A look at some proposed destinations for this season’s notable trade candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston and James Mirtle recently predicted where some of the top trade targets could go by the March 6 deadline.
Johnston suggested the Los Angeles Kings for St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas, while Mirtle suggested the Carolina Hurricanes.
St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both pundits agreed that it would take a significant haul to acquire Thomas. The Blues have reportedly set a high asking price for the 26-year-old center, and it could take until the off-season for a suitable deal to emerge. Thomas’ full no-trade clause complicates things.
The Montreal Canadiens were Johnston’s suggested destination for Calgary Flames centre Nazem Kadri. Mirtle suggested the Minnesota Wild.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri is a better addition for the Wild, who are in “win-now” mode. The Canadiens have improved, but they’re not yet a Stanley Cup contender. The three years remaining on the 35-year-old Kadri’s contract don’t make him a good fit with this young team.
Johnston thinks the Carolina Hurricanes would be a good destination for New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton. Mirtle proposed the Toronto Maple Leafs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes’ last two major moves were for scoring forwards Jake Guentzel and Mikko Rantanen. They could prefer going the same route this year. The Maple Leafs are sellers, not buyers, and it’s unlikely they can scratch together the type of return the Devils would want.
New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck could also be a fit for the Wild, while Mirtle proposed the Canadiens.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 32-year-old Trocheck carries a $5.625 million average annual value through 2028-29, making him a younger, more affordable option for the Wild or Canadiens than the 35-year-old Kadri with his $7 million AAV. However, he might not be keen to go to Montreal, and the Wild would be a better option if he wants to play for a contender.
Johnston believes the Ottawa Senators would be a good destination for Wild rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt. Mirtle countered with the St. Louis Blues.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild could seek a first-line center for Wallstedt. A swap for Robert Thomas could work, but the Blues would likely want a couple of other pieces in the deal. The Senators wouldn’t have what the Wild are seeking.