Every NHL Team's Best Trade Asset in 2014-15

Lyle Richardson@@SpectorsHockeyFeatured ColumnistJanuary 15, 2015

Every NHL Team's Best Trade Asset in 2014-15

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    With the NHL's March 2 trade deadline less than two months away, general managers will be assessing their respective rosters to determine their best trade assets.

    Each team will have a different need to address. Some will seek scoring, some will pursue additional defense, and others will look for goaltending depth. The quality of the assets they have to offer in the trade market will determine how well they can address their roster requirements.

    The following slideshow lists the best trade asset for each NHL club, including statistical information, the reasons why he could be dealt and possible trade destinations.

Emerson Etem, Anaheim Ducks

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 27 games played, two goals, four assists, six points.

    Why he's their best asset: Emerson Etem is among the Anaheim Ducks' promising young players. The 22-year-old left wing split this season between the Ducks and their AHL affiliate in Norfolk. Etem's speed and offensive promise could prove enticing to rival clubs. 

    Possible trade destinations: The Ducks lack depth in right-handed defensemen. Etem could be used to address that need. The Ottawa Senators and Winnipeg Jets are playoff bubble teams with depth in defensemen who could seek an additional forward. 

Keith Yandle, Arizona Coyotes

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 42 games played, four goals, 22 assists, 26 points. 

    Why he's their best asset: Keith Yandle is among the Coyotes' leading scorers and ranks in the top 20 scorers among NHL defensemen. The Coyotes need scoring depth at forward. With their depth in young blueliners, Yandle could be used to land a top-six scoring forward. 

    Possible trade destinations: The Boston Bruins could use another experienced offensive defenseman after trading away Johnny Boychuk earlier this season. The Colorado Avalanche lack depth in skilled top-four blueliners.

Loui Eriksson, Boston Bruins

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 43 games played, nine goals, 17 assists, 26 points. 

    Why he's their best asset: Though Loui Eriksson is on pace for 50 points this season, he's not the 30-goal sniper the Boston Bruins need on the right wing. He could attract interest from teams seeking a playmaking winger. Eriksson could be worthwhile trade bait for a goal-scoring forward or puck-moving defenseman.

    Possible trade destinations: The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators seek an experienced top-six forward. Playoff bubble teams like the Winnipeg Jets and Florida Panthers could also use some scoring depth.

Tyler Myers, Buffalo Sabres

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 36 games played, one goal, seven assists, eight points. 

    Why he's their best asset: The 6'8", 219-pound Tyler Myers will attract considerable interest if the Sabres decide to trade him. Though in his sixth NHL season, Myers is only 24 and could still develop into a top-two blueliner. He could fetch a good young roster player, a top prospect and perhaps a first-round pick.

    Possible trade destinations: The Hockey News' Ken Campbell reports the Detroit Red Wings have long had interest in the right-shooting Myers, but they're currently unwilling to pay the Sabres' high asking price. Other teams in need of a right-handed blueliner include the Anaheim Ducks and Dallas Stars.

Curtis Glencross, Calgary Flames

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 43 games played, eight goals, 18 assists, 26 points. 

    Why he's their best asset: If the Calgary Flames fall out of playoff contention, left wing Curtis Glencross could end up on the trade block. He's an unrestricted free agent in July and could test the market this summer. The former two-time 20-plus scorer could attract interest from clubs seeking a top-six winger. 

    Possible trade destinations: Glencross could be attractive to playoff bubble teams. The Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers and Winnipeg Jets need depth among their top six forwards. 

Andrej Sekera, Carolina Hurricanes

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 41 games played, one goal, 13 assists, 14 points.  

    Why he's their best asset: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Andrej Sekera's all-around game could attract interest from playoff contenders seeking defensive depth. He is also an unrestricted free agent in July. The Hurricanes could trade Sekera to avoid losing him for nothing this summer.  

    Possible trade destinations: Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman speculates the Los Angeles Kings could have interest in Sekera. The Colorado Avalanche could also use experienced defensive depth.

Scott Darling, Chicago Blackhawks

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): Seven games played, five wins, two losses, 1.97 goals-against average, .937 save percentage.  

