The NHL trade deadline is coming at the end of the month and rumors have players like Jonathan Drouin, Keith Yandle, Eric Staal, Dustin Byfuglien, Travis Hamonic, Kevin Shattenkirk, Steven Stamkos and Andrew Ladd potential targets for teams.
The deadline is set for February 29 and that leaves a number of NHL teams about a month to decide whether they will be buyers or sellers. There are multiple teams bunched together while fighting for playoff spots in the eastern and western conferences and the decisions at the deadline could determine whether those teams make the playoffs or not. The Tampa Bay Lightning have multiple players that have come up in rumors this season, but will the team sell even though they are second in the Atlantic division?
The Winnipeg Jets are at the bottom of their division and could consider making moves, as players like Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien have come up as targets for contending teams. The Carolina Hurricanes are near the bottom of their division and the team could consider moving Erik Staal, but they will have to convince the center to let a deal happen, as he has a no-trade clause in his contract.
The New York Rangers have had an up and down season and could consider adding players and selling a bit at the deadline. Keith Yandle is in the final year of his contract and while the team gave up some important pieces to get him last year, the Rangers could consider trying to get something return this winter before he hits free agency. Yandle likely will test the market and it could be tough to stomach for the Rangers if he ends up leaving in free agency.
The Islanders have Travis Hamonic as an option to deal, as the defenseman asked the team earlier in the season to be traded so he could be closer to home. So far the Islanders have not found a deal they feel gives value for Travis Hamonic, who is a solid defensemen and is not on a bad contract at seven-year, $27 million (he is in year three of that deal).
Drouin has been mentioned in trade rumors for most of the season, as the winger reportedly asked to be traded by Tampa Bay. The team suspended Drouin after he did not report to a game in the minors and there is a chance the team could deal the former number three overall pick. Steven Stamkos has come up in rumors only because he is heading towards free agency, but the team may not want to blow up their team even if Stamkos does end up leaving in free agency this summer.
Check here for more on the NHL trade deadline and potential targets.
