The 2022 VHL Bait Board
Apr 14, 2022 18:13:07 GMT -5
Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, and 12 more like this
Post by Vegas Golden Knights on Apr 14, 2022 18:13:07 GMT -5
Excited to share the 2022 VHL Trade Deadline Bait Board after collaborating with Toronto Maple Leafs on this, thanks for the help in preparing the list and to everyone who provided a response. I hope it helps generate some excitement heading into Sunday's trade deadline. Without further ado, I would like to present:
The Bait Board
1. Evgeny Kuznetsov (Nashville, 2 Years x 8.5 mil)
After making a big splash to acquire the aforementioned Russian last week, he may not want to get too comfortable. Nashville is amidst a lengthy, though quality rebuild situation and Kuznetsov could be flipped to someone looking to enhance their group of Centers. The price will not be cheap but he is certainly one of the best names out there.
2. Claude Giroux (Columbus, 1 Year x 3.5 mil)
Columbus is flush with elite offensive talent and are widely considered to be Stanley Cup favorites. But Giroux, a key member of the lineup, is a pending UFA. Columbus could be motivated to shop him for a cost controlled player with term to ensure they obtain value for the 34 year old forward, rather than walking him directly to free agency. But don't bet on it as Giroux will certainly help the Blue Jackets with their Stanley Cup aspirations.
3. Devon Toews (New York R, 1 Year x 4.0 mil)
The pending UFA defensemen may have priced himself out of New York. After breaking out as a top pairing defensemen with the NHL Avs, Toews is in line for a big day. Toews is considered the best rental defensemen on the market. Teams will be looking to acquire Toews to bolster their blueline for a cup run or he could be acquired with the intention of locking him down to an extension.
4. Darcy Kuemper (Edmonton, 4 Years x 7.5 mil)
The Oilers stud netminder recently signed a long term deal, but he may need to put his house up for sale soon as GM Louis Lafrance has decided to rebuild following a series of early playoff exits. After selling off other high profile vets, Louis can take his time with this one knowing that he holds one of the top netminders in the league- and the price should be quite high. This could be a player that Edmonton waits till the summer to deal, but a name to keep an eye on regardless.
5. Jacob Markstrom (New York I, 5 Years x 6.0 mil)
Signed to a long term, 5-year 30 million dollar contract extension last year, Markstrom will have 4 years remaining on his deal past this season. The Vezina candidate is having a spectacular season, backstopping the NHL Flames to a division title and is looking to carry that momentum into the postseason. However, there are rumblings that the VHL Islanders may be considering shopping the goaltender.
6. Blake Wheeler (Toronto, 3 Years x 10.0 mil)
Only in year 2 of his lucrative, 4-year 40 million dollar contract that he signed with Washington during free agency of 2020. Wheeler has already been traded once and now finds himself on the block once again. The 35-year old forward brings a wealth of experience and continues to play a top line role for the NHL Jets. Toronto is targeting a similar player with a lesser contract in a return.
7. Kevin Fiala (Boston, 3 Years x 4.75 mil)
The 25 year is not officially on the block but it hasn't stopped the vultures from circling around the Bruins, in hopes of securing the top line winger. Fiala is in the midst of a career year and has a very affordable cap hit of 4.75 million for the next two seasons. Fiala is considered a building block for the Bruins but should a team present them with an offer they can't refuse, maybe we see the winger in a new jersey past the deadline?
8. Roope Hintz (Montreal, 1 Year x 5.0 mil w/4 Year x 7.0 mil extension)
Hintz has recently signed a long term extension but that hasn't stopped his name from popping up in rumours. Montreal is hungry for a championship and are eyeing an elite goaltender, could Hintz be dangled for that missing piece? The 25 year old top 6 forward, alongside Jason Robertson has formed a lethal line for the NHL Stars and could be a huge boost to any team's top 6.
9. Anthony DeAngelo (Seattle, 1 Year x 0.975 mil)
The Kraken have wasted no time bringing a winning culture to the Pacific Northwest. Among their stable of blueliners, Tony DeAngelo may be the odd man out going forward despite his successful NHL season thus far. It's all about winning now, and GM Tom Jervis will certainly entertain offers for the outspoken powerplay quarterback.
