Tag Archives: Hockey

Who says no? Analyzing 5 hypothetical NHL trade deadline deals

The NHL trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and there's nothing more fun this time of year than arguing over hypothetical swaps.

Here's how this exercise went down: Each of theScore's five NHL news editors (Kayla Douglas, Josh Gold-Smith, Brandon Maron, Sean O'Leary, and myself) submitted one trade to have the other four editors vote on which team they think would say no. "Both" and "good deal" were options, too.

Remember, these deals are hypothetical. Editors were encouraged to think outside the box.

Below, I dive into the trades and analyze which aspects make sense and which don't.

Leafs win Chychrun sweepstakes, reunite with Kessel

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Leafs receive: Jakob Chychrun, Phil Kessel (50% retained)
Coyotes receive: 2022 1st-round pick, Justin Holl, Nick Robertson, Alexander Kerfoot

Submitted by: Maron

Editor Who says no?
Douglas Good deal
Gold-Smith Coyotes
O'Leary Leafs
Wegman Coyotes

Why it could work: General managers Kyle Dubas and Bill Armstrong clearly have a working relationship after making two trades with each other in recent weeks. Toronto's need for a top-four defenseman is no secret. And Chychrun, who's just 23 years old, fits into both the team's timeline and cap structure (his contract includes three more years at $4.6 million per season).

There have been rumors the Coyotes are seeking a Jack Eichel-type package for Chychrun. This deal fits that structure, but the value might be a bit short. Holl and Kerfoot have an additional year of term on their contracts and could be flipped for more futures at next year's deadline, while Robertson is a promising prospect.

Why it might not: As far as narratives go, Kessel returning to Toronto would be highly entertaining. However, his fit in the team's lineup is suspect. He's a significant downgrade defensively from Kerfoot, and it remains to be seen whether he can still be effective in a top-six role on a team with Cup aspirations. The Leafs would likely be willing to take that chance if it meant getting Chychrun, but they might prefer a deal that doesn't involve Kessel.

From Arizona's perspective, no guaranteed building blocks are coming back. Robertson has potential, but he hasn't proven himself as an NHLer. His AHL numbers are good but don't jump off the page. The draft pick could be late in the first round, too. If this is the best offer the Coyotes get for Chychrun, they'd be smart to keep him and hope for something better this offseason.

Rutherford, Allvin send Miller to Penguins

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Penguins receive: J.T. Miller
Canucks receive: 2022 1st- and 4th-round picks, Kasperi Kapanen, Pierre-Olivier Joseph

Submitted by: Wegman

Editor Who says no?
Douglas Good deal
Gold-Smith Good deal
Maron Canucks
O'Leary Canucks

Why it could work: As long as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are still humming, Penguins GM Ron Hextall needs to do everything in his power to try to bring Pittsburgh another Stanley Cup. The team's biggest need is a winger for Malkin, and Miller is an ideal fit - especially since he's signed through 2023 with a bargain $5.25-million cap hit. Kapanen has struggled this year (and makes the deal work cap-wise), and Joseph is just depth for Pittsburgh at this point.

Kapanen has believers in Vancouver. While with the Penguins front office, Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford and general manager Patrik Allvin drafted Kapanen in 2014, then re-acquired him from the Leafs in 2020. Kapanen's father, Sami, played under Rutherford with the Carolina Hurricanes. Rutherford also acquired Joseph, a 2017 first-round defenseman, from the Coyotes during his time in Pittsburgh.

Why it might not: A first-round pick, a young roster player, and a prospect would usually fetch a player with an extra year of term. However, it's possible the Canucks would want much more, even with the fourth-rounder sprinkled in.

Miller has blossomed into a star point-per-game player with Vancouver, capable of playing center and wing effectively. If the Canucks give him up - which isn't a guarantee considering the playoffs are still a possibility - they might want someone with more upside than Kapanen and Joseph coming back.

