NHL Trade Deadline Countdown! 5 Potential Blockbuster Deals
Zack Cook
Host · Writer
Pavel Buchnevich to the Vegas Golden Knights
There's a definite line of suitors for the St. Louis Blues if they move Pavel Buchnevich ahead of Friday's NHL Trade Deadline. If the Blues hope to get a nice haul for Buchnevich, some retainment will likely need to be involved. Still, multiple teams will be interested in this player. The only issue is his $5.8 million cap hit through next season. A team like the Vegas Golden Knights makes a ton of sense, especially with Mark Stone unlikely to return during the regular season and having LTIR money to play with.
Potential return: 1st Round Pick + B Level Prospect
Noah Hanifin to the Florida Panthers
Noah Hanifin is the top name on the market ahead of Friday afternoon's NHL Trade Deadline. There are two ways to look at this. Reports have suggested that the pending UFA will likely sign in the United States, which could eliminate some Canadian markets looking to acquire him at the deadline. There's the odd chance a team pays a hefty price to grab him as a rental, but it's hard to buy that. The Florida Panthers are reportedly in the market for another defenseman, and Hanifin fits the bill. The Panthers have been strong defensively and in goal, but bolstering an area of strength isn't bad.
Potential return: 1st Round Pick + B Level Prospect
Jake Guentzel to the Edmonton Oilers
Jake Guentzel is a hot name on the market for a Pittsburgh Penguins team needing a refresh. The Penguins are headed downward, and dealing Guentzel for a haul is likely in the cards. Although there's uncertainty about when Guentzel will return from injury, he brings strong production to the table, something not many names on the market can say. Although the Edmonton Oilers have elite talent up front that will drive the bus, they can use the depth scoring that Guentzel would assuredly provide.
Potential return: 1st Round Pick + B Level Prospect
Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils
This transaction would probably have already been done if this weren't so complicated. There has been talk about the New Jersey Devils and Calgary Flames coming together for a Jacob Markstrom trade. Salaries and trade protection are significant reasons the teams haven't agreed yet. A big sticking point is figuring out how much the Flames will retain, if any. Markstrom appears headed to the Devils, whether this gets done before Friday or in the offseason.
Potential return: 1st Round Pick
SportsGrid's Grant White Previews 15 Names That Will Move Ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline
Jakob Chychrun to the Vancouver Canucks
There's no real rush for a Jakob Chychrun trade, but there's still a possibility he gets moved ahead of Friday. It doesn't appear the Ottawa Senators have set an asking price, but if a team steps up to the plate and offers them something they can't refuse, he'll have a new area code. Not many defensemen are available who can bring the skill set Chychrun can. It's not hard to see Vancouver, Edmonton, or Detroit having interest. With some uncertainty surrounding Tyler Myers, the Canucks may have more money to play with.
Potential return: A Level Propsect + 2nd Round Pick
Pavel Buchnevich to the Vegas Golden Knights
There's a definite line of suitors for the St. Louis Blues if they move Pavel Buchnevich ahead of Friday's NHL Trade Deadline. If the Blues hope to get a nice haul for Buchnevich, some retainment will likely need to be involved. Still, multiple teams will be interested in this player. The only issue is his $5.8 million cap hit through next season. A team like the Vegas Golden Knights makes a ton of sense, especially with Mark Stone unlikely to return during the regular season and having LTIR money to play with.
Potential return: 1st Round Pick + B Level Prospect
Noah Hanifin to the Florida Panthers
Noah Hanifin is the top name on the market ahead of Friday afternoon's NHL Trade Deadline. There are two ways to look at this. Reports have suggested that the pending UFA will likely sign in the United States, which could eliminate some Canadian markets looking to acquire him at the deadline. There's the odd chance a team pays a hefty price to grab him as a rental, but it's hard to buy that. The Florida Panthers are reportedly in the market for another defenseman, and Hanifin fits the bill. The Panthers have been strong defensively and in goal, but bolstering an area of strength isn't bad.
Potential return: 1st Round Pick + B Level Prospect
