The Player on Each NHL Team Most Likely to Be Traded in 2015-16
Get your angry, sarcastic and generally hostile comments ready and prepare to blast away with a few "duhs" while checking out this slideshow of the most likely player to be traded for all 30 NHL teams.
There is a sense of the obvious in many cases, of course. Expiring contracts in the salary-cap world have become bargaining chips for both floundering teams looking to sell off pieces for future picks and contenders that face losing a player for nothing and must weigh the worth of keeping him for a playoff run before letting him walk or getting value while they can.
Although trades are tougher to make during the season these days, there has been no shortage of them come March since the league installed the salary-cap system, so expect the same over the coming months as we count down to deadline day.
The most likely player on every team to find himself in a new jersey this season could be dealt because of an expiring deal, a decreased role on his current team or by virtue of a salary that doesn't match contributions on a team that is in need of cap relief in order to sign more important pieces in the near future.
Click ahead for the full list and leave your suggestions in the comments below.
Anaheim Ducks: Frederik Andersen
1 of 30
Why he could be dealt
Let's be realistic: The Anaheim Ducks are one of the top teams in the Western Conference and have made plenty of offseason moves to ensure some salary-cap flexibility. It's unlikely the team will be looking to make any moves involving roster players from now until the trade deadline.
That said, you never know what could happen, and the Ducks do have three goalies worthy of NHL time in Frederik Andersen, John Gibson and Anton Khudobin. Andersen helped the Ducks reach the Western Conference Final last season, but if Gibson steals the top role, Andersen could find himself expendable.
Reasonable return
Again, it's not a likely scenario, but trading a goalie with starting potential could bring in a depth player capable of top-nine forward minutes along with a second-round draft pick—maybe a first if the team is desperate enough and the market is hot.
Arizona Coyotes: Shane Doan
2 of 30
Why he could be dealt
There comes a time in many players' lives that they have to decide whether winning is more important than comfort and loyalty.
That will be tested more than ever this year for Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan. Doan doesn't really want to leave, and the Coyotes appreciate what he's given the franchise. But he will turn 39 this season, and the Coyotes are at a point of rebuilding that it makes sense to get something for him before his contract expires or his value decreases to the point they won't be able to broker a decent deal.
Reasonable return
Doan is in Jarome Iginla-leaving-the-Calgary Flames territory. The hope would be a similar return of a first-round pick and a prospect or two.
Boston Bruins: Zdeno Chara
3 of 30
Why he could be dealt
The Boston Bruins will eventually have to deal their big defenseman, and the longer they wait, the worse the return will be for Zdeno Chara. If they give it until the trade deadline this year, the hope is he'll still be healthy enough to dangle if the Bruins are looking at another season without a playoff payoff.
Sportsnet's Mark Spector sums up the situation nicely in a column from February.
Reasonable return
Right now, even in the wake of spotty season plagued by injuries, the Bruins would get at least a first-round pick back for Chara. If he has a bounce-back year, he would be worth a prospect as well as the pick or multiple picks.
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Buffalo Sabres: Jamie McGinn
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Why he could be dealt
The Buffalo Sabres are fairly set with their "out with the old, in with the new" mindset in regard to the rebuild, and most of the dead weight has already been dumped. Jamie McGinn is a serviceable top-nine forward who was essentially a throw-in in the Ryan O'Reilly deal with the Colorado Avalanche and could be a rental worth a relatively cheap asking price come the trade deadline.
Reasonable return
McGinn wouldn't likely get more than a mid-round draft pick, but considering he has an expiring contract and was an extra body in the deal that brought him to Buffalo, it's a fair return.
Calgary Flames: Jiri Hudler
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Why he could be dealt
The Calgary Flames have a lot of young players to sign in the next couple of years, and Jiri Hudler may have priced himself out of the team's budget with a career year alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan last year.
Reasonable return
Depending on how well Hudler starts the year and how close the Flames come to the playoff race by March, they could land themselves a first-round pick or a second-tier prospect and a second-round pick.
Carolina Hurricanes: Cam Ward
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Why he could be dealt
Cam Ward gets the nod here over Eric Staal because I believe the Carolina Hurricanes will eventually come to terms with their captain. Ward, meanwhile, is on borrowed time thanks to the addition of former Vancouver Canucks goalie Eddie Lack.
