Should I Stay or Should I Go
Meira Waldstreicher
Every year in March, NHL insiders gear up for yet another trade deadline. They stress, spending long hours preparing to go on air on Trade Deadline day, analyzing what is on each team’s agenda and potential trade pieces. This past season, the NHL had a Trade Deadline to remember. An action-packed few weeks full of major and minor trades, shocking and predictable.
The motives for trading a player vary. Whether a salary dump, a piece to help a team hopefully succeed in the playoffs, or a need for a change of scenery. Many players traded late in the season are in the final year of their contract, set to become unrestricted free agents (UFAs). So, come July 1, the first day of NHL Free Agency, these players will decide if they want to re-sign with their current club (the team that traded for them a short while ago), or go elsewhere.
Many well-known names were moved this season. So, below is a list of a few of these UFAs who are being faced with the choice to re-sign with their current club or pack their bags.
John Klingberg
After a long successful run of ten seasons in Dallas, Klingberg passed on a long-term deal with the Stars last off-season. He signed a 1-year, $7 million deal with the Anaheim Ducks, betting on himself to prove he was worth the cash. After a disappointing start to the season in Orange County, Klingberg was traded to the Minnesota Wild on March 3. He finished the remainder of the season there, competing in the playoffs and eventually falling to his former team, the Stars.
Approaching free agency, the Wild will presumably attempt to keep Klingberg, but with cap restraints due to the buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, that may not be possible. The veteran will have to take a discount if he wants to stay in Minnesota.
Potential destinations: Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks
My prediction: Explore Free Agency
Tyler Bertuzzi
Over the course of his career, Bertuzzi has made a name for himself becoming a Brad Marchand-esque pest and a successful top-6 forward. On March 2, Bertuzzi was traded to the President’s Trophy winner Bruins, in hopes that he would help the club make a deep playoff run. Unfortunately, they exited with a first-round loss, but Bertuzzi was a great fit. The Bruins are currently in a bind and they have many important decisions to make this summer. They have already gotten a head start, sending Nick Foligno and Taylor Hall to Chicago earlier this afternoon, relieving six million off the cap. This may be the move that allows Boston to make a big signing, though it is not guaranteed that Bertuzzi will be the recipient. With many sought-after players such as Garnet Hathaway, Dmitry Orlov, Connor Clifton, and RFAs such as Jeremy Swayman to re-sign, Bertuzzi may not be Boston’s top priority. Also, it is unknown if longtime staples and legends in the organization, David Krejci and Captain Patrice Bergeron, will return for another season or hang up their skates. Although Bertuzzi may wish to play another year at TD Garden, it may not be a realistic choice for the B’s given their lack of cap space.
Potential destinations: Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets
My prediction: Re-sign
Patrick Kane
After spending sixteen legendary seasons with many accolades including three Stanley Cups in the Windy City, Kane was traded to the New York Rangers on February 28. Although the trade was long overdue, Showtime’s time spent in NY did not give fans the satisfaction they were hoping for. It seems like the fan base and front office alike would like the opportunity to run it back and give Kane another shot for a full season. There is a warning following Kane wherever he signs — he recently had hip surgery. Although videos have been posted logging his amazing progress after the procedure, teams may be reserved. Regardless, with RFAs to re-sign in K’Andre Miller and Alexis Lafrenière in addition to Vladimir Tarasenko another sought-after UFA, it may be difficult.
Potential destinations: Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche
My prediction: Explore Free Agency
Luke Schenn
He just couldn’t stay away. On February 28, Schenn was traded by the Canucks, making his return to Toronto. During his sabbatical from “The Buds”, Schenn won two Stanley Cups with the Lightning. As reported by Chris Johnston of the Chris Johnston Show, the Maple Leafs do not intend to bring back UFAs Justin Holl, Michael Bunting, and Alex Kerfoot. He also reported in another episode that as we approach the start of free agency, it is becoming less likely that the Leafs bring back Schenn, Ryan O’Reilly, or Noel Acciari. In that case, GM Brad Treliving will have a busy summer shopping for replacements or fish to find hidden jewels within the organization.
Potential destinations: Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators
My prediction: Explore Free Agency
Pierre Engvall
This 6' 5" forward began his career with the Maple Leafs. Fans adored him but wished he would use his big frame to his advantage. Lou Lamoriello hoping he would add an effective depth piece, traded for Engvall on February 28. He was decent scoring 9 points in 18 games. Aside from Semyon Varlamov, Scott Mayfield, and possibly Zach Parise, the Isles do not have a lot of work to do this summer.
Potential destinations: Seattle Kraken, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators
My prediction: Re-sign
Ivan Barbashev
Barbashev, the two-time Stanley Cup champion, was traded by St. Louis to the Vegas Golden Knights on February 26. This season he played in 22 games in the playoffs, scoring 18 points. Vegas always brings the element of surprise to the table. Their front office is experts at cap gymnastics and somehow finds a way to achieve their impossible goals. Currently, it seems as if Vegas will pass on Barbashev, although they are known for leaving everyone speechless.
Potential destinations: Florida Panthers, Seattle Kraken, Winnipeg Jets
My prediction: Explore Free Agency
Vladimir Tarasenko
After he was traded by the Blues on February 9 alongside Niko Mikkola, fans and players wondered if this ruled out Patrick Kane as an option. But, the Rangers surprised later trading for him a couple of weeks later. Tarasenko, a Stanley Cup champion was brought over to NY to help solidify the Rangers top-6. He gelled with the Rangers and impressed. As mentioned previously, the Rangers are in a tight spot and need to address what their top priorities are. Should the Rangers keep both Kane and Tarasenko, there needs to be another moving factor involved.
Potential destinations: New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche
My prediction: Re-sign