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Trade activity has already started this weekend, with Nash and Brassard deals shipping picks and prospects across the league and even more to come. The obvious fallout of this is the big name added to one roster, with prospects or picks being added to the other organization. But if this prospect isn't NHL-ready, the empty roster space is more likely going to a prospect already in the organization. Let's look at these opportunities popping up on teams being sellers over the next few days:
New York Rangers
OUT: Rick Nash, Nick Holden
POTENTIALLY OUT: Mats Zuccarello, Davd Desharnais, Ryan McDonough
PROSPECTS READY: Filip Chytil, Neal Pionk, John Gilmour
Gilmour and Pionk have already seen cups of coffee witht he club, but more could be coming when McDonough gets moved. Gilmour has more fantasy upside of the two, but both have a chance to prove their capable of a bottom-pairing position next year. Up front, the Rangers did pick up a roster player in Spooner, but when a spot opens up it might be time to test Chytil out in the NHL. His rookie AHL season has been a huge success.
Buffalo Sabres
OUT: TBD
POTENTIALLY OUT: Evander Kane, Benoit Pouliot, Victor Antipin
PROSPECTS READY: CJ Smith, Seth Griffith, Brendan Guhle
The Sabres are terrible so any fantasy value in call-ups for the remainder of the year takes a hit, but CJ Smith has been a breakout star in the AHL and should be rewarded accordingly once Kane gets moved. Seth Griffith is another AHL producer who hasn't been able to capitalize on NHL gigs, but is probably worth giving a shot if you're the Sabres since Nylander doesn't look ready yet. On the blueline, Brendan Guhle could benefit from some no-pressure NHL ice time.
Vancouver Canucks
OUT: TBD
POTENTIALLY OUT: Thomas Vanek, Erik Gudbransen, Alex Edler, Chris Tanev
PROSPECTS READY: Reid Boucher
In hindsight, probably shouldn't have put Vancouver on this list. Despite being in a position where they should sell, they locked up Gudbransen, Tanev is injured (and they dont want to move him), and Edler wont waive his NTC. So, the only real opening I expect is on the wing, and with Gagner back in the fold i essentially jut expect no more healthy scratches for Goldobin. Maybe Reid Boucher gets another tryout.
Ottawa Senators
OUT: Brassard, Phaneuf, Thompson
POTENTIALLY OUT: Everybody
PROSPECTS READY*: Colin White, Filip Chlapik, Nick Paul
*In the case of a mass exodus, sometimes players who aren't ready get a look anyways so that the team meets the roster reuirements. Harpur looks like he's locked down a spot with Phaneuf gone, meanwhile talented prospects like White, Chlapik, and Paul may get the chance to speed up their development time and prove their NHL-ready. That, or Melnyk hires himself and friends as players on minimum salary to save a few bucks and make the Sens only ice 10 players. Still less stupid than trading Karlsson. Like in Buffalo, this team is poor enough to severely temper any fantasy dreams you have for these kids.
Edmonton Oilers
OUT: Brandon Davidson
POTENTIALLY OUT: Pat Maroon, Mark Letestu
PROSPECTS READY: Anton Slepyshev, Anton Slepyshev, Anton Slepyshev
Hmm, a player who can put up modest numbers in minimal minutes, provide ample hits and SOG. Better healthy scratch him for most of the season. Also, maybe Puljujarvi will get more than 13 minutes aTOI. But I doubt it. Zach Kassian first line seems more likely given the Oilers' track record this season.
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For even more Trade Deadline coverage, check out Pat's Ramblings from this week here:
https://dobberprospects.com/prospect-ramblings-deadline-prospects-february-22-2018/
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Thanks for reading, and hold onto your seats for the last 24 hours of trade activity! Hopeully its a fun one.
Hayden Soboleski
@soboleskih