5 NHL players that will 100% get moved before the end of the season
Our friends at theScore created this list and we approve!
1. Jacob Chychrun
He is a 23 year old defenseman who has had success in prior seasons on a club that has been tearing it up quite a bit in recent seasons. In 56 games last year, he has 41 points (18 goals). He's a big, mobile defenseman with a good offensive instinct.
Sadly, he is having a bad season. The Boca Raton, Florida native has 7 points in 26 games and a -29 rating, the worst on his team and the NHL. His current contract pays him 4.6 million dollars per year for three seasons.
2. Tomas Hertl
He's arguably the most rumoured. Hertl is a key offensive player for the Sharks. Given their recent struggles and last year's dismal season, it's reasonable to expect the 28-year-old centre to move during the season. He is in the final year of a $5.6 million contract.
Hertl is a solid scorer who can get physical. He has 22 points in 30 games, 14 goals. If the Sharks' struggles persist, he might be an ideal target for an offence in need of a boost.
And yes, "Flower" may move again. The Blackhawks expected to remain competitive after a couple of rough years, so they added Marc-Andre Fleury and Seth Jones. Their expectations were too high for the group they assembled. Despite the appointment of new head coach Derek King, they are second to last in the Central Section.
Despite the club's failures, Fleury has good stats. In 20 games, he has a.913 save percentage and a 2.86 goals against average. He is in the final year of a seven-year contract with the Hawks, so how they handle his case will be interesting. A team like the Edmonton Oilers might be interested in him.
4. Mark Giordano
The Kraken might easily move shortly if they want to fully utilise Giordano's expansion draught pick. Seattle won't be successful this year, and it may take years. Giordano, 38, is nearing the conclusion of his career. He has 8 points in 24 games but is still a solid defender and a proven leader having captained the Flames for numerous seasons.
The cost of acquiring him should be minimal. He is in the final year of a 6.75 million contract, so the Kraken will likely have to withhold some of his compensation to make him more moveable.
5. Claude Giroux Flyers
He is the least likely to be traded, but his status with the Flyers and his contract make him a name to watch in the coming weeks/months. His contract has a no-trade clause, therefore he must determine whether or not to move before the July free agent market. The Flyers' condition is dire right now, and Giroux may wish to move on.
If he is traded before the deadline, his price could skyrocket. Giroux is still a great center/winger. He has 24 points in 29 games and wins 61.6% of his face-offs.
Credit: TheScore
