Most intriguing sellers as NHL trade deadline approaches
The closer the NHL trade deadline gets, the more hype there is surrounding the big-name players rumored to be on the move. These few players garner so much attention that it becomes easy to turn a blind eye to teams that could be set for major face-lifts.
There has been talk for a couple months now, for example, about the possibility that Max Pacioretty could be leaving Montreal but less talk that the Habs are expected to be sellersand could see a handful of players beyond their captain exit Montreal.
What other teams are in this same boat?
Ottawa Senators
Most eyes are focused on captain Erik Karlsson, obsessing over the possibility that he's leaving Ottawa in the not-too-distant future. However, as the Sporting News points out, there are many players the team needs to consider moving soon. Forwards Derick Brassard, Mike Hoffman, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Zack Smith reportedly are garnering interest from other teams. More specifically, Calgary, who is expected to be a buyer, has reportedly expressed interest in Hoffman, Pageau and Smith, and the Flames are far from the only suitors for their services.
Ottawa's blue line could also get a makeover with or without Karlsson on his way out, with Johnny Oduya and Cody Ceci rumored to be on the move. With the second worst record in the Eastern Conference, expect the Sens to shed as many contracts as they can as they look toward a rebuild.
New York Rangers
The Rangers are another squad in this boat. News this past week has centered around veteran Rick Nash and his no-trade list, but New York has other players with the potential to garner even more attention than Nash from other teams. Michael Grabner, for one, has 21 goals in 52 games, making him appealing to teams looking to bulk up their depth scoring. Calgary, Colorado and Pittsburgh have all been tapped as potential landing spots for the 30-year-old winger.
It's being reported that the Tampa Bay Lightning are showing interest in defenseman Ryan McDonagh, yet another team captain who could be on the move. If the Rangers are in fact looking to get younger — and they are — the Bolts have a pool of players who could make for an interesting trade between the two clubs.
Edmonton Oilers
Not long into the incredibly underwhelming start to Edmonton's season, there was speculation that winger Patrick Maroon was on the trade block. However, as GM Peter Chiarelli revealed in a phone call with the press, "Everyone is under evaluation, including himself."
The only thing that's clear is Chiarelli doesn't have plans to fire bench boss Todd McLellan and his staff, and it's impossible to envision any scenario in which Connor McDavid is made available. Other than that, though, Maroon is just one player people should keep an eye on as the NHL trade deadline finally rolls around with the Oilers taking more than a few steps back from last season's impressive playoff run.
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