10. San Jose Draft Picks
You could put any roster player in this spot as well, Smokin' Joe is ALWAYS open for business. However, after stockpiling a cigar box full of draft picks this year, league pundits are never sure whether he'll use them or not. They're all just bullets in the chamber and GM Desmarais shoots from the hip. Will he pick twice in the top 32 this summer? Will he be active this weekend? Joe only knows.
11. Alexander Romanov (Florida, 3 Years x 0.925 mil)
The future of the NHL Habs blueline has been spotted in rumours recently, as Florida is seeking to bolster their forward group. The 22 year old defensemen will be on his ELC for the next two seasons, which is incredible value for the young defensemen as he continues to develop and garner greater responsibility on the Habs blueline.
12. Jordan Binnington (New York R, 1 Year x 4.25 mil)
The pending UFA goaltender is without a contract extension and slots in at #12 on our trade bait board. The netminder lead the 2019 Blues to a Stanley Cup after breaking into the league but has since tailed off and now finds himself entangled in a goalie battle with Ville Husso for the NHL Blues. New York is open to discussions on Binnington and have indicated they are looking for futures or another goalie with term.
13. Ville Husso (Boston, 1 Year x 0.990 mil)
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The second half of the NHL Blues goalie tandem, Husso has cemented himself as an NHL calibre goalie this season and has lead the charge in net for the Blues. With a crease that appears to belong to Jake Oettinger though, the VHL Bruins are open to discussions on Husso who is a pending UFA.
14. Mats Zuccarello (Los Angeles, 4 Years x 5.0 mil)
Zucc has been on the block for some time now, and after seeing literally all the other talented forwards on the roster get dealt, he's likely got a bag packed by the door already. Who's going to spring for the talented veteran? A first round pick and a good prospect likely takes this stallion away.
15. Ryan McDonagh (Los Angeles, 2 Years x 6.75 mil)
Much like his teammate Zuccarello, McDonagh is eager to re-enter the playoff race somewhere else. His championship pedigree and proficiency in all 3 zones will help any contender, or fringe team hoping to enter the conversation. With another year left on his deal, he could give somebody 2 good playoff runs... will he be headed east? A big market team in the Atlantic has been sniffing around.
16. Jamie Oleksiak (Vegas, 1 Year x 1.25 mil)
As far as rentals go, this may be one of the absolute best. Teams need players like the Big Rig to get through a grueling 2 month playoff. Question is, will GM Rowsell keep him as his own rental? Or recoup some assets similar to the recently departed Bjorkstrand. Clock is ticking.
17. Mark Giordano (Minnesota, 2 Years x 7.0 mil)
With star player Nikita Kucherov sidelined this past year, The Wild are currently a sleeping giant due to wake up soon. Though they're not upper echelon contenders at the moment, they're still in the mix. Many big decisions await as multiple stars need new deals. Would they be best suited to shed salary by way of trading the former Norris winner Giordano?
18. Jeff Skinner (Philadelphia, 1 Year x 5.75 mil)
Skinner's tenure with the NHL Sabres has been a roller coaster, as it started off with a 40 goal season followed by two seasons that did not meet expectations. The prolific goal scorer has since bounced back and currently has 30 goals on the year. The pending UFA winger is available as a rental or an acquiring team could look to reach an extension with him to solidify their top 6 for next season.
19. Brendan Gallagher (Washington, 1 Year x 6.0 mil)
The feisty forward has been a long term fixture with the NHL Habs in their top 6 forward group. Gallagher is a pending UFA and it is uncertain where contract negotiations stand at this time so there is potential that the Capitals are exploring their options when it comes to the 29 year old winger's future.
20. Phil Kessel (Edmonton, 5 Years x 6.0 mil)
The savvy vet could help any powerplay, but comes at a multi year 6M tag. Will be interesting to see if any suitors bite, and if they do expect some roster players to come back in return unless this deal happens in the summer.
21. Yanni Gourde (Ottawa, 3 Years x 4.9 mil)
Gourde was the anchor on the third line for the 2x cup winning Tampa Bay Lightning. Since being claimed in the expansion draft by the Kraken, Gourde has stepped up his production in an expanded role. Gourde currently has two years remaining past this season at an affordable cap hit of 4.9 million. Ottawa appears to be exploring the market on Gourde in hopes of bringing back a winger.
