NHL Trade Deadline Primer

Photo by Gavin Napier:Getty Images

(All references to the salary cap are according to Cap Friendly)

The NHL Trade Deadline is almost here! For contending teams, it is the last chance to load up in advance of what they hope is a lengthy playoff run. For other teams, it is a chance to sell off some assets and look ahead to future seasons.

At Go For Two, we’ve set up a little preview of the big day. While many big names are already off the board, and more moves will surely take place between now and Friday, there will surely be some big moves that will affect the outlook of the playoff picture this spring. 

The major focus will be examining what each of the buyers will be up to between now and Friday, but we have separated the teams into 3 different groupings, 2 of which will be discussed more broadly: Sellers, To Be Determined/Could Stand Pat, and the aforementioned Buyers. Note that the teams will be listed in no particular order. Also note that this isn’t necessarily a categorization of what we would personally do if we were the GM of these teams, but rather it is based on recent activity and speculation. 

Sellers:

Montreal Canadiens

Washington Capitals

Philadelphia Flyers

Columbus Blue Jackets

Nashville Predators 

St.Louis Blues

Chicago Blackhawks

Arizona Coyotes 

Vancouver Canucks

San Jose Sharks

Anaheim Ducks

The teams mentioned above have all but conceded the fact they will not win the Stanley Cup in 2023, and have all but set their sights on future seasons. In some cases, these results were expected and the rebuilds are going according to plan, generally speaking. In other cases, some of these teams anticipated being in the “buyer” category, but because of disappointing results, find themselves as sellers instead simply because they have no other choice. Look for these teams to sell off any and every pending UFA, and some of these other teams may also have a giant “For Sale” sign for players with term left on their contracts as well. From this grouping of teams, the likes of Jakob Chychrun, Mattias Ekholm, Brock Boeser, and Adam Henrique have seen their names linked to trade rumours for a long time, and could very well have new homes by the end of the week. Given how many high-profile players have already been moved, my eyes will certainly be on these types of players between now and Friday.

To Be Determined/Could Stand Pat:

Buffalo Sabres

Detroit Red Wings

Florida Panthers

Ottawa Senators

Pittsburgh Penguins

Calgary Flames

These are the teams that could realistically go in any direction this week.  Some of these teams are maybe ahead of schedule with their respective rebuilds, and while they may be pursuing playoff spots, they do not want to venture from their process and compromise their rebuilds. On the other hand, some of these teams have a win-now mindset and would have preferred to be buyers, but may not be able to justify paying a premium for short-term results given they are far from a lock to advance to the postseason. Either way, the level of aggression , as well as the availability of a number of players from these teams will be worth monitoring.

Breakdown of Each Buyer:

Boston Bruins

Current Cap Space: $325,000

Deadline Cap Space: $325,000

Notable 2023 Additions: Dmitry Orlov, Garnet Hathaway

Team Needs: Big game hunting at forward

The Bruins are set to run away with the Presidents Trophy, and while they would have been contenders either way, their recent trade for Dmitri Orlov and Garnet Hathaway reinforces their all-in approach. It makes a lot of sense. Given their aging core, it remains to be seen how much longer this team’s window will be open for, so if you have a legit chance, you go for it. This team has no glaring needs on paper, but no one should be surprised if they try to add another forward to round out their top 9. The idea of them adding another difference-maker is certainly a terrifying thought.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Current Cap Space: $2,770,833

Deadline Cap Space: $2,770,833

Notable 2023 Additions: Ryan O’Reilly, Noel Acciari, Jake McCabe, Sam Lafferty

Team Needs: Scoring Forward

Fair or not, this team will be judged solely based on what happens in the playoffs. It may seem unfair given they’ll have to go through the absolute gauntlet that is the Eastern Conference, but when you’ve lost do-or-die games in the opening round for 5 consecutive seasons despite endless success in the regular season, the time for postseason results is now. Fact is, Kyle Dubas has more than done his job- it’s up to the players to perform. He’s done a great job addressing team needs thus far, but if he has one more move in him, I believe it will be for another forward with scoring touch. While it would require some cap gymnastics to pull that off assuming they plan to activate Matt Murray before the playoffs, this management team has shown the ability and willingness to be creative and fit targeted players under the cap, so anything is possible. 

Tampa Bay Lightning 

Current Cap Space: $769,967

Deadline Cap Space: $769,967

Notable 2023 Additions: Tanner Jeannot

Team Needs: One more defenceman

Tampa is on a collision course with Toronto in the first round, followed presumably by the Bruins in the second. That’s quite the gauntlet just to get to the conference finals, but by adding Jeannot, they’re proving once again that they’re all in for this year. The Lightning are maybe not as strong as they have been in years past , but with their rock solid core,and a few tweaks to the roster could open them up to a championship run once again. You would be foolish to write them off. I do believe they have one move left in them, which would be a defenceman to help take the pressure off their big guns, and to help mitigate the losses of Ryan McDonagh and Jan Rutta from last summer. Potential targets may include Shayne Gostisbehere and Luke Schenn. 

