If the last few years have showed us anything, is that General Managers around the NHL like to acquire players before the big deadline. Here is a preview of the Eastern Conference; what has been done so far, and what teams might done before the deadline.
In a playoff spot:
1) Montreal Canadiens – 85 points
The Canadiens sit in 1st place in the East but they have some glaring holes. GM Marc Bergevin has addressed one of the holes by adding some size, trading Jiri Sekac to Anaheim in exchange for Devante Smith-Pelley. The Habs could still use another body, but Bergevin won't force his hand to make a deal. A guy like Curtin Glencross would fit well and provide some much needed firepower.
2) New York Islanders – 84 points
The Islanders are enjoying a tremendous season and that’s in large part to the two trades that happened prior to the season. Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy (who just signed a seven year $38.5 million dollars) have solidified the backend. Upfront they could use a veteran forward to help a long playoff run. Eric Cole could help some of these young guys along.
3) New York Rangers – 82 points
For the Rangers not much needs to be changed as they carry pretty much the same roster that led them to the Stanley Cup a year ago. They are just waiting for their leader Henrik Lundqvist to return from injury and play as good as he can.
4) Tampa Bay Lightning – 82 points
The Tampa Bay Lightning are in a precarious position. While Steven Stamkos is arguably the best pure goal scorer in the game, the team relies heavily on goaltender Ben Bishop. They are right up against the cap, and the only deal they could possibly make is trading a player for another player.
5) Pittsburgh Penguins – 79 points
The Penguins are adding depth, which is crucial if they want to make a long playoff run. The defense is still suspect with Olli Matta out for the season, and Marc Andre-Fleury's recent history in the last few playoff rounds. GM Jim Rutherford has added quality pieces in forwards David Perron, Maxime Lapierre & Daniel Winnik.
6) Detroit Red Wings – 79 points
The Red Wings are always a sure bet to make the post-season under Head Coach Mike Babcock, and this year is no different. They have a lot of young pieces, so adding another veteran could increase the chances of how far they can go. What's even more exciting is that they have the salary cap to boot. Jeff Petry is an option, but they have also been linked to Patrick Sharp.
7) Washington Capitals – 76 points
The Capitals are still kicking themselves for dealing away Fillip Forsberg in exchange for Martin Erat at last year’s deadline, in what was surely a panic move. This year the Caps look like a more well rounded team under Barry Trotz. They have been linked to Curtis Glencross to help come in and add some veteran leadership.
8) Boston Bruins – 69 points
The Bruins are in trouble of not making the playoffs, which puts a lot of players and coaches on the hot-seat. GM Peter Chiarelli desperately wants Chris Stewart from Buffalo but would settle for Antoine Vermette.
On the bubble:
9) Florida Panthers – 65 points
The Panthers acquired a guy in Jaromir Jagr who has played in the NHL, longer then the team has existed in the league. They traded Sean Bergenheim to Minnesota and Tomas Fleischmann to Anaheim, but other than that, don’t expect any moves for this team that has a very bright future.
10) Philadelphia Flyers – 63 points
They recently dealt defenseman Kimmo Timonen to the Chicago Blackhawks, which signals the team is most likely going to miss the playoffs and try and retool.
11) Ottawa Senators - 62 points
Don’t look now but the Senators are on a roll behind rookie goalie Andrew Hammond. The Senators unlike many teams, have plenty of cap space. They were surprisingly linked to the Leafs and Clarkson, before he was dealt to Colombus, but another option from the Leafs could be Joffrey Lupul.
See you next season:
12) New Jersey Devils
Already dealt Jagr to the Panthers. Expect more roster cleansing.
13) Columbus Blue Jackets
Acquired David Clarkson from the Leafs in exchange for Nathan Horton.
14) Toronto Maple Leafs
In a matter of a few weeks Dave Nonis has dealt four players from his current roster: Cody Franson, Mike Santorelli, Daniel Winnik and David Clarkson. In return he picked up a 1st from Nashville, Olli Jokinen (who is expected to be dealt before the deadline), a 4th and a 2nd round pick from Pittsburgh. Now with the Clarkson deal, Nonis has just created a surplus in cap space.
15) Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina is in a rebuild and that is why a guy like Jordan Staal’s name is out there. So far, they’ve dealt Andrej Sekerea to the LA Kings for a 1st round pick and Jiri Tlusty to Winnipeg for two more picks.
16) Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres have to continue to deal guys on their team that they don’t feel are a part of the future. Gone are Tyler Myers and Drew Stafford and in are Evander Kane and Zach Bogosian. But with 3 UFA’s in Chris Stewart, Patrick Kaleta and Torrey Mitchell, GM Tim Murray should expect to get a few more picks sent his way.
(Standings as of Feb.28)
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