Gretzky Deadline Preview
2017-03-09With Jared giving us a lead up to the deadline from the stand point of the Lemieux conference, I thought I would try to touch on the league's other 14 teams.
Colorado Avalanche: Buyers
Although GM Lycar is a bit of a jackass, its been clear since the minute he was named GM of the Avs that he is all in for this season, todays recent transactions of Oshie and Dumoulin says all you need to know about this franchise, willing to take chances and all in for this year. Don`t expect many more moves, but with him you never know.
Edmonton Oilers: Buyers
The Western Canada club currently sits second in the conference, they have been peaking of late. Very strong down the middle with the likes of Krejci, Bergeron and Nugent Hopkins, however could use another mid 6 winger that can chip in offensively, as well the potential to aquire a d man is there, they have their first round pick which could be a potential bargaining chip
Vancouver Canucks: Stand Pat
GM Fleming has made it clear that he is likely to make minimal moves, after the brunt of his trades were made in the off season. Last years Gretzky conferance finalists aquired Anton Stalman about a month ago, and already boast the likes of Alexander Ovechkin, Shea Weber and Ryan O'Reilly, expect them to be some what quiet on deadline day.
Nashville Predators: Buyers
For a team and a GM as lucky as Mr. Eric Wolf (see the inagural draft, and McDavid sweepstakes) the Preds have been somewhat unlucky this year losing "McJesus" long term. However they find themselves right in the thick of things, sitting second in the central. Potential moves could include adding a starting goaltender, and some depth scoring on the wing.
Minnesota Wild: Buyers
One of the highest scoring teams in the EHE this season, expect Harold to be somewhat active as his Wild currently hold one of the playoff spots in the central division. We all know he likes players of Scandanavian origin, so look for him to be aggressive on the Gustav Nyquist front, as I expect LA to move him.
Winnipeg Jets: Stand Pat
The Jets find themselevs in some what of percarious situation, they could try and aquire a few players to help their push for the playoffs; but with the strong division they find themseleves in I expect them to be somewhat quiet on deadline day.
Anaheim Ducks: ?
The Californian club is currently without a GM on top of that they recently made a highly controversial move aquiring Matt Duchene for a package including promising young rear guard Ivan Provorov (fun story I once drove Ivan Provorov home from practice during my stint with the wheaties) my claim to faim if you will!
St. Louis Blues: Stand Pat
GM Shaun Stephens has held his hand very close to his chest of late, not tipping his cap as to whether he will sell or not. His club currently finds themselves clinging on to the final playoff spot in the Gretzky conferance. He has a few ufas that could be of use to teams looking to make a run, including Trevor Daley, it will be interesting to see what he decides to do.
LA Kings: Sell
No GM has been as active over the last couple months as Mr. Jay Seo, he has made a plethora of good moves as he pushed out several older players for promising young stars such as Shayne Ghostisbehere and Colton Parayko, not to mention bringing in Gallagher and Johnny hockey Gaudreau. I assume GM Seo will be looking to move a few more guys including the likes of Gustav Nyquist.
San Jose Sharks: Sell
NHL wise, as a Penguins fan I really can say I don't like these guys all that much, hey Kev how about last years cup final! Funny considering I aquired Martin Jones and Brent Burns. But when it comes to the EHE, GM "Sweet Doug" has taken no time to introduce himself to the EHE community, he hummed back and forth as to whether he will buy or sell, but with the recent trades of moving out Mikko Koivu and Troy Brouwer, it is looking as though San Jose is looking to sell.
Chicago Blackhawks: Sell
Look for things in the windy city to be somewhat quiet over the next few days with GM Floresco already moving out Bouwmeester and H. Sedin. However that does not mean he wont be listening to calls on almost anyone, an inside source tells me that the Hawks are in full tank mode as it stands.
Calgary Flames: Sell
With the posistion GM Gough finds himself in, expect Calgary to try and move out some pendIng UFA pieces. They recently made a big splash aquiring Ben Hutton who projects to be a legitimate 3-4 guy on the back end. Look for them to add young pieces as they continue to rebuld around centreman Ryan Johansen.
Arizona Coyotes: Sell
Arizona has a solid young group that includes the likes of Couture, Schwartz and Muzzin, they dont however have a ton of intriguing UFA pieces to help them continue on their rebuild. They do have Dennis Wideman who likely could be dangled to a team looking to add some depth on the d core. The club recently aquired Colorado's first round pick in a move that saw them move out pending UFA Kevin Bieksa.
Dallas Stars: Sell
The only team in the EHE that has ever hoisted the Stanley Cup finds themselves in a different position this year, poised to have a lottery pick in this years draft they also have another first rounder, which is accompanied by two more second rounders. GM McGugan holds 4 of the first 60 picks in this years draft, this will of course help the rebuild. Not alot of action is expected as they have done the brunt of their work already moving out Shattenkirk and Jason Garrison earlier this year. One thing is certain, Dallas will not go back to back to back.
Thanks for reading guys!
Kirklan