The Top 5 available players for the 2018 NHL trade deadline
- Evander Kane. The price tag on Kane is high, and the Buffalo Sabres hold all the cards – for now. If a team is willing to cough up a first-round pick, a roster player, a top prospect and an additional asset, they can get their hands on Kane pretty easily. Teams interested in Kane are the St. Louis Blues, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, New York Islanders, Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins.
- Mike Green. The Detroit Red Wings are starting to take calls on Mike Green, who will be an unrestricted free agent July 1. He’s a rental acquisition for contenders in need of a right-shooting veteran on the blueline. He won’t come cheap, but he’s the top rental D out there. Teams interested in Mike Green are the Columbus Blue Jackets, LA Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins.
- Thomas Vanek. The Vancouver Canucks may try to hold on to Vanek and sign him to an extension, but many believe they’ll trade him prior to the 2018 NHL trade deadline. His low cap hit also ups his value, which is for Vancouver’s benefit. Teams interested in Vanek are the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks, St. Louis Blues, New Jersey Devils, Chicago Blackhawks.
- Erik Gudbranson. All signs point to the Vancouver Canucks trading Gudbranson by the 2018 NHL trade deadline. He’s a UFA at season’s end and doesn’t look to be in Vancouver’s future plans, especially after they tried to trade him before the season started. Teams interested in Gudbranson are the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals.
- Mike Hoffman. Hoffman continues to generate plenty of interest and the Ottawa Senators could gain from moving him, as the return would be fruitful and Ottawa is already focusing on refurbishing its roster for next season. Teams interested in Hoffman are the St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks.
Source: The Fourth Period
