It feels like we're in the calm before the storm with less than two weeks to go before the NHL trade deadline.
- The Ducks remain in the Western wildcard race, but a series of uneven performances and fruitless contract extension negotiations have them poised to be big sellers at the deadline. Rickard Rakell and Josh Manson sound to be most likely out the door, but Nick Deslauriers and Hampus Lindholm will generate some buzz as well. And how about goaltender John Gibson as a darkhorse trade candidate? Rumblings have long suggested Gibson would welcome a change of scenery.
- Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov is gaining a bit of attention as well. Though he'd likely get a decent return, some have pointed out that Varlamov is a mentor for fellow Russian goaltender Ilya Sorokin as he continues his transition to North America. And if he does move, one of the teams that has had interest - the Oilers - has already been vetoed by Varlamov himself.
- Lots of smaller names trickling into the rumour mill as well. Prospect Jack McBain is expected to be used as a trade chip at the deadline as the Wild hope to make a run. The Blackhawks and Canadiens are rumoured landing spots.
- Several teams, including the Lightning, Bruins and Blues continue to kick tires on Sharks defenseman Jake Middleton.
- There's a lot going on right now. Plenty more to come.
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