NHL trade deadline predictions

Posted by admin on Feb 17, 2009 in Sports | 0 comments

What will be the biggest surprise this trade deadline?
Josh: Ottawa trades Jason Spezza to Edmonton for Sam Gagner, Rob Schremp, a first-round draft pick in 2009, and a second-round draft pick in 2010.

Spencer: I don’t see too many surprises lining up for this years deadline, but I think we could see Keith Tkachuk traded and sign a one or two year contract with a team in need of some senior leadership.

Noah: Chris Pronger joining the Montreal Canadiens’ already solid lineup.

Jamieson: Seeing what teams in the West decide if they are buyers or sellers. As it sits right now, the St. Louis Blues are in last place, but only eight points out, and still see themselves as a playoff contender. Seeing what the Canucks, Oilers, Kings, Coyotes and the Predators do is anyone’s guess but will offer some major surprises on trade deadline day.

Of the players rumored to be moved, the Mars’ Hill Sports team thought:
Chance player will be moved:
Jay Bouwmeester – 97.5%
Nik Antropov – 85%
Sean Avery – 80%

Chance player will not be moved:
Marian Gaborik – 70%
Chris Pronger – 72.5%
Vincent Lecavalier – 85%

Which team will be the biggest buyer?
Josh: Vancouver. With zero Stanley Cups in 38 years, combined with the pressure for general manager Mike Gillis to get the Canucks back into the playoffs, count on Vancouver to make more moves than any other team.

Spencer: Edmonton. The Oilers need to make the playoffs this year or things are going to get messy at Rexall Place.

Noah: The Phoenix Coyotes are by far in the worst financial situation in the league. Perhaps they won’t be the biggest buyer, but the Coyotes need to secure a spot in the top eight in order to keep hockey in the desert. As Phoenix needs to create more revenue, bet on the Coyotes being a short-term buyer.

Jamieson: Look for the Bruins to try to make a move to bolster their impressive season. If Edmonton could find a quality goaltender, I’m sure they would jump on it. Washington also wants an impact player and has cap space.

Which team will be the biggest seller?
Josh: Toronto. If Brian Burke makes less than three moves at the deadline, the hockey world will be dumbfounded. Leaf fans, if you haven’t heard it enough by now, expect major changes.

Spencer: Ottawa. The Sens need some serious re-structuring. I would say that just about anyone who does not have a no-trade clause could be on the chopping block.

Noah: Nashville coach Barry Trotz can only do so much. Look for the Predators to be unloading over the next few weeks.

Jamieson: The Toronto Maple Leafs will trade impact players for draft picks, as well as the Ottawa Senators, who have the fifth worst record in the NHL during the past 100+ games.

Which likely-to-be-traded player will have the biggest positive impact on his new team?
Josh: Bouwmeester. He’s young, he’s reliable, he’s talented, and he wants out of Florida. This kid will be a keystone on Canada’s Olympic team. Wherever he winds up, Bouwmeester will make an immediate impact.

Spencer: Jay Bouwmeester. He is such a draw and whatever team gets their hands on him will not be disappointed. He is an impact player and he will thrive in a better hockey market.

Noah: Nik Antropov would provide excellent secondary scoring to a team like the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Jamieson: Jay Bouwmeester is a stud defenseman who is undervalued in playing in Florida.

Which likely-to-be-traded player will have the biggest negative impact on his new team?
Josh: Nik Antropov. If dealt, I don’t think Antropov will have a negative impact as much as I see him being a non-factor.

Spencer: Sean Avery. If Dallas finds a buyer, Avery is not a player that anyone should really want. Yes, he is skilled at what he does, but he is a loose cannon and not a player you want in your locker room.

Noah: A potential Sean Avery return to the Rangers may turn out to be sour if he acts out again.

Jamieson: I really don’t want to join the negative bandwagon, but wherever Sean Avery plays (NYR).

What to look for:
Josh: There is currently a lot of hype surrounding Vincent Lecavalier. Will he be dealt, or will he stay in Tampa Bay? Count on him not moving, as the asking price for Vinny is simply too high. Instead, keep an eye on Columbus. The Blue Jackets are the only NHL team to have never made the playoffs. They’re close this year, so watch for them to make deals that’ll move them closer to securing a playoff berth.

Spencer: Personally, I am watching what the Canucks will do as they may need some tweaking to set up a successful post-season. Also, keep an eye on the (once again) very close Western Conference. Managers that are only a few points out are likely to make some creative moves to get their team into those last playoff spots.

Noah: It would be nice to see Colorado make some changes, and turn around their second injury-plagued season in as many years.

Jamieson: Canucks have a decision to make with the Sedins as free agents and Ohlund’s contract up. I’m not saying they will for sure move them, but they would be attractive pieces and would get talent in return. Montreal needs a scorer with Robert Lang injured, while the Flames love defensemen and are serious contenders in the West.