It’s Trade-For-Cup Time In The Nhl With Deadline Looming Today, Expect A Flurry Of Dealings
New York Islanders defenseman Rich Pilon hasn’t scored more than one goal in nine seasons and he’s never been among hockey’s highest-paid players.
He makes a living shadowing the best players in the NHL, knocking them down, pestering them until they become as anonymous as he.
He’s precisely the kind of player NHL general managers will be seeking before the trade deadline at noon PST.
“There are a number of teams … who want to fill holes and strengthen themselves for a playoff run,” said Florida Panthers president Bill Torrey. “The trades you’ll see would involve someone like Pilon, more of a role player to fit a need.”
NHL teams made 18 trades involving 36 players on the day of the deadline last year. Some league executives say there could be even more (today) as some teams try to fill holes and add playoff depth, while others look to pick up prospects for players headed for unrestricted free agency this summer.
Marquee players who might be available include goalies Curtis Joseph of the Edmonton Oilers and John Vanbiesbrouck of the Florida Panthers and St. Louis Blues All-Star forward Brett Hull. Lesser-known players who are more likely to switch teams include Buffalo Sabres forward Matthew Barnaby and defensemen Ulf Samuelsson of the New York Rangers and Jyrki Lumme of the Vancouver Canucks.
There could be more trades because the league’s collective bargaining agreement is allowing more players to become unrestricted free agents earlier in their careers.
With a large number of players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, Washington Capitals general manager George McPhee said teams are more willing to trade players they’ll lose to free agency in a matter of months.
“More clubs are willing to deal this year and more players are available out there this year,” he said. “It’s prudent to get on the phone and see who is available.”
The Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks could be looking to jettison some high-priced veterans. The Panthers, 0-12-1 in their past 13 games, could be looking for a draft pick after trading their first-round selection to San Jose for left wing Viktor Kozlov, who has been a disappointment.
“We’ll do whatever we need to to make our team better in the long term, even if it doesn’t go along with the desires of our fans,” Torrey said.
Being out of playoff contention might not be enough to convince teams to trade away core players.
Calgary Flames captain Theoren Fleury is in the third year of a five-year, $12.3 million contract and can become a free agent after next season. Even though Calgary is in 10th place in the Western Conference and seven points out of a playoff spot, Flames general manager Al Coates said he doesn’t expect to trade Fleury.
“I don’t think it’s certain what we’re going to do,” Coates said. “I wouldn’t count on anything, and we aren’t going to be pushed into anything.”