Ari Baum-Cohen writes for the popular hockey blog illegalcurve.com.
With the NHL trade deadline approaching, many big names are rumoured to be on the move. Here are five trades I'd like to see happen:
Phoenix Coyotes send Olli Jokinen to the Montreal Canadiens for Sergei Kostitsyn, Ryan O’Byrne and a first round pick.
Why the deal makes sense for Phoenix:
The Coyotes are struggling on and off the ice. With a trip to the playoffs unlikely, Phoenix has little use for Olli Jokinen and his $5 million plus salary this year and next.
Sergei Kostitsyn and Ryan O’Byrne are young, talented and NHL ready. Combined, their salary is a fraction of Jokinen’s.
Why the deal makes sense for Montreal:
Sergei Kostitsyn and Ryan O’Byrne were in coach Guy Carbonneau’s doghouse before getting sent down to the AHL. With plenty of young talent in the organization, Kostitsyn and O’Byrne are expendable.
The Canadiens need veteran presence and leadership. Olli Jokinen, is a former captain and 90-point player. He is a substantial upgrade over centre Robert Lang (out for the season).
How this will impact futures odds:
Trading for Jokinen will improve their chances, but at +2000, the Habs will need to show they are over their slump before this bet has value.
Florida Panthers send Jay Bouwmeester to the Philadelphia Flyers for Joffrey Lupul, Ryan Parent and a second round pick.
Why the deal makes sense for Florida:
Jay Bouwmeester is a UFA after this season and will likely not re-sign with the team. Jacques Martin has publicly stated he needs quality players in exchange for Bouwmeester.
Florida would acquire two players that can be immediately inserted into its lineup: Lupul, an emerging star, and Parent, a blue-chip prospect.
Why the deal makes sense for Philadelphia:
The Flyers are deep at forward and can afford to part with some of their young talent. No one on the Flyers blue line is putting up significant numbers. Bouwmeester will easily become the Flyers No. 1 defenseman. The Flyers will have to get creative to ensure they are under the salary cap, but it’s worth the effort to acquire a player of Bouwmeester’s caliber.
How this will impact futures odds:
At +2000 to win the Cup, the addition of Bouwmeester makes the Flyers a legitimate contender in the East.
Anaheim Ducks send Scott Niedermayer to New Jersey for Matt Corrente, Matt Halischuk and a second round pick.
Why this makes sense for Anaheim:
The Ducks get rid of the remainder of Niedermayer’s salary, acquire future second line defenseman Matt Corrente and well-rounded, hard-working forward Matt Halischuk.
Why this makes sense for New Jersey:
New Jersey does not have an offensive defenseman on its roster. Scott Niedermayer would be a perfect fit returning home to the place where he won two cups.
How this will impact futures odds:
Barring an unforeseen Ducks winning streak, betting on Anaheim should be avoided. If the Devils add Niedermayer, they are worth monitoring at +1200.
St. Louis Blues send Keith Tkachuk and Jay McKee to the Calgary Flames for Matthew Lombardi, Leland Irving and a first round pick.
Why this deal makes sense for the Blues:
Rental player Keith Tkachuk could fetch decent prospects and Jay McKee has fallen out of favor with Blues management.
In Lombardi the Blues would receive a versatile, highly-touted centre yet to live up to his potential. Leland Irving is a top goaltending prospect that could be NHL ready as early as next season.
Why this deal makes sense for the Flames:
Keith Tkachuk has the ability to play centre and could become Jarome Iginla’s linemate. Tkachuk has the experience the Calgary Flames need for a deep playoff run and his grit fits in well with the Mike Keenan-Darryl Sutter mold. Jay McKee provides the Flames with some much-needed depth on defense.
Impact on futures odds:
If Calgary executes this trade it will be one of the deepest teams in the NHL. The Flames may be worth a look at +2000.