Now that the NHL teams are in their last stretch of the season, they will now be focusing on whether or not they will make it to the playoff rounds. And in order to do so they will be trying to add the last elements that could make a difference for this drive and also for a deep playoff run. This difference can be achieved by adding a player or two, Those who are sellers may want to unload hefty salaries and start looking at the next NHL draft and position themselves for a solid pick. Trading Deadline for the NHL is set for the 2 March 2015.
Antoine Vermette the top trade bait
According to TSN NHL Trading Insider, Bob Mckenzie, the Arizona Coyotes will be actively shopping some of their pending unrestricted free agents and one that has become the top trade bait as we are approaching the trade deadline is winger and center Antoine Vermette. It is believed that the Anaheim Ducks, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Colorado Avalanche, the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators and the St. Louis Blues have talked to Coyotes general manager Don Maloney about Vermette. McKenzie also believes that Maloney will take as much time as he can so can maximize his return.
The return for Vermette could be steep for what is a third or second line forward. Coyotes are believed asking for a first-round pick and a prospect or a good young player. Teams will not be willing to pay such a steep price for a rental player and some teams may pull out of the Vermette sweepstake. At this time, no clear clues on who may have the edge on acquiring Antoine Vermette.
Other unrestricted free agents available and likely to be traded on the Coyotes are: Martin Erat, Zbynek Michalek and David Moss.
Lars Eller also on the trade market?
It appears that he is. According to Sportsnet.ca Nick Kypreos, he believes according to his contacts that Lars Eller is on the trading block. Last year, Eller had a dismal season with only 12 goals and 26 points in 77 games played and minus -15. Eller seems to be heading towards the same type of statistics again this season. The streaky forward was awarded a 4 year contract least at 3.5 million dollars a year. This year Eller has only 8 goals and 15 points in 44 games and is a minus -1.
According to many social medias, Bergevin has been dangling Eller to certain teams particularly the Arizona Coyotes and the Vancouver Canucks. The Coyotes will be looking for a replacement to Antoine Vermette and Eller signed long term may be the solution while in Vancouver, they are looking at a third line center.
Legwand’s future in Ottawa uncertain.
It was reported on TSN.ca, that forward David Legwand who signed as a free agent during the off-season with the Ottawa Senators has seen his playing time reduced under new coach. On Thursday, he was scratched from the line up for a second game in a row by head coach Dave Cameron. Dissatisfied of being benched again, Legwand still wasn’t sure why he was actually struck out of the line up.
“I have no idea,” Legwand said when asked if coach Dave Cameron wants him to start doing certain things differently. “I haven’t talked to him.”
When asked by a reporter, would he think about requesting a trade leading up to the deadline?
“I don’t know about that,” said Legwand, who has one more year at a salary of $3.5 million on his contract. “That’s far away, Way too early to tell. Who knows what’s going to happen. It’s way too early to tell.”
