Every NHL Team's Biggest Need Ahead of the Christmas Trade Freeze
The NHL's Christmas trade freeze goes into effect from midnight on Dec. 19 to midnight on Dec. 27. That leaves limited time for general managers shopping around for deals to address their roster issues. Compounding the difficulty is a trade market currently lacking depth in available talent.
Each team has specific needs to be addressed. Several clubs seek scoring depth, some want defensive help and others require a goaltending upgrade. Some could pursue a player to boost a sagging power play, while another could require a penalty-killing specialist.
The following slideshow examines the biggest need of each NHL team leading up to the Christmas trade freeze, why that need must be addressed and the possible trade targets.
Anaheim Ducks
1 of 30
Biggest need: A top-four defenseman with a right-handed shot.
Why it must be addressed: The Anaheim Ducks currently have three veteran defensemen (Sheldon Souray, Francois Beauchemin and Eric Brewer) on injured reserve. They only have two right-handed blueliners in Sami Vatanen and Ben Lovejoy. Left unaddressed, this could become a problem.
Possible trade targets: The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reports the Ducks are among the teams interested in Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers. Washington Capitals blueliner Mike Green and Philadelphia Flyers rearguard Luke Schenn could also be options.
Arizona Coyotes
2 of 30
Biggest need: A scoring forward.
Why it must be addressed: The Arizona Coyotes are among this season's lowest-scoring teams. As of Dec. 16, none of their leading scorers had reached the 10-goal mark. If they want to keep their fading playoff hopes alive, they must bolster their offense soon.
Possible trade targets: The Philadelphia Daily News' Frank Seravalli speculates the Coyotes could be among the teams willing to deal with the struggling Flyers. They could target forwards like Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn or Wayne Simmonds.
The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch claims there's talk the Coyotes could cut some salary. If they offer up defenseman Keith Yandle, the Flyers might listen.
Boston Bruins
3 of 30
Biggest need: A top-line right wing.
Why it must be addressed: As of Dec. 16, the Boston Bruins were 22nd in goals per game this season. Because of their woeful production, the Bruins have tumbled in the Eastern Conference standings. Injuries and a lack of depth at right wing are contributing to their decline.
Possible trade targets: Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports the Bruins have had interest in Buffalo Sabres right wing Chris Stewart for some time. With five points in 31 games, however, Stewart doesn't seem like a palatable option.
The Boston Globe's Jeff Pini reports Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli was recently scouting a St. Louis Blues-Chicago Blackhawks game. One option could be Blues forward Patrik Berglund.
.png?w=256 "NHL Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=256 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
.png?w=256)
Buffalo Sabres
4 of 30
Biggest need: Scoring depth.
Why it must be addressed: While the rebuilding Buffalo Sabres need help throughout their roster, offense is their biggest issue. They are last in goals per game, power-play percentage and shots per game this season.
Possible trade targets: Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports the Calgary Flames “kicked the tires” on Buffalo Sabres winger Chris Stewart. The Flames have depth at center but are currently under a self-imposed holiday trade freeze.
The Detroit Red Wings could be interested in Sabres blueliner Tyler Myers, and they have depth in young forwards to tempt Sabres management. The Hockey News' Ken Campbell reports the asking price for Myers is prospect Dylan Larkin, a young roster player like Riley Sheahan or Tomas Jurco and a first-round pick.
Calgary Flames
5 of 30
Biggest need: A scoring right winger.
Why it must be addressed: Despite the recent return of Mason Raymond, the Calgary Sun's Randy Sportak believes the Calgary Flames' depth at right wing could be their biggest need. Sportnet's Damien Cox reports they have around $19 million in cap space and are willing to spend up to the cap ceiling for the right deal.
Possible trade targets: The Flames are currently under a self-imposed holiday trade freeze. The earliest they can address this is after Dec. 27.
Cox speculates teams like the Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes could shed salary later this season. If so, there will be tempting targets for the Flames. His colleague Elliotte Friedman reports the Flames had some interest in Buffalo Sabres right wing Chris Stewart.
