With the NHL's annual holiday roster freeze looming at 11:59 p.m. tonight, December 19th, teams are scrambling to finalize any last-minute deals. From December 20th to December 27th, trades, waivers, and player loans are prohibited, making these final hours crucial for teams aiming to adjust their rosters. Here are three potential trades that could materialize before the deadline:
1. Phillip Danault to the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, or Carolina Hurricanes
Los Angeles Kings' veteran center Phillip Danault has reportedly requested a trade, sparking interest from several teams. The Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Carolina Hurricanes are all rumored to be in the mix for the 32-year-old forward. Danault is in the fifth year of his six-year, $5.5 million contract but has struggled this season, recording only five assists in 29 games. A change of scenery could benefit both Danault and the Kings.
- Montreal Canadiens: A return to Montreal, where Danault previously played, could provide a familiar environment and potentially revitalize his performance.
- New Jersey Devils: The Devils are looking to add a proven forward to bolster their depth and provide experience in crucial situations.
- Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes seek to enhance their scoring depth and add experienced players to their roster.
The Kings are open to trading Danault but are willing to wait for the right offer to ensure a fair deal. With the roster freeze imminent, expect these teams to intensify their efforts to acquire Danault.
2. Alex Lyon to the Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are in dire need of a goaltender after a lower-body injury to their newly acquired goalie, Tristan Jarry. While Calvin Pickard has shown promise, relying on him as a starter for an extended period is risky. Alex Lyon of the Buffalo Sabres has emerged as a prime target for the Oilers. Lyon has had an unexpectedly strong start to the season, making him an attractive option for Edmonton. With Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Colten Ellis, and Devon Levi already in the Sabres' system, new GM Jarmo Kekalainen may be willing to part with Lyon. This trade addresses a critical need for the Oilers, providing them with a potentially reliable goaltender as they push for a playoff spot.
3. Mason Marchment to the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been underperforming and are in search of a spark to ignite their team. A recent shutout loss to the Washington Capitals highlighted their struggles and raised concerns about their Stanley Cup aspirations. Mason Marchment of the Dallas Stars could be a potential solution. Marchment would bring a mix of skill and grit to the Leafs' lineup, potentially providing the energy and offensive boost they desperately need. The Leafs have also been linked to veteran defenders Rasmus Andersson and Dougie Hamilton. However, acquiring either player would require shedding significant salary. The Calgary Flames could easily retain salary to drive up the return for Andersson, potentially demanding a first-round pick and a blue-chip prospect. The New Jersey Devils, facing a salary cap crunch, may be forced to trade Hamilton to balance their books.
These potential trades could significantly impact the landscape of the NHL as teams gear up for the remainder of the season and the playoffs. The next few hours promise to be filled with intense negotiations and strategic decisions as general managers navigate the complexities of the trade market before the holiday roster freeze takes effect.