Carolina Hurricanes:

Current Cap Space: $7,106,667

Deadline Cap Space: $7,106,667

Notable 2023 Additions: Jesse Puljujarvi

Team Needs: 2nd line centre and/or a gamebreaking winger, depth on defense

Carolina is poised to once again win the Metro division, and is a terrifying team to meet in the playoffs. With that in mind, they should be heavy buyers at the deadline, but that may not happen. This is a team that historically targeted players with term left on their contracts as opposed to pure rentals. Carolina has historically found success through a strong system,insane depth,and good team chemistry. Teams like this are often difficult to add pieces to that can make a short term difference without messing up what is already working. However, it is worth noting that they have some newfound cap flexibility in the wake of the Max Pacioretty injury. Most would agree that a bonafide number 2 centre is their biggest need. The rental market has largely died down in that regard, so it makes you wonder if they are targeting a player signed beyond this year such as a Nick Schmaltz or an Adam HenrIque. The Canes will certainly be one of the more fascinating teams to watch this week. 

New Jersey Devils

Current Cap Space: $1,360,834

Deadline Cap Space: $1,360,834

Notable 2023 Additions: Timo Meier

Team Needs: Potentially one more scoring forward, depth on defense 

New Jersey has already added the top name on the trade market in Meier, and now it’s just a question of how much better can they get. The Devils championship window is just starting to open, so supplementing their exciting roster without hurting their future will be a difficult line to walk. Their big move has already taken place, obviously, but no one should be surprised if Tom Fitzgerald is on the lookout for more depth pieces. After all, they’ll need all hands on deck to get past (presumably) the Rangers in round 1 , not to mention the rest of the Eastern Conference playoffs. 

New York Rangers

Current Cap Space: $2,744,385

Deadline Cap Space: $2,940,412

Notable 2023 Additions: Vladimir Tarasenko, Niko Mikkola, Tyler Motte, presumably Patrick Kane

Team Needs: any money-in, money-out upgrade that can be attained

The Rangers have mostly gotten their work done already, addressing several team needs. Last year’s version that made it to the conference finals was one that was largely carried by goaltending and select top-end talents, but this year’s version appears to be more legitimate and well-rounded. Their lack of current cap space has been well-documented, hence the ongoing gymnastics required to pull off an eventual trade for Patrick Kane. In all likelihood, that will be the last move for the Rangers this spring. With that in mind, never say never. Chris Drury has shown that if there is a way to improve this team while remaining cap compliant, he will move mountains to try and make it happen.

New York Islanders

Current Cap Space: $7,173,206

Deadline Cap Space: $7,685,578

Notable 2023 additions: Bo Horvat

Team Needs: Top 6 forward, depth players

I personally disagree with the Isles approach as buyers this season. I believe there is a clear-cut top 6 in the Eastern Conference, and any team beyond that is only kidding themselves if they think they have a chance to win it all. However, the Bo Horvat trade suggests an intention to be competitive in the immediate term. All the power to them . If they are truly buying, then they need to add at least one more scoring forward, if not more. Sometimes it feels like decades in between Islander goals, and to be perfectly blunt: this team is boring to watch. Long story short: this team needs more gambreakers, especially in the wake of the injuries to Mathew Barzal and Oliver Wahlstrom. It may not make a difference for them this year, but that likely won’t stop Lou Lamoriello from trying. 

Dallas Stars:

Current Cap Space: $1,211,853

Deadline Cap Space: $1,298,414

Notable 2023 Additions: Evgenii Dadonov

Team Needs: Top 6 forward, right shot defenseman

This is a Stars team that certainly has the pieces to go on a lengthy run this spring. They have difference-makers at every level, and the Western Conference appears to be there for the taking. While the trio of Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Joe Pavelski remains one of the league’s best, and captain Jamie Benn is having a resurgent season of sorts, one area of concern is they have not really been able to get Tyler Seguin going. I would argue their biggest need is another forward who can play with the aforementioned Seguin, and hopefully help him maximize his abilities. While Dadonov was a worthy gamble, they should not stop there. At this stage of his career, he is best suited in a complimentary role rather than a significant driver. Whether it is James Van Riemsdyk, Max Domi, or someone else, fact is another offensively-inclined forward to play with Seguin should be at the top of their wishlist. A right-handed defenceman to support lefties Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell, and Ryan Suter wouldn’t hurt, either.

Colorado Avalanche:

Current Cap Space: $5,338,333

Deadline Cap Space: $5,338,333

Notable 2023 Additions: Jack Johnson

Team Needs: 2nd line centre, depth players

They’ve had some brutal injury luck, and may not be quite as strong as they were last year, but the Avs should certainly still be considered the favourites out West. Much like Carolina, they’re strong enough to win as currently constructed, but one area they could stand to beef up is the middle of the ice. They may not be as desperate as their Eastern Conference counterpart, however, and have a complicated long-term cap situation to boot, so they may not be in the market for players with term left on their deals.  With that in mind, I can easily see them being in the market for mid-range rental types such as Lars Eller and Sean Monahan, though obviously time will tell. Depth additions both up front and on the blueline cannot be ruled out, either. 

