Emily Kaplan, ESPNMar 1, 2024, 07:15 AM ET
CloseEmily Kaplan is ESPN’s national NHL reporter.
The NHL trade deadline is a week away, and while calls around the league are heating up, expectations are being tempered. I spoke to one general manager this week who cautioned that things seem “a little slow.” He called it a thin market, with few impact players available as rentals.
“But it could mean we get more surprises of players being moved that you don’t expect,” the GM said. “And that could be exciting.”
Here’s what I’m hearing could transpire over the next seven days.
THE CALGARY FLAMES have held the keys to the NHL trade deadline. The domino effect is always real at this time of year. Calgary kicked off the trading season when it moved Elias Lindholm to Vancouver on Jan. 31. Two days later, the Jets traded for Sean Monahan, one of the next-best centers available. As you can see, one team sets the market, then others — who missed out on that player — move quickly to their next option.
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The Flames likely got things started again after trading Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday. Several teams need a right-shot defenseman and Tanev, 34, was atop most of their lists. Tanev has 41 games of playoff experience, and ranks second in the league in blocked shots. So who are the best available options now?
The next day, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded for Ilya Lyubushkin from Anaheim.
Sean Walker is likely the next man up. Philadelphia Flyers GM Danny Briere told me he’d like to re-sign both Walker and his defense partner, Nick Seeler, but he didn’t know if it would be possible. With little traction for new contracts, it appears they’re poised to be moved — especially Walker. Other right defensemen who are definitely available: Matt Dumba and Tyson Barrie. Other right defensemen who are possibly available: Alexandre Carrier and Erik Johnson.
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Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39622916/latest-trade-deadline-buzz-noah-hanifin-jake-guentzel-goalie-market
Author : Emily Kaplan
Publish date : 2024-03-01 12:27:28
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