Predicting 15 NHL Trades That Could Go Down This Offseason

Predicting 15 NHL Trades That Could Go Down This Offseason

By Nick Villano

April 25, 2015

Predicting 10 NHL Trades That Could Go Down This Offseason

NHL — Predicting what an NHL front office is going to do is nearly impossible. There is just no way to see into the future, but that doesn't mean we can't use the information we have to make an educated guess. Here are 10 trades that make sense this offseason.

Predicting what an NHL front office is going to do is nearly impossible. There is just no way to see into the future, but that doesn't mean we can't use the information we have to make an educated guess. Here are 10 trades that make sense this offseason.

15. Patrick Sharp for Keith Yandle and JT Miller

Patrick Sharp for Keith Yandle and JT Miller

15. Patrick Sharp for Keith Yandle and JT Miller

Patrick Sharp for Keith Yandle and JT Miller — The New York Rangers and the Chicago Blackhawks are both in the final four of the NHL this season. They are clearly looking to find that extra piece that wins them a Stanley Cup. This move could be mutually beneficial. JT Miller is a restricted free agent that the Blackhawks could sign for cheap. Patrick Sharp is becoming too expensive for the Hawks. Yandle is a relatively cheap. top-line defenseman who is underperforming in New York. This works.

The New York Rangers and the Chicago Blackhawks are both in the final four of the NHL this season. They are clearly looking to find that extra piece that wins them a Stanley Cup. This move could be mutually beneficial. JT Miller is a restricted free agent that the Blackhawks could sign for cheap. Patrick Sharp is becoming too expensive for the Hawks. Yandle is a relatively cheap. top-line defenseman who is underperforming in New York. This works.

14. Blake Wheeler for Justin Abdelkader, Kyle Quincy and 3rd round pick

Blake Wheeler for Justin Abdelkader, Kyle Quincy and 3rd round pick

Advertisement

14. Blake Wheeler for Justin Abdelkader, Kyle Quincy and 3rd round pick

Blake Wheeler for Justin Abdelkader, Kyle Quincy and 3rd round pick — The Detroit Red Wings need something to get their fans excited after the departure of Mike Babcock to Toronto. Blake Wheeler is a very good player that could be hard to get from the Winnipeg Jets, but a large package that includes a player who is the same age and scored equal points in Justin Abdelkader would definitely make them think hard about it.

The Detroit Red Wings need something to get their fans excited after the departure of Mike Babcock to Toronto. Blake Wheeler is a very good player that could be hard to get from the Winnipeg Jets, but a large package that includes a player who is the same age and scored equal points in Justin Abdelkader would definitely make them think hard about it.

13. Martin Jones for Sabres 2nd Round Pick

13. Martin Jones for Sabres 2nd Round Pick

13. Martin Jones for Sabres 2nd Round Pick

13. Martin Jones for Sabres 2nd Round Pick — The Buffalo Sabres currently have two second round picks. They can afford to give up the one at the top of the round. They desperately need a goalie if they are going to keep themselves away from the top of the draft again. Martin Jones has no use in LA anymore. He played 16 games last season despite being healthy. Jonathan Quick is the man for the Kings, so Jones is now expendable.

The Buffalo Sabres currently have two second round picks. They can afford to give up the one at the top of the round. They desperately need a goalie if they are going to keep themselves away from the top of the draft again. Martin Jones has no use in LA anymore. He played 16 games last season despite being healthy. Jonathan Quick is the man for the Kings, so Jones is now expendable.

12. Frans Nielsen, Scott Mayfield and 1st Round Pick for Mattias Ekholm

12. Frans Nielsen, Scott Mayfield and 1st Round Pick for Mattias Ekholm

12. Frans Nielsen, Scott Mayfield and 1st Round Pick for Mattias Ekholm

12. Frans Nielsen, Scott Mayfield and 1st Round Pick for Mattias Ekholm — The Nashville Predators have a plethora of defensemen on their team. They have Shea Weber, quite possibly the best in hockey. They also have Roman Josi, Seth Jones and they could resign Cody Franson. While Mattias Ekholm is important, he isn't necessary. The haul the Islanders would give for him would be well worth the trade.

The Nashville Predators have a plethora of defensemen on their team. They have Shea Weber, quite possibly the best in hockey. They also have Roman Josi, Seth Jones and they could resign Cody Franson. While Mattias Ekholm is important, he isn't necessary. The haul the Islanders would give for him would be well worth the trade.

