With each passing week, more and more names rise to the top of the NHL trade board prior to Feb. 25. Players are starting to move and other players might be worried they will be. With free agents and stars on the edge of their seats playing with teams are out of the running, who tops the list this week?
As was explained when the first list was created, it should be assumed from week to week the names will change and so, as we go, we’ll name the player, then update you on what’s happening in respect to their status on the trade board:
Sergei Bobrovsky, Columbus Blue Jackets:
Bobrovsky’s teammate, Artemin Panarin was on last week's list, but this week, Bobrovsky headlined most of the NHL news stories as the centerpiece of a blowup story with the Blue Jackets organization. Publicly, the team has put everything behind him. In reality, it looks like this will be his last season with the team.
The chatter is that Bobrovsky will waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a trade and if the Blue Jackets feel they'll lose him for nothing and that he might be an unhappy camper for the remainder of the season, they should salvage what they can and look around the market for another netminder.
Related: Hurricanes Tweak Roster By Trading Victor Rask For Nino Niederreiter
Gustav Nyquist, Detroit Red Wings:
Gustav Nyquist could have made last week’s list but he's flown under the radar so far this season. Still, he'll have value and potential landing spots include the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, and Boston Bruins.
A player with 40 points in 48 games this season and multiple 40-50 points seasons, he’s a proven producer who should help a team down the stretch before he becomes a free agent in the summer.
Related: Ryan Kesler Says He Will Not Waive No-Move Clause To Help Ducks Make Changes
Jakob Silfverberg, Anaheim Ducks:
The Anaheim Ducks have been a busy team over the past week. They moved Andrew Cogliano, then they acquired Derek Grant and Michael Del Zotto. By most accounts, they aren't done yet. One of the names who might be next on the list is forward Jakob Silfverberg who is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.
The Ducks would prefer to re-sign him but the two sides aren't close on a new deal and time is running out. There's a very good chance he's traded, especially if the team continues to struggle.
Related: Pittsburgh Penguins To Be Among Busiest Teams Before NHL Trade Deadline [Rumor]
Wayne Simmonds, Philadelphia Flyers:
Wayne Simmonds is a popular name on the trade board but how popular tends to go up and down depending on a few factors. First, this is a buyers market for NHL teams due to the surplus of forwards available. Second, the asking price for Simmonds from the Flyers is allegedly very high which for now, has scared teams off. But, linked to Simmonds are still the Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets, among others.
It is possible the Flyers keep him if they can get him under contract but that might not be easy. He's getting a little older but he wants multiple years at a high price tag. Simmonds will be a rental who stays near the top of the trade board until he's moved.
Related: Maple Leafs Will Trade First-Round Pick For Player To Compete For Stanley Cup In 2019 [Rumor]
Alex Elder, Vancouver Canucks:
Alex Edler doesn't want to leave Vancouver and the team could certainly re-sign him. That said, there's also a scenario where he leaves the only team he's ever known in the Canucks and comes back in the summertime as a free agent. It's not a scenario that happens often but it does happen from time to time.
Edler could certainly help a contending team and he wouldn't be that expensive an addition with his $5 million salary most covered. The Maple Leafs might be a good fit.
Next: Edmonton Oilers Going All In To Acquire Forward In Trade