Central Division Trade Targets: Top player to trade for from each team
Anthony Scultore
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The NHL trade deadline is less than two months away. Let’s take a look at one potential trade target from each team in the Central Division. They will range from names churning in the rumor mill to some intriguing possibilities as well.
Related: North Division Trade Targets and East Division Trade Targets
Central Division NHL Trade Targets
Carolina Hurricanes – Dougie Hamilton (D, UFA at $5.75M): The 27 year-old has one goal and 111 points in 17 games. With Carolina being a contender, it’s hard to see them move him. However, his status as a pending UFA will have at least a few teams knocking.
Chicago Blackhawks – Jonathan Toews (C, 2 years left at $10.5M): The Blackhawks captain is on LTIR with an undisclosed illness. First and foremost, let’s wish him well. Should Toews get back into action this season, the rebuilding Hawks will likely get a few inquiries about the 32 year-old center who could take a few teams over the top.
Columbus Blue Jackets – David Savard (D, UFA at $4.25M): David Savard is not someone John Tortorella would like to part with, but Columbus can’t afford to let any asset walk at free agency for nothing. They will get inquiries on the 30 year-old rearguard.
Dallas Stars – Andrew Cogliano (C/W, UFA at $3.25M): The Stars have a lot of players hitting free agency this summer. However, Cogliano is the type of depth forward playoff teams look for. He’s got 4 points on the year.
Detroit Red Wings – Marc Staal (D, UFA at $5.7M): The Rangers shockingly traded him this past offseason and it’s very likely Detroit moves him at the deadline. The 34 year-old defenseman is playing well and providing leadership for a young and struggling Wings team. He will be a hot commodity at the deadline.
Florida Panthers – Alex Wennberg (C, UFA at $2.25M): At 26 years-old he is just hitting his stride in the NHL. Wennberg has 5 goals and 9 points on this season and teams may ask if Florida is willing to move him. Expect the Panthers to be buyers at the deadline, but I could see them consider moving Wennberg.
Nashville Predators – Mikael Granlund (C/W, UFA at $3.75M): The Predators are saying they have three untouchables and everyone else is up for grabs. Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis are staying put as is Pekka Rinne. While people will ask about Filip Forsberg, Mikael Grandlund is the realistic rental piece here.
Tampa Bay Lightning – Alex Killorn (LW, 2 years left at $4.5M): Tampa is going to need to clear cap space at some point. They would also like to add a piece for another Cup run. I think since Killorn’s name was out there, teams looking to get over the top and into the postseason may ask about the rugged forward.
Note: Up next West trade targets!