With the trade deadline less than a month away, we map out potential trades for some of the most significant names available on the market leading up to March 1.
Duchene to Ottawa
Justin Cuthbert: There are limitations when attempting to chart out the course for a championship program without burning it to the ground first.
Such is life for the Ottawa Senators, who, with their top-heavy salary scale, won't be in position to depend on the lottery as their primary means for gathering top-end talent for the foreseeable future.
For teams like Ottawa, the championship window acts as a moving target. And while captain Erik Karlsson is still hauling in about half his earning potential, now's the time to zero in.
Matt Duchene will have his $6-million contract with the Colorado Avalanche expire simultaneously with Karlsson's in 2019. The versatile forward's potential addition to the club's incomplete top six would help them contend until then, clearly defining the club's intent for the next three seasons, and won't limit their ability to appease Karlsson in future negotiations, unlike past acquisitions.
Don't expect the Senators to give up Thomas Chabot in a deal for Duchene, however, because the top prospect is certain to contribute next season. The Senators can afford to meet the Avalanche's requirements by framing a trade package around 23-year-old top-four defender Cody Ceci.
Hanzal as a Blackhawk
Sean O'Leary: It's Antoine Vermette all over again.
Despite keeping his hand close to his chest, and hinting at standing pat, Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman will make a big splash in trading for Hanzal before the deadline.
A la Vermette in 2015 - Chicago's most recent championship season - Bowman will make it work in adding Hanzal, a dream rental for any team with championship aspirations.
Vermette cost the Blackhawks a first-rounder and defensive prospect Klas Dahlbeck, and while it's hard to imagine Hanzal going for the same premium, a pick-and-prospect package is certainly doable for Chicago. The Blackhawks have three fifth-round picks and two in the sixth in the coming draft, and a few youthful forwards contributing at the NHL level in Vinnie Hinostroza, Ryan Hartman, Nick Schmaltz, and Tanner Kero.
The Blackhawks need a winger more than a center, but the opportunity to add a name like Hanzal isn't an opportunity Bowman has historically passed up.
Shattenkirk for Bishop
Craig Hagerman: Two birds, one stone.
The St. Louis Blues surely learned their lesson. That being: Don't let key players walk for nothing, which happened when David Backes and Troy Brouwer signed elsewhere July 1.
This time around, Kevin Shattenkirk's contract is up, but every indication suggests the team will trade him, and one destination that makes sense is Tampa Bay.
The Lightning are set offensively, with Steven Stamkos (when he returns), the triplets, and a collection of other producers, but their blue line is a little more thin. Aside from Victor Hedman and Anton Stralman, the club's back end is underwhelming. Shattenkirk could provide a bigger offensive punch, while possibly giving the club the jolt it needs to jump back into playoff contention.
Meanwhile, though Doug Armstrong remains confident in Jake Allen, a potential deal for Ben Bishop makes sense. The Blues need help in goal now, whether they trust Allen or not, and St. Louis is too talented not to make the postseason. To fail simply because of poor goaltending would be criminal.
A swap for Bishop also makes sense with respect to each player's salary, while a look at Allen's career stats show he's played his best when he's had to fight for the net.
If the Senators can't get Duchene ...
Josh Gold-Smith: Gabriel Landeskog is an unusual trade candidate in that he's the Avalanche captain, is only 24, and has scored at least 20 goals in four of his first six NHL seasons.
If Colorado wants to cut bait with the forward it selected second overall in 2011, there will be plenty of suitors, but the club is reportedly seeking good, young defensemen or defensive prospects in return, and the packages are "going to have to be big."
The Senators, again, make the most sense here. They need a left-winger, they'll be deadline buyers by virtue of being in the playoff mix, and they'll have the cap space to take on Landeskog's $5.57-million hit this season, as well as for the next four campaigns.
World juniors MVP and prized Senators blue-line prospect Chabot would likely have to go the other way, and it wouldn't be shocking if the Avalanche asked for more, so throw in one of Curtis Lazar or Derick Brassard. An exchange of picks could help balance things out to ensure the deal benefits both clubs equally.
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