Top 10 players sure to be traded at the NHL Trade Deadline
Anthony Scultore
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The NHL Trade Deadline is officially just two weeks away and there’s been plenty of rumors to go round.
Expectations from various sources indicates this is going to be a very busy trading season. It’s also possible that some of the biggest moved are likely to happen before the March 21st deadline.
Let’s dive into the 10 biggest names on the move.
NHL Trade Deadline Top 10
Here’s the top 10 with Flyers captain Claude Giroux leading the pack.
| Rank | Player (Team) | POS | AGE | STATUS/AAV | LINKED TO: |
| 1 | Claude Giroux (PHI) | C | 34 | UFA/$8.275M | FLA, COL, STL |
| 2 | Ben Chiarot (MTL) | D | 30 | UFA/$3.5M | STL, NYR, FLA |
| 3 | Phil Kessel (ARI) | RW | 34 | UFA/$6.8M | PIT, BOS, NYR |
| 4 | Mark Giordano (SEA) | D | 38 | UFA/$6.75M | CGY, FLA, NYR |
| 5 | John Klingberg (DAL) | D | 29 | UFA/$4.25M | CAR, TOR, FLA |
| 6 | Max Domi (CBJ) | F | 26 | UFA/$5.3M | NYR, TOR, BOS |
| 7 | Jakob Chychrun (ARI) | D | 23 | 3 YEARS/$4.6M | ANA, LAK, NYI |
| 8 | Rickard Rakell (ANA) | RW | 28 | UFA/$3.8M | NYR, TOR, COL |
| 9 | Jake DeBrusk (BOS) | LW | 25 | RFA/$3.675M | SEA, EDM, NYR |
| 10 | Justin Braun (PHI) | D | 35 | UFA/$1.8M | CGY, BOS, FLA |
Breaking down the Top 10
Claude Giroux: Center, 34, pending UFA, 52 GP – 17G, 23A, 40 Points
The Ask: Young player, prospect, and a first round pick
Rumor Analysis: Giroux is waiting to play his 1000th game as a member of the Flyers before agreeing to be traded. That’s scheduled to take place on March 17. He is going to land with the Panthers or Avalanche.
Ben Chiarot: Defenseman, 30, pending UFA, 51 GP – 7G, 9A, 16 Points
The Ask: First round pick and a prospect or additional pick
Rumor Analysis: Montreal is rebuilding and is looking for a first round pick. The Blues, and Rangers appear to be the top two teams in on him.
Phil Kessel: 34, pending UFA, 55 GP – 6G, 28A, 34 Points
The Ask: Second round pick
Rumor Analysis: Teams have made offers to Arizona but want them to retain 50% salary for a third round pick. Look at the Penguins or Bruins here.
Mark Giordano, 38, pending UFA, 51 GP – 6G, 17A, 23 Points
The Ask: First round pick
Rumor Analysis: Kraken GM is looking to stockpile first round picks and that’s what he’ll ask for Giordano. Will he get it is another questions. Look at the Flames as the likely landing spot with the Panthers and Rangers as other possibilities.
John Klingberg: 29, pending UFA, 47 GP – 1G, 25A, 26 Points
The Ask: First round pick plus
Rumor Analysis: The Dallas Stars will not be able to meet Klingberg’s contract demands for a new 8-year deal. The Carolina Hurricanes have been closely linked to him for the longest time, but the Maple Leafs are believed to be heavily going after the defenseman to replace injured Jake Muzzin.
Max Domi, 27, pending UFA, 46 GP – 9G, 17A, 26 Points
The Ask: A top prospect or draft pick
Rumor Analysis: Domi is one of the relatively newer names to hit the list. It’s believed that both sides may be looking to go a different route. The Rangers are looking for some third line help and may look at acquiring him. Keep an eye on the Bruins though.
Jakob Chychrun: 23, 3 years remaining, 45 GP – 5G, 14A, 19 Points
The Ask: Young player, top prospect, first round pick
Rumor Analysis: At first, no one thought this was serious but it is. The Kings make the most sense, but keep an eye on the Islanders to make a deal.
Rickard Rakell: 28, pending UFA, 47 GP – 15G, 12A, 27 Points
The Ask: A top prospect or high draft pick
Rumor Analysis: The Rangers are rumored to have readjusted their sights from J.T Miller to the more affordable Rakell. As usual, and just like the Rangers, the Maple Leafs have been connected to most available rentals.
Jake DeBrusk: 25, pending RFA, 51 GP – 15G, 10A, 25 Points
The Ask: A young defenseman
Rumor Analysis: Several teams are believed to be in on DeBrusk, who asked for a trade. Boston has allowed them to discuss extensions with other teams to facilitate a deal. Seattle and Edmonton have been most often linked.
Justin Braun: 35, pending UFA, 55 GP – 4G, 10A, 14 Points
The Ask: A second round pick
Rumor Analysis: Plenty of teams will be looking at Braun if they miss out on the other defensemen mentioned. Calgary, Florida, and Boston are keeping an eye on him. The big question is can the Flyers get a second round pick?
