NHL Trade Deadline Rentals: Depth Options
By Ryan Ritchie
NHL Trade Deadline Rentals: Several Depth Options Heading into Monday
Much is made of NHL trade deadline rentals, who are largely the center of focus around this time of year. In the weeks leading up, we hear rumors and speculation surrounding the same old names. The 2016 class consists of players such as Eric Staal, Loui Eriksson, Mikkel Boedker, Radim Vrbata, among many others. To this point, we’ve already seen one big name crossed off the list in Andrew Ladd.
Among the 20-30 or so trades that typically occur on deadline day, the majority consist of the minor variety. So, while we can expect impact moves on Monday, the names we should be focused on are generally regarded as depth players. In today’s NHL, depth is everything down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Below is a list of players who are good targets as depth rentals – that could step in and fill a temporary hole (if needed). We’ve also included a list of players set to become restricted free agents that may be targets – obviously not rentals.
NHL Trade Deadline Rentals: Depth Options
Unrestricted Free Agents:
Boyd Gordon (Arizona Coyotes) – If the Coyotes are willing to eat half of his $3 million dollar contract, his ability to dominate on the draw (face-off circle) makes him an intriguing option.
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Steve Downie (Arizona Coyotes) – Playing in the AHL, Downie’s physicality and intensity with blend of skill makes him an option if Arizona is willing to retain part of his salary.
Carlo Colaiacovo (Buffalo Sabres) – He never worked out after signing a one year deal last offseason. He’ll only fetch a mid-to-late round draft pick from whichever team is looking to add some defensive depth – something is better than nothing.
Joakim Andersson (Detroit Red Wings) – He’s an NHL quality bottom six forward on a team with too much talent and depth. Andersson is the unfortunate odd-man out, seeing time down in Grand Rapids in 2015-16.
Other UFA Rentals:
Rob Klinkhammer (Edmonton Oilers)
Trevor Lewis (Los Angeles Kings)
Ryan Carter (Minnesota Wild)
Stephen Gionta (New Jersey Devils)
Raphael Diaz (New York Rangers)
Chris Butler (St.Louis Blues)
Mark Arcobello (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Brad Boyes (Toronto Maple Leafs)
T.J. Brennan (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Adam Cracknell (Vancouver Canucks)
Yannick Weber (Vancouver Canucks)
Brandon Prust (Vancouver Canucks)
Adam Pardy (Winnipeg Jets)
Matt Halischuk (Winnipeg Jets)
Restricted Free Agents:
Ryan Murphy (Carolina Hurricanes) – Think of Ryan Murphy as a comparable Jared Cowen… or at least on the same path. The once highly touted prospect continues to disappoint among a team full of emerging young blueliners. He’s 22, set to become an RFA, that could be an attractive target for any team in need of depth on the back-end.
Dalton Prout (Columbus Blue Jackets) – Slowly being squeezed out in Columbus (a self-inflicted wound). Here’s another guy that had a lot of potential, who never seemed to pan out. Prout, 25, is a candidate atop players needing a change of scenery.
Next: 5 Questions Heading into Monday's Deadline
Other RFA Options:
Cody Hodgson (Nashville Predators)
Danny Kristo (St.Louis Blues)
Peter Holland (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Ryan Stanton (Washington Capitals)
Patrice Cormier (Winnipeg Jets)