The 2023 VHL Bait Board
Feb 17, 2023 19:43:21 GMT -5
Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, and 11 more like this
Post by Vegas Golden Knights on Feb 17, 2023 19:43:21 GMT -5
The VHL trade bait board is back again for 2023! The list was formed from feedback presented from VHL GMs and from trade block posts throughout the year. Thanks everyone who swiftly responded, I hope this list promotes more activity for the league as we head towards the trade deadline. I hope you enjoy this year's edition, of the VHL Trade Deadline Bait Board:
The Bait Board
1. Cale Makar (New York R., 5 Years x 10.0 mil)
A generational, norris calibre defenceman in his prime on the block? It seems too good to be true! Or perhaps the Rangers GM is just bold enough to make a major splash at this year's deadline. Makar is by far the most shocking name that was floated . Does any team have the pieces, along with the balls, to sway the Rangers to make such a move, just for fun?!
2. Auston Matthews (Dallas, 2 Years x 11.5 mil)
A trade bait board where Matthews is not number one, speaks volumes to how deep this bait board is. But is this another situation where it is too good to be true? Dallas is the reigning cup champion but are fending off Crazy Joe and his Sharks for the final wild card spot in the West. The Dallas GM is actively seeking an experienced winger to add to his lineup but could also be looking towards the future, as Matthews' deal expires next season and will be due a hefty raise. A deal of this magnitude would likely be better suited for the off-season but the VHL has proven to be unpredictable.
3. David Pastrnak (Colorado, 1 Year x 8.0 mil)
Unlike the first two names on the board, there could be some merit to this rumour. Pasta is an electric talent but is trending towards another season outside of the playoffs. Colorado has multiple UFAs who are worth extending but will be forced to let some walk to free agency. Would the Avalanche consider trading Pasta? He would easily be the best rental on the market and when asked, the GM said everyone is available.
4. Pierre-Luc Dubois (Vancouver, 1 Year x 7.0 mil)
Vancouver has traded just about every asset that could bring back a return...except Dubois. The pending RFA center is the top asset Vancouver has left on their roster and could fetch the biggest return for a team that is in a deep rebuild. The team is unable to retain anymore salary for this season but is willing to take on bad contracts to move up rounds in the upcoming draft.
5. Kevin Fiala (Boston, 2 Years x 4.75 mil)
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Where there's smoke, there's fire. Fiala finds himself on the trade deadline bait board for the second year in a row. Boston had higher expectations heading into the season, so the GM is revaluating the team's situation. The biggest question surrounding this team is whether or not Fiala is a part of the long term solution. The GM is running out of time as Fiala will be a UFA after next season.
6. Morgan Rielly (Nashville, 4 Years x 8.0 mil)
When pressed about his team, Nashville only noted Tage Thompson and Matty Beniers as untouchable. Leaving pundits to speculate if Morgan Rielly could be had. A team would have to be willing to swing big to entice the Predators to part with their number one defenceman. However, Andrew Peeke, a pending RFA defenceman with only a cap hit of 0.925 mil was confirmed to be on the block by Nashville and is more likely to be moved.
7. Jacob Slavin (Calgary, 1 Year x 5.5 mil)
Slavin is as steady as they come on the backend. He might not be the flashiest name on the block but with Calgary trending towards the basement of the west, the pending UFA could be the best rental defenceman on the market if he isn't signed to an extension.
8. Sergei Bobrovsky (Carolina, 1 Year x 7.75 mil)
Carolina is tumbling in the standings and are not equipped with plenty of trade assets to restock the cupboards. They do have the best goalie on the market though who is a pending UFA. Bobrovsky would be a pure rental for an acquiring team but his cap hit may prove difficult to move as Carolina has little room to retain salary.
9. Evgeni Malkin (Arizona, 2 Years x 11.4 mil)
The eldest player on the bait board but certainly an intriguing option. Malkin has championship pedigree but his production in the VHL has seen a step back this season. Arizona is rumoured to be shopping the forward in hopes that a change of scenery may reignite his production and recoup some assets for the aging forward. Malkin's steep cap hit may prevent that from happening...unless some salary were retained which Arizona appears willing to do.
