Canadian clubs walk deadline day tightrope
Let the trades begin. There’s less than a week before the NHL trade deadline, but if history proves correct most of the activity will occur before Monday.
With two Canadian teams entrenched in a playoff spot, another on the bubble and three others having already put up the “for sale” signs, this could be a busy period.
Here is a look at what the seven Canadian teams might or might not do in the next few days (club records heading into Tuesday’s games):
CALGARY FLAMES
Record: 30-21-9, 10th place in West/two points back of wild card. UFAs: Matt Stajan, Kris Versteeg, Matt Bartkowski.
What needs to happen: The Flames need to ensure they get into the playoffs, which could be tricky with goalie Mike Smith battling a lowerbody injury and the team struggling for offence.
What shouldn’t happen: Calgary shouldn’t equate the eventual return of winger Kris Versteeg as the same as a trade deadline acquisition. He’s 31 years old and is only good for 10-15 goals when healthy.
Best-case scenario: As long as he doesn’t cost a first- rounder, which Calgary doesn’t have, Rangers winger Michael Grabner ( 25 goals) would give Calgary more offence than minorleague call-up Morgan Klimchuk.
Worst- case scenario: Stand pat and miss the playoffs. With Edmonton and Vancouver out of contention, this is Calgary’s chance to make some noise before those other teams rebound.
EDMONTON OILERS
Record :24-30-4,13 th place in West/19 points back of wild card.
UFAs: Patrick Maroon, Mark Letestu, Mike Cammalleri.
What needs to happen: The Oilers need to fix what went wrong this season by turning the page on some of their past- their- prime, slower veterans and finding younger, faster depth players to take their place.
What shouldn’t happen: A quick fix is needed to get the Oilers back on track, but not at the expense of trading Jesse Puljujarvi, Kailer Yamamoto or this year’s first-round pick.
Best- case scenario: Instead of trading the 29-yearold Maroon, who has 14 goals and 30 points this season, the team re-signs him to a new, cap-friendly contract.
Worst-case scenario: Someone calls asking about Ryan Nugent- Hopkins … and GM Peter Chiarelli doesn’t hang up the phone.
MONTREAL CANADIENS
Record: 22-29-7, 14th place in East/ 13 points back of wild card. UFAs: Tomas Plekanec, Ales Hemsky, Antti Niemi.
What needs to happen: The Habs need a No. 1 centre, but they aren’t going to be able to trade for one at the deadline unless someone (Columbus?) is willing to part with a young centre (Pierre-Luc Dubois?) in exchange for Max Pacioretty.
What shouldn’t happen: He’s taken a step backward this year, but trading Alex Galchenyuk for the sake of moving him would be another mistake given his age ( 24) and scoring history (30 goals in 2015-16).
Best- case scenario: Use their US$ 7 million in cap space to take on bad contracts in exchange for prospects and picks.
Worst- case scenario: Come out of the deadline with the only move being Niemi for a conditional pick.
OTTAWA SENATORS
Record: 21-28-9, 15th place in East/ 13 points back of wild card.
UFAs: Magnus Paajar vi , Johnny Oduya, Chris Wideman.
What needs to happen: The Senators, who have already traded Dion Phaneuf, need to decide if they are rebuilding or retooling. That means figuring out if Erik Karlsson fits into their long- term plans. What shouldn’t happen: Blowing it up now. While the Senators need to make changes, the time for trading Karlsson and other nonrentals is likely easier in the summer, when there are more suitors available.
Best- case scenario: Trade Karlsson to Tampa Bay for defenceman Mikhail Sergachev, forward prospect Boris Katchouk, as well as a 2018 first-round pick.
Worst- case scenario: Trade Mike Hoffman, a 28-year-old who has the speed and skill to become a 40- goal scorer on a better team.
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Record: 36-20- 5, third place in Atlantic Division. UFAs: Tyler Bozak, Leo Komarov, James van Riemsdyk
What needs to happen: The Leafs need a fourth-line centre who can play up in the lineup in case of an injury, as well as an experienced rightshot defenceman who is capable of playing in the top two pairings if necessary.
What shouldn’t happen: The Leafs should not trade van Riemsdyk or any of their pending UFAs, even if it means they lose these players for nothing on July 1.
Best- case scenario: Take the plunge and acquire defenceman Mike Green and centre Luke Glendening, a penalty kill specialist who has played for Babcock.
Worst- case scenario: The Leafs do nothing and just before the playoffs start lose Jake Gardiner and Nazem Kadri to injuries.
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Record: 23- 30- 6, 14th place in West/ 19 points back of wild card.
UFAs: Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Thomas Vanek, Nic Dowd.
What needs to happen: The Canucks effectively took Erik Gudbranson off the market by signing the big blue-liner to a three- year, US$ 12- million contract. But the team is still in the early stages of a rebuild and in need of picks and prospects.
What shouldn’t happen: Henrik and Daniel Sedin won’t be moved, according to management. But extending Vanek just because he is putting up respectable numbers next to Brock Boeser would be a long-term error.
Best- case scenario: Vanek, traded at last year’s deadline for a third- round pick and a prospect, goes to a contender for a similar bounty.
Worst- case scenario: The team does nothing and then re-signs Vanek and the Sedins.
WINNIPEG JETS
Record: 35-15- 9, second in Central Division. UFAs: Shawn Matthias, Matt Hendricks, Toby Enstrom, Michael Hutchinson.
What needs to happen: Nothing, really. The Jets are battling Nashville for first place in the Central and recently got back Mark Scheifele from injury and are expected to get Adam Lowry back sometime next month.
What shouldn’t happen: GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has typically been quiet at this time of year, but he’s also never had a legitimate Stanley Cup contender before. The lure of a championship could force him into making a move he regrets.
Best- case scenario: Jets acquire Mike Hoffman from the Senators, giving them more speed and even more depth on offence.
Worst- case scenario: After years of standing pat, decide to go all-in and part ways with Jack Roslovic or Kyle Connor for a gritty, depth forward.