Metropolitan Division Trade Deadline Preview

Mar. 19, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Ryan Callahan (24) takes a shot on New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur (30) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Rangers won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL’s Trade deadline is just days away, and the rumors will start to heat up. Yesterday I looked at the Atlantic Division, and today turn my attention to the Metropolitan division, identifying some needs and some players who might be either on the way in or on the way out in the next 3 days.

CAROLINA HURRICANES

Feb 25, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward (30) makes a glove save during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Buffalo beats Carolina 3 to 2. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

STANDINGS:  61 PTS, 7th in Metropolitan Division, 13th in Eastern Conference

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS/ STATUS:  barely clinging to playoff hopes / Seller

NEEDS:  To purge some players and get younger.

DEADLINE CAP SPACE:  Just over $6 million.

ASSETS TO DEAL: Ron Hainsey and Cam Ward are both rumored to be available.

RUMORS:  Other than teams kicking the tires on Ward, there isn’t much substantial going on in Raleigh, at least publicly.

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

Sep 23, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Marian Gaborik (10) stick handles against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

STANDINGS: 65 PTS, T-5 in Metropolitan, T 10th in Eastern Conference

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS/ STATUS:  Playoff hopeful / Buyer & Seller?

NEEDS:  A top end scorer

DEADLINE CAP SPACE:  $2.1M

ASSETS TO DEAL:  With top paid player Marian Gaborik a pending UFA, his name has popped up as being available for the right offer.

RUMORS:  Columbus has been mentioned in the Ryan Kesler derby.  That would be a major move but the Jackets have not shown an aversion to making the big deals.

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

Mar 1, 2014; Uniondale, NY, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur (30) makes a save against the New York Islanders during the second period of a game at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

STANDINGS:  65 PTS, T-5th Metropolitan Division, T-10 in Eastern Conference

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS/ STATUS:  playoff hopeful / Buyer & Seller

NEEDS:  They would probably like to add some depth both on forward and on the blue line

DEADLINE CAP SPACE: $7.6 million.

ASSETS TO DEAL:  G Martin Brodeur is apparently on the block, Marek Zidlicky is a pending UFA.  If they could find a taker for Anton Volchenkov‘s contract he could also be moved.

RUMORS: Brodeur has been attached to rumors involving Minnesota as well as perhaps Chicago. I still find it difficult to see him in another uniform.

NEW YORK RANGERS

Mar 1, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Rangers right wing Ryan Callahan (24) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

STANDINGS:  69 PTS, 2nd in Atlantic Division, 6th in Eastern Conference

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS/ STATUS:  Potential Stanley Cup Contender / Buyer & Seller

NEEDS:  A replacement for Ryan Callahan‘s heart and soul leadership should he get dealt

DEADLINE CAP SPACE:  $7.9 million.

ASSETS TO DEAL:  Callahan has pretty much priced himself out of the Rangers cap situation. Anton Stralman would be available, as are buried players Arron Asham and Darrell Powe, who could all provide depth to a contender in the playoffs.

RUMORS:  Martin St. Louis wants to become a Ranger, and a deal for Callahan seems like the obvious trade.  However, 2 factors could prevent that from happening: 1)  Tampa might not be willing to meet Callahan’s contract request and 2) St. Louis wouldn’t fit under the Rangers’ cap any easier than Callahan would.

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Jan 11, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Andrej Meszaros (41) carries the puck past Tampa Bay Lightning center Valtteri Filppula (51) during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

STANDINGS:  68 PTS, 3rd in Metropolitan Division, T-7th in Eastern Conference

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS/ STATUS:  Playoff contender / Buyer

NEEDS:  They would probably like to upgrade on goaltending and defense if possible.

DEADLINE CAP SPACE:  Just under $3 million.

ASSETS TO DEAL:  Andrej Mesaros and Adam Hall could be moved.

RUMORS:  The Flyers have reportedly been kicking the tires on Ryan Kesler and Alex Edler of the Vancouver Canucks

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Letang’s injury creates a hole on the Pens’ blue line. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

STANDINGS:  84 PTS, 1st in Metropolitan Division, 1st in Eastern Conference

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS/ STATUS:  Stanley Cup Contender / Buyer

NEEDS:  Kris Letang‘s season is in jeopardy after suffering a stroke before the Olympic break, so a veteran blueliner might be in the cards.  An experienced backup for Marc-Andre Fleury might be desireable.

DEADLINE CAP SPACE:  Just under $1.2 million.

ASSETS TO DEAL: The Pens have a number of pending free agents as well as blue chip defensive prospects.  None will net a top end player on their own.

RUMORS:  The Pens are rumoured to be in the mix for both Kesler and Matt Moulson. You have to think a guy like Chris Phillips would be of interest to them also.  Cap space is an issue.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Nov 12, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Martin Erat (10) looks to pass against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at the Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

STANDINGS:  67 PTS, 4th in Atlantic Division, 9th in Eastern Conference

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS/ STATUS:  Playoff hopeful / Buyer

NEEDS:  Defensive help.

DEADLINE CAP SPACE:  Less than $1M.

ASSETS TO DEAL:  Martin Erat wants out of town, and the Caps are more than willing to make that happen.

RUMORS:  They would love to clear Erat off the books, and moving him could provide some extra cap space.  They might have to retain some salary if they can find a team willing to take him, but it still might be worth it.