10. Mark Stone (Vegas, 1 Year x 5.76 mil)
Vegas is vying for the top seed in the West but that hasn't stopped them from shopping the pending UFA winger. Stone appears to be the odd man out in Sin City, due to the new VHL UFA extension rules limiting teams to only two UFA extensions per year. Vegas may keep Stone as an own-rental for their own playoff run but they are exploring the market to try and recoup assets for the top line winger.
11. Lucas Raymond (Dallas, 3 Years x 0.975 mil)
The second year NHL winger isn't playing bad but there was loftier expectations heading into the season following his strong rookie campaign. Is this a traditional sophomore slump? Or is it a sign of things to come? The Dallas GM may not wait to find out as they are on the hunt for more experience on their quest for a repeat title. Raymond has two years remaining on his VHL entry level deal beyond this season.
12. Ivan Provorov (Boston, 2 Years x 7.25 mil)
On the block for the majority of the season, it's no surprise that the Russian defenceman is on our bait board. Boston hasn't been presented with an offer that is strong enough to part with the 26 year old. Provorov is considered in his prime but is on a struggling NHL team. A change of scenery in both the NHL and VHL could unlock his full potential.
13. Matthew Dumba (Montreal, 1 Year x 3.0 mil)
Montreal is currently on the outside looking in at the playoffs. Typically a competitive team, Montreal could switch gears and be sellers at this year's deadline evidenced by their trade block post that had some significant players listed such as Max Pacioretty, Nino Niederreiter and Josh Bailey. It's Matt Dumba though that caught our attention, a pending UFA with a very reasonable cap hit, he is a prime rental candidate this deadline season.
14. Colton Parayko (Pittsburgh, 1 Year x 7.0 mil)
Pittsburgh was previously squeezed by the new UFA extensions rule, forced to move Bo Horvat prior to the season to recoup assets. Now they may be squeezed again as Draisaitl and Panarin will be prioritized over Parayko. The pending UFA would be a great addition to any contender...such as the Penguins. Maybe the Pens hold onto the towering defenceman for their own playoff run. If they are really motivated to trade him though, Pittsburgh has no restrictions for retaining salary to conduct a trade.
15. Brock Boeser (Calgary, 1 Year x 6.5 mil)
Rumour has it Boeser requested a trade out of Cow Town last year as he couldn't handle the big baller lifestyle. The pending RFA now finds himself on the bait board as the Flames struggle to find their groove. The team is full of talent but a shake up could right the ship for next season and bring the Flames back into the playoff picture.
16. Bryan Rust (Florida, 1 Year x 2.0 mil)
The Panthers had much higher expectations after a flurry of moves this past summer but see themselves battling for playoff position. If the GM feels this isn't their year, Rust, a pending UFA at a reasonable cap hit, could be on the move to replenish some of the assets that were traded this past summer.
17. Top Goalie Prospects (Jesper Wallstedt, Yaraslov Askarov)
Two competitive teams with arguably the best goalies in the league and the best goalie prospects on their respective teams. It's a luxury both Florida and Vegas can boast but with their creases secured for the foreseeable future with Helleybuyck and Vasilevsky respectively, their prodigies could be on the move. There are rumblings that teams have been circling around January's AHL goalie of the month, Jesper Wallstedt from Florida. While Yaraslov Askarov is Vegas' best trade chip in their quest for a championship due to their lack of draft capital.
18. Rickard Rakell (Philadelphia, 2 Years x 4.3 mil)
The Flyers were hoping to be further ahead in their rebuild at this point. Alas, they are basement dwellers as we approach the 2023 deadline, which would be a problem most years but when Connor Bedard is on the line, it's an exception. With two years left on his contract and at a reasonable cap hit, Rakell could be acquired by a contender for two playoff runs, further improving the value of a return for the Flyers.
