6 NHL players who could be dealt
Sunday’s big trade may have been just a start
The Ottawa Senators’ inability to resign potential unrestricted free agent Kyle Turris was the impetus for Sunday’s three-team blockbuster deal that involved Turris, Matt Duchene, plus four other players and three draft picks.
The Senators didn’t want the risk of having Turris leave without landing anything in return.
Here are six other players, also free agents this offseason, who might be moved.
Defenseman Mike Green (Detroit Red Wings):
The Red Wings are trying to rebuild on the fly, and it’s unlikely they will re-sign Green.
He is playing impressively, posting 13 points in 16 games. His plus-minus is +5.
With several teams looking for a skilled defenseman, Green could command at least a draft pick and a quality prospect on the open market.
Left wing Evander Kane (Buffalo Sabres):
The Sabres’ disappointing start further strengthens the likelihood that Kane will be shipped out before the trade deadline.
Kane has bite to go with his scoring touch, and that makes him desirable. He scored 28 times last season and has 13 points in 14 games now.
One fact undermining his value is that he has no playoff experience. His team has missed the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons.
Left wing James Neal (Vegas Golden Knights):
Entering the season, it seemed likely that Neal would be moved for a handsome reward.
But the Golden Knights’ record-setting start for an expansion team, Neal’s connection to the fan base and the players’ enjoyment of the Vegas area might have improved the odds of him being resigned.
This team is more competitive than expected, and Neal, a nine-time 20-plus goal scorer, is 30. Neal’s salary demands, coupled with what general manager George McPhee deems his trade value, will determine if he is moved.
Right wing Rick Nash (New York Rangers):
The romance with Nash’s ability isn’t what it once was. Two weeks ago, when the Rangers were struggling, you could see Nash being moved if the Rangers would pick up a piece of his $8.2 million salary ($7.8 million cap hit).
Now that the Rangers have won four in a row, it still seems possible, although it will depend on where the Rangers are in the standings. They probably would get less in return than you expect.
Center John Tavares (New York Islanders):
He’s the best potential free agent out there.
But the decision to part with the face of their franchise would not come unless Tavares won’t re-sign with the Islanders.
The big question: Why hasn’t he signed already?
The Islanders know it would be a public relations nightmare if they can’t re-sign him. But wouldn’t it be worse if he were to leave without the Islanders receiving anything in return?
The Islanders are in a difficult position unless they can lock him into an extension before the trade deadline. If they do deal him, they could expect a significant return. He has 12 goals in 14 games.
Left wing James van Riemsdyk (Toronto Maple Leafs):
He’s been rumored to be a trade candidate for as long as Lou Lamoriello has been general manager (June 2015).
If the Maple Leafs do deal van Riemsdyk, it would likely be for a player who could help them this season, such as an upgrade on defense. It’s hard to see him being moved as a rental elsewhere.
But the Maple Leafs are a contender, and they might need his scoring enough that it’s worth the probability that he will leave the team next summer through free agency. He was a 29-goal scorer last season.