Trade Deadline Primer

With the trade deadline just a few days away, lets take a look at who we can expect to buy, sell, or stand pat.

I'll do the Lemieux conference, since all the best teams are in that conference.

Boston Bruins - Stand Pat (kinda)

Boston has a strong offense, is strong defensively, and is getting great goaltending. There isn't really a strong need for this team heading down the stretch, but you can expect Rob to be busy trying to tweak his team. More than likely we won't see many veterans coming in but look for more of a youth for youth type deal from Boston.

Washington Capitals - Stand Pat

A Well rounded team going into the deadline, so far just some farm hands have been listed as being available. The rumour mill has the team looking for an upgrade on the RW, but don't expect any pro players to move.

New York Rangers - Buyers

Martins isn't affraid to pull the trigger as he was one of the busiest GM's at last seasons deadline. At a glance it looks like he could stand to improve on LW and on the backend. His last trade block listed everyone as available.

Carolina Hurricanes - Buyers

Carolina has added veteran Patrik Elias to the fold recently and is still in the market to upgrade at the center position and to add a RW according to their trade block. Expect a move or two from GM Lacy on deadline day.

Florida Panthers - Stand Pat

Things have been very quiet leading up to the deadline in Florida. GM Williamson hasn't posted a trade block and appears set to roll with what they got down the stretch. Can someone pull Adam off the beach and into his office for the deadline?

Montreal Canadiens - Buyers?

Duran's last trade block lists everyone as available. Is the Habs GM willing to blow it up at the deadline? We list the Canadiens as buyers regardless of their trade block, but who knows how things will shake out in Montreal.

New Jersey Devils - Buyers

The Devils have had an up and down season but appear set to be buyers at the deadline in the tight Lemieux conference. Kris hasn't posted a trade block but we suspect he'll be in the market for upgrades to any and all positions.

New York Islanders - Sellers?

Another team like Montreal, who are currently sitting in a playoff spot but have outted themselves as sellers in their last trade block. Tony listed veteran players as available for futures and lists young back-up Grubauer as available.

Pittsburgh Penguins - Buyers

The Pens are currently 2 points out of a playoff spot and appear set to be buyers this year. Mat hasn't posted a trade block but we will assume he needs the most help on the wings.

Detroit Red Wings - Buyers/Sellers

Due to the nature of the tight Lemieux conference, we have the Wings listed as buyers and sellers. Look for UFA rentals to be moved out for futures but don't rule out the opportunity for Cisco to add a piece for a playoff run. They list their 1st rounders, Tatar and Krug among others on their trade block.

Ottawa Senators - Sellers

The Sens aren't far out of a playoff spot but judging by their last trade block they appear to be looking towards the future. Big names like Elliott and Methot could be available and would bolster a playoff roster.

Buffalo Sabres - Sellers

Another team gearing up for the future, his latest trade block lists names like Steve Ott & Cody Franson who could be good depth answers for playoff bound teams.

Columbus Blue Jackets - Sellers

Columbus is in the market for a young goalie and a young forward. Rentals are on the block for playoff teams but it appears Andrew is in the market for more established young players as he lists quite a few young pieces on his trade block.

Toronto Maple Leafs - Sellers

No trade blocks have been posted from Mike's Leafs but we'll assume they are sellers. Could Ryan Kesler be moved for futures? That appears to be a top rental this year if Mike is interested in moving him.

Tampa Bay Lightning - Sellers

Tampa has been busy leading up to the deadline, the latest move was shipping out Gallagher for a decent young package. Could more be available?

Philadelphia Flyers - Sellers

The Flyers have a big trade block listed in the forum. Look for them to get what they can for expiring contracts and add as many futures as they can. They should be busy on deadline day to reposition for next season.

So that's the Lemieux conference in a nutshell. Maybe someone in the know in the Gretzky conference can post an article on buyers and sellers there.