After further analysis I have concluded the best fit for each highly sought after trade deadline target:
-Silfverberg to BOS
Explanation: Marchand, Bergeron, and Pastrnak would be the hottest line in the NHL right now if it wasn't for the elite first line in Colorado. But after that, the offense depth runs a little dry which is surprising given the Bruins have promising you talent at the forward spot. Bringing in Silfverberg would help this depth as he could prove himself to be a solid 2nd or 3rd line scoring wing that could help the Bruins make a deep playoff run. I don't see the Bruins sacrificing a lot to get him as he'll hit the FA market and no telling of whether or not Boston re-signs him. Nonetheless, could still fit in with this young and hungry offense. Heinen has been decent this year, but could be shipped to ANA in this deal. The Bruins would idealy want another blue line depth piece, but not a lot of blue liners are out there on the trade market right now.
-Wayne Simmonds to MIN
Explanation: Wayne Simmonds is most likely on the move since we probably won't re-sign with PHI. He's not the 30 goal scorer he used to be but is still a tough nose player with a lot of heart that can get the dirty goals. MIN just lost Koivu and while it would make sense to trade for a center, so many guys on that roster can play center: Granlund, Coyle, Staal, Eriksson Ek, etc. Simmonds can boost the overall physicality and wing depth for the Wild to make a playoff push.
- Nyquist to EDM
Explanation: Oilers have made a lot of bad moves that have hurt their forward depth. Nyquist would be a more suitable linemate for McDavid or Draisaitl as he can be a scoring winger that can keep up with their speed and style of play. A change of scenery is what's best for Nyquist as going to EDM, there will be less pressure on him to carry a struggling and rebuilding franchise. Getting to play alongside McDavid or Draisaitl will help the Oilers make a push for the playoffs.
- Duchene stays in OTT
Explanation: I haven't any good mock trades or heard any rumors and it's been very quiet in the Duchene sweepstakes. I think he sticks it out the full year with OTT, but doesn't re-sign in the offseason. Teams he could be a good fit for would probably be FLA, BUF, or a potential return to COL?
- Stone to BUF
Explanation: BUF has been a huge surprise and could potentially do what COL did in a year: go from the basement to playoff birth. Stone would help big time because BUF has played mediocre over the past month. Bringing in Stone would improve their offense and imagine him on a line with Skinner and Eichel. With more offensive firepower and the means to make a good deal for him, BUF seems like a perfect fit.
-Bobrovsky to FLA
Explanation: He isn't coming back to CBJ, and I'm betting my life savings on that. The Blue Jackets NEED to trade him even if they're in playoff contention. They could use Reimer or another goalie from another trade they have to make as rental, but Bobrovsky fits with FLA for a few reasons. First, the Panthers have to find Luongo's successor fast because they do not have a solid goalie prospect like a Hart or Demcko. Bobrovsky would be surrounded by a young team that needs to play well as a unit if they're going to be a powerhouse. The pieces are there with Barkov, Ekblad, Huberdeau, and Hoffman, but they need a solid goaltender and that should be Bobs. This is assuming he plans on re-signing with FLA long term.
- Kevin Hayes to CGY
Explanation: The flames have been a huge surprise as the top team in the West. Gaudreau is playing out of his mind and is a dark horse candidate for the Hart trophy. The Flames could definitely use some center depth to help them make a deep playoff run. Kevin Hayes is a solid center with create size and versatility to play center or wing. Paired with the right guys on a line, Hayes will produce solid numbers for the Flames and help them against tough opponents like the Sharks or Jets.
And finally....
-Panarin to NYI
Explanation: As much as I want to say he'd be a great fit for Boston, the Islanders makes more sense. Panarin is no question, worthy of playing on a first line. However, with the Bruins first line chemistry of Marchand, Bergeron, and Pastrnak playing at their peak, I doubt they would ruin that chemistry and move Panarin up; He'd be playing with Krejci. While it isn't a bad thing, he will get better production playing on the first line. The Islanders have the cap space to make a move happen and don't have to worry about gutting their roster to make a move. The Islanders should go all in on a cup run this year because they will have to make big moves in free agency. Nelson, Eberle, and Lee will be UFAs and Ho-Sang will want a raise. All in all, this is the Islander's year to shock the NHL and make a big splash at the trade deadline to help their chances of winning the cup. A line of Panarin, Barzal, and Eberle would be DEADLY.
Comment if I missed anyone and let me know what you think about this.
If Edmonton waives Manning and reassigns Puljujarvi to the AHL in order to activate Sekera - as any trade will see them bent over a barrell - they'll have less than $4,000 in cap space. How do they manage to make Nyquist work under the cap, and what are they giving up in order to make it happen?
I don't think Edmonton does anything more than sell this deadline. They're as closer to dead last in the West than they are to the final wildcard spot. Realistically, they don't have the assets to burn and don't have the money to bring in anything of value.
Very thoughtful analysis. Bobrowsky might also be looking at the Islanders, and Stone might be looking at Carolina or Florida. Other than that, I got nothing to add.
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