The Daily: One Month ‘Til NHL Trade Deadline; Rumors Heating Up

When the clock strikes midnight tonight, there will be one month remaining before the NHL trade deadline. The Hockey Now network has several stories today about what teams are looking to accomplish.

After going all in last year, Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney may be dialing back a bit this season. One of the undercurrents of this year’s draft talk is that we won’t see as many first-round picks exchanging hands as we did last season when 13 first rounders (over three draft years) were dealt in the weeks leading up to the 2023 draft.

Teams simply don’t have the first rounders to give, or don’t want to part with a first-rounder two years in a row.

That doesn’t mean they won’t change their mind as deadline draws near.

We have stories about Montreal readying for the trade deadline, and about how Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams has multiple discussions with some teams. How many teams are interested in Nashville defenseman Alex Carrier.

Detroit’s Steve Yzerman may have to wait until the last moment to decide whether his team is a buyer or seller. That’s always an issue for teams on the cusp of making the playoffs. The Red Wings have a 50.7% probability of making the playoffs today.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Remember former NHL defenseman Janne Niinimaa? He’s the former Philadelphia Flyers defenseman who was beat by Darren McCarty on Detroit Red Wings’ Stanley Cup clinching goal in 1997. He’s in trouble with the law.
•  The Red Wings have a shot to establish a new team record for having players scoring 10 or more goals.
• Nicklas Lidstrom names the most talented teammate he ever had. It’s Pavel Datsyuk.

Red Wings Next Game

Detroit players return to the ice Thursday for the first of two practices before Saturday’s 1 p.m. game against the Vancouver Canucks (34-11-5) at Little Caesars Arena. The Canucks are 8-0-2 in their last 10 and 16-7-3.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Why the Boston Bruins may be looking through the bargain bins before the March 8 NHL trade deadline. Jimmy Murphy has the story.

Buffalo: It sounds like the Buffalo Sabres will be active at the NHL trade deadline. GM Kevin Adams says he has had multiple conversations with some teams about deals.  Erik Johnson and Victor Olofsson seem like possible trade candidates.

Calgary: Jonathan Huberdeau has instantly chemistry with newly-acquired forward Andrei Kuzmenko. That’s good news for the Calgary Flames. 

Montreal: Marco D’Amico explains what’s next for the Montreal Canadiens as they prepare for the trade deadline. The Habs have players who can be moved, including goalie Jake Allen.

Nashville: Michael Gallagher weighs in whether the Nashville Predators will have multiple suitors for Alex Carrier.

Pittsburgh: Lars Eller provides a frank assessment about the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ biggest problems.