Rangers reel in Laine in blockbuster

Kirk Irwin / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Rangers receive: Patrik Laine
Blue Jackets receive: 2022 1st-round pick, Nils Lundkvist, Vitali Kravtsov

Submitted by: Douglas

Editor Who says no?
Gold-Smith Blue Jackets
Maron Blue Jackets
O'Leary Blue Jackets
Wegman Blue Jackets

Why it could work: The possibility of Columbus dealing Laine is fascinating, even though Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen recently shut down those rumors. The 23-year-old sniper is a pending RFA. He could simply accept his $7.5-million qualifying offer again this summer before becoming a UFA in 2023.

It's no secret the Jackets have struggled to keep star players. And the ones they've held on to, they had to pay an additional Columbus tax (see Werenski, Zach). If the Jackets can't get Laine to agree to an extension this summer, they may have to trade him. Letting him walk for free isn't an option.

The Rangers, meanwhile, could use an additional offensive threat, and Laine fits into their timeline.

Why it might not: The Blue Jackets gave up Pierre-Luc Dubois to get Laine, so they may want more of a sure thing if they're going to trade the Finn. Kravtsov and Lundkvist (both 2018 first-rounders) have upside, but neither has proven themselves as NHLers yet. If Kekalainen ships Laine to New York, he'd be wise to ask for a package including Alexis Lafreniere or Kaapo Kakko.

The value makes sense for the Rangers, and Laine would help them this season. However, how he fits into their long-term plans is foggy. Extensions for Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox are kicking in next season. New York has already invested ample money and draft resources on the wing with Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, Lafreniere, and Kakko. If the Rangers make a big swing for a forward, a center makes more sense, especially since Ryan Strome is a pending UFA.

Avalanche add Hertl for Cup push

Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Avalanche receive: Tomas Hertl (50% retained)
Sharks receive: 2023 1st- and 3rd-round picks, Tyson Jost, Dylan Sikura, Justin Barron

Submitted by: O'Leary

Editor Who says no?
Douglas Avalanche
Gold-Smith Good deal
Maron Good deal
Wegman Avalanche

Why it could work: The Avs are Stanley Cup favorites, so it only makes sense for them to go all-in. This is their year to be aggressive, too. Nazem Kadri, Andre Burakovsky, and Darcy Kuemper are pending UFAs, and Nathan MacKinnon's bargain deal expires in 2023. It shouldn't matter that Hertl is just a rental.

Hertl would be a fantastic addition. He could play wing on the second line with Kadri or center his own third line to make Colorado even deeper.

The Sharks reportedly tried negotiating an extension with Hertl and aren't looking to trade him. However, San Jose might not have a choice if it can't get a deal done before the deadline. Plus, there's always a chance the Sharks could lure him back in free agency after moving him. That'd be a win-win.

Why it might not: Jost has yet to live up to the billing of a top-10 pick back in 2016, but he's still a valuable member of Colorado's bottom six. The Avs might prefer to part with a prospect rather than somebody from the active roster. If Jost is a must-have part of the package, perhaps they'd get the Sharks to include an additional depth forward in the deal with minimal long-term value, like Andrew Cogliano or Matt Nieto.

Barron, a 2020 first-rounder, along with Jost, makes this a steep price for a rental. The Avs might want someone with an extra year of term, like J.T. Miller, if they're giving up this package. Or, perhaps they'd prefer a rental with slightly less value, such as Claude Giroux.

Fleury joins former rivals

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Capitals receive: Marc-Andre Fleury (50% retained)
Blackhawks receive: Conditional 2022 2nd-round pick (becomes 1st-rounder if Capitals reach ECF), Ilya Samsonov, Daniel Sprong, Matt Irwin

Submitted by: Gold-Smith

Editor Who says no?
Douglas Good deal
Maron Capitals
O'Leary Good deal
Wegman Blackhawks

Why it could work: The group is split on this deal, which tends to mean it's fair. The Capitals are in the same spot as the Penguins. As long as their aging core is still performing at a high level, they have to go all-in - despite GM Brian MacLellan's recent comments.