22. Blake Coleman (Calgary, 1 Year x 3.5 mil)
The Big Baller himself has been eerily quiet of late, and you KNOW that means he's up to something. Something BIG. However, in a recent interview the biggest name of immediate interest that came up was pending free agent Blake Coleman. The wrecking ball Coleman would instantly help a contender on the forecheck and penalty kill and I'd expect many suitors to emerge.
23. Alexander Radulov (Carolina, 1 Year x 6.85 mil)
With new GM Chorostkowski in town, Carolina has indicated that a rebuild is in order. Radulov, a pending UFA, is a prime target to be dealt as a rental. His hefty cap hit however, may make it difficult for the Hurricanes to find a suitor. Hopefully, the temporarily cap increase as of April 1 opens some breathing room for playoff teams and incentivizes them to make a pitch for the 35 year old winger who would be an immediate boost to any team's top 6 for the stretch run.
24. Jordan Eberle (Dallas, 2 Years x 5.75 mil)
What do you get someone who has everything? A better version of something they already have! Despite having one of the best rosters ever assembled, GM Jussi Kalmi works tirelessly to improve his team top to bottom. Rumor has it Jordan Eberle could be had, along with a sweetener if there's a better forward available.
25. Kyle Palmieri (Chicago, 3 Years x 6.25 mil)
After landing a premium prospect in Justin Barron for simply taking on the contract, Palmieri has gone from overpriced anchor to productive top nine forward. Perhaps Palmieri will be the gift that keeps on giving if teams pursue his services for the future. However, at 6.2 M through 2024, a deal may be difficult to make without retention.
Honorable Mentions
Tanner Pearson (Anaheim, 1 Year x 3.0 mil)
Buffalo Draft Picks (2024 2nd & 3rd)
Adam Henrique (Carolina, 4 Years x 5.0 mil)
Mikael Backlund (Dallas, 1 Year x 2.675 mil)
Tyler Myers (Detroit, 4 Years x 4.25 mil)
Christian Dvorak (Detroit, 4 Years x 5.0 mil)
Paul Stastny (Edmonton, 1 Year x 4.0 mil)
Trevor Van Riemsdyk (Florida, 1 Year x 2.0 mil)
Tomas Tatar (New York R, 3 Years x 7.0 mil)
Kevin Shattenkirk (Toronto, 2 Years x 4.75 mil)
Sami Vatanen (Vancouver, 4 Years x 5.75 mil* eligible for amnesty buyout)
The Bait Board
1. Evgeny Kuznetsov (Nashville, 2 Years x 8.5 mil)
After making a big splash to acquire the aforementioned Russian last week, he may not want to get too comfortable. Nashville is amidst a lengthy, though quality rebuild situation and Kuznetsov could be flipped to someone looking to enhance their group of Centers. The price will not be cheap but he is certainly one of the best names out there.
2. Claude Giroux (Columbus, 1 Year x 3.5 mil)
Columbus is flush with elite offensive talent and are widely considered to be Stanley Cup favorites. But Giroux, a key member of the lineup, is a pending UFA. Columbus could be motivated to shop him for a cost controlled player with term to ensure they obtain value for the 34 year old forward, rather than walking him directly to free agency. But don't bet on it as Giroux will certainly help the Blue Jackets with their Stanley Cup aspirations.
3. Devon Toews (New York R, 1 Year x 4.0 mil)
The pending UFA defensemen may have priced himself out of New York. After breaking out as a top pairing defensemen with the NHL Avs, Toews is in line for a big day. Toews is considered the best rental defensemen on the market. Teams will be looking to acquire Toews to bolster their blueline for a cup run or he could be acquired with the intention of locking him down to an extension.
4. Darcy Kuemper (Edmonton, 4 Years x 7.5 mil)
The Oilers stud netminder recently signed a long term deal, but he may need to put his house up for sale soon as GM Louis Lafrance has decided to rebuild following a series of early playoff exits. After selling off other high profile vets, Louis can take his time with this one knowing that he holds one of the top netminders in the league- and the price should be quite high. This could be a player that Edmonton waits till the summer to deal, but a name to keep an eye on regardless.
5. Jacob Markstrom (New York I, 5 Years x 6.0 mil)
Signed to a long term, 5-year 30 million dollar contract extension last year, Markstrom will have 4 years remaining on his deal past this season. The Vezina candidate is having a spectacular season, backstopping the NHL Flames to a division title and is looking to carry that momentum into the postseason. However, there are rumblings that the VHL Islanders may be considering shopping the goaltender.
