Commerce deadline day is simply the most recent thrilling occasion in what has been a unbelievable stretch for the NHL.
Constructing on the momentum from the entertaining 4 Nations Faceoff match, the swap meet earlier than Friday’s deadline won’t solely present loads of hot-stove fodder but in addition set the stage for an thrilling stretch drive.
Only one have a look at the standings will whet the urge for food within the ultimate hours earlier than the ultimate buzzer sounds at 3 p.m. ET.
Staring on the wild-card place chase, the Columbus Blue Jackets (68 factors) and Ottawa Senators (67 factors) maintain the 2 positions within the Jap Convention. However one level exterior are the New York Rangers; two again are each the Detroit Crimson Wings and Montreal Canadiens; and three behind are the Boston Bruins.
The New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers are proper behind these groups, however each golf equipment are promoting property as an alternative of constructing additions for a push, the wisest plan of action for them each.
Within the Western Convention, the Colorado Avalanche (76 factors) are within the first wild-card place but in addition tied with the Minnesota Wild for third place within the Central Division. Minnesota holds one recreation in hand.
The Calgary Flames (68 factors) maintain the second spot, however the Vancouver Canucks are one level again, the St. Louis Blues are two, and Utah Hockey Membership is three off the tempo.
Until the Wild collapse fully — which is feasible because of their accidents — solely one of many Flames, Canucks, Blues and Utah will attain the postseason. Even so, all of these squads should skate the fantastic line between making a push for a playoff spot whereas keeping track of the longer term.
Much more fascinating shall be what occurs among the many golf equipment solidly in a playoff spot.
Value watching is how the Carolina Hurricanes deal with Mikko Rantanen, the pending unrestricted free agent they shelled out a fairly penny to accumulate from the Colorado Avalanche on Jan. 24. It might have been a loopy thought that day that the Hurricanes would flip Rantanen, however even with a Stanley Cup crown of their view, they might attempt to recoup different property as an alternative.
Talking of the Avalanche, they made an enormous splash late Thursday evening by buying Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders for a prime prospect and first-round draft selection. Mixed with earlier offers, the Avalanche are once more a authentic contender, and the response from the Winnipeg Jets shall be enthralling.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in an identical boat. Sandwiched between the 2 Sunshine State golf equipment, the Maple Leafs have seen each the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning make sturdy acquisitions within the heated race.
Out West, the Los Angeles Kings should know standing pat shall be a idiot’s errand after watching each the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights add ahead depth, to not point out what the Stars and Avalanche have achieved.
Including to the combination is the caliber of gamers who a number of months in the past would have been unimaginable to contemplate commerce bait. We’re speaking concerning the likes of Brad Marchand in Boston, Ryan O’Reilly of the St. Louis Blues, Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Whether or not they’re pending free brokers or gamers that contenders would love so as to add even with contracts that transcend this season, the potential for greater names on the transfer is elevated.
So maintain these telephones useful and notifications on, as a result of the wheeling and dealing shall be quick and livid.
After which brace for a thrill-a-minute journey to the beginning of the Stanley Cup playoffs
