With the March 1 NHL trade deadline quickly approaching, a number of teams are trying to lock down some moves before it’s too late.
The latest edition of Hockey Night in Canada’s Headlines segment was focused on possible moves in the coming days. Here’s what we learned.
Leafs looking at Red Wings’ Sheahan, Smith
It seems the Toronto Maple Leafs are eyeing some moves. According to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, the Leafs are taking a closer look at a few Detroit Red Wings.
“Riley Sheahan has drawn some interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Kypreos said.
The Red Wings are last in the Eastern Conference with a record of 24-26-10—meaning their 25-season playoff streak is about to come to an end.
“The thought is that Sheahan is having a miserable year,” Kypreos added, noting that the 25-year-old centreman has no goals and sits at minus-19 through 58 games.
While some may speculate that the Leafs could look for a discount given Shanahan and Babcock’s connection to Detroit, Kypreos shot down that idea.
“The feeling is, regardless of being goalless, that could cost you as much as a first-rounder if the Leafs want him,”Kypreos said.
There’s some rumoured interest in another Red Wing, too: defenceman Brendan Smith, who’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer. But the Red Wings are apparently hoping to hang on to the 28-year-old.
“I understand Detroit is trying to sign him, that there’ve been talks, that they’re hoping to make some movement,” said Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. “So I’m not sure at this point he’s gonna get dealt. He may be re-signed.”
Canucks look to be sellers at the deadline
While one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Vancouver Canucks this week has been the outbreak of mumps on the team—with at least one player, Troy Stecher, having received an official diagnosis—the real story now is just who the Canucks will be dealing away before the deadline.
Friedman noted that a pair of players submitted their lists of teams they would agree to be traded to this week: Jannik Hansen and Ryan Miller. Another player potentially on the move is Alexandre Burrows.
“I think there’s a few teams out there who are interested in Burrows,” Friedman said, adding that Burrows could be more selective about which teams he’d be willing to join.
Kings looking at Miller, Bishop
The Los Angeles Kings are apparently interested in bringing in a goaltender to back up Jonathan Quick, who returned to game action on Saturday. While Peter Budaj filled in capably in Quick’s absence, the team wants some reassurance in the form of a proven veteran.
“Two names that I’m hearing are Ryan Miller of the Vancouver Canucks and Ben Bishop,” Kypreos said, adding that “this would strictly be a rental situation.”
Meanwhile, the Kings are also rumoured to be looking at moving Marian Gaborik, who was a healthy scratch on Saturday versus the Ducks.
“He’s got four years left on his contract, so it’s not gonna be easy to do,” Friedman said. “But I do think the Kings are trying to see if they can get him sent somewhere else.”
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Colorado not budging on asking price
With the Colorado Avalanche’s Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog still being available to trade, some may think the team could be willing to lower their asking price.
But according to Friedman, the team is sending a message that they won’t be accepting low bids.
“They’re telling everyone they’re not changing what they want,” Friedman said. “Three or four pieces, depending on the age. A young defenceman or a goaltender. And they have told everybody, if they don’t get what they want, they’ll take it to the end of the season.”
Blues still looking to move Shattenkirk
While many people were surprised that Kevin Shattenkirk reportedly turned down a lucrative deal from the Tampa Bay Lightning, the St. Louis Blues are still apparently trying to deal the defenceman.
As Kypreos noted, many teams are now taking note that Shattenkirk’s main motivator may not be money.
“This guy is truly trying to pick his spot on where to play next season,” he said.