Goaltending has been Washington's weakness this season, so adding a proven netminder in Fleury, albeit a rental, is smart. Fleury's contract contains a 10-team no-trade list, so he'll have a significant say in where he goes. That could limit his market and prove to be the reason the rebuilding Blackhawks don't get a guaranteed first-rounder out of this.

Despite his relative struggles, Samsonov is just 25. Arvid Soderblom is Chicago's only goalie under team control for next year (Kevin Lankinen and Collin Delia are also pending UFAs), so the 2015 first-rounder fills a significant need moving forward.

Why it might not: The Blackhawks might want to get a guaranteed first-rounder in exchange for Fleury since he's by far the best goaltender available, and there are other contenders with a need between the pipes, such as the Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, and Maple Leafs. Chicago also probably has no use for Irwin, a 34-year-old depth D-man on an expiring contract.

The Caps might not be ready to give up on Samsonov either. Goaltenders tend to reach their peak later in their careers, and Washington has already invested so many years developing the Russian netminder.

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Devils won’t extend Subban before trade deadline

If any suitors are interested in acquiring P.K. Subban before this month's trade deadline, it appears the New Jersey Devils are willing to listen.

"I sat down with P.K. yesterday, and we talked about uncertainty, and the deadline, and that we're not at a spot where we're looking to extend him at this point," general manager Tom Fitzgerald told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

Fitzgerald added: "He's done a lot for community here and the organization. But I told him, 'On the last day, somebody may lose a right-shot D and may call me, and if the move makes sense for the New Jersey Devils and makes sense for you to potentially have a chance to win, I have to do what's best for the organization.'"

Subban is currently playing out the final months of the monster eight-year, $72-million contract he signed with the Montreal Canadiens in 2014. In any potential deal, the Devils will likely need to retain a portion of Subban's $9-million cap hit.

New Jersey acquired the 32-year-old from the Nashville Predators before the 2019-20 campaign. He's notched 55 points in 165 games with the Devils and is averaging the lowest average ice time of his career this season at 19:11 per contest.

Subban can still drive play at even strength, but he no longer moves the needle defensively or on the power play. Here's his on-ice impact this season according to Evolving-Hockey's Goals Above Replacement metric:

Subban was among the league's top defensemen during his prime. From 2013-18, he won the Norris Trophy once and was a finalist two other times while earning three All-Star nominations. Subban also recorded 301 points in 422 games over that span.

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Matthews overtakes McDavid as Hart Trophy favorite

There's a new front-runner for the Hart Trophy. For the first time this season, Connor McDavid has been overtaken as the favorite for MVP at Barstool Sportsbook.

Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (+175) is the new leader, closely followed by Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (+200).

PLAYER ODDS (March 7) ODDS (Jan. 24)
Auston Matthews +175 +1200
Igor Shesterkin +200 +2000
Connor McDavid +300 +200
Leon Draisaitl +1000 +700
Jonathan Huberdeau +1000 +800
Alex Ovechkin +1000 +350
Johnny Gaudreau +1300 N/A
Kirill Kaprizov +3000 +3000
Aleksander Barkov +5000 +3500
Patrice Bergeron +5000 N/A
Sidney Crosby +5000 +5000
Nathan MacKinnon +5000 +1500
Cale Makar +5000 +5000
Mikko Rantanen +5000 +4000
Andrei Vasilevskiy +5000 +3000
Steven Stamkos +5000 +5000

Note: Only listing players +5000 or shorter

McDavid is tied with Leon Draisaitl for the league lead in points. So how did Matthews catch him? A few reasons stand out.

McDavid has hit a bit of a rut, piling up just 26 points over his last 22 games. While those are still good numbers, they aren't great, as he's tied with the likes of Sam Reinhart and Dylan Larkin for 22nd during that span.

His team hasn't enjoyed much success, either. The Oilers are tied with the Blue Jackets and Predators in points over that period and are still trying to dig out from the hole they fell into under Dave Tippett.

