What Canadian teams may do at the deadline
The Feb. 25 NHL trade deadline is less than a month away, but that didn’t stop the Toronto Maple Leafs from getting a jump on the activity by trading for Jake Muzzin on Monday. Don’t be surprised if the deal has a domino effect on the rest of the league.
With three other Canadian teams holding down a playoff spot and two others fighting for a wild card spot, here is a look at what could be in store across the rest of the country:
CALGARY FLAMES
The Flames are expected to get a player at the trade deadline. His name is James Neal. After managing just five goals in the first four months of the season, Neal could be the equivalent of adding a player if he manages to find his scoring touch in time for the playoffs. Other than that, don’t expect Calgary to do much else.
EDMONTON OILERS
The Oilers will likely head into the deadline with an interim GM, so it’s unknown how active the team will be in the days leading up to Feb. 25. The problem is the team’s hands are tied when it comes to contracts. One name to watch out for is 2016 firstrounder Jesse Puljujarvi, who could be what Carolina is looking for (he has a history with Sebastian Aho), and who could get Edmonton back a defenceman.
MONTREAL CANADIENS
GM Marc Bergevin has repeatedly said that the team would no longer mortgage its future for the short-term gains of a playoff run. So cross Ryan Poehling and Jesse Ylonen, who each had starring roles at the world juniors, off the trade board. But if Montreal isn’t buying, the question is whether pending UFA defenceman Jordie Benn could be in play?
OTTAWA SENATORS
First off, the Senators need to know where the future lies with Matt Duchene and Mark Stone. If both aren’t hanging around, then Ottawa could be looking at a King’s ransom in return. But if the team manages to get them signed to new contracts, it’s on to Option B: Ryan Dzingel. And with 20 goals and 38 points in 48 games, the 27-year-old could fetch a sweet return.
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Sometimes, when a team is young and up-and-coming, it’s better to go for it and make the playoffs — even if it means getting bounced in the first round. That’s where the ninth-place Canucks are it. Carolina’s Micheal Ferland would sure look good next to Bo Horvat and Elias Pettersson. And if the asking price is Olli Juolevi (seventh overall, 2016), it just might be worth it.
WINNIPEG JETS
The Jets need to find another Paul Stastny. A year ago, Stastny was a perfect fit as a No. 2 centre. With Patrik Laine struggling to score — he has two goals in the last 18 games — Winnipeg’s top priority is getting someone (Matt Duchene, perhaps?) who can do a similar job. After all the Mark Scheifele line can’t do it all.