19. Matt Roy (Edmonton, 4 Years x 3.75 mil)
The Oilers are in the midst of a rebuild and their roster consists of numerous veteran players that could strengthen a contender's roster. By no means flashy, Matt Roy is a dependable defenceman that would improve any team's defence core and he is signed to a long term deal. In case your team misses out on Matt Roy, Edmonton is also shopping Justin Holl, another dependable defenceman signed at the same value as Roy but for one less year.
20. Rental Wingers (Arturri Lehkonen, Ondrej Palat, Jordan Eberle, Dominik Kubalik)
There is no shortage of rental wingers available this trade season. A few higher profile names were already listed but it felt like an injustice to leave names off of the bait board so they'll be squeezed into one spot together. Although it is more exciting to imagine a Pastrnak trade, the more realistic target out of Colorado could be, Artturi Lehkonen, who has an affordable cap hit of only 2 million. Ondrej Palat could also be moved for assets if Toronto decides not to keep him as an own rental. They could also get creative and pair him with their 2023 first round pick which is also available. Jordan Eberle is being shopped by Buffalo after being acquired this past off-season. Lastly, Dominik Kubalik is on a cheap deal and would be the easiest asset Carolina could shop at this deadline.
21. Jonathan Quick (Washington, 1 Year x 7.5 mil)
There are not many goalies that can provide championship experience and Quick's name is on the Stanley Cup two times. The pending UFA goaltender is reportedly available and Washington is willing to retain salary to help facilitate a trade. There are a number of options on the goalie market but Quick's services could be coveted as he is the highest rated alongside Bobrovsky.
22. Viktor Arvidsson (Carolina, 2 Years x 6.0 mil)
Arvidsson has proven to be a tenacious winger that provides a scoring punch. Unfortunately, his talents are not being used for a playoff run with the Hurricanes. The team is a seller but without the ability to retain salary, shopping Arvidsson, who has two years remaining at his 6 million cap hit, will prove to difficult to trade.
23. Gustav Nyquist (Tampa Bay, 4 Years x 1.9 mil)
The Lightning are contenders but also boast an impressive prospect pool that includes Bowen Byram, Luke Hughes, Logan Stankoven & Olen Zellwegger...all of which are reportedly unavailable from this contender. Nyquist however, is being shopped around and the veteran winger comes with a 4 year term at a cheap cap hit who could be a serviceable depth piece for the right price.
24. Oliver Bjorkstrand (Florida, 5 Years x 6.0 mil)
Acquired from Vegas prior to last year's deadline, Florida quickly extended the scoring winger to a long term contract. Unfortunately, the fit has not been seamless and Florida is now shopping the underperforming winger. Signed to a long term deal with a 6 million cap hit, Bjorkstrand will not be easy to trade so hopefully these two parties can decipher a way to gel with one another.
25. Veterans of Los Angeles (Jonathan Toews, Blake Wheeler, Tomas Tatar)
LA has a number of high priced veterans on the block but unfortunately, the team is unable to retain anymore significant salary this season. Meaning it will be difficult to trade the likes of Blake Wheeler, Jonathan Toews and Tomas Tatar who are all signed to deals that exceed 7 million dollars for two years. LA will be in a prime position to retain more salary after this season so a trade involving these players could be in the works for this off-season. Niko Mikkola is a pending UFA defenceman for a cap hit for less than 1 million and is a prime candidate to be traded from LA this deadline.
Honourable Mentions
We never received any feedback from Crazy Joe for this article but under the trade block board, San Jose started a thread named "Anders Lee" and stated "Get In Touch Boys". We assumed that Anders Lee was on the block and that Joe was not requesting that the boys get in touch to discuss twisted teas and cigars. Other honorable mentions include:
Anthony DeAngelo (Philadelphia, 2 Years x 6.5 mil)
Carson Soucy (Vegas, 1 Year x 1.0 mil)
Joonas Korpisalo (Nashville, 1 Year x 3.0 mil)
Martin Jones (Philadelphia, 1 Year x 5.3 mil)
Matt Murray (Los Angeles, 1 Year x 7.5 mil)
Nate Scmidt (Vancouver, 3 Years x 6.25 mil)
Nick Schmaltz (Ottawa, 5 Years x 6.0 mil)
PK Subban (Chicago, 1 Year x 5.25 mil)
Robin Lehner (New York R, 1 Year x 4.5 mil)
Tyler Seguin (Boston, 1 Year x 5.775 mil)
The Bait Board
1. Cale Makar (New York R., 5 Years x 10.0 mil)
A generational, norris calibre defenceman in his prime on the block? It seems too good to be true! Or perhaps the Rangers GM is just bold enough to make a major splash at this year's deadline. Makar is by far the most shocking name that was floated . Does any team have the pieces, along with the balls, to sway the Rangers to make such a move, just for fun?!