Carolina Hurricanes
6 of 30
Biggest need: A scoring forward.
Why it must be addressed: The Carolina Hurricanes are fading fast in the Eastern Conference. They're among the league's lowest-scoring teams. They need additional scoring punch if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Possible trade targets: The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch claims GM Ron Francis is trying to trade a couple of defensemen. Perhaps they could be bait for a scoring forward.
Garrioch also reports the Edmonton Oilers are dangling winger David Perron in hopes of landing a center. They also need defensive depth and might listen if Francis offers up a decent defenseman.
Chicago Blackhawks
7 of 30
Biggest need: Free up cap space for next season without hurting their roster depth this season.
Why it must be addressed: The Chicago Blackhawks have nearly $65 million invested in 14 players for next season. Even if the salary cap for next season increases by its projected $73 million, the Blackhawks simply won't have enough cap space to re-sign or replace their free agents.
Possible trade targets: The Blackhawks recently dealt little-used winger Jeremy Morin ($800,000 annual cap hit) to Columbus for defenseman Tim Erixon, who's earning $600,000 this season and is a restricted free agent in July. Major salary-shedding trades will likely occur next summer, but management could keep an eye open for further deals akin to the Morin-for-Erixon swap.
Colorado Avalanche
8 of 30
Biggest need: Blue-line depth.
Why it must be addressed: The Colorado Avalanche have given up the third-most shots against per game this season. It's the main reason they're currently near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. They must improve their defense if they're to rally back into playoff contention.
Possible trade targets: The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch claims the Carolina Hurricanes want to move a couple of defensemen. One of them could be Tim Gleason, a shutdown defenseman who's also an unrestricted free agent next summer. Other pending free-agent options include Washington's Mike Green or Edmonton's Jeff Petry.
Columbus Blue Jackets
9 of 30
Biggest need: Depth at left wing.
Why it must be addressed: Injuries have walloped the Columbus Blue Jackets this season. They recently took another hit when left wing Scott Hartnell suffered a broken finger. They currently lack experienced depth at that position.
Possible trade targets: TSN's Aaron Ward reported on Nov. 26 the Blue Jackets could be a trade destination for Edmonton Oilers left wing David Perron. They sought center Artem Anisimov, who is now sidelined with a torn triceps.
The Florida Panthers could be a trade partner. Sportsnet's Mike Johnston reported on Nov. 29 colleague Elliotte Friedman claimed the Panthers could try to trade some veteran forwards, including left wingers Sean Bergenheim and Tomas Kopecky.
Dallas Stars
10 of 30
Biggest need: An experienced backup goaltender.
Why it must be addressed: Current Dallas Stars backups Anders Lindback and Jussi Rynnas simply aren't good enough. The Stars risk burning out starter Kari Lehtonen, putting at risk their hopes of jumping back into playoff contention this season.
Possible trade targets: ESPN.com's Craig Custance (subscription required) suggests Brian Elliott of the St. Louis Blues or James Reimer of the Toronto Maple Leafs as trade options.
Other options include Peter Budaj of the Winnipeg Jets or Jacob Markstrom of the Vancouver Canucks. Both are currently buried in the minors and could be affordable acquisitions.
Detroit Red Wings
11 of 30
Biggest need: A top-four defenseman with a right-handed shot.
Why it must be addressed: The Detroit Red Wings carry too many defensemen who shoot left-handed. MLive.com's Ansar Khan doubted the Wings would make a move before the holiday trade freeze, but that was before their recent four-game losing skid.
Possible trade targets: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers could be available, but Khan claims the Wings won't pay the asking price of a top prospect, a good young roster player and/or a first-round pick.
He speculates they could focus instead on other options, such as Washington's Mike Green, near the March trade deadline. Still, if a good offer comes up before the holiday freeze, general manager Ken Holland could pursue it.
Edmonton Oilers
12 of 30
Biggest need: A proven starting goaltender.
Why it must be addressed: The Edmonton Oilers need help throughout the lineup, but goaltending is their biggest issue. Ben Scrivens and Viktor Fasth have failed to blossom into starting goalies. Only the Dallas Stars have a worst goals-against average than the Oilers.