Reasonable return
Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, Ward's best days are well behind him, and unless one of the teams that addressed their need for a starter comes to find the guy they invested in this summer isn't going to pan out, the price will be minimal—perhaps a depth player and a third-round pick.
Chicago Blackhawks: Bryan Bickell
7 of 30
Why he could be dealt
It's no secret the still cash-strapped Chicago Blackhawks are trying desperately to deal winger Bryan Bickell. His $4 million cap hit, per General Fanager, for each of the next two seasons wouldn't be a major deal to a team near the salary-cap floor, but it's a heavy burden for the Hawks, who don't want to be forced to deal away another core piece such as Andrew Shaw after parting ways with Brandon Saad in the offseason.
Reasonable return
Bickell scored 14 goals last season but is earning too much considering he hasn't cracked the 30-point mark since 2011. A fourth-round pick would be better than the idea of the Hawks keeping Bickell on the roster.
Colorodo Avalanche: Alex Tanguay
8 of 30
Why he could be dealt
The 35-year-old Alex Tanguay is the one member of significance on the Colorado Avalanche roster to be entering the final year of his contract. Of course, the Avs are banking on returning to the playoffs after a down year, so keeping Tanguay for his experience and skill would be preferable—as long as the team is back in the hunt. If the Avs aren't, Tanguay still has value and would have a say in where he lands thanks to a modified no-trade clause.
Reasonable return
Given what Jaromir Jagr brought in last season when the New Jersey Devils dealt him to the Florida Panthers, Tanguay could bring in second- and third-round picks. He scored 22 goals and 55 points last season.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Rene Bourque
9 of 30
Why he could be dealt
Rene Bourque was an interesting acquisition for the Columbus Blue Jackets last year as part of the James Wisniewski trade with the Anaheim Ducks. It was a salary-balancing move, and although Bourque played well in a small sample size with the Jackets, he's likely he was never part of their long-term plans and will be in tough for playing time considering the moves they've made and the young talent on the roster. His contract expires in July.
Reasonable return
Barring a stellar first half for the habitually inconsistent power forward, he won't be a hot commodity and may get a return of a conditional draft pick.
Dallas Stars: Antti Niemi
10 of 30
Why he could be dealt
Alex Goligoski and Patrick Eaves both have expiring contracts, but Eaves will be in tough to contribute in a fourth-line role and Goligoski is too valuable to the team's blue line to part with barring a top defenseman coming back in return. In terms of surplus, the Stars brought Antti Niemi in to push Kari Lehtonen a little more in goal, and two goalies with big salaries gives them options at the deadline if Lehtonen thrives.
Reasonable return
Niemi is a Stanley Cup winner and long-time starter in the league. He could be worth a second- or third-round pick if a team is looking for a better backup or potentially a starter in case of injury or inconsistency with what they've already got.
Detroit Red Wings: Kyle Quincey
11 of 30
Why he could be dealt
The Detroit Red Wings have a plethora of good young defensemen who are eligible to move back and forth between the AHL and NHL but could push for playing time this season. That might mean a decreased role for someone such as Kyle Quincey, who has an expiring contract and may be worth dangling at the deadline if not before in order to give a youngster a full-time spot.
Reasonable return
Former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jeff Petry was traded for a conditional second- and a fifth-round pick last year. Quincey won't be as coveted but should be able to bring in a third-round pick with conditions attached, or a couple of late-round selections.
Edmonton Oilers: Justin Schultz
12 of 30
Why he could be dealt
With the improvements the Edmonton Oilers believe they've made this offseason and a couple of young prospects expected to push for spots this fall, the team could probably afford to part with a one-dimensional Justin Schultz in order to both save some salary-cap dollars to make a wise signing as well as capitalize on Schultz's value before he looks for a potential raise or long-term deal in restricted free agency next summer.
Reasonable return
Schultz hasn't yet lived up to the high expectations placed on him, but he does have a 30-point season under his belt and is only 25. Although there were other elements in play when the Toronto Maple Leafs dealt Cody Franson to Nashville, it included a first-round pick. And the Oilers paid a first- and second-round pick to bring in Griffin Reinhart from the New York Islanders. Schultz should be able to bring back something along those lines.
