There are exactly 10 weeks until the NHL's March 7th trade deadline.
This leaves enough runway for buyer and seller needs to change or for buyers and sellers to switch places before the biggest decisions are made. But in a season with a lot of trade action already taking place, it's never too early to find fits between the teams and players available on the latest NHL Trade Big Board.
With that in mind, here's Part 2 of the Tradeboard Matchmaker.
even deeper
NHL Trade Matchmaker: LeBlanc and Johnston predict where top targets will go before deadline, Part 1
team: san jose sharks
position: F
Shoot: L
year: 32
Contract period: 2025 UFA
AAV: 5 million dollars
LeBlanc: Vegas Golden Knights
Granlund, 32, has become the Sharks' leading scorer and is on track to set a career high in points. He also means a lot to San Jose off the ice in terms of his leadership and influence on young players. He likes it there too. That means just because he's a pending unrestricted free agent doesn't mean he'll be signed before the deadline. Granlund's agents, Todd Diamond and Mark Gandler, are expected to speak with Sharks general manager Mike Grier in the new year. However, the team will have to balance the possibility of an extension with the types of offers available on the trade market, and there will certainly be some. Granlund's versatility, as he is comfortable playing all three forward positions, should be attractive to potential players. He played for Finland in the Four Nations match in February, and depending on his performance in the spotlight, his trade value may increase. Let's look into my matchmaker's crystal ball and make him the Golden Knight of Las Vegas. The Sharks and Knights came together a year ago in a trade deadline agreement involving Tomas Hertl. I like Vegas' idea of ​​adding this type of depth, keeping in mind Granlund's versatility and the unfortunate reality of constantly worrying about Mark Stone's health.
Johnston: Minnesota Wild
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since Granlund was a first-round pick of the Wild and played seven seasons with the organization. Anyway, isn't it a wonderful story about returning home? Minnesota could really use a forward who can switch between center and wing and participate in the attack. Granlund checks all of these boxes, and given his familiarity with the organization, that should give you added peace of mind. San Jose doesn't have any remaining spots open yet, and Minnesota has additional challenges when operating on long-term injured reserve, so cap aspects need to be resolved, but they won't prevent this from happening. is not a big enough hurdle.
team: philadelphia flyers
position: D
Shoot: R
year: 30
Contract period: 2027 UFA
AAV: $5.1 million
LeBlanc: Winnipeg Jets
It wasn't that long ago that Ristolainen's contract scared teams off, but what happens when a top-four defenseman is making his play more consistent with 20 minutes a night like he has this season? is interesting. All of a sudden, the salary cap has been raised, so hitting a $5.1 million cap over the next two and a half years isn't that bad. That's why league officials say they received a call asking if the Flyers were actually willing to move Ristolainen this season. The answer from the Flyers is yes. Provided certain prices are met. They will likely want a good prospect, young player, or a combination of a prospect and a pick in return. And while trading a player on contract isn't a typical deadline deal, as most candidates prefer rentals, I understand it could be attractive to some teams. For example, the Jets. I would like to see the Jets add the type of size Ristolainen brings to the right side of the defense. And after giving up a first-round pick for last season's rental Sean Monahan, who is set to leave on July 1, and keeping in mind how difficult it will be for the Jets to attract free agents to Winnipeg. , I like the idea of ​​acquiring players for less contracts. Now the Jets will face Ristolainen as they compete for the Cup.
Will Rasmus Ristolainen remain in the central division? (Emily Chin/Getty Images)
Johnston: Dallas Stars
The Stars made a lot of noise by acquiring Chris Tanev before the deadline last year, but were unable to keep him as a free agent over the summer. They haven't filled the hole to the right of the blue line yet. The remainder of Ristolainen's contract is consistent with the Stars' winning streak, and his improved game should remain attractive given how few defensive stoppers are expected to be available on the market. Depth is essential for a team as it prepares for a long spring, and Dallas is fully committed to winning a Stanley Cup.