    Why he's their best asset: The Chicago Blackhawks appear set in goal with the tandem of Corey Crawford and Antti Raanta. They could use the 6'6", 232-pound Scott Darling as a trade chip to address possible roster needs later in the season. 

    Possible trade destinations: The Arizona Coyotes, Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils could all use some affordable help between the pipes this season. 

Ryan O'Reilly, Colorado Avalanche

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 44 games played, seven goals, 16 assists, 23 points. 

    Why he's their best asset: Ryan O'Reilly is a versatile two-way forward who can play center or wing. He's among the league's least penalized players, as evidenced by his winning the 2014 Lady Byng Trophy. O'Reilly is also a year away from unrestricted free agency and could prove difficult to re-sign.

    Possible trade destinations: The Colorado Avalanche need another experienced top-two defenseman. O'Reilly could be the perfect trade bait to land one. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports of speculation the Avalanche could ship O'Reilly to the Arizona Coyotes for Keith Yandle.

Artem Anisimov, Columbus Blue Jackets

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 16 games played, two goals, four assists, six points.

    Why he's their best asset: Columbus Blue Jackets center Artem Anisimov is currently sidelined until at least early February by a torn triceps muscle. He is one year away from unrestricted free agency. Anisimov could be used to bring in depth on the wings or defense.

    Possible trade destinations: Anisimov could attract interest when he returns to action from clubs seeking depth at center. The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators seek a top-six forward. The Arizona Coyotes and Edmonton Oilers could also use depth at center. 

Erik Cole, Dallas Stars

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 40 games played, 10 goals, 10 assists, 20 points. 

    Why he's their best asset: Dallas Stars winger Erik Cole has considerable playoff experience, which could prove enticing to contenders. The 36-year-old winger is an unrestricted free agent this summer. If the Stars fall out of playoff contention, they could try to trade him.

    Possible trade destinations: If Cole is willing to waive his no-trade clause, he could prove a worthwhile addition for playoff bubble teams. The Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets are in need of forward depth

Tomas Tatar, Detroit Red Wings

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 43 games played, 17 goals, 11 assists, 28 points.

    Why he's their best asset: Left wing Tomas Tatar has blossomed into a reliable offensive threat. The Detroit Free Press' Helene St. James believes the 24-year-old could also be a bankable asset to land a top defenseman with a right-handed shot. She believes promising prospect Teemu Pulkkinen could make it easier to move Tatar.

    Possible trade destinations: It remains to be seen if the Red Wings will move Tatar. Many teams will be interested in him. St. James suggests sending Tatar, defenseman Jakub Kindl and a second-round pick to the Buffalo Sabres for blueliner Tyler Myers.

Jeff Petry, Edmonton Oilers

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 43 games played, four goals, six assists, 10 points.  

    Why he's their best asset: The 6'3" Jeff Petry has suitable size and decent skills to entice teams seeking blue-line experience. Petry is also due to become an unrestricted free agent and could be an affordable rental player for postseason contenders. 

    Possible trade destinations: If the Oilers put Petry on the trade block, teams lacking right-handed blueliners, like the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings, could come calling.

Tomas Fleischmann, Florida Panthers

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 35 games played, five goals, eight assists, 13 points.

    Why he's their best asset: Winger Tomas Fleischmann is a former two-time 20-plus-goal scorer. He's also an unrestricted free agent in July. Though his production is down since reaching a career-best 61 points in 2011-12, he could interest teams looking for a short-term offensive boost. 

    Possible trade destinations: Playoff bubble teams in need of scoring depth, like the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks, could have interest in Fleischmann. 

Mike Richards, Los Angeles Kings

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 44 games played, five goals, 10 assists, 15 points. 

    Why he's their best asset: Despite the decline in Mike Richards' stats, the Los Angeles Kings center remains respected for his two-way skills, playoff experience and leadership. Richards could interest several teams, provided the Kings agree to pick up part of his salary over the remaining five years of his contract.

    Possible trade destinations: Sportsnet's Luke Fox cites colleague Elliotte Friedman's belief the Kings could be calling teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets to gauge Richards' trade value.

Erik Haula, Minnesota Wild

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 37 games played, three goals, two assists, five points.  