11. T.J. Oshie for Troy Brouwer, Madison Bowey and 2nd Round Pick

T.J. Oshie for Troy Brouwer, Madison Bowey and 2nd Round Pick

11. T.J. Oshie for Troy Brouwer, Madison Bowey and 2nd Round Pick

T.J. Oshie for Troy Brouwer, Madison Bowey and 2nd Round Pick — The Capitals are reportedly looking for a new right winger to play with Alex Ovechkin. T.J. Oshie could be the perfect fit. He was reportedly on the market at the trade deadline. The return would need to be big, but sending a decent winger, the team's top defensive prospect and a pick should be enough to get the job done.

The Capitals are reportedly looking for a new right winger to play with Alex Ovechkin. T.J. Oshie could be the perfect fit. He was reportedly on the market at the trade deadline. The return would need to be big, but sending a decent winger, the team's top defensive prospect and a pick should be enough to get the job done.

10. R.J. Umberger for Patrik Berglund

RJ Umberger Patrik Berglund

10. R.J. Umberger for Patrik Berglund

RJ Umberger Patrik Berglund — R.J. Umberger has not worked out in his year with the Philadelphia Flyers. They traded Scott Hartnell for him last offseason in a surprise trade. Patrik Berglund could add depth to the Flyers' bottom lines. The Blues could add more to their already vaulted offense for little cost. This could end up turning Umberger's career around.

R.J. Umberger has not worked out in his year with the Philadelphia Flyers. They traded Scott Hartnell for him last offseason in a surprise trade. Patrik Berglund could add depth to the Flyers' bottom lines. The Blues could add more to their already vaulted offense for little cost. This could end up turning Umberger's career around.

9. Justin Faulk for Loui Eriksson, Reilly Smith and a 1st and 3rd round pick

Justin Faulk

9. Justin Faulk for Loui Eriksson, Reilly Smith and a 1st and 3rd round pick

Justin Faul — This one has a lot of moving parts. The Carolina Hurricanes are still in rebuilding mode, but Justin Faulk is still young enough to be a part of that rebuild. The only way he would be traded is if there is a godfather offer on the table. To be honest, the Hurricanes might still say no to Loui Eriksson, Reilly Smith and two picks. Last season, that would have been enough, but Smith is coming off a down season. This would bring the Bruins back.

This one has a lot of moving parts. The Carolina Hurricanes are still in rebuilding mode, but Justin Faulk is still young enough to be a part of that rebuild. The only way he would be traded is if there is a godfather offer on the table. To be honest, the Hurricanes might still say no to Loui Eriksson, Reilly Smith and two picks. Last season, that would have been enough, but Smith is coming off a down season. This would bring the Bruins back.

8. Andrew Hammond for Tommy Wingels

Andrew Hammond

8. Andrew Hammond for Tommy Wingels

Andrew Hammond — This wouldn't be the first time the Ottawa Senators made a major move with the Pacific Division. The Sens showed they are ready to stick with Craig Anderson after Andrew Hammond had a short leash. They should trade him while his value is at his highest. Tommy Wingels showed flashes last season, but fell off. This could be the perfect sell high, buy low move.

This wouldn't be the first time the Ottawa Senators made a major move with the Pacific Division. The Sens showed they are ready to stick with Craig Anderson after Andrew Hammond had a short leash. They should trade him while his value is at his highest. Tommy Wingels showed flashes last season, but fell off. This could be the perfect sell high, buy low move.

7. James Reimer for Dallas 3rd Round Pick

James Reimer

7. James Reimer for Dallas 3rd Round Pick

James Reimer — The Dallas Stars could use a new backup goalie with Jhonas Enroth going to free agency. James Reimer won't cost much to acquire from the Maple Leafs. A third-round pick should be enough to get them some insurance for Kari Lehtonen.

The Dallas Stars could use a new backup goalie with Jhonas Enroth going to free agency. James Reimer won't cost much to acquire from the Maple Leafs. A third-round pick should be enough to get them some insurance for Kari Lehtonen.

6. Kris Versteeg for Nicklas Grossman

Kris Versteeg

6. Kris Versteeg for Nicklas Grossman

Kris Versteeg — After trading Umberger, the Flyers are going to need some depth at forward. They have a decent amount of average defensemen. They could afford to lose one to the Blackhawks in exchange for Versteeg. While the Hawks won't like losing Versteeg, they need some more depth on defense.