Possible trade targets: TSN's Darren Dreger suggests the Oilers pursue Toronto Maple Leafs backup James Reimer. ESPN.com's Craig Custance (subscription required) speculates San Jose Sharks starter Antti Niemi could be available.
Florida Panthers
13 of 30
Biggest need: Scoring depth.
Why it must be addressed: The Florida Panthers have the fourth-lowest goals-per-game average. As of Dec. 16, center Nick Bjugstad was the only player to reach double digits in goals. This must improve if they hope to remain in the playoff chase in the Eastern Conference.
Possible trade targets: On Nov. 23, TSN's Darren Dreger reported the Edmonton Oilers were willing to trade winger David Perron for a center. The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reports Arizona Coyotes forward Mikkel Boedker might be available if the club decides to shed salary.
Los Angeles Kings
14 of 30
Biggest need: Free up salary-cap space for next season.
Why it must be addressed: The Los Angeles Kings have over $60.1 million invested in just 14 players next season. If the salary cap rises as projected to $73 million, they won't have enough room to re-sign key free agents Tyler Toffoli, Tanner Pearson, Justin Williams, Jarret Stoll and Martin Jones.
Possible trade targets: The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reports of speculation the Kings could attempt to trade Mike Richards and his $5.75 million annual cap hit. The Edmonton Oilers need depth at center and have depth in affordable young assets, which could interest Kings management.
Minnesota Wild
15 of 30
Biggest need: A proven NHL starting goaltender.
Why it must be addressed: The Minnesota Wild's current goalie tandem of Darcy Kuemper and Niklas Backstrom is inconsistent. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune's Michael Russo reports Josh Harding (dehydration related to multiple sclerosis) is currently day-to-day with the AHL's Iowa Wild. They need better goaltending to challenge the elite clubs in the Western Conference.
Possible trade targets: San Jose's Antti Niemi or Ottawa's Craig Anderson could be worthwhile options. Backstrom's $3.416 million annual cap hit and modified no-trade clause makes things difficult. If they attempt to demote Kuemper, he must first clear waivers. It could take until later in the season to address this situation.
Montreal Canadiens
16 of 30
Biggest need: A first-line center.
Why it must be addressed: The Montreal Canadiens have long lacked a true top-line center. Alex Galchenyuk has yet to prove he can handle that role full time. Tomas Plekanec is best suited on the second line. David Desharnais lacks the size to match up against opposing first-line centers.
Possible trade targets: Options are limited for first-line centers. Arizona Coyotes center Antoine Vermette is a free agent next summer and could be available via trade if the Coyotes fail to re-sign him.
The South Jersey Courier-Post's Dave Isaac reports the Philadelphia Flyers are still trying to trade Vincent Lecavalier. His contract and declining skills, however, make him a less-palatable option.
Nashville Predators
17 of 30
Biggest need: Second-line scoring depth.
Why it must be addressed: The Nashville Predators' scoring depth drops off considerably beyond first-line forwards Filip Forsberg, Mike Ribeiro and James Neal. ESPN.com's Craig Custance (subscription required) reports they could be willing to move veterans Olli Jokinen and Matt Cullen to make room for some young players.
Possible trade targets: Edmonton Oilers left wing David Perron could be an option. On Nov. 23, TSN's Darren Dreger reported the Edmonton Oilers could shop Perron for a center. Buffalo Sabres right wing Chris Stewart and Florida Panthers winger Tomas Fleischmann could be available.
They could give the Arizona Coyotes a call. The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reports several Arizona Coyotes players, including winger Mikkel Boedker, could be available if they decide to cut payroll.
New Jersey Devils
18 of 30
Biggest need: Scoring depth.
Why it must be addressed: As of Dec. 16, the New Jersey Devils were 25th in goals per game and sliding down the Eastern Conference standings. They must boost their scoring to arrest this skid or kiss their playoff hopes goodbye.
