The NHL Trade deadline is less than ten days away, and a surplus of names are still on the trade board. Several players will be wearing different uniforms and giving teams an extra push as they pave the way to Lord Stanley.
Brock Nelson is a name that has been thrown around a lot lately, especially with the deadline around the corner. Nelson (33), is in his 12th NHL season with the New York Islanders. The Islanders centerman has 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points so far this season. The Islanders are near the bottom of the Metro Division, making the 33-year-old American a prime trade target. Nelson will likely be acquired to slot into that second-line center position. The Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Winnipeg Jets, and Dallas Stars are the best fits for Brock Nelson, and it would be a surprise to nobody if he gets dealt to any of these teams.
The Vancouver Canucks have had a chaotic past two months when it comes to trade rumors. The Canucks have made multiple trades and are likely to make more. Brock Boeser has been a part of the Canucks organization since 2015. Boeser (28), has only had two seasons where he did not score over 20 goals while he participated in a full season. The 28-year-old winger will become a free agent if he decides not to re-sign with Vancouver. The Canucks are unsure if they will be able to re-sign him, which could lead Vancouver into dealing him away. The best potential suitors are the Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Utah Hockey Club, and Los Angeles Kings.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have had a very rough season, to say the least, and they have a lot of trade capital ahead of the deadline. Erik Karlsson has been one of the game’s elite defensemen for a long time. Karlsson (34), is in his 16th NHL season after being drafted 15th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2008. The Swedish defenseman is a three-time Norris Trophy winner and a seven-time all-star. In Karslsson’s third Norris-winning season, he eclipsed 100 points and 70 assists. Those numbers are high for a defenseman, which earned him the honor of winning the Norris. However, he is starting to age, and his contract is worth 11,500,000, which will put off other general managers. While Karlsson has 40 points in 60 games, his contract is large, and he has several years left on it. Teams are interested in Karlsson but won’t acquire him without 35% or more retained on his contract. The Senators, the Stars, and the Panthers are the best potential trade partners for the Penguins and Karlsson.
The Anaheim Ducks acquired goaltender Ville Husso from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for future considerations. The Ducks now have three goaltenders on their active roster and John Gibson looks like the odd man out. Gibson, (31), is having a bounce-back season in his 12th season with the organization. The 31-year-old goaltender has a GAA of 2.66 and a save percentage of .916. Gibson has caught the eye of multiple teams and has been on the trade block for a long time. The Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes are the two teams that have eyed John Gibson for a long time, and there is a high expectation that he will be moved.
