Market dwindling ahead of Wednesday's NHL trade deadline
Will there be anyone left to trade on Wednesday’s NHL trade deadline day?
The parade of early trades continued Tuesday when the New York Rangers sent a third-round pick in 2017 and a second rounder in 2018 to the Detroit Red Wings for defenseman Brendan Smith.
Smith is a feisty defenseman who can contribute both offensively and defensively.
The Red Wings, resigned to missing the playoffs for the first time since 1990, have now moved Tomas Jurco, Smith and Steve Ott, and they are expected to also trade Thomas Vanek. Some teams have also inquired about Riley Sheahan, although the Red Wings aren’t committed to moving him.
The 3 p.m. ET deadline is still more than 24 hours away, and many of the most sought-after rental players have already moved.
More NHL news
NHL trade deadline exciting for fans, less so for players
NHL trade deadline 2017: Guide to rumors, tracking the deals
Capitals put East on notice with trade for Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk
Top defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk went from the St. Louis Blues to the Washington Capitals Monday, and the Anaheim Ducks have already acquired Patrick Eaves and the Minnesota Wild traded for Martin Hanzal.
The Los Angeles Kings have added goalie Ben Bishop and the Toronto Maple Leafs dealt for checking center Brian Boyle. The Pittsburgh Penguins strengthened their defense last week by acquiring Ron Hainsey.
The best available rental forward might now be Vanek, unless the Buffalo Sabres make Brian Gionta available. Dallas Stars forward Patrick Sharp and Arizona Coyotes right wing Radim Vrbata are also available.
Available defenseman include Kyle Quincey (New Jersey Devils), Dmitry Kulikov (Buffalo Sabres), Mark Streit and Michael Del Zotto (Philadelphia Flyers)
The biggest names in the market place are still Colorado Avalanche forwards Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog who both have multiple years left on their contracts. The Avalanche are open to trading either, but it is more likely they would be moved during the summer.