team: chicago blackhawks
position: F
Shoot: L
year: 33
Contract period: 2025 UFA
AAV: 6 million dollars
LeBlanc: Utah HC
The Blackhawks haven't actually committed to a trade for Hall yet, but given their position in the standings, one imagines it's the most logical move for the veteran pending unrestricted free agent. It will be. It hasn't been the best season for the 33-year-old winger, but something tells me that a move to a cup contender might ignite a little spark in the former Hart Trophy winner. He's always been one of the smartest players in the league. Even if his skating has slowed down a bit, his hockey IQ hasn't slowed down. If the Hawks are going to eat up some of Hall's $6 million cap hit, there's no doubt in my mind that there's a market for him. Hall has a modified no-trade clause, so his agent Darren Ferris could play a role in helping the Hawks find a suitor. So, hear my opinion here: Utah HC as a buyer! This is only realistic in a world where Utah State remains in the second half. They could be a little more aggressive. Hall has some brand name cache that would be fun to bring to the NHL's newest market, and Utah has plenty of cap room, plus a strong desire to stay in the playoff chase.
Johnston: Colorado Avalanche
The Abs are one of the few top teams that could make room for Hall in the top six, and will likely need a player with Hall's skill set to play to be most effective. The need for a new left wing becomes even more apparent as uncertainty continues to surround Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog, who has been out of action for more than two and a half years while recovering from a cartilage transplant in his right knee. . Hall may not skate at the same level as he did early in his career, but he's still faster than average and could fill top-line duties alongside Nathan MacKinnon if needed. At the very least, he would give the Avalanche more lineup flexibility than they currently have. It also shouldn't cost too much for a veteran player who is unlikely to be part of the long-term solution for the rebuilding Blackhawks.
Will Borgen
team: new york rangers
position: D
Shoot: R
year: 28
Contract period: 2025 UFA
AAV: $2.7 million
LeBlanc: Florida Panthers
The Rangers just acquired Bogen, but he's a pending unrestricted free agent and unless New York can somehow stop the bleeding and turn their season around, the Blueshirts could be a seller and strip him. will be positive. At 6-foot-3 and 204 pounds, Bogen will be a good fit in South Florida. In many ways, I think it's clear that pending unrestricted free agent David Savard is a better fit for the Panthers, given his past relationship with Panthers general manager Bill Zito in Columbus. If Florida is looking for Savard, it wouldn't be surprising if they try to acquire him. He's a rental right-handed hitter with a certain amount of physicality and is a D-player you can't spend a lot of money on. However, if the Rangers do decide to acquire Bogen, he would be a more low-profile move.
Will Borgen (right) has only played in three games for the Rangers, but he could be back in action. (Wendell Cruz/Imagine Images)
Johnston: Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks have struggled since losing Filip Hronek to a serious lower-body injury earlier this month, and he is not expected to play again before February. This revealed a significant need on the right side of the blue line that management has been actively seeking to address. Bogen excels in lesser-known areas such as the penalty kill, and Vancouver could definitely use that to his advantage. The stay-at-home defender is a good skater and should be able to slot in on the team's second pairing, bringing the kind of size that the team thinks will give him additional plus time come playoff time. Bogen will have plenty of suitors at the deadline, but none may be more motivated to pursue him than Vancouver.
team: seattle kraken
position: F
Shoot: L
year: 32
Contract period: 2025 UFA
AAV: $3.5 million
LeBlanc: New Jersey Devils
All signs point to the pending unrestricted free agent winger being traded before the deadline if the Kraken are not in the playoff chase, which seems pretty likely at this point. My understanding is that there are some candidates who are waiting to see if and when Tanev will be on the market because they want to have a crack at Tanev. He brings the type of intense game that most playoff teams look for. He is an excellent penalty killer and leads Seattle in shorthanded ice time. He doesn't back down from anyone. I think the Devils are a good fit. They are looking to improve their bottom six, and while there is no shortage of attacking talent, I can imagine Tanev finding a good spot in a cup line-up that could use a little more sandpaper. Masu.
Johnston: Vegas Golden Knights
Las Vegas enters the NHL's holiday break with the league's highest scoring rate and is highly expected to step up again at the deadline. In fact, it's not surprising that the Golden Knights would pursue two forwards. One is a strong offensive player and one is a bottom-six player to complement other elements of the team. Tanev falls into the latter category and could be the best player with that skill set. A high-end skater who plays the game hard, it's not hard to imagine him fitting into a team accustomed to using all four lines to win.
(Photo of Mikael Granlund and Brandon Tanev: Eric Hartline/USA Today, Arika Jenner/Getty Images)
