Rentals can pay off in a big way.
It’s not always ideal to trade a valued commodity — like the ever-so-important draft pick — for a hired gun who will likely walk after the playoffs. But if that asset is the chip that pushes a team to the Stanley Cup, it’ll be all worth it. Most every champion has been boosted by a rental player’s contribution.
Here are the 10 most alluring potential rental players who could shape Wednesday’s trade deadline.
10. Mike Cammalleri, Calgary Flames
The veteran forward was offered a deal by Brian Burke he can refuse. Expect Cammalleri to junp to a contender such as L.A. and provide some playoff scoring.
9. Chris Phillips, Ottawa Senators
Phillips is a former No. 1 overall pick, and while he’s been a fixture on the Ottawa Senators’ blue line — and is enduring a tough year — he could be dangled as an alluring stay-at-home defenceman.
8. Ales Hemsky, Edmonton Oilers
Hemsky proved in the Olympics he can still register points, but the Oilers’ pending UFA is a reliable option because he can kill penalties and would provide a strong veteran presence — perhaps on a team like the Dallas Stars?
7. Matt Moulson, Buffalo Sabres
The former New York Islanders winger has proven he can play, and play well, without John Tavares. Moulson has 26 points in 42 games in Buffalo, good for fourth-most on Buffalo’s roster, despite the fact he’s only played 80 percent of this season there. Moulson is a UFA come July 1 and could be a better buy-low forward than some of the other forwards on the market.
6. David Legwand, Nashville Predators
It might sound like sacrilege for the Predators to deal their former No. 1 overall pick. But the Preds aren’t going anywhere this season, and with most of their assets locked up through next season, it may be time to look ahead. Legwand, 33, can kill penalties — he sports a respectable 50.6 faceoff percentage — and his 40 points lead the club.
5. Brad Boyes, Florida Panthers
Why would Boyes be a sterling rental? Is it because he leads the Panthers in goals, points and shots? Is it because he’s a top-line commodity who can play with superstars? Well, partially. But the real reason Boyes is so attractive is because he’s already been traded midseason twice in his career. Couldn’t you see him fitting in perfectly on right wing on Pittsburgh’s top line? Scary thought. Plus, his shootout prowess could help pick up a couple extra standings points down the stretch.
4. Andrew MacDonald, New York Islanders
MacDonald was given the assignment of matching up against the Pittsburgh Penguins’ top line last year, and he and Travis Hamonic did a serviceable job. Since the Isles dealt their No. 1 draft pick this year in the Matt Moulson-Thomas Vanek deal, New York is looking to get a No. 1 back at this deadline. Would MacDonald fetch such a catch? Perhaps.
3. Ryan Callahan, New York Rangers
We’ve reached the brand-name portion of the program. Is Callahan the most skilled player on this list? No. Can he do things that help teams win? Most definitely. He’s never scored 30 goals, but injuries and inconsistency have made people forget that he is a three-time 20-goal scorer. Since the Rangers seem poised to off their captain, he might be obtained for a low haul. Plus, Callahan gives an honest effort every night, killing penalties and sacrificing his body for the good of the team.
2. Jaromir Jagr, New Jersey Devils
The Devils don’t sound like a club interested in selling, but if they are, Jagr is among their most enticing trade chips. Jagr was a rental for the Boston Bruins last year and helped them reach the Stanley Cup final. Plus, he’s having an amazing season, leading New Jersey in points with 50, playing in all 60 games.
1. Thomas Vanek, New York Islanders
The most valuable rental to have moved already, Ryan Miller, should be followed by a former teammate. Vanek is the league’s premier rental winger, a two-time 40-goal scorer who has 40 points in 45 games with the Islanders this season. It may have been a mistake for the Isles to trade Moulson and draft picks for him, but Vanek has enhanced his trade stock and pending free-agent salary by playing well for the Isles. The only way Vanek can further enhance his value is by going to a team in need of a top-four winger and pushing that team to the Promised Land. Don’t be stunned if he does that.
