Checking In On The Trade Market for Centers

Age: 26, 6'1" 200lbs Shoots: L. 4 years (including this year), $6M AAV remaining

With the Sharks sitting at 6th place in the Pacific and 7 points out of a wild card spot, changes may abound in San Jose. They have been a perennial playoff team, but like so many others in the West have struggled in the playoffs. This year has started as a challenge for the Sharks, and several players could become available if things don't turn around pretty soon. One player whose name has come up in the offseason is Logan Couture, a true and proven 1C that could net a big return. Couture fits the description the Wild are looking for as a big-bodied proven scorer that can feed talented wings and play some defense. Couture is a cornerstone player for the Sharks, and it would be and even bigger coup in San Jose to trade him as it was for Columbus to trade Johansen. The money would be hard for the Wild to work out as it would need to trade away a matching salary to make things work. It would be tough, but possible to pull off.

Trade Chip Conversation Starter: NHL Defender + Prospect + 2nd round pick

Age: 22, 6'0" 189lbs Shoots: L. 6 years, $6M AAV remaining

Trade Chip Conversation Starter: NHL Defender

Age: 28, 6'0" 191lbs Shoots: R. 3 years, $4.7M AAV remaining

Trade Chip Conversation Starter: NHL Defender OR Prospect(s) + pick

Age: 26, 6'0" 188lbs Shoots: L. This year, $4.1M AAV remaining

Kadri is a name that has been bandied about amongst the Wilderness for a couple of years, though not with much urgency. Toronto is a team in the middle of changing its identity with new head coach Mike Babcock and GM Lou Lamoriello. They are steadily improving as the year moves on and are currently 5 points out of the Wild Card spot. However, as Kadri is in the final year of his contract, he might make sense to move. The Leafs have a very high salary for a down year and may look to shift some off of the books. But that would also make the trade a challenge for the Wild, who have barely over $1M left to spend on the cap. Toronto would likely have to retain some salary here, and that probably isn't going to happen. This also answers nothing about the future for the Wild as this would be strictly a rental. This trade possibility opens up if the Wild find a way to shed some salary

Trade Chip Conversation Starter: 2nd round pick OR Prospect + lower pick

All HERO charts from Own the Puck

Leon Draisatl, Edmonton Oilers

Age: 20, 6'1" 214lbs Shoots: L. 2 years, $925k AAV remaining

Trade Chip Conversation Starter: NHL Defender + Prospect + Pick(s)

Draisatl's NHL Stats:

Other Rentals

Conclusion