Meanwhile, Matthews has taken his game up several notches. He has amassed 36 points over the last 23 games and now finds himself leading the NHL in goals.

He remains nine points behind McDavid but has played three fewer games. Matthews' nine more goals, much stronger defensive metrics, and 10 more points in the team standings make up for the gap.

While oddsmakers are correct in moving Matthews ahead of McDavid, the same can be said of Shesterkin.

Shesterkin has quietly put together one of the most remarkable goaltending seasons of all time. He owns an absurd .942 save percentage and leads the league in Goals Saved Above Expectation. Put simply, Shesterkin is reason No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 why the Rangers are within striking distance of winning a competitive Metropolitan Division.

Although Shesterkin plays in fewer games than top skaters like Matthews, he definitely belongs in the same conversation in terms of value provided.

McDavid is in tough to catch either of these players. To have any chance, he needs to separate himself from the pack in terms of point production, and the Oilers need to claim home ice for at least the first round of the playoffs. If he doesn't gain separation individually, and the team isn't garnering a ton of success, there is nothing to pull him away from the pack.

Beyond the big three, Draisaitl probably stands the best chance to make a late run at the award. He's right there with McDavid in terms of points, and he's on Matthews' tail in terms of goals. Draisaitl can make a solid case if he leads the league in both categories and the Oilers surge up the standings.

Outside of that, I'm not sure anybody else has a real shot. Jonathan Huberdeau's point total is great, but he plays on arguably the deepest offensive team in the league. He also benefits greatly from cushy usage on home ice, primarily playing opposing teams' middle-six forwards.

Alex Ovechkin is eighth in scoring, and the Capitals are sliding down the standings. Meanwhile, Kirill Kaprizov plays for a team that has dropped eight of the last 10.

In terms of the longer shots, Johnny Gaudreau (fourth in scoring, plays for a likely division winner) is where the value lies.

Realistically speaking, the race is probably between Matthews and Shesterkin.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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NHL weeknight betting guide: True moneylines for March 8-11

On Saturday night, one of the best bets in sports continued as the Canucks beat the Maple Leafs as significant underdogs. Vancouver hasn't owned Toronto since the start of the pandemic, but its two wins this season give it a 6-4 edge since the 2020 shutdown.

Anyone blindly betting the Leafs has won four units in their wins and lost close to 15 units in their losses; that's -11 units total. In plain terms, assuming Toronto is the favorite each game, and the teams continue to play twice per season, the Leafs would have to win the next 12 games over six seasons to make them profitable and worth bragging about.

Whether it's sitting at the bar or typing in the text chain, in the world of sports betting, that's how bragging rights are defined. Not by record, but by what your team can do for your account - even if they're only your team for one game. In moneyline-centric sports like hockey, it doesn't take much record-wise to have underdogs prove valuable.

The recipe

Before the 2021-22 campaign, we provided a three-chapter series on how to use the regular-season point-total market to create team ratings, how to interpret home-ice advantage, and then how to use those to create your own moneylines.

We'll make a small adjustment to our formula this week, moving this season's on-ice predictive metrics to 75% of our total rating. While our ratings are weighted to this season, the 25% of the ratings based on preseason "priors" means that we can put more emphasis on team metrics without going all-in on what's happened this year. That's important because this season is still a relatively small sample size that contains some tainted results from when COVID-19 ravaged lineups.

The cheat sheet

The following includes my fair price on the matchups (true moneyline) and the moneyline price I would need to bet either side. I just need a 1% edge for a favorite if we're getting better than a fair price on the team that's more likely to win. For the underdog, I'll need 4% or better to make it a bet. On games that I have projected will be a near coin flip, a 2.5% edge is enough to make it a worthwhile wager. I also have a 5% win probability consideration for a side playing in the second game of a back-to-back with travel and 3% for without travel.