After trading Umberger, the Flyers are going to need some depth at forward. They have a decent amount of average defensemen. They could afford to lose one to the Blackhawks in exchange for Versteeg. While the Hawks won't like losing Versteeg, they need some more depth on defense.

5. Ryan O'Reilly for Eric Gelinas, Dainius Zubrus and 2nd Round Pick

Ryan O'Reilly

5. Ryan O'Reilly for Eric Gelinas, Dainius Zubrus and 2nd Round Pick

Ryan O'Reilly — Ryan O'Reilly has been in trade rumors for three years now. The New Jersey Devils are in desperate need of offense. They have a plethora of defensive prospects they could give up. Eric Gelinas would be the first on their list, but the Avalanche could demand either Jon Merrill or Damon Severson in return. Zubrus would be a great veteran presence on the bottom six.

Ryan O'Reilly has been in trade rumors for three years now. The New Jersey Devils are in desperate need of offense. They have a plethora of defensive prospects they could give up. Eric Gelinas would be the first on their list, but the Avalanche could demand either Jon Merrill or Damon Severson in return. Zubrus would be a great veteran presence on the bottom six.

4. Jeff Carter for Joe Colburn

Jeff Carter

4. Jeff Carter for Joe Colburn

Jeff Carter — With dead salary for Mike Richards and whatever is going to happen to Slava Voynov's contract, the Kings are in salary cap hell. They need to make a move, and Jeff Carter may be the most obvious choice. He isn't getting any younger. Intra-division trades rarely ever happen, but this is one that would really help both teams. Carter would be extra motivated playing his former team five times a year.

With dead salary for Mike Richards and whatever is going to happen to Slava Voynov's contract, the Kings are in salary cap hell. They need to make a move, and Jeff Carter may be the most obvious choice. He isn't getting any younger. Intra-division trades rarely ever happen, but this is one that would really help both teams. Carter would be extra motivated playing his former team five times a year.

3. Joe Thornton for Nino Niederreiter and Darcy Kuemper

Joe Thornton

3. Joe Thornton for Nino Niederreiter and Darcy Kuemper

Joe Thornton — The Sharks need to do something at goalie, and they have Joe Thornton on a no-movement clause. He would accept a trade most likely to a contender like Minnesota, and the Sharks would love to get Niederreiter in the deal. Darcy Kuemper would give Alex Stalock another player to compete with for the starting job.

The Sharks need to do something at goalie, and they have Joe Thornton on a no-movement clause. He would accept a trade most likely to a contender like Minnesota, and the Sharks would love to get Niederreiter in the deal. Darcy Kuemper would give Alex Stalock another player to compete with for the starting job.

2. Chris Kunitz for Dion Phaneuf

Chris Kunitz

2. Chris Kunitz for Dion Phaneuf

Chris Kunitz — The Pittsburgh Penguins have said they are keeping the coach, GM, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin this offseason. That means they have to look elsewhere for moves. They have David Perron on the roster and a returning Pascal Dupuis to play the wing. They may need to replace both Paul Martin and Christian Erhoff. Phaneuf could do that.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have said they are keeping the coach, GM, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin this offseason. That means they have to look elsewhere for moves. They have David Perron on the roster and a returning Pascal Dupuis to play the wing. They may need to replace both Paul Martin and Christian Erhoff. Phaneuf could do that.

1. Taylor Hall and Ben Scrivens for Fredrick Andersen and a 3rd Round Pick

Taylor Hall

1. Taylor Hall and Ben Scrivens for Fredrick Andersen and a 3rd Round Pick

Taylor Hall — The Edmonton Oilers mean business with their signing of Peter Chiarelli in the front office. They will look to do anything they can to get one this offseason. The problem is there aren't many on the market this offseason. If they offer Taylor Hall up, the Anaheim Ducks may be enticed to move forward with John Gibson. Ben Scrivens would be a throw-in to give the Ducks a backup.

The Edmonton Oilers mean business with their signing of Peter Chiarelli in the front office. They will look to do anything they can to get one this offseason. The problem is there aren't many on the market this offseason. If they offer Taylor Hall up, the Anaheim Ducks may be enticed to move forward with John Gibson. Ben Scrivens would be a throw-in to give the Ducks a backup.

Nick Villano is the New Jersey Devils writer for Rant Sports. He also adds to the site’s NBA, MLB and NFL content. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your Google circle.

Share On Facebook

Share