5 Possible Buyers At The NHL Trade Deadline
By Ryan Mayer-
(CBS Local) We saw the NBA trade deadline pass last week in a blaze of glory, and now the NHL will have it's chance to steal the spotlight on Monday. While some big trades have already happened, there are still players to be had. Today let's take a look at five teams that need to make a move at the deadline.
5) Los Angeles Kings- It may seem odd to say that a team that has won eight straight games needs to make a move at the deadline but hear me out. The reasoning isn't so much that they need a spark. Instead it's that each of the last two times they've won the Cup (last year and 2012) they made a trade that seemed to spark a run to the Cup. Last year, it was Marian Gaborik. In 2012 it was Jeff Carter. Each time they fleeced the Blue Jackets. Think Columbus is on speed dial?
4) Calgary Flames- The Flames are on the outside looking in at the playoff picture right now after dropping 4 of their last 6 games including their last three straight. They sit one point back of the final Wild Card spot, and should be buyers at the deadline to try and climb back into the post-season. The Flames are a bit of a surprise this season and should capitalize on their success by making a move at the deadline.
3) San Jose Sharks- The Sharks find themselves in the same spot as the Flames heading into the week. Outside the playoff picture, and they're faced with an interesting choice. Make one more run with the core of Marleau and Thornton or move on from them to the next generation with Tomas Hertl, Logan Couture and other young guys. I think because of the proximity to the playoff race, they should be a player at the deadline.
2) Florida Panthers- The Panthers are two points back of the Bruins for the final spot in the East and with the injury to a certain Boston star this weekend, they should pounce on the opportunity to grab a veteran at the deadline who could push them over the B's. Interestingly, the Panthers made a move to "sell" a player that wasn't happy in his role (Sean Bergenheim) on Tuesday in exchange for a 3rd round pick. That would seem to open up a spot in their forward rotation to try and make a move before Monday's deadline.
1) Boston Bruins- The Bruins check in at number 1 on this list because of the injury suffered by David Krejci. Boston has been disappointing this season with their play and Krejci being out leaves a big hole in the line-up. The playoffs have to be the goal for Boston with an aging core. Plus, I really want to see a first round Canadiens Bruins series which is what would happen if the seeds hold.
Plenty can happen between now and Monday and deadline day in the NHL is one of the more active ones still left in sports. Deals are sure to get done, and these teams should be active in my opinion.