2. Auston Matthews (Dallas, 2 Years x 11.5 mil)
A trade bait board where Matthews is not number one, speaks volumes to how deep this bait board is. But is this another situation where it is too good to be true? Dallas is the reigning cup champion but are fending off Crazy Joe and his Sharks for the final wild card spot in the West. The Dallas GM is actively seeking an experienced winger to add to his lineup but could also be looking towards the future, as Matthews' deal expires next season and will be due a hefty raise. A deal of this magnitude would likely be better suited for the off-season but the VHL has proven to be unpredictable.
3. David Pastrnak (Colorado, 1 Year x 8.0 mil)
Unlike the first two names on the board, there could be some merit to this rumour. Pasta is an electric talent but is trending towards another season outside of the playoffs. Colorado has multiple UFAs who are worth extending but will be forced to let some walk to free agency. Would the Avalanche consider trading Pasta? He would easily be the best rental on the market and when asked, the GM said everyone is available.
4. Pierre-Luc Dubois (Vancouver, 1 Year x 7.0 mil)
Vancouver has traded just about every asset that could bring back a return...except Dubois. The pending RFA center is the top asset Vancouver has left on their roster and could fetch the biggest return for a team that is in a deep rebuild. The team is unable to retain anymore salary for this season but is willing to take on bad contracts to move up rounds in the upcoming draft.
5. Kevin Fiala (Boston, 2 Years x 4.75 mil)
Where there's smoke, there's fire. Fiala finds himself on the trade deadline bait board for the second year in a row. Boston had higher expectations heading into the season, so the GM is revaluating the team's situation. The biggest question surrounding this team is whether or not Fiala is a part of the long term solution. The GM is running out of time as Fiala will be a UFA after next season.
6. Morgan Rielly (Nashville, 4 Years x 8.0 mil)
When pressed about his team, Nashville only noted Tage Thompson and Matty Beniers as untouchable. Leaving pundits to speculate if Morgan Rielly could be had. A team would have to be willing to swing big to entice the Predators to part with their number one defenceman. However, Andrew Peeke, a pending RFA defenceman with only a cap hit of 0.925 mil was confirmed to be on the block by Nashville and is more likely to be moved.
7. Jacob Slavin (Calgary, 1 Year x 5.5 mil)
Slavin is as steady as they come on the backend. He might not be the flashiest name on the block but with Calgary trending towards the basement of the west, the pending UFA could be the best rental defenceman on the market if he isn't signed to an extension.
8. Sergei Bobrovsky (Carolina, 1 Year x 7.75 mil)
Carolina is tumbling in the standings and are not equipped with plenty of trade assets to restock the cupboards. They do have the best goalie on the market though who is a pending UFA. Bobrovsky would be a pure rental for an acquiring team but his cap hit may prove difficult to move as Carolina has little room to retain salary.
9. Evgeni Malkin (Arizona, 2 Years x 11.4 mil)
The eldest player on the bait board but certainly an intriguing option. Malkin has championship pedigree but his production in the VHL has seen a step back this season. Arizona is rumoured to be shopping the forward in hopes that a change of scenery may reignite his production and recoup some assets for the aging forward. Malkin's steep cap hit may prevent that from happening...unless some salary were retained which Arizona appears willing to do.
