As the NHL trade deadline slowly creeps upon us, rumors are swirling about who may be on the move this year. Some teams will have to make decisions on whether they buy or sell. A few franchises will know they are buying, as others will be dangling trade bait. Here is who may be available for a contender to nab prior to a postseason run.
Be sure to check out the last entry in the series here.
Jakob Chychrun, Arizona Coyotes
One of the more popular names on the trade market this season, Chychrun has not done the Coyotes any favors improving his trade value with one of his worst seasons statistically. Historically one of the better offensive defensemen in the league, he has only 15 points in 42 games. Granted, this is on the Arizona Coyotes who are clearly in the midst of a long rebuild, so everyone’s numbers will suffer. If Chychrun is moved, he could make a huge impact in the right system.
Joining the right system is the key phrase. He needs to be on a team where the defensemen are involved in the offense and generate offensive chances, like the Carolina Hurricanes, who have helped turn Anthony DeAngelo around. Any team that acquires Chychrun will have to keep in mind that he is under contract until 2025-26 with a cap hit of $4.6 million, so he would be a long-term commitment.
Jake DeBrusk, Boston Bruins
DeBrusk has requested his trade from the Boston Bruins, and as of late he has done an excellent job of improving his value. He had a hat trick in the Bruins’ win over the Kings on Monday and has scored seven goals in their last five games. In total, DeBrusk has 24 points in 48 games. The 2015 first round pick is just 25 years of age, so Boston could be very hesitant to trade him away, especially since they are looking to contend themselves. One thing that may convince Boston to trade DeBrusk, however, is that he is a restricted free agent at the end of this year. He could sign an offer sheet with another team or hold out if the Bruins give him a qualifying offer.
Mark Giordano, Seattle Kraken
Giordano could be on his way to the third team of his career at this year’s deadline. Giordano, the inaugural captain of the Kraken, has had a down year in Seattle, with 23 points in 49 games. However, the real startling statistic for him is his plus/minus of minus-20, a career-worst. Seattle is looking at a long-term build and could be looking for some offensive firepower in any package for Giordano. The 38-year-old is a free agent after this season with a cap hit of $6.75 million. He would have to approve any trade, however, as he does have a modified no-trade clause in which he can turn in a 10-team no-trade list.
Ben Chiarot, Montreal Canadiens
Chiarot is one of a few Canadiens who could be on the move at the deadline. He has had a down year this season, with 12 points in 48 games. Once again (as the case was with Giordano) the surprising statistic is the plus/minus which currently sits at minus-20. It has been hard to have a good year in Montreal. Chiarot has long been a “defensive defenseman”, but has been known to show his offensive side on occasion. Montreal is clearly on the rebuild track, despite their recent winning streak. Chiarot is also a free agent at the end of this year (like Giordano), with a cap hit of $3.5 million and also holds a modified no-trade clause with a 10-team no-trade list.
Who is Most Likely to Move?
While Chychrun and DeBrusk could certainly have a strong case here, their contract statuses could give cause for concern for some teams and Boston may not be willing to trade DeBrusk. For this group, Giordano makes the most concrete case to move. Fans should not forget that Giordano was the 2019 Norris Trophy winner and could be a huge benefit on both ends of the ice for a contending team. Outside of the offensive struggles of Seattle, Giordano could thrive once again as he did in Calgary for many years. However, in this group, all four of these players could be on the move come deadline day.
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