Trade chatter continues to pick up around the league as the clock ticks towards the NHL trade deadline.
- Rumours are starting to swirl around the Canucks, who continue to push for a wildcard spot but are prepared to sell. - Chief among the rumoured players potentially on the move is JT Miller.
No stranger to the rumour mill, Miller would be a big add for contending teams looking to make a push. Among the many teams that have kicked tires are the Maple Leafs, Rangers and Wild. With one year left on his contract after this season, the Canucks and Miller have a decision to make.The belief is that more assets could be recouped by handing Miller over for two potential playoff runs instead of one.
- Another name that has begun to surface in Vancouver is Brock Boeser. Although it's not yet clear which teams are interested, there would be no shortage of suitors for the scoring winger. Boeser's name has come up now and then for a few years, but his status as an arbitration-eligible RFA with a $5.8 million qualifying offer could force a decision one way or another before the deadline.
- Elsewhere in the Pacific, the Ducks could find themselves in a position to sell if they slip out of the playoff picture. Among the names being bandied about are Hampus Lindholm (connected to the Oilers), Josh Manson (connected to the Leafs) and Rickard Rakell. Chances are the still-rebuilding Ducks do some selling regardless of where they sit in the standings.
- In addition to the Claude Giroux rumours, there seems to be a little bit of chatter in Philadelphia around Ivan Provorov. The belief is that the Flyers prefer to keep him, but the buzz around him continues to grow and a trade is not out of the question. If I'm Philly, there's no way I'm doing that deal unless you're getting a young stud defenseman as part of the package. Pure speculation, but a lot of pundits have tried to connect Provorov to Vegas - GM Kelly McCrimmon is very familiar with Provorov from their junior hockey days.