DATE GAME TRUE ML PRICE TO BET
March 7 LAK@BOS +182/-182 LAK +217/BOS -174
FLA@BUF -197/+197 FLA -188/BUF +237
TOR@CBJ -136/+136 TOR -131/CBJ +161
COL@NYI -113/+113 COL -109/NYI +133
EDM@CGY -106/+106 EDM +104/CGY +117
March 8 COL@NJD -102/+102 COL +108/NJD +113
FLA@PIT +106/-106 FLA +117/PIT +104
VGK@PHI -118/+118 VGK -114/PHI +139
ARI@DET +137/-137 ARI +162/DET -131
SEA@TOR +151/-151 SEA +178/TOR -144
TBL@WPG -120/+120 TBL -116/WPG +142
OTT@STL +207/-207 OTT +249/STL -197
DAL@NSH +103/-103 DAL +114/NSH +107
NYR@MIN +106/-106 NYR +118/MIN +104
ANA@CHI +134/-134 ANA +158/CHI -128
WSH@CGY +102/-102 WSH +113/CGY +109
March 9 WSH@EDM +160/-160 WSH +190/EDM -153
MTL@VAN +182/-182 MTL +218/VAN -174
March 10 COL@CAR -113/+113 COL -109/CAR +133
VGK@BUF -135/+135 VGK -129/BUF +159
WPG@NJD +123/-123 WPG +145/NJD -119
SEA@OTT -107/+107 SEA +103/OTT +118
MIN@DET -124/+124 MIN -119/DET +146
PHI@FLA +209/-209 PHI +253/FLA -200
CHI@BOS +162/-162 CHI +193/BOS -155
ARI@TOR +198/-198 ARI +239/TOR -190
CBJ@NYI +146/-146 CBJ +173/NYI -140
ANA@NSH +142/-142 ANA +168/NSH -136
NYR@STL +113/-113 NYR +133/STL -109
TBL@CGY -101/+101 TBL +110/CGY +111
SJS@LAK +168/-168 SJS +200/LAK -161

Matt Russell is a betting writer for theScore. If there’s a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on Twitter @mrussauthentic.

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NHL Trade Tracker

Details on every deal made since the start of the season up to the March 21, 3 p.m. ET trade deadline.

March 2

Sharks bring back Stalock

Sharks receive Oilers receive
G Alex Stalock Future considerations

Flames, Canadiens make minor swap

Flames receive Canadiens receive
G Michael McNiven Future considerations

Feb. 22

Bruins acquire Callahan for late draft pick

Bruins receive Coyotes receive
D Michael Callahan 7th-round pick (2024)

Feb. 21

Leafs add goaltending depth

Maple Leafs receive Coyotes receive
G Carter Hutton Future considerations

Feb. 19

Leafs send Ritchie to Coyotes for Dzingel, Lyubushkin

Norm Hall / National Hockey League / Getty
Coyotes receive Maple Leafs receive
F Nick Ritchie F Ryan Dzingel
Conditional draft pick (2023 or 2025) D Ilya Lyubushkin

Notes: Arizona can choose to receive Toronto's 2023 third-round pick or 2025 second-round pick.

Feb. 14

Flames make a splash with Toffoli acquisition

Flames receive Canadiens receive
F Tyler Toffoli F Tyler Pitlick
F Emil Heineman
1st-round pick (2022 or 2023)
5th-round pick (2023)
Conditional 4th-round pick (2024)

Notes: If Calgary's 2022 first-round pick is in the top 10, the Flames have the option to instead send their 2023 first-round pick and a fourth-round pick in 2024.

