Wyshynski’s NHL Trade Tier Rankings: Who Holds the Key to Stanley Cup Glory?

As the NHL trade deadline looms closer, the excitement and anticipation among hockey fans are palpable. Greg Wyshynski has unveiled his trade board, shining a spotlight on three prominent players who could potentially shape the destiny of teams vying for the Stanley Cup.

The success of a thrilling trade deadline hinges on the presence of ambitious contenders nurturing dreams of hoisting the prestigious Stanley Cup, coupled with a willingness from various teams to part ways with their current roster to meet the demand.

With approximately eight teams likely out of the playoff contention as the March 6 deadline approaches, strategic moves are on the horizon.

The New York Rangers have already kickstarted their rebuilding phase by sending a clear message to fans and making significant trades, like sending Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings. Eyes are now on teams such as the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, and Vancouver Canucks to see how they address their underwhelming seasons.

The tide may turn for certain teams with recent upswings in performance influencing their trade strategies. The Columbus Blue Jackets, under the guidance of new coach Rick Bowness, have witnessed a surge in standings. Players like Boone Jenner and Charlie Coyle, who were once considered trade assets, are now potentially staying put for a playoff push, reflecting a shift in team dynamics.

This comprehensive trade tier list is a product of insightful conversations with league executives, media reports, and inputs from ESPN insiders, including renowned journalist Emily Kaplan. Salary data has been referenced from PuckPedia.

With notable names like Quinn Hughes and Artemi Panarin already off the trading table, the focus now shifts to other potential game-changers before delving into pending free agents, players with existing contract terms, and pivotal team contributors.

Potential Game-Changers:

• Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Florida Panthers
• Jordan Kyrou, RW, St. Louis Blues
• Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks
• Morgan Rielly, D, Toronto Maple Leafs
• Robert Thomas, C, St. Louis Blues
• Alex Tuch, RW, Buffalo Sabres

The Florida Panthers, with an 18% chance of playoff contention according to the latest NHL Bubble Watch, hold significant potential, especially if star center Aleksander Barkov makes a timely return. The Panthers’ formidable roster strength and the enigmatic presence of “Playoff Bob” Bobrovsky could prove pivotal in a postseason surge.

Speculation looms over Bobrovsky’s future, given his pending unrestricted free agency status and lack of a contract extension. With a decorated career boasting two Vezina Trophies and Stanley Cup victories, the veteran goaltender’s potential as a playoff hero for another team remains a captivating storyline, particularly with his trade protection clauses and advancing age.

Amidst a tumultuous season for the St. Louis Blues, questions arise regarding the extent of roster reconstruction under GM Doug Armstrong. Will promising talents like Robert Thomas be put on the trading block, potentially sparking a team reconfiguration and ushering in a new era?

As the trade deadline approaches, the NHL landscape is ripe with anticipation, with fans eagerly awaiting the pivotal moves that could define the fate of teams in contention for the coveted Stanley Cup.

Source: www.espn.com