Minnesota Wild

Current Cap Space: $10,721,938

Deadline Cap Space: $11,487,791

Notable 2023 Additions:None

Team Needs: Scoring centre, top 9 forward, depth forwards

The Wild have had an up-and-down campaign to date, but this is the type of team that has the talent to put it all together and go on a run , especially in a wide open Western Conference. Even with the sizable dead cap hits stemming from the Parise and Suter buyouts, this team still has some cap space to work with. It would be wise to use said space to bolster their forward group. At the top of the list should be another centre, perhaps one who could play between Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello, which would allow Ryan Hartman to either move down the depth chart or back to the wing. In addition, perhaps they should also consider adding another scoring winger, potentially one who could play opposite young stud Matthew Boldy. This is a Wild team that has been perennially competitive over the years, but have yet to get over the hump come playoff time. Perhaps this is the year for them to load up in advance of what this passionate fanbase hopes is a lengthy playoff run.

Winnipeg Jets

Current Cap Space: $5,042,089

Deadline Cap Space: $5,402,238

Notable 2023 Additions:Nino Niederreiter

Team Needs: 4th line centre, potential gamebreakers/upgrade

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: the Western Conference is there for the taking. I am admittedly not as sold on this Jets team in comparison to other contenders out West, but the fact is their math is very favourable in terms of locking up a playoff spot. After all, they do have a Vezina-level goalie,as well as several other talented players across the roster, so who’s to say they can’t get hot at the right time and go on a run? The Nino deal was a tidy piece of business, and I refuse to believe they are done adding, especially not to the forward group. Kevin Chevaldayoff admittedly has one of the toughest jobs amongst NHL GM’s given how many veteran players would nix a trade to Winnipeg, but that has not stopped him from adding impactful players in the past. This could very well be a busy week in Manitoba

Vegas Golden Knights:

Current Cap Space: $6,504,166

Deadline Cap Space: $6,504,166

Notable 2023 Additions:Ivan Barbashev

Team Needs: Top 6 forward 

After missing the playoffs last year thanks in large part to terrible injury luck, the Knights appear to be back in business this season. Ownership has developed a reputation for being impatient over the years, so this group really has no choice but to deliver results, or else more changes could be made. The unfortunate injury to Mark Stone has created both a need to bolster the forward group, as well as the cap flexibility to do so. The Ivan Barbashev deal was a good start, but they need to keep adding. Logan Thompson is currently on the shelf, but since there is optimism that he will return this year, I am not as convinced as others that they will pursue a goaltender. We’ll see how well this take ages.

Los Angeles Kings

Current Cap Space: $3,282,541

Deadline Cap Space: $3,517,009

Notable 2023 Additions: None

Team Needs: Left shot defenceman, number 1 goaltender, gamebreaking forward 

It seems as if the Kings have been linked to every available left-handed dman for quite a while now, and for good reason. A blockbuster deal for Jakob Chychrun appeared imminent Super Bowl weekend, but talks in that regard have seemingly stalled as of late. Of course, a deal of that nature is still entirely in play, but until anything becomes official, the Kings will continue to be linked to any and every available blueliner.  Journeyman Phoenix Copley has been a good story and has helped salvage their season, but can a duo of him and the corpse of Jonathan Quick really be trusted for a playoff run? I’m not so sure. Moreover, this is a Kings team with a deep forward group, but it just seems like they need at least one more true gamebreaker. That may be more of a summer task for Rob Blake and company, but I am sure they will at least explore all options. 

Edmonton Oilers

Current Cap Space: $4,412,500

Deadline Cap Space: $4,412,500

Notable 2023 additions: None

Team Needs: Left shot defenceman, top 9 forward 

The Oilers and needing to add pieces at the deadline: name a more iconic duo. In their defense, this is the best their team has looked in years, and the West is looking more vulnerable than ever, so they need to go all in. The biggest question is, are the Sharks bluffing when they say they won’t be moving Karlsson? If EK is off the board, is there a big enough piece that the Oilers can bring in to truly move the needle? Fact is, when you have McDavid and Draisaitl in their respective primes, any season in which you are not all-in is truly a wasted season. I would sure hope Ken Holland realizes that. As mentioned above, a left-shot dman and one more forward are two archetypes that should be aggressively pursued by Friday in advance of what is hopefully a lengthy playoff run in Northern Alberta. 

Seattle Kraken

Current Cap Space: $3,687,576

Deadline Cap Space: $3,950,975

Notable 2023 additions:Jaycob Megna

Team Needs: Number 1 goaltender, potential upgrades/gamebreakers. 

The Kraken have found themselves overperforming in a winnable division. While no one is supposing that this is a championship-level team, management needs to show both the young core and the fanbase that it will reward winning and make the moves necessary to make this team better. Putting the pieces together to ensure that they are playing meaningful hockey in April is a must. This is a very deep team that doesn’t necessarily need to add in quantity, but rather, should be on the lookout for true difference-making types.