Possible trade targets: They could inquire about Buffalo Sabres wingers Chris Stewart and Drew Stafford, who are both free agents next summer. Edmonton Oilers left wing David Perron could be available.
Sun-Sentinel.com's Harvey Fialkov reports the Florida Panthers could be willing to move winger Tomas Fleischmann to make room for younger players.
New York Islanders
19 of 30
Biggest need: A better backup goaltender.
Why it must be addressed: As of Dec. 16, the New York Islanders were 24th in goals against per game this season. They are relying heavily on starter Jaroslav Halak. Backup Chad Johnson has a record of 5-4-0 with a goals-against average of 3.59 and a save percentage of .868. That's not good enough if Halak struggles or falls to injury.
Possible trade targets: Toronto Maple Leafs backup James Reimer would be a good option, but the Leafs could hang onto him as insurance. More affordable options could be Chicago's Antti Raanta, Winnipeg's Peter Budaj or Vancouver's Jacob Markstrom.
New York Rangers
20 of 30
Biggest need: A top-six scoring winger.
Why it must be addressed: Left wing Chris Kreider and right wing Mats Zuccarello are on pace for between 40-45 points each. That's not the kind of production the New York Rangers need if they hope to stage another run to the Stanley Cup Final.
Possible trade targets: Former Edmonton Oilers general manager and current Rangers GM Glen Sather could put in a call to his old team to determine the asking price for Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle or David Perron. He could also inquire about Buffalo's Drew Stafford or Arizona's Mikkel Boedker.
Ottawa Senators
21 of 30
Biggest need: A top-six scoring winger.
Why it must be addressed: As of Dec. 16, no one on the Ottawa Senators roster had double digits in goals. They're giving up more goals than they're scoring, which isn't a recipe for playoff contention.
Possible trade targets: The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reports they're willing to trade defenseman Patrick Wiercioch and forwards Colin Greening and Erik Condra. Garrioch also reports the Senators are among several teams interested in Buffalo Sabres right wing Chris Stewart.
Another option could include Florida Panthers winger Tomas Fleischmann. If they wish to get creative, they could try offering one of their goalies in a package deal to Edmonton for Jordan Eberle.
Philadelphia Flyers
22 of 30
Biggest need: Defensive depth, preferably a top-two blueliner.
Why it must be addressed: The Philadelphia Flyers are among this season's worst defensive teams. Not only do they lack blue-line depth, but they haven't had a true top-two defenseman since Chris Pronger was sidelined by injury three years ago.
Possible trade targets: TSN's Bob McKenzie reports Arizona Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle could be available this season. Other options could include Buffalo Sabres rearguard Tyler Myers and Washington Capitals blueliner Mike Green.
The asking price for those defensemen won't be cheap. It could cost the Flyers a good young forward like Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn or Wayne Simmonds.
Pittsburgh Penguins
23 of 30
Biggest need: A scoring winger.
Why it must be addressed: Pittsburgh Penguins winger Pascal Dupuis is sidelined by a blood clot in one of his lungs. Winger Chris Kunitz is out with a fractured foot. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Joe Starkey reports general manager Jim Rutherford sought a scoring winger for some time to bring more balance to his scoring lines.
Possible trade targets: The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch claims the Penguins were among several teams interested in Buffalo Sabres right wing Chris Stewart. ESPN.com's Craig Custance wondered (subscription required) if Rutherford might contact his former club, the Carolina Hurricanes, about Alexander Semin.
The Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson believes Rutherford may have inquired about Oilers winger David Perron.
San Jose Sharks
24 of 30
Biggest need: Bring in younger players.
Why it must be addressed: Ageing San Jose Sharks stars Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau don't have many productive years left. ESPN.com's Craig Custance (subscription required) believes general manager Doug Wilson wants to bring in young players and could start peddling some pending free agents such as goalie Antti Niemi.
Possible trade targets: Noting the Sharks need blue-line depth, the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch believes Senators defenseman Patrick Wiercioch might interest them. Wilson could try to offer up Niemi to the Edmonton Oilers for one of their young forwards.
St. Louis Blues
25 of 30
Biggest need: An experienced penalty-killing forward.
