Five reasons NHL trade deadline could be uneventful
Trades are going to be completed before the Feb. 29 (3 p.m. ET) deadline because contending general managers can’t resist the temptation to improve their teams before the playoffs.
But here are five reasons why we may not see as many deals this trade season:
Too many teams in contention
Several teams that were supposed to out of contention, including the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers, are still in the playoff hunt. If the Devils are competing for a playoff spot, how can they move Lee Stempniak, who is tied for the team lead in points? The Hurricanes might have to keep Kris Versteeg, their highest-scoring forward.
Impending unrestricted free agents Mikkel Boedker and Boyd Gordon would seem like prime rental players if not for the fact that the Arizona Coyotes can still make the playoffs in the forgiving Pacific Division. The Coyotes need Boedker, the team’s top point producer, up front. The Vancouver Canucks may not move Dan Hamhuis, an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The point: There could be fewer players available.
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Teams have limited cap space
According to generalfanager.com, 10 teams in the playoff race have fewer than $4 million in cap space. The Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers are among those teams. All of them are looking to improve, but it will be challenging to pull off a major deal.
Trades have long-term consequences
Top rental players can cost a first-round pick and a prized prospect. Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien is expected to fetch that return if he doesn't re-sign with the Winnipeg Jets. Rentals provide immediate help, but the loss of first-round picks and prospects can be destructive over a lengthy period in a parity league.
The Rangers haven't had a first-round pick since 2012, and they don't own another one until 2017. That will catch up to them. GMs have become more reluctant to part with first-rounders.
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No-trade clauses and cap hits
Hurricanes captain Eric Staal will be coveted, but he has a no-trade clause. If does OK a trade, his list could be short. Plus, his $8.25 million cap hit will be problematic. Most teams would be forced to send salary back to Carolina. Byfuglien has a limited no-trade, allowing him to provide a list of five teams he wouldn't approve a trade to.
Supply and demand issue
Team wants the same assets. Several are looking for scorers, and there aren't many available. Defensemen are also in short supply. After Byfuglien, there aren't many impact blueliners available.
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