Feb. 12

Canadiens acquire Hammond from Wild

Canadiens receive Wild receive
G Andrew Hammond F Brandon Baddock

Feb. 1

Lightning, Stars agree to swap

Lightning receive Stars receive
F Tye Fellhaber F Alexei Lipanov

Lightning make another minor move

Lightning receive Predators receive
F Anthony Richard F Jimmy Huntington

Jan. 5

Blackhawks ship Nylander to Pittsburgh

Jeff Bottari / National Hockey League / Getty
Blackhawks receive Penguins receive
F Sam Lafferty F Alex Nylander

Dec. 29

Wild, Blues flip forwards

Wild receive Blues receive
F Nolan Stevens F Will Bitten

Dec. 15

Devils bring in some goaltending depth

Devils receive Blues receive
G Jon Gillies Future considerations

Dec. 9

Blackhawks, Leafs make minor swap

Blackhawks receive Maple Leafs receive
F Kurtis Gabriel D Chad Krys

Dec. 2

Sabres acquire Subban to bolster crease

Gregg Forwerck / National Hockey League / Getty
Sabres receive Blackhawks receive
G Malcolm Subban Future considerations

Nov. 30

Predators bring in forward depth

Predators receive Senators receive
F Kole Sherwood Future considerations

Nov. 16

Leafs add Clifford

Maple Leafs receive Blues receive
F Kyle Clifford Future considerations

Nov. 4

Golden Knights land Eichel in blockbuster deal

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Golden Knights receive Sabres receive
F Jack Eichel F Alex Tuch
Conditional 3rd-round pick (2023 or 2024) F Peyton Krebs
Conditional 1st-round pick (2022 or 2023)
Conditional 2nd-round pick (2023 or 2024)

Notes: If Vegas' 2022 first-round pick is in the top 10, the Golden Knights would instead send their 2023 first-round pick unprotected. Buffalo's second-round pick and Vegas' third-round pick would then both move to 2024.

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Ranking the top candidates to be dealt before the NHL trade deadline

The lead-up to this year's NHL trade deadline is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years, with no shortage of star power potentially on the block ahead of March 21.

Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller was originally expected to be one of the best players available, but it now appears the team is reluctant to trade him.

We took both talent and likelihood of being traded into account when determining the list. With that in mind, here are our top players who could be sent packing before the deadline:

1. Claude Giroux

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Forward 34 Pending UFA $8.275M

Giroux has a no-move clause but has yet to sit down with Philadelphia Flyers management to discuss his plans. However, if both sides agree to send him elsewhere, no one will be more in demand than the 15-year veteran.

The Canadian center is still producing at an impressive rate despite his age and lackluster team. Giroux's range of skills and wealth of experience would make him the top target before March 21 if he hits the market, which appears more likely than not despite his career-long tenure with Philadelphia.

2. Jakob Chychrun

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Defenseman 23 Signed through 2024-25 $4.6M

It's rare to see a young player with this much term at such a reasonable rate as a trade candidate, but this is the Arizona Coyotes we're talking about. It would take a hefty package to land Chychrun, but he'd be well worth it.

The left-shot blue-liner, who'll turn 24 on March 31, is having a down season production-wise, but don't be fooled by his point total for the moribund Coyotes. The potential best rearguard available would be a major acquisition and he hasn't even entered his prime yet.

3. Marc-Andre Fleury

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Goaltender 37 Pending UFA $7M

Fleury has a 10-team no-trade list, but that shouldn't prevent the Chicago Blackhawks from moving him if that's what both sides want. Of course, that's the big question. His cap hit might make a deal more complicated unless his current club retains some of it, and there are several contenders who could use more stability and experience in the crease.

4. Tomas Hertl

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Forward 28 Pending UFA $5.625M

It's not yet clear if Hertl will be moved, and he said on March 1 that contract talks were "positive." However, if the San Jose Sharks are unable to re-sign him in time for the frenzy, Hertl could be the best skater on the board. He's in this spot on the list because unlike the players above him, it seems a bit more plausible he'll stay with his current squad.

The Czech center is close to matching his career-high goals per game rate he set in 2018-19. While he may only have a couple more seasons of high-level play before he starts to decline, the 2012 first-round pick would significantly bolster an acquiring team's forward group.

