The countdown to March 7 is on. We’re just two months away from the NHL trade deadline, set for March 7 at 3 p.m. Eastern.
Transactions could multiply sooner than expected, especially since a ten-day break is scheduled in February for the 4 Nations Tournament. Moreover, the season has already been marked by several important trades, with four players on our list having changed teams this year: David Jiricek, Jacob Trouba, Cam Fowler and Alexandre Carrier.
Don’t panic! There are plenty of other targets on our list and some new names to watch.
1. Brock Nelson
Centre, New York Islanders
Age: 33 years old
Stats: 40 MJ, 10 B, 11 A, 21 P
Contract: UFA pending, $6M average annual salary
Information: Looks like it’s time, doesn’t it? Nelson is a lifelong Islander, having been with the team since he was selected in the first round the year after John Tavares. But he’s a UFA in waiting and the Islanders don’t appear to be headed for immediate success. There is solid interest, particularly in Minnesota, where GM Bill Guerin selected Nelson to be part of Team USA at the 4 Nations Tournament. Nelson is the most impactful center available, even though he is on track to record his lowest point total in a non-shortened season since 2017-18.
2. Yanni Gourde
Center, Kraken de Seattle
Age: 33 years old
Stats: 35 MJ, 6 B, 10 A, 16 P
Contract: UFA pending, $5.17M average annual salary
Information: Having two centers at the top of the list of trade targets highlights the true scarcity of this position. Like Nelson, Gourde hits the free agent market at age 33 with numbers down sharply this season. He struggled to produce and his ice time in Seattle suffered, decreasing by almost two minutes per game. What’s most surprising is that he struggles to put the puck on net, with only 38 shots in 35 contested duels. He is currently injured, but teams see him as an ideal candidate for the role of 3rd center, with his two Stanley Cups.
3. Taylor Hall
Left winger, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 33 years old
Statistics: 39 MJ, 8 B, 13 A, 21 P
Contract: UFA pending, $6M average annual salary
Information: This year has been difficult for Hall as much as it has been for the Blackhawks. His production numbers aren’t bad, but there was a sidelining from former coach Luke Richardson that caught everyone’s attention. The vast majority of Hall’s production has come on the power play (18 of 21 points) and he is capable of playing anywhere in the lineup. Hall has said he wants to stay in Chicago, but that doesn’t seem likely at this point. The fact that the Hawks retaining half of Hall’s salary will make him an intriguing target.
4. Ryan Lindgren
Left Defenseman, New York Rangers
Age: 26 years old
Statistics: 34 MJ, 2 B, 6 A, 8 P
Contract: UFA pending, $4.5M average annual salary
Information: It looks like Lindgren’s future was already mapped out when he became a restricted free agent last summer after a few solid seasons, and the Rangers decided against a long-term commitment. The one-year contract takes him to the free agent market. Lindgren has been one of the victims of New York’s defensive woes this year, which opens the door for a departure. In my opinion, Lindgren certainly seems like the type of passionate and determined competitor who helps teams win in May and June.
5. Dylan Cozens
Center, Buffalo Sabers
Age: 23 years old
Statistics: 41 MJ, 8 B, 12 A, 20 P
Contract: Five years remaining, $7.1M average annual salary
Information: No player in Buffalo has received more trade attention this season than Cozens – and, given the state of the Sabres, the organization had no choice but to consider all options. The Whitehorse athlete has seen a steady drop in his production year over year since this season when he scored 31 goals and collected 68 points, which earned him this $49.7 million contract and seemed to put him on the verge of stardom. So, what’s next?