Florida Panthers: Jaromir Jagr
13 of 30
Why he could be dealt
Jaromir Jagr signed on with the Florida Panthers to help them make the playoffs. If that doesn't pan out, the veteran will likely be on the move once again at the deadline. Veteran defensemen Brian Campbell and Willie Mitchell are other candidates on expiring deals.
Reasonable return
The New Jersey Devils traded Jagr for a second- and third-round pick at the last deadline, and his value will likely be the same, if not higher, if he continues the play he displayed in his couple of months in Florida to close out the 2014-15 season.
Los Angeles Kings: Dustin Brown
14 of 30
Why he could be dealt
As seen on the reality TV show Hockey Wives, Dustin Brown just built a new house in a great beach community in Los Angeles, and his wife has constantly and publicly declared how nice it is to have the security of a long-term deal. But with Brown in a decreased role and a huge salary and term, the Kings may see his departure as the best way to relieve cap space.
Reasonable return
A physical player who can score would normally bring in a nice return. Brown's pair of back-to-back 27-point seasons probably limits his current value to that of a mid-range draft pick or a similarly slumping veteran with less money coming back.
Minnesota Wild: Darcy Kuemper
15 of 30
Why he could be dealt
This one, admittedly, is a bit of a stretch. The Minnesota Wild are a team on the rise, and with plenty of young players in the lineup, there's no need to shake things up or look to make deadline deals involving expiring players.
They do have a three-way logjam in goal with starter Devan Dubnyk back and longtime starter Nicklas Backstrom still there, along with last year's early starter Darcy Kuemper. Kuemper will likely be relegated to the backup position, so he could be dangled if Backstrom stays healthy—and that's a big if.
Reasonable return
Kuemper doesn't have a big enough track record to convince anyone he's a surefire No. 1 goalie, so expect a second-round pick as a max return on the pick side. That could include a prospect or roster player, though.
Montreal Canadiens: Dustin Tokarski
16 of 30
Why he could be dealt
The Montreal Candiens made significant efforts to improve up front in the offseason and don't have a lot of depth on the back end. If there's a spot that they can afford to make moves to upgrade picks, prospects or depth up front, it's from the backup goaltender spot held by Dustin Tokarski. He's shown flashes of promise but won't get much playing time behind Carey Price.
Reasonable return
If he's being brought in to compete for a top role for the future, he might fetch a couple of picks (perhaps as high as a second). But it's more likely he'd be eyed as an improvement at the backup spot for someone, so a depth forward and a pick, or a project prospect and a pick or a depth forward and a prospect would be the combinations most likely to come to fruition.
Nashville Predators: Shea Weber
17 of 30
Why he could be dealt
Puck Daddy's Josh Cooper put out a few logical reasons last month as to why Shea Weber could be traded despite his status as—at least on reputation—one of the league's elite defensemen. The Nashville Predators likely aren't looking to shop the face of the franchise, but the tires are always being kicked when it comes to the blueliner with the big slap shot. It might be hard to turn down a big offer.
Reasonable return
It would have to be a blockbuster involving at least one first-round draft pick, if not multiples, a top prospect, roster players and perhaps naming rights to someone's first-born son.
New Jersey Devils: Patrik Elias
18 of 30
Why he could be dealt
Set to turn 40 in April, Patrik Elias has very few attempts left at winning a third Stanley Cup. With the New Jersey Devils needing to rebuild, it's unlikely he'll get any more with the team with which he's spent the entirety of his NHL career. So despite new general manager Ray Shero telling NorthJersey.com (via NHL.com) that Elias would be a big part of the team this year, he's probably not including the part of the season that follows the trade deadline.
Elias is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and although the Devils have a few of those, none would fetch the return Elias could if he plays closer to his career average than the awful 34-point 2014-15 season.
Reasonable return
The Devils need to get younger, and building through the draft is a great way to do that. Getting a decent draft choice next year would be a starting point. It may not be a first-rounder but a second-round pick and a prospect would be fair given Elias' age.
The Devils dealt Jaromir Jagr for second- and third-round picks last year.
