Daniel Winnik. Andrej Sekera. Jiri Tlusty.
Wednesday’s late-afternoon trade flurry sure did some damage to this column. Throw in the Sean Bergenheim deal Tuesday, and Mike Santorelli–Cody Franson trade last weekend, and many of the most talked-about names are already off the market.
But don’t fret. As the Ducks and Canadiens proved Tuesday, there will still be more players dealt before Monday at 3 p.m., and here’s a look at a 10 potential rentals and where each may be headed.
Curtis Glencross, F, Calgary Flames
Why he’ll be dealt: Glencross has asked to be traded as he’s moved down Calgary’s lineup. The 32-year-old has spent the last seven seasons in Calgary, but has a preferred list of teams to which he’d like to be traded, and they’re all winners.
The cost: I’m sure Calgary would like to accrue value — particularly as it tries to reach postseason itself — but I think the Flames would settle for a second- or third-round pick they could flip in another deal.
The landing spot: It sounds like the Washington Capitals are the odds-on favorites to land Glencross. They need a right wing to play with Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Ovechkin, and Glencross is a versatile winger who fits Barry Trotz’s style.
Antoine Vermette, F, Arizona Coyotes
Why he’ll be dealt: The Coyotes are fast approaching the McEichel sweepstakes, and Vermette is arguably the most valuable commodity on the market. He’s the Coyotes’ No. 1 center, plays a 200-foot game and can chip in in all facets.
The cost: It has reportedly, and expectedly, been high. The Coyotes reportedly want a roster player or prospect and a high pick for him.
The landing spot: The Chicago Blackhawks have a ton of prospects — plus it feels like they’re in business to stock the NHL with talent — and could use Vermette has their No. 2 or 3 center and move Andrew Shaw back to the wing. The Hawks suddenly have cap space for a rental thanks to Patrick Kane‘s injury.
Kimmo Timonen, D, Philadelphia Flyers
Why he’ll be dealt: Timonen is fresh, having missed nearly the entire season with a blood clot in his leg, and he can aid a power play in need. The Flyers have played without him all season, and although they could use his speed on their blue line, they have coughed up any prospect of a playoff run in the past week, losing in regulation to the Hurricanes and Blue Jackets and in a shootout to the Sabres.
The cost: Timonen carries significant risk, but if he plays Saturday night against the Rangers — as has been reported he may — the Flyers could probably net a third-round pick for him.
The landing spot: The Nashville Predators have the 22nd-best power play in the NHL and have a solid blue line. They could afford to take a flier — see what I did there? — on Timonen.
Erik Cole, F, Dallas Stars
Why he’ll be dealt: Cole has enjoyed a resurgent year, playing top-six minutes in Dallas mostly with Jason Spezza. The Stars are falling out of the race, and Cole could be a lower-cost option for a team in need of a winger.
The cost: Jim Nill probably wants a prospect for Cole. Though, given the fact the Stars have a whole system full of wing-prospects, he may want a young defenseman or draft pick.
The landing spot: If the Blackhawks really want to replace Patrick Kane, this would be the move. But, how about the Tampa Bay Lightning? Put Cole on either wing with Valtteri Filppula and watch those enhance the team’s scoring depth and power play.
Marek Zidlicky, D, New Jersey Devils.
Why he’ll be dealt: Zidlicky has value for a team looking to upgrade its power play, and the New Jersey Devils will likely try to rebuild and get what they can for him.
The cost: Sekera went to LA for a prospect and a first-round pick, Zidlicky should likely fetch the Devils one or the other.
The landing spot: Zidlicky played in Minnesota in parts of three seasons, and the Wild sure could use a right-shot defenseman on their first power-play unit. Zidlicky’s 12 power-play points would lead the Wild right now.
Daniel Briere, F, Colorado Avalanche
Why he’ll be dealt: Briere is a playoff performer, and the Avalanche — despite being six points out of the playoffs — are in dead last in the Central Division. Plus, Briere has missed the last six games and has been a healthy scratch lately.
The cost: A low-round pick — like a fifth or sixth.
The landing spot: Briere could go wherever Cole would wind up, or Chicago would be a splendid fit. He has roots in Montreal, but it feels like the Boston Bruins could use Briere, who plays center and wing, in David Krejci‘s absence then could move Briere back to wing when Krejci returns if the Bruins make the playoffs.
Shawn Horcoff, F, Dallas Stars
Why he’ll be dealt: He’s a big body, can play a two-way game but more importantly can play a shut-down, checking-center role. Moves like Horcoff are huge come playoff time, and Dallas appears to be falling out of the playoff race — particularly with Tyler Seguin on the shelf.
The cost: Nill may be used to fleecing teams, but he probably would only fetch a prospect or a second- or third-round pick for Horcoff.
The landing spot: The New York Rangers could use Horcoff as an alternative if the cost for Vermette gets too high. He’s not 6-foot-6 like Brian Boyle, but he’s bigger and grittier than J.T. Miller.
Jeff Petry, D, Edmonton Oilers
Why he’ll be dealt: Like Zidlicky, Petry is a offensive-minded blueliner. He can aid a power play and play second- or third-pair minutes — and likely flourish if he gets out of the fishbowl in Edmonton. His reps reportedly believe he will be traded by Monday.
The cost: A conditional second-round pick? Maybe a prospect? Petry is 27 but doesn’t have the pedigree of a Zidlicky or Timonen, so the cost will likely be less.
The landing spot: Either Nashville or Minnesota are good landing spots, but the Blackhawks stand out as a landing spot — particularly if Johnny Oduya is going to miss significant time.
Chris Stewart, F, Buffalo Sabres
Why he’ll be dealt: The Sabres are rebuilding, Stewart still feels he is a top-six forward but has not been playing those minutes this season. It’s safe to assume he’ll be out come Monday.
The cost: A third- or fourth-round pick could likely nab him, or perhaps a low-grade prospect.
The landing spot: He’s the kind of heavy player the Los Angeles Kings love, and Darryl Sutter can turn malcontents into playoff heroes, so why not take a chance on Stewart?
Jaromir Jagr, F, New Jersey Devils.
Why he’ll be dealt: The Devils are out of contention, and Jagr spent Wednesday lamenting his diminishing ice time. The 43-year-old may not be the player that even led the Devils in scoring a year ago, but he still is a top-six forward with value. Oh yeah, he also does not have a no-movement clause.
The cost: The Devils would probably want an NHL player, particularly given their recent inability to draft impact players, but if it comes to the wire, Lou Lamoriello would probably take a conditional second rounder — or certainly a first — for JJ.
The landing spot: I’ve been begging the Washington Capitals to get in on this for so many reasons, but this feels like the Montreal Canadiens’ player to lose. The Habs could part with a prospect — Christian Thomas, perhaps? — and keep Lars Eller and Dale Weise off their top-two lines. Jagr’s reps have spoken with Montreal, and it feels like this is the deal that will happen.