    Why he's their best asset: Erik Haula is a promising young forward who can play center or wing. Though the 23-year-old is struggling this season, Haula showed flashes of his scoring ability during the 2014 playoffs with seven points in 13 games. If the Minnesota Wild seek defensive depth, they could use Haula as trade bait.  

    Possible trade destinations: Teams with depth on defense in need of more forwards include the Arizona CoyotesOttawa Senators and Winnipeg Jets.  

Lars Eller, Montreal Canadiens

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 37 games played, eight goals, seven assists, 15 points.  

    Why he's their best asset: Lars Eller is a versatile forward who's bounced all over the Montreal Canadiens' forward lines. He has yet to blossom into a reliable scorer. Though re-signed last summer to a four-year contract extension, Eller could be a valuable trade chip for the Canadiens. 

    Possible trade destinations: The Arizona Coyotes and Edmonton Oilers lack experienced depth at center and could use a player like Eller. The Winnipeg Jets could use another forward and have depth on defense to offer up in return.

Ryan Ellis, Nashville Predators

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 40 games played, five goals, 13 assists, 18 points.

    Why he's their best asset: A skilled puck-moving defenseman, Ryan Ellis could be a valuable trade asset if the Nashville Predators decide to bolster their depth at forward. Ellis possesses a right-handed shot and is under contract through 2017-18 at an affordable annual cap hit of $2.5 million. 

    Possible trade destinations: The Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings lack depth in top-four defenders with right-handed shots. The Edmonton Oilers also need blue-line depth.

Jaromir Jagr, New Jersey Devils

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 43 games played, nine goals, 16 assists, 25 points. 

    Why he's their best asset: Though 42 years old, Jaromir Jagr is the New Jersey Devils' leading scorer. If the Devils fail to rally back into playoff contention, they could ship out several pending unrestricted free agents like Jagr. He could attract interest from teams seeking a seasoned playoff scorer.

    Possible trade destinations: Two of Jagr's former teams, the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins, could use experienced scoring punch at right wing. Perhaps he gets an encore with one of them.

Michael Grabner, New York Islanders

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): Nine games played, two goals, one assist, three points.

    Why he's their best asset: New York Islanders right wing Michael Grabner has tremendous speed and is a former 30-goal scorer. While sidelined until recently by injury, the Islanders played well in his absence. Grabner might be a decent bargaining chip to add depth to the Isles' defense corps. 

    Possible trade destinations: The Nashville PredatorsOttawa Senators and Winnipeg Jets could be in the market for a speedy forward like Grabner. These clubs have depth in defensemen, which could benefit the Islanders.

Marc Staal, New York Rangers

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 40 games played, one goal, six assists, seven points. 

    Why he's their best asset: New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal is an unrestricted free agent in July. If contract negotiations drag on too long, general manager Glen Sather could trade Staal, just as he did with Ryan Callahan at last year's deadline. Staal could fetch an affordable young player, high draft pick and a prospect. 

    Possible trade destinations: Carolina could be a possibility as Staal's brothers Eric and Jordan play for the Hurricanes. Another could include the Colorado Avalanche, who lack depth in experienced blueliners.

Marc Methot, Ottawa Senators

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): Five games played, no goals, one assist, one point.

    Why he's their best asset: Though Ottawa Senators defenseman Marc Methot recently returned from a back injury, he could prove attractive to teams in need of experienced blue-line depth. He's eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer and could be dealt if unsigned by the trade deadline.

    Possible trade destinations: The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators seek a top-six scorer. Methot could be used as trade bait to land one. The Philadelphia Flyers badly need experienced top-four blueliners and have depth in top-six forwards to entice the Senators. 

Brayden Schenn, Philadelphia Flyers

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 44 games played, 10 goals, 17 assists, 27 points.

    Why he's their best asset: Brayden Schenn is a versatile young forward with an affordable cap hit of $2.5 million through 2015-16. The Philadelphia Flyers are lacking skilled top-two defensemen. To land such a blueliner could mean parting with Schenn.

    Possible trade destinations: The Flyers could try offering Schenn in a package deal to the Buffalo Sabres for Tyler Myers. A better option could be making a pitch to the Arizona Coyotes for Keith Yandle.

Paul Martin, Pittsburgh Penguins

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 34 games played, two goals, seven assists, nine points.

