UPDATED TOP TRADE TARGETS
2023-03-02 · 3 min read · NHL/Hockey
Bob Frid/USA Today Sports | Broad Street Buzz
With all the action in the NHL over the last handful of days all of the guys on our original top trade targets board are gone. Let's quickly do an updated board with the trade deadline only a day away.
1. Brock Boeser (Vancouver Canucks)
Boeser was in our honourable mentions last time around, now he's at the top of the board. The Canucks winger feels like he's in need of a change of scenery and has been linked to several trade rumours in recent times. With the Canucks firmly in the seller's market, it seems like the right time for them to find a deal. The 25-year-old has two years remaining on his contract and has scored at least 23 goals and four of the last five seasons.
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2. James van Riemsdyk (Philadelphia Flyers)
JVR would be a nice fit for any team looking for forward depth. The 33-year-old is a pending UFA and has nearly 600 points in more than 900 games, to go along with 20 goals in 71 playoff games. He plays the right style of game for the playoffs and given the Flyers are in seller mode, he can likely be had at a reasonable rate.
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3. John Klingberg (Anaheim Ducks)
Klingberg was not moved at the deadline last season (somewhat surprisingly) and signed a one-year contract with the Ducks in the offseason. With Anaheim firmly out of the playoff picture, the 30-year-old feels likely to be on the move again. Given the recent run on defenseman, he is likely to be one of the top names on the blue line market. Klingberg is only a year removed from a 47-point season, averages more than 20 minutes of ice time per game and can play in all situations; he does have a hefty cap hit however.
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4. Dmitry Kulikov (Anaheim Ducks)
Similar to Klingberg, Kulikov currently languishes on the Ducks blue line and will be an UFA summer. Thus, it definitely makes sense for the Ducks to move him considering his likely value on the trade market. Kulikov might not have the offensive upside of Klingberg, but he's more reliable in his own zone and has a much more reasonable 2.25 million cap hit.
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5. JT Miller (Vancouver Canucks)
While Miller is likely the most talented name on this board, it's also the only one I'm not convinced is up for sale. The Canucks may be in seller mode, but JT Miller is an incredibly valuable asset who was recently signed to a 7-year 56-million-dollar extension back in September. If the Canucks decide to move him and a team is convinced that his contract is worthwhile he could fetch quite a haul, especially given his scoring prowess, grit and ability to play multiple positions.
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Honourable mentions
- Max Domi (Chicago Blackhawks) - Making our honourable mentions once again, Domi likely would have made the top five if it seemed Chicago wanted to move him, instead of retaining him in the summer; plus, his past inconsistencies.
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- Karel Vejmelka (Arizona Coyotes) - Vejmelka could be a sneaky good pickup, considering the Coyotes are open for business and he has fairly impressive numbers; despite playing for a team that struggles on both ends of the ice.
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- Mathew Dumba (Minnesota Wild) - The 28-year-old blue liner has fallen out of favour in Minnesota this season, being a healthy scratch on several occasions and only providing 13 points; his fewest Since becoming a full-time NHL nine years ago. Dumbo a pending UFA could provide physicality, grit and maybe even a little offence for a contending team.
By: Chase Howard
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