The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching and teams are already making changes to help bolster their playoff chances or their future.
Even before the calendar turned to February, the Maple Leafs were quick to pad their defense when they added Jake Muzzin from the Kings while other teams have added veterans or swapped minor leaguers. The action is sure to pick up as Feb. 25 draws nearer with several star players rumored to be on the market, including free agents-to-be Matt Duchene in Ottawa and Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky in Columbus.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2019 NHL trade deadline as Sporting News tracks the latest news and rumors.
MORE: 10 players most likely to be traded at 2019 deadline
When is the 2019 NHL trade deadline?
The NHL trade deadline is Monday, Feb. 25. The cutoff point is 3 p.m. ET, though the news of some trades may emerge shortly after that deadline.
Who are the top sellers at the NHL trade deadline?
New York Rangers
A team on the outside looking in, with limited expectations of making the postseason, the Rangers are in sell mode. One name that always pops up around this time of year is Mats Zuccarello. The diminutive forward who has been limited this season due to numerous injuries, including a recent foot infection, does have scoring potential if he can get his game going. Kevin Hayes is also expected to be moved as the upcoming unrestricted free agent’s asking price may be too high on the heels of a career year.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are making moves. Needing to bolster their lineup around superstar Connor McDavid, and create cap space, interim GM Keith Gretzky shipped Cam Talbot to Philadelphia and swapped Ryan Spooner for Sam Gagner with Vancouver. So what is next for Edmonton? Rumors are picking up that Jesse Puljujarvi is on the the way out after Ken Hitchock couldn’t right the ship. One way or another, it’s fair to say the only names untouchable are McDavid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl.
NHL DRAFT 2019: SN’s mock draft 1.0 | Top 31 big board
Ottawa Senators
Matt Duchene and Matt Stone — two big names that have been discussed everywhere in regards to possibly being moved. The Senators are in the midst of a rebuild and both players will be a UFA this summer. Duchene and Stone are each having solid years and could be key rentals for a team on the verge of a major playoff run.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings already traded away Muzzin and rumors are swirling that the team’s big summer signing, Ilya Kovalchuk, is available. The 2018 Russian re-import does have a no-movement clause. However, at 35 years old Kovalchuk may be willing to drop it for a chance at Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Latest NHL trade rumors and news
— Trade rumors: Could Wayne Simmonds be headed to the Bruins?
— NHL Rumor Roundup: Senators slap for-sale sign on Matt Duchene. Is Mark Stone next?
— Trade rumors: Mats Zuccarello’s four best fits as Rangers sell at deadline
— Trade rumors: Senators plan to move Matt Duchene; Blue Jackets, Predators interested
— Trade rumors: Could the Devils be ready to move Marcus Johansson?
— TRADE: Oilers reacquire forward Sam Gagner in trade with Canucks
— TRADE: Flyers acquire G Cam Talbot from Oilers for Anthony Stolarz
— NHL Rumor Roundup: Artemi Panarin’s free-agent plans open new round of trade speculation
— Trade rumors: Edmonton Oilers open to trading Jesse Puljujarvi
— TRADE: Canadiens acquire forward Nate Thompson from Kings
— TRADE: Canadiens acquire Dale Weise, Christian Folin from Flyers
— NHL Rumor Roundup: Panthers could target Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky before trade deadline
— TRADE: Predators acquire Brian Boyle from Devils for draft pick
— TRADE: Penguins send Derick Brassard to Panthers in 4-player deal
— NHL Rumor Roundup: Kings start overdue roster rebuild
— Canucks’ GM Jim Benning focused on Alex Edler extension, retention of draft picks
— TRADE: Maple Leafs address defensive woes with proven winner Jake Muzzin
Be the first to comment