5. Ben Chiarot

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Defenseman 30 Pending UFA $3.5M

The Montreal Canadiens' new regime has already started dealing and clearly isn't done. Chiarot is the most likely to be traded among those still on the Habs' roster. The right-shot rearguard can play on the first pairing at five-on-five, the power play, and the penalty kill. He can score, too, and all of these strengths will undoubtedly intrigue teams with postseason aspirations.

6. John Klingberg

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Defenseman 29 Pending UFA $4.25M

Another right-shot blue-liner who could be highly coveted plays in the Lone Star State. There's been radio silence on the Klingberg contract extension front, which could either be encouraging or concerning for the Dallas Stars. The Swede's not having his best season, but his abilities and reasonable cap hit would help attract cap-constrained clubs.

7. Jake DeBrusk

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Forward 25 Pending RFA $3.675M

DeBrusk isn't the most talented forward on the market, but the Boston Bruins winger is one of the most likely to be dealt considering he's been on the block for months.

His agent said in November he asked for a trade. Then in early March, it was reported they informed teams of their willingness to work on an extension to facilitate a swap. The Edmonton-born forward has been playing on the Bruins' top line and Boston could be showcasing him. Regardless, he's produced at an impressive clip.

8. Mark Giordano

Steph Chambers / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Defenseman 38 Pending UFA $6.75M

It's safe to assume no team has ever traded its captain before its inaugural campaign is even over, but it would make sense for the struggling Seattle Kraken to send Giordano to a contender. There would be plenty of suitors for the seasoned vet.

9. Alexandar Georgiev

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Goaltender 26 Pending RFA $2.425M

This isn't Georgiev's first rodeo on the trade block for the New York Rangers. The career backup isn't going to get regular starts given the way Hart Trophy candidate Igor Shesterkin's been playing. The club would be better served with a more weathered No. 2 netminder, and Georgiev deserves a chance to carve out more crease time with another squad.

10. Justin Braun

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Defenseman 35 Pending UFA $1.8M

Giroux's future remains unclear, but if the Flyers trade anyone, they'll clearly look to deal Braun. His extremely team-friendly cap hit and experience will grab attention, and this rebuilding squad would be wise to capitalize on that.

11. Phil Kessel

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Forward 34 Pending UFA $8M

Kessel's cap hit isn't ideal for an acquiring team, but the Coyotes have plenty of space to retain a portion of his contract. The veteran has a modified no-trade clause (he can submit a list of eight teams to which he'd approve a deal), so that complicates things further, but Kessel still has some gas left in the tank and could provide a contender with scoring depth.

12. Brandon Hagel

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Forward 23 Signed through 2023-24 $1.5M

Casual fans might be asking, "who?" But the Blackhawks will get calls on Hagel for several reasons. The winger's age, cheap cap hit, and the fact he's under team control for another two seasons after this one will ensure he generates interest, and it helps he's playing better than most expected in his second full season.

13. Rickard Rakell

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Forward 28 Pending UFA $3.789M

The Anaheim Ducks' trade deadline strategy remains to be seen, and that's understandable considering they're in the playoff hunt. General manager Pat Verbeek is intent on getting something for a trio of his pending UFAs if he can't re-sign them. Rakell would be the most coveted of the group despite diminished production ever since he peaked in 2017-18.

14. Braden Holtby

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Goaltender 32 Pending UFA $2M

Holtby has proven himself while splitting time with Jake Oettinger in his 10th full season. That may be partly due to the Dallas Stars' defensive system, but Holtby would be a solid addition for those seeking goaltending help if his current squad fades from playoff contention.

15. Hampus Lindholm

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Defenseman 28 Pending UFA $5.205M

The Ducks have another important decision with Lindholm, a capable blue-liner who could play a key role on another team's defensive corps if Verbeek looks to move on from him.

16. Andrew Copp

Darcy Finley / National Hockey League / Getty
Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Forward 27 Pending UFA $3.64M

Copp is one of the more intriguing players on the lower end of the list. The American can play on the wing or down the middle. Copp has clicked with a variety of linemates for the Winnipeg Jets and he's on pace for a career season points-wise.

