With the NHL trade deadline less than 24 hours away, the market has already started to take shape. With many of the big names now off the board including Hampus Lindholm heading to the Boston Bruins, Claude Giroux heading to the Florida Panthers, and Brandon Hagel being acquired by the Tampa Bay Lightning, prices have been set for the remaining pieces. There are also pieces now no longer on the block like Joe Pavelski and Tomas Hertl, who signed extensions with their respective teams. However, there are still some names on the block who could be on the move come deadline day. Here are four names who could be on the move before the deadline hits on March 21st.
Make sure to check out our NHL Trade Deadline Previews.
Rickard Rakell, Anaheim Ducks
With the Ducks already moving on from Lindholm and Nicolas Deslauriers Saturday, it seems likely that Rakell is next in line to move. Rakell has the capability to be an offensive spark but has had a rough go of things this season with 28 points in 51 games. The Ducks have clearly decided to sell this season and continue to build for the future. Rakell is a free agent at the end of the season, so most likely Rakell would be a rental for whoever acquired him.
Paul Stastny, Winnipeg Jets
Stastny could prove to be an interesting name to watch at the deadline, depending on what the Jets decide to do. Stastny not only has been a veteran presence for the Jets but has been able to still show his offensive prowess scoring 31 points in 51 games. The Jets aren’t currently in a playoff spot and could decide to sell, which would put Stastny front and center to be on the move. Stastny is a free agent at the end of the season and could be weighing his future as he is 36 years of age. The Jets could decide to move him to a contender to try and help win a Stanley Cup for the first time in Stastny’s career.
Braden Holtby, Dallas Stars
It seems that the crease situation in Dallas has resolved itself and it has left Holtby as the odd man out. With Jake Oettinger seemingly taking the mantle in the Lone Star State, and Anton Khudobin seemingly in place as his backup, Holtby could be one of the premier rental goaltenders on the market. Holtby has had a significantly better year this season posting a 2.78 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage, his best marks in those categories since the 2016-17 season. Dallas is right in the thick of the playoff race and could see this as a chance to gain depth in other areas. Holtby is a free agent at the end of the season and could use these numbers for a big payday if they continue.
Travis Dermott, Toronto Maple Leafs
Jake Muzzin is getting close to being healthy for Toronto, and with his recent play and his healthy scratches, Dermott could be the odd man out. After their game against Nashville, Dermott spoke like a player who knew that he would most likely be traded. Dermott has always been a more defensive defenseman in Toronto, with only five points in 42 games. His plus-minus has improved this season currently sitting at +4. Toronto is firmly in a playoff spot and would most likely look for some other depth or big pieces to add to their lineup. Dermott has another year left on his current contract with a cap hit of $1.5 million and is a restricted free agent in 2023 which is something teams will have to keep in mind.
Who is Most Likely To Move?
For this group, there is certainly a case to be made for Rakell. But after Saturday’s comments, it has to be Dermott. As previously mentioned, it seems that Dermott has fallen out of favor in Toronto and could be in need of a fresh start. He has averaged 17 minutes of ice time on average in the past, which is certainly something that will make him an interesting asset. The question is what kind of package he could demand in one of the wildest trade deadline markets in quite some time.
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