We’re now about two days away from the NHL trade deadline and we have a fresh batch of NHL trade rumours. Today we look at Ottawa Senators superstar Erik Karlsson, Montreal Canadiens centre Tomas Plekanec, and New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh.
Latest NHL Trade Rumours
Erik Karlsson
Rumour: Travis Yost reports that the Tampa Bay Lightning are in complicated trade negotiations with the Ottawa Senators for Erik Karlsson. The deal could include a third or fourth team in order to make the cap implications work, but as of now the Lightning are the only team capable of making a serious pitch for Karlsson.
Analysis: Pierre Dorion is no stranger to complicated multi-team trades, as seen with the Matt Duchene and Derick Brassard moves this week. The Lightning would be close to unstoppable if they can add a player like Karlsson on the back-end. The question is a financial one. How do the Lightning make the cap work? Can Bobby Ryan be flipped to a third team? It’s looking more and more that Erik Karlsson will not be a Senator next season. Does he move now, or in the summer? That is the only real question remaining.
Tomas Plekanec
Rumour: Pierre Lebrun is reporting that the interest in Tomas Plekanec has increased with Derick Brassard now off the market.
Analysis: Plekanec is now the best centre on the market. He is still an excellent defensive player and a good face-off man. While he’s not the offensive player he was in his prime, he can still provide some secondary scoring with 24 points in 60 games this year. There has been talk of a contract extension, but at 35 years old and with the Habs needing a re-tool, the smart play is to trade him. They could even sign him back after the season on July 1st, but signing him now should not be an option for Marc Bergevin.
The Winnipeg Jets were in on Brassard but missed out. They could be interested. Other teams that could use depth down the middle and Plekanec’s defensive ability include the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Islanders, and San Jose Sharks.
Ryan McDonagh
Rumour: Darren Dreger reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the mix of teams looking at Ryan McDonagh and could make a play for the New York Rangers defenceman.
Analysis: The Leafs have an elite offence, but need real help on the back end. The big hole is on the right side of the Leafs defence and McDonagh is a left-handed defenseman. Mike Babcock loves to keep his defence on the proper side. McDonagh, while talented, may not be the player the Leafs need to get over the hump. Look for the Leafs to go all-in this summer in an attempt to sign free agent John Carlson.
MONTREAL, QC – JANUARY 18: Tomas Plekanec #14 of the Montreal Canadiens skates during the NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bell Centre on January 18, 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
