NHL Trade Rumors Roundup 2/17/20
The activity picked up yesterday as the NJ Devils made two trades and both were within the Conference and one in their own division. This is the week where trade chatter picks up and at any moment deals can be struck. Let’s dive into the rumor mill and see what’s the latest as we are officially one week from the deadline.
Coyotes will be buyers
The great website for trade rumors Spector’s Hockey writes that they believe the Arizona Coyotes will be buyers at the deadline. One player that could be on the move is Michael Grabner.
In a recent mailbag segment, Craig Morgan (ATHLETIC) was asked if the Arizona Coyotes might add some muscle at their defense and forward positions before the trade deadline. He felt that adding a “thumper with mobility for the third pair and a net-front guy for the power play would be nice additions.” Asked which players the Coyotes could move, Morgan cited Michael Grabner as a trade candidate. The winger hasn’t played much and is signed through 2020-21 with an affordable $3.35-million AAV. Vinnie Hinostroza could be another.
Spector’s Hockey
Kreider and Torts Reunion?
Larry Brooks yesterday wrote about a possible trade that would see Chris Kreider reunite with John Tortorella for Josh Anderson.
One of the scouts in the building Sunday was Rick Nash, who is special assistant to Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen. The Jackets could sure use Kreider on the left side of the first line. They could use him on the power play. They could use a reunion between Kreider and his first pro coach, John Tortorella. Let’s just say there’d be no adjustment period. And Columbus has more to offer than just the typical pick-and-prospect package. Indeed, the Jackets have Josh Anderson, the 25-year-old power winger who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since Dec. 14 and who is a pending RFA a year away from unrestricted free agency.
NY POST
While Josh Anderson is intriguing he really isn’t that impressive considering he’s never scored more than 47 points in a season. Plus he’s a right wing and the Rangers already have Kaapo Kakko, Pavel Buchnevich, Jesper Fast on that side with Vitali Kravtsov coming up. And has Brooks forgotten that Kreider and Torts had a tumultuous relationship and Kreider has a no trade clause. I just don’t see it.
Sellers Market?
Avs and Bruins were in on Coleman
Apparently before the Lightning acquired Coleman, both the Avalanche and Bruins were in on him. Those same teams are noted as top contenders for Chris Kreider also. Does that mean Kreider’s price is too high, or is he off the table? What about Tyler Toffoli who just notched a hat trick? Like I said before, an interesting week ahead.
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