6. Blake Wheeler (Toronto, 3 Years x 10.0 mil)
Only in year 2 of his lucrative, 4-year 40 million dollar contract that he signed with Washington during free agency of 2020. Wheeler has already been traded once and now finds himself on the block once again. The 35-year old forward brings a wealth of experience and continues to play a top line role for the NHL Jets. Toronto is targeting a similar player with a lesser contract in a return.
7. Kevin Fiala (Boston, 3 Years x 4.75 mil)
The 25 year is not officially on the block but it hasn't stopped the vultures from circling around the Bruins, in hopes of securing the top line winger. Fiala is in the midst of a career year and has a very affordable cap hit of 4.75 million for the next two seasons. Fiala is considered a building block for the Bruins but should a team present them with an offer they can't refuse, maybe we see the winger in a new jersey past the deadline?
8. Roope Hintz (Montreal, 1 Year x 5.0 mil w/4 Year x 7.0 mil extension)
Hintz has recently signed a long term extension but that hasn't stopped his name from popping up in rumours. Montreal is hungry for a championship and are eyeing an elite goaltender, could Hintz be dangled for that missing piece? The 25 year old top 6 forward, alongside Jason Robertson has formed a lethal line for the NHL Stars and could be a huge boost to any team's top 6.
9. Anthony DeAngelo (Seattle, 1 Year x 0.975 mil)
The Kraken have wasted no time bringing a winning culture to the Pacific Northwest. Among their stable of blueliners, Tony DeAngelo may be the odd man out going forward despite his successful NHL season thus far. It's all about winning now, and GM Tom Jervis will certainly entertain offers for the outspoken powerplay quarterback.
10. San Jose Draft Picks
You could put any roster player in this spot as well, Smokin' Joe is ALWAYS open for business. However, after stockpiling a cigar box full of draft picks this year, league pundits are never sure whether he'll use them or not. They're all just bullets in the chamber and GM Desmarais shoots from the hip. Will he pick twice in the top 32 this summer? Will he be active this weekend? Joe only knows.
11. Alexander Romanov (Florida, 3 Years x 0.925 mil)
The future of the NHL Habs blueline has been spotted in rumours recently, as Florida is seeking to bolster their forward group. The 22 year old defensemen will be on his ELC for the next two seasons, which is incredible value for the young defensemen as he continues to develop and garner greater responsibility on the Habs blueline.
12. Jordan Binnington (New York R, 1 Year x 4.25 mil)
The pending UFA goaltender is without a contract extension and slots in at #12 on our trade bait board. The netminder lead the 2019 Blues to a Stanley Cup after breaking into the league but has since tailed off and now finds himself entangled in a goalie battle with Ville Husso for the NHL Blues. New York is open to discussions on Binnington and have indicated they are looking for futures or another goalie with term.
13. Ville Husso (Boston, 1 Year x 0.990 mil)
The second half of the NHL Blues goalie tandem, Husso has cemented himself as an NHL calibre goalie this season and has lead the charge in net for the Blues. With a crease that appears to belong to Jake Oettinger though, the VHL Bruins are open to discussions on Husso who is a pending UFA.
14. Mats Zuccarello (Los Angeles, 4 Years x 5.0 mil)
Zucc has been on the block for some time now, and after seeing literally all the other talented forwards on the roster get dealt, he's likely got a bag packed by the door already. Who's going to spring for the talented veteran? A first round pick and a good prospect likely takes this stallion away.
15. Ryan McDonagh (Los Angeles, 2 Years x 6.75 mil)
Much like his teammate Zuccarello, McDonagh is eager to re-enter the playoff race somewhere else. His championship pedigree and proficiency in all 3 zones will help any contender, or fringe team hoping to enter the conversation. With another year left on his deal, he could give somebody 2 good playoff runs... will he be headed east? A big market team in the Atlantic has been sniffing around.
16. Jamie Oleksiak (Vegas, 1 Year x 1.25 mil)
As far as rentals go, this may be one of the absolute best. Teams need players like the Big Rig to get through a grueling 2 month playoff. Question is, will GM Rowsell keep him as his own rental? Or recoup some assets similar to the recently departed Bjorkstrand. Clock is ticking.
