Part 4 of the NHL trade deadline preview is stacked with Cup contending buyers.
St. Louis Blues
The Blues are in on a lot of trade discussions, having kicked tires on Derick Brassard, Mike Hoffman, Evander Kane, Rick Nash, Patrick Maroon, Max Pacioretty, J.T. Miller among other names. Teams continue to ask on Robby Fabbri and prospects Jordan Kyrou and Jake Walman. Recent rumours suggest something big might be cooking between the Blues and Senators involved Brassard or Hoffman.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Fewer teams are more likely or better positioned to be buyers at the deadline than the Lightning, with a surplus of prospects knocking on the NHL door. The Bolts have been linked to blueliners Jack Johnson, Mike Green, Ryan McDonagh, Cody Ceci and Erik Gudbranson, while they've looked at Rick Nash and Patrick Maroon up front.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs will look to add depth at center, with the name Luke Glendening surfacing as an option. They've asked around on the top rentals such as Rick Nash and Patrick Maroon, but may not be willing to pay the asking price. They have also pursued blueliners Tyson Barrie, Erik Gudbranson, Ryan McDonagh, Chris Tanev and Jack Johnson, but it's anyone's guess as to whether they're willing to pay up. Josh Leivo is available, and though teams continue to ask on James van Riemsdyk and coach favourite Leo Komarov, but both are likely to stick around for one more playoff run.
Vancouver Canucks
The focus is squarely on the future as the Canucks prepare to ship out rentals such as Thomas Vanek, Anders Nilsson and Nick Dowd. Erik Gudbranson, Ben Hutton and Chris Tanev are all rumoured to be available for the right price as well. Alex Edler and Michael Del Zotto interest a number of teams, but they sound less likely to move than the others.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights are buyers...right? Some mixed signals have come out of Vegas with chatter that they may still ship out contracts like James Neal despite finding themselves headed towards home ice in the first round. They haven't been linked to many of the top players available, though Mike Green's name has been brought up on occasion. It could be that the Knights simply ride it out and go with the lineup that's got them this far.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals have been suspiciously quiet in the rumour mill, and haven't been linked to any the top rentals available. Bringing in depth defenseman Michal Kempny isn't likely the only move they'll make, but it doesn't feel like there's the same win now mode as there was last year. Teams have called on Philipp Grubauer and Andre Burakovsky, but neither are likely in-season moves. If the Caps are indeed looking at the trade market, they're keeping it under wraps.
Winnipeg Jets
After years of careful tinkering, it appears the Jets are finally ready to make big moves. Linked to Derick Brassard, Rick Nash, Ryan Hartman, Mark Letestu, Patrick Maroon and Tyson Barrie, Winnipeg are a team to keep an eye on in the West. Michael Hutchinson and Nic Petan have generated some trade interest, but the Jets will likely be adding more than they subtract this year.
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