Claude Giroux was on the sidelines. Similar to Hampus Lindholm.
Now let’s add Mark Giordano to the list.
Three of the biggest names available will join the NHL trade deadline on Monday that has been locked into the weekend as the Philadelphia Flyers transport Giroux – their captain – to the Florida Panthers on Saturday, while the Boston Bruins acquired Lindholm from Anaheim Ducks.
The Toronto Maple Leafs then tackled Seattle Kraken captain and veteran blue long-distancer Mark Giordano on Sunday.
While players finding new homes long before the 3 p.m. ET Monday deadline removes a lot of the drama, there’s still something intriguing as the clocks continue to tick.
The Canadian Press looks at some of the storylines and possible players:
CHYCHRUN DECIDES
With unrestricted free agents pending Lindholm and Giordano having joined new teams, Arizona Coyotes’ Jakob Chychrun is another big-name defender who has been in the rumor mills for months. .
But unlike the other two blue teams, the 23-year-old still has three seasons left on a friendly contract with his team-mates that has an average annual value of $4.6 million.
And so the cost to Chychrun, if he does move, could be huge.
Another UFA celebrity in the spotlight is the Dallas Stars’ John Klingberg.
RENT
Among the pending UFAs potentially moving forward are Anaheim winger Rickard Rakell, Winnipeg Jets partner Andrew Copp and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Max Domi.
Domi has the highest salary of 5.3 million USD.
And if a team is interested in considering a restricted free agent forward, Boston’s Jack DeBrusk remains an option after he requested a trade earlier this season.
HABS ‘HUGHES
Canada’s general manager Kent Hughes has made two key deals ahead of schedule, sending winger Tyler Toffoli to the Calgary Flames last month before bringing defender Ben Chiarot to Florida as the club pivots to rebuild.
Montreal’s first-year GM said that after the Chiarot swap he doesn’t want to sell out his list, but there are certainly other names that are likely to emerge, including both Jeff Petry and Brett Kulak. .
Another angle to look at from the Canadians’ perspective is whether they can trade captain Shea Weber’s contract to a team looking to hit the pay cap.
The 36-year-old defender has been on the sidelines with a long-term injury all season and is unlikely to continue his playing career.
ROOKIE GMS
In addition to Hughes, three other rookie general managers will navigate their first term in the big chair.
Anaheim Ducks GM Pat Verbeek, like Hughes, got into the action early on, swapping quarterbacks Josh Manson for Colorado Avalanche and Lindholm for Boston, while Chicago Blackhawks partner Kyle Davidson sent winger Brandon Hagel in Tampa Bay Lightning.
Davidson also has Marc-Andre Fleury on an expiring contract, but there is no guarantee that the veteran goalkeeper will be moved.
Canucks GM Patrik Alvin is in a slightly different position from his team still in the mix for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Vancouver center JT Miller, as well as wingers Brock Boeser and Conor Garland, have all been mentioned in the commercial speculation.
Alvin made two deals on Sunday, sending Travis Hamonic to Ottawa for a third-round pick and then acquiring team-mate defender Travis Dermott from Toronto for a separate Tuesday game.
ATLANTIC ARMS RACE
The Panthers, Bruins, Lightning, and Leafs all made significant trades in the days ahead of time.
Will the Atlantic Division arms race continue as teams maneuver both commercial markets and wage caps, or are these heavyweights already done dealing?
SMALL CHANNEL FACES
Calgary made a big splash with its purchase of Toffoli from Montreal before buying fellow fielder Calle Jarnkrok from Seattle.
The Flames sit comfortably in first place in the Pacific Division and look set to be running this spring.
Will Flames GM Brad Treliving stand his ground, tweak his roster or attempt another shock Monday?
This Canadian Press report was first published on March 20, 2022.
