Trade deadline primer Pacific division

[yave1964]

Part two of four, a quick glance at each team heading into the trade deadline now ten days away.....

 

CALGARY FLAMES neck and neck with the Sharks for the top spot in the division and with the Jets as well for top spot in the West.

NEEDS This is a stacked lineup, not much, perhaps a secondary scoring winger, that is about it.

TRADE BAIT They dont have their second rounder but they do still have their first if they wish to make a big splash for someone like Stone.

 

SAN JOSE SHARKS Like the Flames, fighting for the division title and fighting the Jets for top spot in the West.

NEEDS The team has not been happy with Jones in spite of him being second in the game in Wins. Deep and balanced roster might go for some grit on their bottom line and bottom pair, that is about it.

TRADE BAIT Lots of middling kid prospects, they dont have a first or a fourth and may be loathe to trade a pick.

 

VEGAS KNIGHTS Falling fast, slipped into third in the division which is where they likely will remain.

NEEDS Alex Tuch is the leading scorer which says it all, they need an offensive shot in the arm and a puck moving defender badly, as well as a goalie to give the tired Fleury some time off down the stretch. 

TRADE BAIT five picks in the first three rounds might be used, Cody Glass has been mentioned in different forums although McPhee says he isn't available.

 

VANCOUVER CANUCKS Tied with the Wild for the final wildcard spot somehow. 

NEEDS They have one line, a pedestrian blueline and on the face of it need help everywhere.

TRADE BAIT Wow is this a tough one, they say they aren't trading futures and would prefer to deal a roster player for roster player but dont have much. Perhaps they find a taker for a Baertchi or Gudbranson? This team is impossible to figure out, they look like sellers at best yet here they are in the middle of the race.

 

ARIZONA COYOTES 4 points off the pace 2 games at hand. 

NEEDS offense, desperately so. They have a forward group chuck full of nice complimentary players and not much else. Great underrated defense and Kuemper having an outstanding season. First priority someone to get the puck to Keller.

TRADE BAIT They have all of their own picks and prospect Nick Merkley has been mentioned this next week is critical to their plans.

 

EDMONTON OILERS 6 points back, three games at hand, the coach fighting with the players, another wasted season.

NEEDS Clear the mines, figure out how to free up cap space. Talbot in play to free up space to activate Sekera, they need to figure a way to move some bad contracts and think of next years roster composition.

TRADE BAIT Supposedly a Talbot plus a pick for Elliot is in serous discussion they need more of these types of moves, Sekera, Larsson, Lucic, all might have some value elsewhere as long as the Oilers retain a large part of the salary. They need an accountant to make it work.

 

ANAHEIM DUCKS lost 20 of 22 games, somehow still only six points off the pace for the final spot in the West.

NEEDS offense, desperately. Finally giving their kids a shot to see what they can do, probably time to think about next year.

TRADE BAIT Underrated Silferberg and aging goalie Miller supposedly on the way out, Miller rumored to Vegas possibly. Silferberg will likely net a decent pick, Miller not much at this point in his career. Likely no big moves as GM Bob Murray is probably getting a copy of the home game at years end and just holding the seat down until years end for the next guy.

 

LOS ANGELES KINGS Dead last in the West but somehow only 7 points out. Still, they have been realistic and are selling off pieces.

NEEDS youth and draft picks. Speed. 

TRADE BAIT Hagelin will be moved for a pick, Toffoli and Martinez have a couple of years remaining on their current deals at very affordable hits and could fetch a decent return. They would love someone to take Jeff Carter.

 

That finishes the West, I will work on the East either later today or tomorrow.