    Why he's their best asset: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Paul Martin plays a good all-around defensive game. He's an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the Penguins have limited cap space. They have to choose between Martin and Christian Ehrhoff. Martin, who's earning $5 million per season, could prove more expensive to re-sign. 

    Possible trade destinations: Martin could be a good fit on a playoff bubble team in need of experienced defensive depth. The Colorado Avalanche could be an option.

Antti Niemi, San Jose Sharks

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 32 games played, 17 wins, 11 losses and four overtime losses, with a 2.59 goals-against average and .912 save percentage.

    Why he's their best asset: San Jose Sharks goaltender Antti Niemi could have value among clubs in need of an upgrade in goal. Niemi has decent stats this season, but he's also an unrestricted free agent. ESPN.com's Craig Custance (subscription required) speculates Niemi could get moved at the trade deadline.

    Possible trade destinations: A playoff bubble team like the Dallas Stars could use a more experienced starter between the pipes.

Patrik Berglund, St. Louis Blues

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 42 games played, six goals, nine assists, 15 points. 

    Why he's their best asset: St. Louis Blues forward Patrick Berglund can play center or wing and has a good two-way game. He's also a two-time 20-plus-goal scorer with two seasons left on his contract at an affordable $3.7 million per season.

    Possible trade destinations: The Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators need depth at forward. Berglund could be a good fit with one of them.

J.T. Brown, Tampa Bay Lightning

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 29 games played, two goals, three assists, five points.

    Why he's their best asset: If the Tampa Bay Lightning decide to make a significant move by the trade deadline, winger J.T. Brown could be a useful bargaining chip. He's fallen behind Nikita Kucherov, Jonathan Drouin and Brett Connolly in the Lightning's depth chart.

    Possible trade destinations: The 24-year-old Brown could be enticing for clubs seeking affordable speed on right wing. The Arizona Coyotes and New Jersey Devils could be two options.

Cody Franson, Toronto Maple Leafs

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 42 games played, six goals, 21 assists, 27 points. 

    Why he's their best asset: Defenseman Cody Franson could be the Toronto Maple Leafs' best trade chip. The 27-year-old Franson has become a reliable puck-moving blueliner. He's also an unrestricted free agent, and the Leafs could lack the cap space to re-sign him.

    Possible trade destinations: The Leafs could peddle Franson for a top-six forward. The Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings need right-handed shots on defense. The Colorado Avalanche and Philadelphia Flyers lack skilled top-four defensemen. 

Zack Kassian, Vancouver Canucks

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 22 games played, two goals, three assists, five points.  

    Why he's their best asset: Promising, though little-used, Vancouver Canucks right wing Zack Kassian could be used to land a top-six forward or second-pair defenseman. The Vancouver Province's Ben Kuzma reports Kassian's been the subject of trade speculation. At 6'3” and 214 pounds, the 23-year-old Kassian has power forward potential.

    Possible trade destinations: The Boston Bruins need a top-six right wing. The Florida Panthers, New Jersey DevilsOttawa Senators and Winnipeg Jets could also be willing to gamble on Kassian's potential.

Mike Green, Washington Capitals

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 35 games played, four goals, 19 assists, 23 points.  

    Why he's their best asset: Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green is on pace to reach 50 points for the first time in five years. His offensive skills will be attractive for clubs seeking offense from the blue line. He's an unrestricted free agent this summer and could prove too expensive to re-sign. 

    Possible trade destinations: Green will attract interest from clubs in need of a right-handed shot from the blue line. The Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings could be suitors. The Colorado Avalanche lack experienced depth on defense and could pursue him.

Adam Pardy, Winnipeg Jets

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    Statistics (as of Jan. 14): 29 games played, no goals, four assists, four points. 

    Why he's their best asset: The Winnipeg Jets could use the 6'4", 227-pound Adam Pardy as trade bait to add depth at forward. He's a physical shutdown rearguard who could prove useful for clubs needing blue-line grit. The Jets have considerable depth in defensemen, and Pardy could be the odd man out.  

    Possible trade destinations: Teams in need of affordable and experienced defensive depth who have forwards to spare include the Colorado Avalanche and Philadelphia Flyers.

    All stats via NHL.com, and all salary information via NHLNumbers.com.

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