17. Artturi Lehkonen

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Forward 26 Pending RFA $2.3M

Lehkonen is another Hab who should generate some interest. He's not a pending UFA, but he will be 27 this summer, so the solid two-way forward may not factor into the club's long-term plans. Lehkonen's underlying numbers are more than favorable this season, which is impressive considering how poor his team played until its February head coaching change.

18. Max Domi

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Forward 27 Pending UFA $5.3M

The Columbus Blue Jackets are well back of fourth place in their division, so it's looking more likely they'll be sellers. Patrik Laine has been on fire for a prolonged stretch, is a pending RFA, and is soon to be just 24 years old. As a result, Domi is a far more likely candidate to be moved. Teams in need of a center with some experience who can also play the wing may view him as an option.

19. Nick Leddy

Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Defenseman 30 (31 on March 20) Pending UFA $5.5M

Speaking of experience, Leddy has that in spades. The left-shot blue-liner has suited up for over 800 games, won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2013, and has played in four conference finals. The Detroit Red Wings surely want to get younger or stockpile assets, and Leddy could help them do that.

20. Nick Paul

Norm Hall / National Hockey League / Getty
Position Age Contract Status Cap Hit
Forward 26 (27 on March 20) Pending UFA $1.35M

Do the Senators trade Paul - an under-30 pending UFA - at the deadline to ensure they get something for him if he doesn't re-sign, or keep him and risk losing him for nothing in the summer? If the Sens opt for the former, he could help another team as a depth forward.

(Salary source: CapFriendly)

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Sharks’ Boughner: ‘Disastrous blown call’ on Ducks’ OT winner

San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner wasn't happy after Anaheim Ducks forward Rickard Rakell scored in what the bench boss deemed questionable fashion to win Sunday's game in overtime.

Early in the extra frame, Rakell came off the bench while teammate Adam Henrique was still leaving the ice. The Swede received a pass and buried the decisive marker moments later, only 14 seconds into the extra frame.

Here's another look at the play:

"It's a complete, disastrous blown call," Boughner said postgame, according to The Athletic's Corey Masisak, before adding he believed it was "too many men all day long."

Boughner was particularly upset with how the officiating crew handled the aftermath.

"The thing that pisses me off the most is they don't even come over to the bench. They race off the ice, (don't even have) the respect to come and explain it," the head coach said, according to the Mercury News' Curtis Pashelka.

Here's Rule 74 from the NHL rule book:

Players may be changed at any time during the play from the players' bench provided that the player or players leaving the ice shall be within five feet (5') of his players' bench and out of the play before the change is made. Refer also to Rule 71 – Premature Substitution. At the discretion of the on-ice officials, should a substituting player come onto the ice before his teammate is within the five foot (5') limit of the players' bench (and therefore clearly causing his team to have too many players on the ... ice), then a bench minor penalty may be assessed.

When a player is retiring from the ice surface and is within the five foot (5') limit of his players' bench, and his substitute is on the ice, then the retiring player shall be considered off the ice for the purpose of Rule 70 – Leaving Bench. If in the course of making a substitution, either the player entering the game or the player retiring plays the puck or who checks or makes any physical contact with an opposing player while both players involved in the substitution are on the ice, then the infraction of "too many men on the ice" will be called.

If in the course of a substitution either the player(s) entering the play or the player(s) retiring is struck by the puck accidentally, the play will not be stopped and no penalty will be called. During the play, the player retiring from the ice must do so at the players' bench and not through any other exit leading from the rink. This is not a legal player change and therefore when a violation occurs, a bench minor penalty shall be imposed. A player coming onto the ice as a substitute player is considered on the ice once both of his skates are on the ice. If he plays the puck or interferes with an opponent while still on the players’ bench, he shall be penalized under Rule 56 – Interference.

Sunday's result gave Anaheim victories over the Sharks in the first and last contests of its six-game homestand. The Ducks prevailed 4-3 in a shootout Feb. 22.

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