The trade deadline is inching closer and closer, and with that, the trade talk is heating up. We take a look at some of the latest NHL rumours and analyze what they mean going forward. This week we hear about the Montreal Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty, Arizona Coyotes winger Max Domi, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Josh Leivo, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Brandon Dubinsky, and the Winnipeg Jets.
Max Pacioretty, Josh Leivo, Max Domi and the Winnipeg Jets in the latest NHL Rumour Mill
Max Pacioretty
Rumour: On the Hockey Night in Canada Headlines panel it was noted that Max Pacioretty of the Montreal Canadiens is being shopped ahead of the NHL trade deadline. This comes as no surprise to those following NHL rumours. The new information was the asking price sought by general manager Marc Bergevin. Nick Kypreos reports that the Canadiens are seeking a first-round pick, a second-round pick, a prospect, and an NHL roster player.
Analysis: Pacioretty is on a very cheap contract and is a proven scorer. He is Bergevin’s best trade asset and the Habs general manager has to hit a home run here. He should ask for the moon in any trade, as he will also have the opportunity to trade Pacioretty at the NHL Draft, or at next year’s deadline should he not get the price he’s asking for now. Bergevin must get a young centre back for Pacioretty.
Max Domi
Rumour: Larry Brooks is reporting that the Arizona Coyotes are willing to trade winger Max Domi. Domi has just three goals this season, after 12 last year, and 18 in his rookie campaign.
Analysis: Arizona is a mess, and their young players are simply not progressing as the team expected. Earlier this year they traded away Anthony Duclair to Chicago, Domi’s partner in crime during his rookie season. Now it appears that Domi is also on the block. While it is understandable that there are some frustrations, Domi is a 22-year-old and there will be growing pains. The Coyotes should look to work with him and develop him to his potential instead of trading him away while still young.
Josh Leivo
Rumour: Nick Kypreos also reports that Maple Leafs forward Josh Leivo is looking for a trade and wants a new opportunity with a new team.
Analysis: It is hard to blame Leivo for wanting out of Toronto. He is a regular in Mike Babcock’s press box, despite putting up some numbers when he gets on the ice. A combination of the Leafs depth and Babcock not being totally enamoured with Leivo’s game makes it seem like he is always destined to be the odd man out here, and it is better for his career to move on. Leivo has played in just seven games this year and has not played since New Year’s Eve. He has two points. Last season, Leivo played 13 games, registering 10 points.
Winnipeg Jets
Rumor: The Hockey Night in Canada Crew also reported that the Winnipeg Jets are looking to add a top-six forward. It was mentioned that the Jets could be interested in a Rick Nash type of player.
Analysis: The Jets have been one of the top teams in the NHL this year, and it only makes sense that they should look to add to their team for a playoff run. Nash would be a good fit on the wing in Winnipeg. Other similar options include Pacioretty, as well as Ottawa Senators forward Mike Hoffman, and Edmonton Oilers forward Patrick Maroon. Given the history in Winnipeg, one has to assume that they are NOT in the Evander Kane sweepstakes. The Jets have plenty of young players and prospects, as well as ample cap space. They are a buyer to watch as we head towards the deadline.
Speaking of Rick Nash, there were further reports this morning that the Rangers have asked for his No Trade List. TSN’s Bob McKenzie gives the details.
NYR have requested Rick Nash’s No-Trade list and Nash gave it to the club yesterday. The list is 18 teams Nash cannot be traded to (unless he were to waive his NTC). Conversely, NYR now have the green light to trade Nash to the 12 teams not on the list.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 5, 2018
