General Managers have already been busy in recent days by making numerous deals, but there should still be more to come as the clock ticks down. Let’s take a look at the Pacific division and see what possible moves these teams could make before the NHL trade deadline officially arrives.
Trade Deadline Outlook for the Pacific Division
ANAHEIM DUCKS
Record: 39-17-7, 85 Points
Anaheim is at the top of the Pacific yet again, with a comfortable point cushion on their competition. The expectations are high, and they are hoping to have more success in the playoffs this year than they’ve had in the past two seasons.
Deadline moves: They already brought in Tomas Fleischmann and Jiri Sekac, but the Ducks might not be done yet. They could be looking to add a defenceman, and with Los Angeles doing just that, the Ducks might feel even more inclined to add one for themselves. Perhaps Jeff Petry could be a fit here.
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Record: 35-23-3, 73 Points
The Canucks are enjoying a bounce-back season, one that sees them second in the division, but with several teams right on their heels. With Ryan Miller out at least four weeks, it will be up to Eddie Lack to get the Canucks back to the post-season.
Deadline moves: Vancouver won’t want to part with any key players while try to hang on to their playoff spot, and they aren’t in a position to be trading for a rental. If an upcoming unrestricted free agent will not be re-signing with the team, then the Canucks could move a body out. Otherwise it will likely be a quiet trade deadline in Vancouver.
LOS ANGELES KINGS
Record: 29-20-12, 70 Points
The Kings were in a slump that started raising questions on if the defending Stanley Cup champions would miss the playoffs. However, they have won eight of their last ten games and the team is looking like its old self again. They will look to continue their winning ways and give themselves a chance to defend their title this spring.
Deadline moves: The absence of Slava Voynov left the Kings looking to add another top four defenceman, so they went out and got Andrej Sekera from the Hurricanes. The injury to Tanner Pearson might also put the Kings in the market for another forward.
CALGARY FLAMES
Record: 33-25-4, 70 Points
The Flames have impressed many with how well their team has played this year. They are right in the middle of the dogfight that is the western conference playoff race, and as long as captain Mark Giordano doesn’t miss significant time, Calgary has just as good of a chance as anyone to claim a playoff spot.
Deadline moves: Curtis Glencross was asked to submit a list of teams he’d be willing to go to, so look for him to be traded by the deadline. Aside from that, Calgary should be content with their team. Their rebuild has been going very well, but they are not at the stage to be acquiring rentals for a playoff push.
SAN JOSE SHARKS
Record: 30-25-8, 68 Points
The Sharks hit a slump throughout the month of February, winning only three of their 13 games. They will certainly need to turn things around if there is to be any chance of them reaching the playoffs.
Deadline moves: The Sharks could try to add a top-six forward, to take some of the pressure off of Melker Karlsson, or they might look for an upgrade on Antti Niemi in goal. However, the more likely scenario is that San Jose makes just minor moves, at most. They already have plenty of talent that should be capable of pushing their post season streak to 11 years.
ARIZONA COYOTES
Record: 20-36-7, 47 Points
It has been a season to forget for the Coyotes, and their place in the standings has convinced management that it is time for a rebuild. There’s no better time than the trade deadline for them to kick-start their plans.
Deadline moves: They just traded the hottest commodity on the market in Antoine Vermette to the Chicago Blackhawks. They also have Martin Erat, Keith Yandle, and Zbynek Michalek, meaning Arizona will be one of the busier teams at the deadline, and could find themselves with a number of good draft picks and prospects when it’s all said and done.
EDMONTON OILERS
Record: 18-35-10, 46 Points
Similar to Arizona, the Oilers have not been having a good season either. They were hoping that this would be the year to challenge for a playoff position, but instead they’ve found themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference all year.
Deadline moves: There has been plenty of speculation that defenceman Jeff Petry could be moved. With him being a healthy scratch on Saturday, it seems almost certain he will be dealt. There are many teams in need of defencemen, especially one with a right hand shot, so the Oilers should get a nice return for their asset.
If you missed the outlook for the Atlantic division, you can find it here.
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