Predators forward Steven Stamkos drew plenty of interest at the trade deadline, plus the latest Rangers speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
TEAMS CALLED ABOUT STEVEN STAMKOS AT THE TRADE DEADLINE
THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reported Tuesday that Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz indicated he received “a lot of calls” about Steven Stamkos before last week’s trade deadline.
Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)
Trotz cited Stamkos’ performance as the reason why the 36-year-old forward garnered plenty of interest in the trade market. “He’s hot, and he’s got to stay hot because we’re in a playoff race,” Trotz said.
Stamkos had a slow start to this season, but he picked up his production in December. As of March 13, he leads the Predators with 31 goals, sitting 17th in the league.
Trotz said he turned down some “really good offers” for Stamkos. However, the veteran forward has a full no-movement clause in his contract, and told reporters before the trade deadline that he didn’t intend to waive it.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos publicly stated twice that he wouldn’t waive his NMC, but that didn’t stop teams from making inquiries. He could become the subject of offseason trade rumors, especially if Trotz’s successor decides to take a more aggressive approach to retooling their roster.
THE LATEST RANGERS SPECULATION
THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano believes that securing a substantial trade package for Vincent Trocheck will remain a priority for the New York Rangers. They attempted to move the 32-year-old center before the trade deadline, but couldn’t find any suitable offers.
Mercogliano cited sources from around the league claiming GM Chris Drury sought a forward with top-six potential as the centerpiece of the deal. Draft picks will also likely be part of a Trocheck trade, but the bigger concern is adding players who can have a more immediate impact on the roster.
Drury was reportedly negotiating with playoff teams like the Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, and Boston Bruins. However, they were reluctant to part with any active roster players of consequence. That could be less of a barrier in the offseason.
Trocheck carries a 12-team no-trade list for this season. On July 1, it drops to 10 teams.
Mercogliano also considers defenseman Braden Schneider as a player to watch this summer. Trade discussions took place before last Friday’s deadline and could continue in the offseason.
The Rangers will continue to explore the trade value of winger Alexis Lafreniere, but they’re hesitant to sell low on the 2020 first-overall pick. He’s struggled over the past couple of seasons, but his performance has improved lately.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless one of the Rangers’ bigger stars asks to be moved, Trocheck remains their best trade chip. Some observers believe they missed a golden opportunity to move him at the trade deadline while his value is high. However, a solid performance over the remainder of this season should ensure that he remains a valuable trade commodity.
Schneider seems more likely to move this summer than Lafreniere. The latter’s improved performance in recent weeks suggests the 24-year-old winger is worth retaining as part of their rebuild.