willingness to sign with his new team, he should have a long line of suitors.
Brayden Schenn, F, St. Louis Blues
Schenn is a perfect player to put into your lineup for the playoffs. He plays an honest game, wins faceoffs and makes the other team uncomfortable. The Blues captain is someone that teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs could use, but the Blues front office has been understandably hesitant to deal their leader. However, in recent weeks, GM Doug Armstrong has opened himself up to the possibility more and more. Come March 7, St. Louis could send Schenn away if they are blown away by an offer.
Seth Jones, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Jones has asked the Blackhawks to explore trade options and made critical comments about the team after Chicago’s loss to the Utah Hockey Club. Jones’ time in Chicago is likely to come to an end sooner rather than later, but finding a trade partner is the difficult part. After this season, Jones has four years left at $9.5M per season. There are very few teams that can take on that kind of money in full, so the Blackhawks may be forced to retain money. While he is likely not going to see the end of his contract in Chicago, Jones may be forced to stick around for the rest of the season.
Other Notable Names
Ryan Donato, F, CHI, Brock Nelson, F, NYI, Jake Evans, F, MTL, Scott Laughton, F, PHI, Bowen Byram, D, BUF, Trent Frederic, F, BOS