10. Mark Stone (Vegas, 1 Year x 5.76 mil)
Vegas is vying for the top seed in the West but that hasn't stopped them from shopping the pending UFA winger. Stone appears to be the odd man out in Sin City, due to the new VHL UFA extension rules limiting teams to only two UFA extensions per year. Vegas may keep Stone as an own-rental for their own playoff run but they are exploring the market to try and recoup assets for the top line winger.
11. Lucas Raymond (Dallas, 3 Years x 0.975 mil)
The second year NHL winger isn't playing bad but there was loftier expectations heading into the season following his strong rookie campaign. Is this a traditional sophomore slump? Or is it a sign of things to come? The Dallas GM may not wait to find out as they are on the hunt for more experience on their quest for a repeat title. Raymond has two years remaining on his VHL entry level deal beyond this season.
12. Ivan Provorov (Boston, 2 Years x 7.25 mil)
On the block for the majority of the season, it's no surprise that the Russian defenceman is on our bait board. Boston hasn't been presented with an offer that is strong enough to part with the 26 year old. Provorov is considered in his prime but is on a struggling NHL team. A change of scenery in both the NHL and VHL could unlock his full potential.
13. Matthew Dumba (Montreal, 1 Year x 3.0 mil)
Montreal is currently on the outside looking in at the playoffs. Typically a competitive team, Montreal could switch gears and be sellers at this year's deadline evidenced by their trade block post that had some significant players listed such as Max Pacioretty, Nino Niederreiter and Josh Bailey. It's Matt Dumba though that caught our attention, a pending UFA with a very reasonable cap hit, he is a prime rental candidate this deadline season.
14. Colton Parayko (Pittsburgh, 1 Year x 7.0 mil)
Pittsburgh was previously squeezed by the new UFA extensions rule, forced to move Bo Horvat prior to the season to recoup assets. Now they may be squeezed again as Draisaitl and Panarin will be prioritized over Parayko. The pending UFA would be a great addition to any contender...such as the Penguins. Maybe the Pens hold onto the towering defenceman for their own playoff run. If they are really motivated to trade him though, Pittsburgh has no restrictions for retaining salary to conduct a trade.
15. Brock Boeser (Calgary, 1 Year x 6.5 mil)
Rumour has it Boeser requested a trade out of Cow Town last year as he couldn't handle the big baller lifestyle. The pending RFA now finds himself on the bait board as the Flames struggle to find their groove. The team is full of talent but a shake up could right the ship for next season and bring the Flames back into the playoff picture.
16. Bryan Rust (Florida, 1 Year x 2.0 mil)
The Panthers had much higher expectations after a flurry of moves this past summer but see themselves battling for playoff position. If the GM feels this isn't their year, Rust, a pending UFA at a reasonable cap hit, could be on the move to replenish some of the assets that were traded this past summer.
17. Top Goalie Prospects (Jesper Wallstedt, Yaraslov Askarov)
Two competitive teams with arguably the best goalies in the league and the best goalie prospects on their respective teams. It's a luxury both Florida and Vegas can boast but with their creases secured for the foreseeable future with Helleybuyck and Vasilevsky respectively, their prodigies could be on the move. There are rumblings that teams have been circling around January's AHL goalie of the month, Jesper Wallstedt from Florida. While Yaraslov Askarov is Vegas' best trade chip in their quest for a championship due to their lack of draft capital.
18. Rickard Rakell (Philadelphia, 2 Years x 4.3 mil)
The Flyers were hoping to be further ahead in their rebuild at this point. Alas, they are basement dwellers as we approach the 2023 deadline, which would be a problem most years but when Connor Bedard is on the line, it's an exception. With two years left on his contract and at a reasonable cap hit, Rakell could be acquired by a contender for two playoff runs, further improving the value of a return for the Flyers.
19. Matt Roy (Edmonton, 4 Years x 3.75 mil)
The Oilers are in the midst of a rebuild and their roster consists of numerous veteran players that could strengthen a contender's roster. By no means flashy, Matt Roy is a dependable defenceman that would improve any team's defence core and he is signed to a long term deal. In case your team misses out on Matt Roy, Edmonton is also shopping Justin Holl, another dependable defenceman signed at the same value as Roy but for one less year.
