The latest buzz suggests that Mikko Rantanen may be on the move if the Carolina Hurricanes fail to secure an extension for him. Other notable names like Brock Nelson, Erik Karlsson, and brothers Brayden and Luke Schenn are also in the mix. Seth Jones, Ryan Lindgren, and Gustav Nyquist have already found new homes, and with the NHL trade deadline approaching this Friday, there is still plenty of action expected. The competition is fierce, with 25 out of 32 teams either in a playoff position or within striking distance. General managers like Bill Zito of the Florida Panthers are unsure of what to expect but are gearing up for potential moves. The tight races in the Eastern and Western Conferences have left some teams undecided on whether to buy or sell. The Nashville Predators have signalled their willingness to make deals by trading Nyquist to the Minnesota Wild. Forward Mikko Rantanen, one of the biggest names in trade talks, is yet to secure a contract beyond this season, making him a hot commodity for teams like Dallas, Edmonton, and Florida. Other forwards like Brock Nelson, Rickard Rakell, Scott Laughton, and Ryan Donato are also potential trade candidates. The trade market for defensemen is less active, with the recent trade of Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers setting a benchmark. Teams like the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins are evaluating their options as the deadline approaches. Overall, the upcoming week is expected to be filled with anticipation and speculation as teams make their final moves before the NHL trade deadline on Friday.
Philadelphia’s Rasmus Ristolainen is potentially the top right-handed shooter at his position with two years remaining on his contract. Similarly, three-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson has the same term left on his deal but earns about twice as much as Ristolainen. The Penguins should have a strong incentive to trade Karlsson to rejuvenate and introduce younger talent.
David Savard from Montreal, who was part of the Lightning’s 2021 Stanley Cup-winning team alongside Yanni Gourde and Luke Schenn, stands out as one of the premier rental options currently on the market.
In terms of goaltenders, involving Knight in a deal for Jones could potentially allow Florida to secure another backup for their two-time Vezina Trophy-winning goalie, Sergei Bobrovsky. However, beyond this possibility, the options for quality netminders are limited.
Among the few top-tier goalies believed to be available is John Gibson from Anaheim. Teams such as Carolina and the defending Western Conference champions, Edmonton, are among the select few with genuine championship aspirations who may be seeking to upgrade their goaltending position. Nevertheless, salary cap restrictions may ultimately prevent them from making any significant moves at this critical position.
___AP Sports Writer Tim Reynolds in Sunrise, Florida, contributed.___
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