Action is picking up on several key players as Monday's NHL trade deadline looms large.
- Teams are pushing hard on Rangers rental forward Michael Grabner today. He was the cheap winger option for a lot of teams who are unwilling to pay the high prices for guys like Nash and Kane. If this gets done, a lot of teams will scramble to go to their backup plans.
- Some have suggested an trde for Rick Nash is already a "done deal".
- The Senators are listening to offers on pretty much everybody right now - including Jean- Gabriel Pageau, Derick Brassard, Mike Hoffman and Zack Smith. It was believed in past weeks that players like Hoffman and Pageau were more likely to stay put, but it will depend on the quality of the offers being received. Not everyone is going to get moved, but nobody is off the table either.
- Of course, everyone's waiting to see what happens with the big fish, Erik Karlsson. Still no clear indication of which teams would be interested other than Tampa Bay. But here's a couple educated guesses - Boston and Nashville. Both have assets to spend, and both have a strong desire to add another top defenseman. Others have suggested Vegas as a possibility - they certainly have some of the pieces, so who knows.
- Action also sounds to be picking up on Rangers blueliner Ryan McDonagh - Toronto, Boston and Tampa are among those involved in the bidding war. Anaheim is another rumoured possibility.
- Scott Wedgewood may not be a King for long, with speculation suggesting he could be flipped shortly. Wedgewood was acquired by Los Angeles yesterday in a package deal that sent away backup Darcy Kuemper.
- Jack Johnson might not get moved after all, with a report suggesting contract extension negotiations have begun. The Lightning and Maple Leafs have expressed some interest.
