Last Minute Buyers at the Trade Deadline: Canadiens, Preds & Wild Shopping
The NHL Trade Deadline is Coming and Some Teams Are Looking to Buy More Than Others. Check in With the Habs, Preds and the Wild to See What These Big Buyers Are Shopping For.
With four days until the trade deadline, talks are beginning to arise and deals are starting to happen. Contrary to the NHL's biggest sellers at the trade deadline, here's a look at the NHL's biggest buyers at the trade deadline.
Montreal Canadiens
First among the buyers list, Montreal Canadiens. Progressively since the All-Star break, the Canadiens have not been the best. Along with Carey Price who was posting Venezia like numbers before the All-Star break, now Price is posting mediocre numbers. In addition to Montreal's woes, the addition of Claude Julien can either impact this team's playoff run or just continue down the trend they're in.
But first Montreal needs either a top six center or top-nine winger. The production from Andrew Shaw has been lackluster. Quite frankly once you get past Alexander Radulov, Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk, no one really scares you on this Montreal offense.
The Canadiens have been in talks for Martin Hanzal, low-risk buy fits what they need. Jarome Iginla, another low risk buy. And Kevin Shattenkirk because why not? Anyways for Montreal to stay atop this division and make a deep playoff run Price needs to get back to his old ways and a top 6 forward is a must.
The Nashville Preds
Second on the buyer's list, Nashville Predators. Nashville was off to a devastating start, at times some may say they were not going to make the playoffs. They looked that bad. Not seeing much production from their top six guys has caused Nashville to be buyers. Currently sitting in the last wild card spot, with a little breathing room. A top six forward or a defenseman to fit the role as the #5 or #6 is on Nashville's needs.
Now personally I haven't heard much surrounding Nashville but a few players that could fit their needs could be, Luke Schenn, obviously nothing spectacular, but at best a #6 defenseman. Patrick Sharp and Martin Hanzal are two veterans that could be within the top six forward role Nashville wants.
Nashville has been inconsistent this year but with Filip Forsberg's offensive surge the last two games they've found themselves in the final wild card spot. Nashville has the tools to be a legitimate playoff team and make some noise, it just comes down to the top-six guys and veterans getting the job done.
The Minnesota Wild
Last but not least, Minnesota Wild. Bruce Boudreau for coach of the year anyone? I think he has to be up there for consideration. This wild team had a total 360 season compared to last year. In 82 games last season they won 39 games, flip to this year 59 games played, 39 wins. Minnesota is an all in
Minnesota is an all-in buyer, legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. Their bottom-six and top-six productions on the offensive end has been tremendous. To enhance this roster one more legitimate bottom or top six forward could fit in with Minnesota right now.
Weather Minnesota makes a move or not at the deadline, expect this team to cause some noise this playoff season. Devan Dubnyk is on absolute fire, along with their whole forward core producing and chipping in every night. Could Jiri Hudler, Drew Stafford or Radim Vrbata be a possibility who knows, Minnesota is more than content with their roster right now so they're not in any rush.
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