Hypothetical Trade Ideas Based on the Latest NHL Rumors

As the NHL's March 2 trade deadline gets closer, speculation is growing over possible trade scenarios. The recent Winnipeg Jets-Buffalo Sabres blockbuster, via NHL.com, only heightens the excitement. 

When exploring hypothetical trade scenarios, several factors must be taken into account. The deal should address respective roster needs as well as the short- and long-term goals of both clubs. Salary issues must also be considered.

Here's some hypothetical NHL trade ideas based upon recent media rumors, including the basis and key reasons for each proposal. The ranking is based upon the value of the player as the centerpiece of the suggested trade. 

10. Chris Neil to the Nashville Predators

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Ottawa Senators trade Chris Neil to the Nashville Predators for a third-round draft pick or a prospect. 

Basis for this trade: The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reports the Predators are among several teams that have expressed interest in Neil. Though he probably prefers to stay in Ottawa, he only has a modified no-trade clause. If the Predators aren't on Neil's no-trade list, he could be dealt to Nashville.

Key factors: Going to the Predators could be the 35-year-old Neil's last chance to play for a Cup contender. He would bring toughness, leadership and plenty of playoff experience to the Predators. The Senators will miss the playoffs again and could benefit from landing a prospect or a decent draft pick.

9. Mike Santorelli to the Rangers

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Hypothetical trade: The New York Rangers ship forward J.T. Miller to the Toronto Maple Leafs for forward Mike Santorelli.

Basis for this trade: The New York Post's Larry Brooks reports the Rangers must bolster their third line. He claims they covet Santorelli, a versatile forward who can play wing or center. Brooks suggests a second-round pick or Miller as trade bait.

Key factors: Santorelli could be a valuable addition to the Rangers' checking lines. Moving Miller allows the Rangers to clear cap space for Santorelli's remaining salary. The Leafs risk losing Santorelli to free agency in July. Miller could be part of a much-needed Leafs rebuild.

8. Chris Stewart to the Boston Bruins

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Hypothetical trade: The Buffalo Sabres trade Chris Stewart to the Boston Bruins in exchange for a second-round pick.

Basis for this trade: The Boston Globe's Fluto Shinzawa reports the Bruins tried twice to acquire Stewart and could make another push. He claims the Sabres rejected an offer of a second-rounder and a prospect. The Bruins' improved position in the standings could mean that proposal's off the table.

Key factors: The Bruins seek an experienced first-line right wing. Stewart could regain his scoring touch with a Bruins team that features much more talent. Though his play has improved of late, his 22 points won't improve his trade value. The Sabres must get something for Stewart, who could depart via free agency in July. 

7. Jeff Petry to the Pittsburgh Penguins

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Hypothetical trade: The Edmonton Oilers trade defenseman Jeff Petry to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Brian Dumoulin.

Basis for this trade: Sportsnet's Mark Spector reports the Oilers will trade Petry and claims the Penguins are interested. The Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson believes the Oilers must get a young defenseman in return rather than a draft pick.

Key factors: Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Petry could fill that void. He's an unrestricted free agent this summer, so the Oilers must replace him. Dumoulin has promise, but he hasn't cracked the Penguins lineup. He'll get more playing time in Edmonton.

6. Andrej Sekera to the Los Angeles Kings

Keith Srakocic/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Carolina Hurricanes trade defenseman Andrej Sekera to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a second-round pick and a prospect.

Basis for this trade: In an interview with Sportsnet 960, Elliotte Friedman (cited by Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey) claimed the Kings have expressed interest in Sekera. Friedman believes the Kings “are going to get a defenseman.”

Key factors: With Slava Voynov suspended indefinitely and Alec Martinez suffering concussion symptoms, the Kings need short-term defensive depth. Sekera, an unrestricted free agent in July, could fill that need. The Hurricanes need forward depth. The Kings have some prospects (Valentin Zykov, Adrian Kempe or Michael Mersch) that might interest them. 

5. Zbynek Michalek to the Ducks

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Arizona Coyotes trade defenseman Zbynek Michalek to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for winger Emerson Etem.

Basis for this trade: The Orange County Register's Eric Stephens reports defense continues to be an issue for the Ducks. TheFourthPeriod.com reports Michalek is among the defensemen on the Ducks' radar.

Key factors: The Ducks need another right-handed shot on defense, and Michalek can fill that need. He's also an experienced defensive rearguard. The Coyotes could lose Michalek this summer to free agency. As they reset their roster they might need a promising winger like Etem. 

4. Jiri Tlusty to the Washington Capitals

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Hypothetical trade: The Carolina Hurricanes trade right wing Jiri Tlusty to the Washington Capitals in exchange for winger Andre Burakovsky.

Basis for this trade: The Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson claims the Capitals are “really desperate” for a right wing to play on their first line with Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. Though Matheson suggests New Jersey's Michael Ryder or Buffalo's Chris Stewart, Tlusty could be a better choice.

Key factors: Tlusty's on pace for 20 goals and has first-line experience, which could make him a good fit with the Capitals. The Hurricanes could lose Tlusty to free agency in July. The promising Burakovsky could fit into their potential rebuilding process. 

3. Cody Franson to the Detroit Red Wings

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Hypothetical trade: The Toronto Maple Leafs trade Cody Franson to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a second-round draft pick and a prospect.

Basis for this trade: In an interview with WGR 550, ESPN.com's Craig Custance (cited by Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey) stated that he believes it makes sense for the Wings to acquire Franson. The Wings have sought a top-four defenseman with a right-handed shot for some time, a need that Franson can fill.

Key factors: The Maple Leafs must get something for Franson or risk losing him to free agency in July. The Red Wings are well-stocked with young prospects and can afford to package one with a draft pick for Franson. The Leafs could be interested in blue-line prospects such as Xavier Ouellet or Ryan Sproul.

2. Jaromir Jagr to the New York Islanders

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Hypothetical trade: The New Jersey Devils trade Jaromir Jagr to the New York Islanders in exchange for a third-round draft pick and a prospect.

Basis for this trade: TSN's Darren Dreger reports the Devils aren't shopping Jagr just yet. However, if Jagr is to be moved at the trade deadline, he would prefer to go to an Eastern Conference contender, according to Dreger.

Key factors: Isles right wing Kyle Okposo is out until late March with a detached retina. Jagr could fill in until Okposo's return, then drop to the second line. The young Islanders could benefit from his playoff experience. The Devils need to rebuild and get younger, so they should try to get something for Jagr.

1. Antoine Vermette to the Montreal Canadiens

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Hypothetical trade: The Montreal Canadiens trade center Lars Eller to the Arizona Coyotes for center Antoine Vermette.

Basis for this trade: Richard Labbe of La Presse (translation required) reports a source claims the Canadiens have interest in Vermette. Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin has traded for rental players before. Last season, he acquired winger Thomas Vanek from the New York Islanders.

Key factors: Vermette's two-way skills could help the Canadiens at both ends of the rink. Bergevin could be keen to dump Eller's $3.5 million cap hit. Eller has struggled with the Canadiens and might benefit from a change of scenery. He could develop into a solid replacement for Vermette with the Coyotes.

Unless otherwise indicated, player news and information via NHL.com. Salary information via NHLNumbers.com.