We’re now a day out from the NHL trade deadline and with trades for Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel — two-thirds of the big pieces Ottawa was looking to deal — the Columbus Blue Jackets have signalled they are all in. This, likely, takes Artemi Panarin off the trade market.
The Dallas Stars have also bought their need for secondary scoring, pickup up Mats Zuccarello from the NY Rangers for conditional second- and third-round picks that could both become firsts if they win two playoff rounds and re-sign the pending UFA. That means those first-rounders won’t be in play anywhere else, which could mean the Stars are done.
But there are still a number of players available and big contenders who have yet to make a move.
We’d be shocked if we got past Feb. 25 withouth anything from Winnipeg, Nashville, San Jose or Vegas. The Pittsburgh Penguins lost their top defence pair Sunday night, and that could push them into the market again. And as always, Toronto is still seeking a right shot defenceman.
How will the rest of the trade season play out? Check in here for the latest rumours and buzz around the NHL.
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