With just over two weeks to go until the 2024 NHL trade deadline, conversations around the league have intensified in a major way and expectation is there’s a flurry of moves to come before 3pm EST on March 8.
Buyers are starting to take shape, sellers are getting a sense of what assets are interesting onlooking teams and expect to see a couple ‘hockey trades’ mixed in as well as team’s will be wheeling and dealing to fill holes and balance out depth charts.
Here’s the very latest from all the noise currently surrounding the NHL’s trade market:
Penguins Open to Moving Anyone Outside Their Core
Kyle Dubas went big in his first offseason with the Pittsburgh Penguins, before a game was even played with him at the helm. Turns out the Erik Karlsson deal didn’t save the Penguins and now Dubas is left starting at a Penguins squad that’s on the outside looking in at the Stanley Cup Playoff picture.
According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, Dubas is willing to listen on offers on any player outside of their core. The safe bets to stay in Pittsburgh are Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin and Tristan Jarry, meanwhile everyone else could be involved in discussions. This includes pending free agent Jake Guentzel, who is currently nursing an injury and isn’t expected back until just after the trade deadline.
Dubas played his hand earlier this week when asked about Guentzel’s future and it’s pretty obvious the writing is on the wall:
I understand how valuable (Guentzel) has been as a teammate. … But at the same time, we have to take stock of where we’re at and be realistic about the fact that one of the issues we have is we need to get younger. We have a lot of guys in their 30s signed – some of them are some of the best players in the history of the franchise. It’s tough with Jake – as I’ve said to him – because he’s an excellent player and playing at an elite level.
Guentzel has been linked to the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche. Resident insider Frank Seravalli provided some food for thought with this mock trade involving the Penguins and Avs, who are also in the market for goaltending depth:
Playing Deadline Matchmaker, @frank_seravalli shares his mock trade involving Jake Guentzel and the Colorado Avalanche. @tyleryaremchuk
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— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) February 14, 2024
Along with Guentzel, the likes of Reilly Smith, Bryan Rust, Chad Ruhwedel, and Lars Eller could all be in play. There’s even been some speculation over Dubas being open to a complete offseason reset and moving Karlsson. Keep an eye on the ex-Leafs GM, he’s going to be very busy these next two weeks.
Noah Hanifin Prefers Tampa Bay?
Elliotte Friedman reported the Calgary Flames and defenseman Noah Hanifin were unable to come to terms on a contract extension last week and now Hanifin will hit the trade market. He’s listed as the top option on every trade board around the league and rightfully so. Hanifin’s a top-pair d-man who can play in all situations and his $4.95 million contract for the rest of this season is very reasonable considering the production.
Seravalli mentioned recently that rival teams believe Hanifin prefers to play for the Tampa Bay Lightning, whether that’s through a trade request for the rest of this season or signing a contract this upcoming offseason is the question.
“Teams that have been in the mix on Hanifin believe that he’s indicated, whether it’s now or this summer, his preferred destination is the Tampa Bay Lightning”
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— FlamesNation (@FlamesNation) February 21, 2024
The Lightning are without Mikhail Sergachev, who suffered a nasty leg injury and have the room and finances to make the trade with the Flames. It’s all going to come down to if Lightning GM Julien BriseBois wants to ship off a few prospects to please Flames GM Craig Conroy, or if Tampa just wants to wait it out and sign Hanifin in the summer.
The Lightning usually operate with their cards close to their chest this time of year and don’t be surprised, to be surprised, by what the Lightning pull off before March 8.
Goalie Market Remains Hot
Let’s start in Minnesota as the Wild head into Thursday’s action two points back of the Nashville Predators. If they remain in playoff race, don’t expect to see Marc-Andre Fleury traded. If they lose five of their next six games, look for GM Bill Guerin to work with Fleury on a deadline deal, with the Avalanche, Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes on making the approval list.
Jakob Markstrom continues to wait things out in Calgary after waiving is no-movement clause to join the New Jersey Devils. Sounds like the deal got down to the final stages and blew up into pieces. There’s been some speculation brewing that one of Chris Tanev or Hanifin could be heading to the Devils along with Markstrom, who has two seasons left on his deal at $6 million per season.
Jake Allen remains a trade candidate out of Montreal as the Canadiens have had a crowded crease all season long. Apparently the Avalanche and Canadiens talked and it advanced, so far so some in the industry felt the deal was done. Turns out nothing was signed off on and Allen remains with the Habs. If the Avs go in another direction to find depth, look for Allen to be linked to the Hurricanes or Devils.
John Gibson in Anaheim remains a prime trade candidate, and so too does Juuse Saros in Nashville. Gibson is much more likelier to be dealt over Saros, as the Preds will need to be blown away. Word is Barry Trotz is working a hard bargain in Nashville and wants a four-piece offer before he pulls the trigger on dealing his #1 goalie. Considering the Preds are in a playoff spot and trying desperately to hold onto it, it’s tough to see Saros moved and maybe it’s something that takes shape during the summer.
Gibson on the other hand, could finally be getting a change of scenery and is no stranger to trade rumors this time of year. Ducks GM Pat Verbeek is expected to move Adam Henrique and listen to offers on just about everyone else, including Gibson. The Sabres and Devils are two teams to keep an eye on. Gibson is owed $6.4 million through the 2026-27 season and has a 10-team modified no-trade clause. He’s posted an .896 Sv.% through 37 appearances this season.
Quick Hits From Around the NHL:
While the Flames will surely deal Hanifin before the deadline, the same can be said for Tanev and so far the Maple Leafs, Stars, Panthers, Bruins and Lightning are in the mix.
Friedman sees the Penguins and Panthers as potential partners on a Smith trade. He also reports ex-Maple Leaf Alex Kerfoot could be a trade option for the Avalanche.
The Leafs are open to moving their 2024 first-round pick, however Treliving won’t do it for a rental and wants someone with term left on their contract. Given the Leafs financial constraints, Treliving will need to be very creative pulling off any moves before the deadline.
The Flyers are open to trades, however word is Danny Briere is asking a ton for defenseman Nick Seeler, Sean Walker and forward Scott Laughton. Philadelphia’s currently third in their division, comfortably in a playoff spot and it seems like the play of goaltender Samuel Ersson has inspired the group to believe.
The Oilers are going to be active ahead of March 8 and GM Ken Holland appears open to moving his first-round pick. Edmonton is in desperate need of another top-six winger and if it isn’t Guentzel out of Pittsburgh, Vladimir Tarasenko could be an option out of Ottawa.
The Vancouver Canucks have been mediocre since acquiring Elias Lindholm and have now lost three in a row. GM Patrik Allvin is likely to take another swing at the trade market and with the Canucks ties to the Penguins, it could very well be Guentzel on their radar.