Why it must be addressed: While the St. Louis Blues rank among the top 10 teams in most categories, they were 16th in penalty-killing as of Dec. 16. That could prove to be a problem for the Blues come playoff time.
Possible trade targets: The Boston Globe's Jeff Pini reports Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli scouted a recent Blues game against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Bruins are seeking a scoring forward. If the Blues were willing to part with Patrik Berglund, perhaps part of the return could include a skilled penalty-killer such as Chris Kelly or Gregory Campbell.
Tampa Bay Lightning
26 of 30
Biggest need: A better backup goaltender.
Why it must be addressed: Tampa Bay Lightning starter Ben Bishop, who missed several games last season to elbow and wrist injuries, is currently sidelined with a lower-body injury. In his absence, they're relying on aging Evgeni Nabokov and inexperienced call-up Andrei Vasilevskiy. If Bishop ends up being sidelined for a lengthy period, the Lightning could be in trouble.
Possible trade targets: Toronto's James Reimer would be a good option, but the Leafs might be unwilling to move him. San Jose's Antti Niemi might be available, but he's a starter, not a backup.
TSN's Bob McKenzie reports the Buffalo Sabres could move one of their goalies this season. Their current tandem consists of Jhonas Enroth and Michal Neuvirth.
Toronto Maple Leafs
27 of 30
Biggest need: An experienced defensive blueliner.
Why it must be addressed: As of Dec. 16, the Toronto Maple Leafs had given up the fourth-most shots against this season. While that's an improvement over last season, it remains a problem that could hurt them over the course of the season.
Possible trade targets: If the Arizona Coyotes decide to stage a roster fire sale, Zbynek Michalek or Michael Stone could be options. Carolina Hurricanes rearguard Andrej Sekera could be another.
Vancouver Canucks
28 of 30
Biggest need: A top-four defenseman.
Why it must be addressed: The Vancouver Canucks' defense suffered a serious blow when Dan Hamhuis was sidelined by a lower-body injury on Nov. 20. He remains out indefinitely, and the Canucks are in a tailspin, losing five of seven games from Nov. 30 to Dec. 13.
Possible trade targets: If the Arizona Coyotes decide to shed salary, Zbynek Michalek or Keith Yandle could be available. TSN's Matthew Sekeres suggests they make a pitch for Buffalo Sabres blueliner Tyler Myers.
Carolina Hurricanes defensemen Andrej Sekera and Tim Gleason could also be available. The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch speculates Philadelphia's Luke Schenn, Braydon Coburn or Nicklas Grossmann could end up on the trade block.
Washington Capitals
29 of 30
Biggest need: Get a decent return for defenseman Mike Green.
Why it must be addressed: TSN's Darren Dreger reports the Washington Capitals could make some moves, one of which could be trading Green, who's an unrestricted free agent at season's end. The Capitals could use depth in good young forwards, especially with veterans Joel Ward, Eric Fehr and Jay Beagle slated for unrestricted free agency.
Possible trade targets: Green could be a good fit with the Detroit Red Wings or Anaheim Ducks, as both clubs lack depth in defensemen who shoot right. The Colorado Avalanche could also use an experienced blueliner like Green. These clubs also have depth in promising young forwards to offer up as trade bait.
Winnipeg Jets
30 of 30
Biggest need: Blue-line depth.
Why it must be addressed: The Jets have three top defensemen (Tobias Enstrom, Zach Bogosian and Jacob Trouba) sidelined for several weeks. Failing to find suitable short-term depth could have serious consequences for the Jets' playoff hopes.
Possible trade targets: The Winnipeg Free Press' Gary Lawless reports general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is trying to move a fourth-line forward for a third-pairing defenseman.
Options could include Tim Gleason of the Carolina Hurricanes or Andrew Benoit of the Buffalo Sabres.
Unless otherwise indicated all player stats via NHL.com. All salary information via CapGeek.com.
.png?w=480 "NHL Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=480 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
.png?w=480)
.png?w=600 "B/R NHL Staff Second-Round Predictions 🏒")
