NFL
As of 3pm ET on February 29th, trading in the National Hockey League will cease for this season. With the trade deadline nearing, several players are rumored to be on their way to new teams. Below in no particular order (other than alphabetical) are some of the players likely to be traded before Monday’s deadline.
Mikkel Boedker, ARI
In what will become a theme throughout these players, Boedker is in the final year of his contract with Arizona and is likely to be traded. Third on the Coyotes in points, Boedker could be the surprise performance post-deadline as more will finally see him play than the dozens who attend Coyotes games. Getting the chance to be a role player on a contender for the first time in his career, his powerplay presence will be gladly welcomed by a playoff contender.
Jonathan Drouin, TBL
The Jonathon Drouin saga has been going on since it became public that he had requested a trade on January 3rd. Since then he has been sent down to the AHL, has refused to play and subsequently been suspended by the team. Drouin was selected 3rd overall in 2013 and has yet to live up to. This could be a great buy low on a former top pick or a movement of a failed prospect. Drouin’s performance has yet to show which it will be.
Loui Eriksson, BOS
Eriksson and Boston have yet to come to terms on a contract extension, meaning he might be on the way out of town. Boston is currently sitting in a playoff spot, which leaves them in a tough situation: do they go for it this year or get some players for the future? If they choose to go for it this year an Eriksson trade could mean that they are looking for roster players in return.
Dan Hamhuis, VAN
Vancouver is a team that already has one trade under their belt in the past week and Hamhuis could be the next one dealt. Hamhuis has a no trade clause but appears willing to waive it for a move. Hamhuis could be a good pickup for a team looking to shore up its defense heading into the playoffs.
Jiri Hudler, CGY
Coming off his best season last year, Jiri Hudler is still an attractive deadline pickup for many teams looking for an offensive threat. He can’t be expected to put up production similar to his 76 points last year, but Hudler can still be a very useful winger.
Justin Schultz, EDM
It appears that Edmonton general manager Peter Chiarelli has decided that it is time to move some of the pieces in Edmonton. Nugent-Hopkins, Eberle and Yakupov have all had their names mentioned in trade rumors. Essentially anyone except for Connor McDavid could be moved by Monday. Schultz will be a restricted free agent after this season making his exit the most logical. Schultz was a prized defender coming out of the University of Wisconsin who has failed to develop into what the Oilers were hoping for. If Schultz gets moved he would likely be seen as a reclamation project by whichever team picks him up.
Eric Staal, CAR
Staal has been a member of the Hurricanes for all 11 years of his NHL career and rumors have been swirling for the entire season about whether Staal will move on or not. Carolina has been mid re-build for the last few years and could certainly use the prospects or draft picks they would receive for Staal. However, Staal’s brother Jordan also plays in Carolina and Staal hasn’t been asked to waive his no trade clause yet. If Carolina and Staal decide to part ways, there will be man suitors glad to get a top 2 center.
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