17. Mark Giordano (Minnesota, 2 Years x 7.0 mil)
With star player Nikita Kucherov sidelined this past year, The Wild are currently a sleeping giant due to wake up soon. Though they're not upper echelon contenders at the moment, they're still in the mix. Many big decisions await as multiple stars need new deals. Would they be best suited to shed salary by way of trading the former Norris winner Giordano?
18. Jeff Skinner (Philadelphia, 1 Year x 5.75 mil)
Skinner's tenure with the NHL Sabres has been a roller coaster, as it started off with a 40 goal season followed by two seasons that did not meet expectations. The prolific goal scorer has since bounced back and currently has 30 goals on the year. The pending UFA winger is available as a rental or an acquiring team could look to reach an extension with him to solidify their top 6 for next season.
19. Brendan Gallagher (Washington, 1 Year x 6.0 mil)
The feisty forward has been a long term fixture with the NHL Habs in their top 6 forward group. Gallagher is a pending UFA and it is uncertain where contract negotiations stand at this time so there is potential that the Capitals are exploring their options when it comes to the 29 year old winger's future.
20. Phil Kessel (Edmonton, 5 Years x 6.0 mil)
The savvy vet could help any powerplay, but comes at a multi year 6M tag. Will be interesting to see if any suitors bite, and if they do expect some roster players to come back in return unless this deal happens in the summer.
21. Yanni Gourde (Ottawa, 3 Years x 4.9 mil)
Gourde was the anchor on the third line for the 2x cup winning Tampa Bay Lightning. Since being claimed in the expansion draft by the Kraken, Gourde has stepped up his production in an expanded role. Gourde currently has two years remaining past this season at an affordable cap hit of 4.9 million. Ottawa appears to be exploring the market on Gourde in hopes of bringing back a winger.
22. Blake Coleman (Calgary, 1 Year x 3.5 mil)
The Big Baller himself has been eerily quiet of late, and you KNOW that means he's up to something. Something BIG. However, in a recent interview the biggest name of immediate interest that came up was pending free agent Blake Coleman. The wrecking ball Coleman would instantly help a contender on the forecheck and penalty kill and I'd expect many suitors to emerge.
23. Alexander Radulov (Carolina, 1 Year x 6.85 mil)
With new GM Chorostkowski in town, Carolina has indicated that a rebuild is in order. Radulov, a pending UFA, is a prime target to be dealt as a rental. His hefty cap hit however, may make it difficult for the Hurricanes to find a suitor. Hopefully, the temporarily cap increase as of April 1 opens some breathing room for playoff teams and incentivizes them to make a pitch for the 35 year old winger who would be an immediate boost to any team's top 6 for the stretch run.
24. Jordan Eberle (Dallas, 2 Years x 5.75 mil)
What do you get someone who has everything? A better version of something they already have! Despite having one of the best rosters ever assembled, GM Jussi Kalmi works tirelessly to improve his team top to bottom. Rumor has it Jordan Eberle could be had, along with a sweetener if there's a better forward available.
25. Kyle Palmieri (Chicago, 3 Years x 6.25 mil)
After landing a premium prospect in Justin Barron for simply taking on the contract, Palmieri has gone from overpriced anchor to productive top nine forward. Perhaps Palmieri will be the gift that keeps on giving if teams pursue his services for the future. However, at 6.2 M through 2024, a deal may be difficult to make without retention.
Honorable Mentions
Tanner Pearson (Anaheim, 1 Year x 3.0 mil)
Buffalo Draft Picks (2024 2nd & 3rd)
Adam Henrique (Carolina, 4 Years x 5.0 mil)
Mikael Backlund (Dallas, 1 Year x 2.675 mil)
Tyler Myers (Detroit, 4 Years x 4.25 mil)
Christian Dvorak (Detroit, 4 Years x 5.0 mil)
Paul Stastny (Edmonton, 1 Year x 4.0 mil)
Trevor Van Riemsdyk (Florida, 1 Year x 2.0 mil)
Tomas Tatar (New York R, 3 Years x 7.0 mil)
Kevin Shattenkirk (Toronto, 2 Years x 4.75 mil)
Sami Vatanen (Vancouver, 4 Years x 5.75 mil* eligible for amnesty buyout)