New York Islanders: Michael Grabner
19 of 30
Why he could be dealt
The New York Islanders have an abundance of forwards, and two pending unrestricted free agents, Michael Grabner and Kyle Okposo, could be on the chopping block come trade-deadline day.
With Okposo being John Tavares' wingman, Grabner is the more likely of the two to go given his lesser role and relatively high $3 million salary. Newsday's Arthur Staple quickly posed the question about Grabner's future as an Isle following last season. Despite missing 66 games over the past two seasons due to injury, the speedy winger could have value in a new city.
Reasonable return
With a healthy first half, it's realistic to think Grabner could yield a third-round pick. Chris Stewart garnered a second, and Grabner's career averages are a little off that mark.
New York Rangers: Dominic Moore
20 of 30
Why he could be dealt
The New York Rangers announced the signing of Jarret Stoll, which makes Dominic Moore—an impending unrestricted free agent—a potential bargaining chip at the trade deadline. Moore fits the bill as a defensive-minded center who can win faceoffs, provide grit and score the occasional goal. A lot of teams look for those traits on deadline day.
Reasonable return
Tyler Kennedy netted a third-round draft pick for the Islanders. James Sheppard cost the Rangers a fourth. Moore should be somewhere in that ballpark in terms of value.
Ottawa Senators: Chris Phillips
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Why he could be dealt
There aren't many players on a rebuilding Ottawa Senators roster who are on expiring contracts next year. One is the scrappy Chris Neil. The other more likely trade candidate is veteran defenseman Chris Phillips. Phillips is 37, and despite a no-trade clause in his contract, he probably wouldn't mind another crack at a Stanley Cup if a contender looking for depth wants to add him and the Sens are looking like playoff long shots.
Reasonable return
The defensive defenseman is well past his prime, but he provides depth and the experience that teams covet for playoff runs. Getting a prospect or conditional draft pick is probably the most the Senators could expect in return.
Philadelphia Flyers: Vincent Lecavalier
22 of 30
Why he could be dealt
This team could be looking to deal Luke Schenn if it is on the outside looking in at the playoff picture come March. He has an expiring contract.
But the Philadelphia Flyers could use some salary relief, so the likes of R.J. Umberger or Vincent Lecavalier could be on the move. Lecavalier could post better numbers and up his value in a different setting, and the Flyers could look to trade him regardless as to whether they are fighting for the postseason at that point.
Reasonable return
The cap relief of $4.5 million, per General Fanager, would be enough, but the Flyers would most likely get a mid-round pick (at worst) in return as well.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Rob Scuderi
23 of 30
Why he could be dealt
Rob Scuderi has been a staple on the Pittsburgh Penguins' blue line, but he's 36 and there are a few up-and-coming defensemen who will be battling to take away his ice time this season. The Pens could use the cap space after adding Phil Kessel and looking at a few contracts that will have to be negotiated after the season.
Reasonable return
Scuderi wouldn't cost much—a conditional pick or two based on how many games he plays that could range from a fourth- to a sixth-rounder. A depth player at a lower salary could pry him out of there as well.
San Jose Sharks: Patrick Marleau
24 of 30
Why he could be dealt
The San Jose Sharks missed the playoffs for the first time since 2003, and the need for a new group of core players is obvious. Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton have been mentioned as trade bait for years, but this is the year Marleau may finally go.
According to TheFourthPeriod.com, GM Doug Wilson took calls on Marleau in March but apparently wasn't blown away by any offers. A better season would go a long way in upping his value.
Reasonable return
Marleau has another year left on a big contract after this season, which, combined with his no-movement clause, limits the number of teams that he could go to. Technically, that hurts his value, too. But the seven-time 30-goal scorer still managed 19 goals and 57 points during a down season and would be a nice deadline-day addition worthy of a first-round pick or a prospect and a lower pick to sweeten the deal.
St. Louis Blues: David Backes
25 of 30
Why he could be dealt
The St. Louis Blues have been shaking things up, and depending on how things play out in the first half of the 2015-16 season, they could make even more moves come trade deadline. Although Backes is the team's captain, he's heading into the season with a contract that expires in July and is potentially going to start as the third-line center. He makes a lot for that role if that's how things shake out.