20. Rental Wingers (Arturri Lehkonen, Ondrej Palat, Jordan Eberle, Dominik Kubalik)
There is no shortage of rental wingers available this trade season. A few higher profile names were already listed but it felt like an injustice to leave names off of the bait board so they'll be squeezed into one spot together. Although it is more exciting to imagine a Pastrnak trade, the more realistic target out of Colorado could be, Artturi Lehkonen, who has an affordable cap hit of only 2 million. Ondrej Palat could also be moved for assets if Toronto decides not to keep him as an own rental. They could also get creative and pair him with their 2023 first round pick which is also available. Jordan Eberle is being shopped by Buffalo after being acquired this past off-season. Lastly, Dominik Kubalik is on a cheap deal and would be the easiest asset Carolina could shop at this deadline.
21. Jonathan Quick (Washington, 1 Year x 7.5 mil)
There are not many goalies that can provide championship experience and Quick's name is on the Stanley Cup two times. The pending UFA goaltender is reportedly available and Washington is willing to retain salary to help facilitate a trade. There are a number of options on the goalie market but Quick's services could be coveted as he is the highest rated alongside Bobrovsky.
22. Viktor Arvidsson (Carolina, 2 Years x 6.0 mil)
Arvidsson has proven to be a tenacious winger that provides a scoring punch. Unfortunately, his talents are not being used for a playoff run with the Hurricanes. The team is a seller but without the ability to retain salary, shopping Arvidsson, who has two years remaining at his 6 million cap hit, will prove to difficult to trade.
23. Gustav Nyquist (Tampa Bay, 4 Years x 1.9 mil)
The Lightning are contenders but also boast an impressive prospect pool that includes Bowen Byram, Luke Hughes, Logan Stankoven & Olen Zellwegger...all of which are reportedly unavailable from this contender. Nyquist however, is being shopped around and the veteran winger comes with a 4 year term at a cheap cap hit who could be a serviceable depth piece for the right price.
24. Oliver Bjorkstrand (Florida, 5 Years x 6.0 mil)
Acquired from Vegas prior to last year's deadline, Florida quickly extended the scoring winger to a long term contract. Unfortunately, the fit has not been seamless and Florida is now shopping the underperforming winger. Signed to a long term deal with a 6 million cap hit, Bjorkstrand will not be easy to trade so hopefully these two parties can decipher a way to gel with one another.
25. Veterans of Los Angeles (Jonathan Toews, Blake Wheeler, Tomas Tatar)
LA has a number of high priced veterans on the block but unfortunately, the team is unable to retain anymore significant salary this season. Meaning it will be difficult to trade the likes of Blake Wheeler, Jonathan Toews and Tomas Tatar who are all signed to deals that exceed 7 million dollars for two years. LA will be in a prime position to retain more salary after this season so a trade involving these players could be in the works for this off-season. Niko Mikkola is a pending UFA defenceman for a cap hit for less than 1 million and is a prime candidate to be traded from LA this deadline.
Honourable Mentions
We never received any feedback from Crazy Joe for this article but under the trade block board, San Jose started a thread named "Anders Lee" and stated "Get In Touch Boys". We assumed that Anders Lee was on the block and that Joe was not requesting that the boys get in touch to discuss twisted teas and cigars. Other honorable mentions include:
Anthony DeAngelo (Philadelphia, 2 Years x 6.5 mil)
Carson Soucy (Vegas, 1 Year x 1.0 mil)
Joonas Korpisalo (Nashville, 1 Year x 3.0 mil)
Martin Jones (Philadelphia, 1 Year x 5.3 mil)
Matt Murray (Los Angeles, 1 Year x 7.5 mil)
Nate Scmidt (Vancouver, 3 Years x 6.25 mil)
Nick Schmaltz (Ottawa, 5 Years x 6.0 mil)
PK Subban (Chicago, 1 Year x 5.25 mil)
Robin Lehner (New York R, 1 Year x 4.5 mil)
Tyler Seguin (Boston, 1 Year x 5.775 mil)
