It’s finally here, NHL Trade Deadline Day. Here is a look at the latest rumours as we get ready for the 3:00 pm EST Deadline. Today a look at Ottawa Senators superstar defenseman Erik Karlsson, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green, and the Winnipeg Jets trade targets.
NHL Rumours
Erik Karlsson
Rumour: According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Vegas Golden Knights are making a serious pitch for Senators blue-liner Erik Karlsson.
Analysis: In the last few days we have heard the Tampa Bay Lightning, San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators named as suitors for the superstar Swedish defender. Vegas adds another intriguing name to the mix. We all know how good they have been this season, but do they blow up their prospect pool now? It does not even have that much depth yet. The Golden Knights were always said to be building for the future this year. Can they change course this drastically? They have the cap space to include Bobby Ryan‘s contract in the deal.
Mike Green
Rumour: TSN’s Frank Seravalli reports that Mike Green’s injury (missed the last five games) has slowed the market on him. However, Tampa Bay, Washington, and Vegas could be options here.
Analysis: If Tampa and Vegas are interested in Karlsson, then Mike Green will have to wait for that situation to resolve itself. They could acquire Green if they think they won’t get Karlsson from Ottawa, but he becomes a secondary option. Vegas general manager George McPhee was Washington’s general manager for much of Green’s time there, and there is obviously still a familiarity with Green in Washington. Those two teams know exactly what they are getting in Green, and may outbid the Lightning because of that.
Winnipeg Jets
Rumour: The Jets were apparently interested in Derick Brassard, but John Shannon indicates that Vegas blocked the move. They were also said to be in on Tomas Plekanec, but Marc Bergevin reportedly respected the player’s wish to stay in the East when two similar offers were on the table according to Eric Engels.
Analysis: Kevin Cheveldayoff clearly wants to make a move. He was looking at centres in Brassard and Plekanec. There is not a whole lot left in the centre market though. The biggest name seems to be Ottawa Senators centre, Jean-Gabriel Pageau. If they don’t go for a centre, the Jets may decide to improve on the wing and could make runs at Mike Hoffman, Max Pacioretty, or Patrick Maroon. In any event, expect the Jets to add a forward today.
Main Photo: OTTAWA, ON – MAY 19: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators talks with commentator Pierre McGuire prior to Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre on May 19, 2017 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images)
