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 Western Conference, what has been done so far, and what might be done before the deadline.
In a playoff spot:
1) Nashville Predators – 89 points
The Predators have made the majority of moves over last Summer and the results are showing. They acquired Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli in a trade with the Leafs, which helps bolster one of the leagues most complete teams.
2) Anaheim Ducks – 85 points
The Ducks biggest weakness is their goaltending. Since Jonas Hiller left the job has been passed around between John Gibson and Frederik Andersen, both have yet to prove they can play well in the post-season. The acquisition of Jiri Sekac should be interesting, but he’s also a rookie being thrust to play on a line with All-Stars Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. They also picked up Tomas Fleischmann from the Panthers.
3) St. Louis Blues – 82 points
The Blues expect to stand pat at the deadline, with very few options.
4) Chicago Blackhawks – 79 points
The loss of Patrick Kane can’t be replaced and he will be out at least 8-10 weeks, which puts Chicago in a pinch come playoff time. They did add Kimmo Timonen, who has not played all year due to a blood clot. Should he regain his form from a few years ago, he should factor in for the Blackhawks.
5) Winnipeg Jets – 74 points
For the Jets it’s about pleasing a fan base that has supported this team through a lot of hard times. They have to give them at least two home playoff games! They started by acquiring Tyler Myers and Drew Stafford, then dealing for Jiri Tlusty. I expect them try and bring in another player, possibly Tyler Bozak.
6) Vancouver Canucks – 73 points
The Canucks are in trouble as a big reason for their success is out for the next 4-6 weeks. Ryan Miller has played phenomenal in his first year in Vancouver and it will be hard press to see Eddie Lack keep them in a tight playoff race. The Canucks have zero cap space, so don’t expect much from this western Canadian team.
7) Minnesota Wild- 71 points
The Wild have been riding a hot Devin Dubnyk as of late, but we are still a month away from the playoffs and a lot can change. The Wild could be looking to shore up their blue line with a body like Jan Hejda, to give them some more depth.
8) Los Angeles Kings -70 points
The Kings made a move in getting Andrej Sekera from Carolina, due to the uncertainty of Slava Voynov's return. The Kings would like to get rid of Mike Richards and his contract but with a lot of young pieces, they won’t affect their long-term to gain from something short-term.
On the bubble:
9) Calgary Flames – 70 points
The Flames have surprised everyone with their consistent play this season. They lost captain Mark Giordano for some time.
10) San Jose Sharks – 68 points
The Sharks won’t make any big trades between now and the deadline. Should they not make the playoffs or have an early out in the post-season, expect a total roster change next year.
See you next season:
11) Dallas Stars
The Stars are built around Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, so their best option now is trading UFA’s Eric Cole, Shawn Horcoff and Rich Peverley to help for next year.
12) Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche took a step back this year and Patrick Roy has been in the hot-seat. Their only UFA is Daniel Briere, who has shown he can help in the post-season. The most you’ll get for him though is a 3rd round pick at best.
13) Arizona Coyotes
The Coyotes need to start adding draft picks. Look for Sam Gagner and Zbynek Michalek to be dealt.
14) Edmonton Oilers
Unsure of what to do, their only commodity to trade is Jeff Petry. It's unlikely that Nail Yakupov or Jordan Eberle will be be traded before the deadline.
(Standings as of Feb.28)
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