Reasonable return
Backes would be one of the most coveted players on the trade market if he's dangled. He's a gritty two-way forward in the Ryan Kesler mold, and Kesler landed the Vancouver Canucks a return of a couple of decent roster players as well as a first-round draft pick and a swap of thirds from the Anaheim Ducks.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Ben Bishop
26 of 30
Why he could be dealt
The Stanley Cup runners-up aren't about to make big changes, and I fully believe captain Steven Stamkos will sign a long-term deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning sooner than later, so his contract shouldn't be in jeopardy of expiring in July.
That said, to fit him in long term, the team might need to dump some salary. The best way to do that would be to part with goalie Ben Bishop, who has some young competition behind him in Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Reasonable return
The goalie market has been soft this year but Bishop is a big name who would cause teams on the fence about their future at the position to pony up a high first-round pick and a prospect or roster player. There would be a bidding war.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Tyler Bozak
27 of 30
Why he could be dealt
There are no shortage of candidates here, with veterans Joffrey Lupul, Tyler Bozak and Dion Phaneuf all candidates to be moved out before, during or after this season. With his partner in crime gone (Phil Kessel), Bozak gets the nod here as the most likely to be moved.
Part of that is due to the belief that most of his contributions were a result of playing with Kessel. But Bozak also might have more value as trade bait than the oft-injured Lupul and insanely expensive Phaneuf.
Reasonable return
First- and second-line centers aren't often traded in the NHL, so it all depends on how the receiving team views Bozak. If it sees him as a top-six forward in the lineup, he could be dealt for a conditional second-round pick. A younger center in need of a change of scenery and a late-round pick would be the floor.
Vancouver Canucks: Alexandre Burrows
28 of 30
Why he could be dealt
Alexandre Burrows is one of the last of the old guard still playing in Vancouver (aside from the Sedin Twins). He was part of the team's second line for most of last season, but the trio didn't perform too well.
At this point in his career, Burrows' paycheck outweighs his performance. Brandon Prust or Radim Vrbata make sense as candidates because of expiring contracts, but they come off the books in July, while Burrows has another season at $3 million. The added cap relief could make the Canucks players in free agency next offseason.
Reasonable return
His combination of grit and scoring potential, even though in decline, could still help the Canucks add to the prospect pool. Curtis Glencross got the Calgary Flames second- and third-round picks last season. A healthy Burrows may command more.
Washington Capitals: Jason Chimera
29 of 30
Why he could be dealt
The Washington Capitals are in the midst of a quiet rebuild. Well, you could call it a retooling of sorts as they offer more time to their young players while allowing veterans to walk.
It's hard to imagine the team making any deals, really, considering their status as contenders. But Jason Chimera enters the season on an expiring deal, and it's unlikely he will be offered an extension. If there's any interest for the veteran at the deadline, the Capitals would likely pounce on whatever comes back after adding T.J. Oshie and Justin Williams during the offseason.
Reasonable return
If Olli Jokinen can fetch a late-round pick and a prospect, I suppose Chimera could garner the same.
Winnipeg Jets: Dustin Byfuglien
30 of 30
Why he could be dealt
Dustin Byfuglien would arguably be the top defensemen available in unrestricted free agency next summer, and the Winnipeg Jets may not be able to sign him to what would surely be a bank-breaking deal without sacrificing important future pieces. Among others who will be seeking new deals in the not-too-distant future are youngsters Mark Scheifele and Jacob Trouba. Captain Andrew Ladd is also a pending unrestricted free agent for 2016.
Byfuglien is going to cash in next summer, so there's a lot of chatter that the Boston Bruins might make a push for the big blueliner already. But it's more likely the Jets would wait until the trade deadline to see where they're at in the playoff race and with any potential negotiations, as unlikely as it is the 30-year-old would re-sign before testing the market.
Reasonable return
Considering Griffin Reinhart—he of eight NHL games since being drafted fourth overall in 2012—fetched first- and second-round picks from the Edmonton Oilers this summer, and burgeoning star Dougie Hamilton netted a bargain first-rounder and two second-rounders at the June draft, a three-time 50-point defenseman in Byfuglien should result in at least a top-six forward and a first-round pick if the timing is right. A top pick and promising prospect is possible if the deadline market is stingy.
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