5 NHL Players That Need a Change of Scenery
Zack Cook
Host · Writer
Jake Allen - Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are carrying three goalies on their roster, largely in part due to not wanting to lose youngster Cayden Primeau on waivers. Jake Allen has been the best of the three early on and also has another year on his contract. Multiple NHL teams can use a goalie that offers the stability that Allen does. It won't surprise us if Allen is moved to a desperate team sooner rather than later.
Nikita Zadorov - Calgary Flames
NHL teams are always searching for hard-nosed defensemen. Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov fits the bill. Zadorov's agent took to Twitter on Friday night after a loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and all signs point to him having formally requested a trade. We get the sense the Flames will be patient, but they have a lot of assets they can move if they choose to sell off.
Noah Hanifin - Calgary Flames
Another member of the Calgary Flames defense core if Noah Hanifin. The American defenseman has reportedly made it known that he wants to play in the United States, and he'll have the chance to do that if he chooses as a free agent next summer. Hanifin will be a hot commodity for contending teams and will be able to fetch Calgary a nice return.
Morgan Frost - Philadelphia Flyers
With a lot of uncertainty surrounding Morgan Frost's role with the Philadelphia Flyers, it likely won't hurt either side if a trade comes to fruition. Frost is a very talented forward but likely needs a change of scenery to reach his full potential. Frost has lacked consistency to this point in his young NHL career, but a new home could jump-start the player.
Kevin Labanc - San Jose Sharks
To say that it's been a disaster to start the regular season for the San Jose Sharks would be an understatement. Ahead of the NHL's trade deadline in March, it's likely going to be a fire sale coming from San Jose. Kevin Labanc is a player who's shown high upside in the league but has seen his production fall off. If Labanc ends up in a position where he can play with better offensive players, don't be surprised if he pops off again.
Jake Allen - Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are carrying three goalies on their roster, largely in part due to not wanting to lose youngster Cayden Primeau on waivers. Jake Allen has been the best of the three early on and also has another year on his contract. Multiple NHL teams can use a goalie that offers the stability that Allen does. It won't surprise us if Allen is moved to a desperate team sooner rather than later.
Nikita Zadorov - Calgary Flames
NHL teams are always searching for hard-nosed defensemen. Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov fits the bill. Zadorov's agent took to Twitter on Friday night after a loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and all signs point to him having formally requested a trade. We get the sense the Flames will be patient, but they have a lot of assets they can move if they choose to sell off.
