Be prepared to call in sick to work on March 5, because this year’s trade deadline has the potential to be the best in years.
Almost immediately after the Olympic break the rumour mill picked up and some intriguing names are available for the right price.
Martin St. Louis
Shockingly, St. Louis reportedly requested a trade out of Tampa Bay after being initially left off of team Canada by his own GM, Steve Yzerman. According to Bob McKenzie, St. Louis didn’t rescind that request after replacing Steven Stamkos, and is apparently only requesting a trade to the New York Rangers.
Ryan Kesler and Alex Edler
In the midst of a disappointing season and saddled with an aging core the Canucks are listening on everyone except the Sedin twins, and most teams are asking about Edler and Kesler. Defencemen and centres are hard to find and that is going to cost teams. One slight problem, however: Kesler might have a broken hand.
Dave Bolland
He’s only appeared in 15 games for the Maple Leafs and now that he’s close to returning from an ankle injury there are reports that he’s seeking a deal worth $40 million over seven or eight years. That’s big money for a guy who slots in as a third-line centre. The Leafs could look to deal Bolland to get something back for their investment or could hang onto him and use him as their own rental.
Thomas Vanek
Trading for Vanek didn’t work out well for the Islanders (although no fault of Vanek, who has 40 points in 44 games on the isle), and they will look to cut bait after he turned down an extension. A contender like the LA Kings, starved for goals, could use Vanek’s offense. He has also been linked to the Minnesota Wild in the past.
Ryan Callahan and Dan Girardi
Both are unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, and so far the Rangers have made no real progress on signing either. Callahan is reportedly asking for a seven-year, $42 million deal, which doesn’t seem unbelievable considering what David Clarkson received last year. Girardi is looking for something in the $5.5 million range over six seasons and the Rangers seem more willing to at least offer within that ballpark, so a deal could get done. Like Callahan, however, if he isn’t signed by the deadline there is a “99 per cent chance” he gets traded.
Ryan Miller
Although the Sabres tried to sign Miller to an extension earlier in the year, it is clear now to both parties that the best thing for everyone involved is a trade. Miller has been linked to the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, and Minnesota Wild in the past.
Other potential trade targets: Andrew MacDonald, Mike Cammalleri, Matt Moulson, Steve Ott, Ales Hemsky, Sam Gagner.
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