Trade Deadline Preview: Eastern Conference

With the trade deadline approaching we take a look at who is going to be a buyer, seller or just stand pat (hold) between now and the May 2^nd 2011 Trade Deadline.

Eastern Conference:

 (order of standings as of April 16, 2011)

Pittsburg Penguins:

With the team firing on all cylinders it seems that GM Bennett finished the majority of his buying well in advance of the frenzy.  So far the acquisition of  Phaneuf in exchange for Spezza has worked out well. In his latest press conference Bennet mentioned “as of right now we are standing pat”.  If the Pens make any moves they will be minor.

Verdict: Hold

Ottawa Senators: 

With the Senators clicking all year it appears GM Brown will not be tinkering with his fine tuned machine. Ottawa find itself in one of the best position moving into the May 2 trade deadline with 28 million in cap space available. The opportunity to stock up on some rental players for a deep cup run could be too much to pass up on. With this said don’t expect a big splash.

Verdict: Potential Buyers

Atlanta Thrashers:

The Thrashers have the ability to make some moves if they wanted to try to go deep in the playoffs. If we look to history the Atlanta Thrashers have not made a trade since 2009, don’t hold your breath for  them to make one by May 2^nd.

Verdict: Hold

New York Islanders:

It seems the Islanders will be active on trade deadline looking to bring in some veteran players as signaled with the Meszaros deal. GM Dubach will review his options but with limited cap space it seems he will only tweak his roster.

Verdict: Hold

Montreal Canadians:

Despite being in competitive divison GM Radowsky has found the right chemistry for his roster. Radowsky has made it clear he will only be satisfied for a deep cup run. Though the Canadians will look to see what their options are it most likley won’t be a  busy deadline. Radowsky was quoted “there may be a few adjustments before the deadline is up but for now I am very satisfied”.

Verdict: Hold

New York Rangers:

With a deep roster and mix of youth and veterans it will be interesting to see if NYR decide to bulk up for a playoff run or prepare for their busy off season. GM Grote will likely be active at the trade deadline always looking to take his team to the next level.

Verdict: Business as usual, buyers.

Philadelphia Flyers:

Poised to make the playoffs it seems the Flyers will be quietly shopping for some additional scoring options. With just over a million in cap space GM Davidson will be reviewing his options. It could be a quiet trade deadline for the Flyers.

Verdict: Hold

Boston Bruins

Holding onto 8^th spot in the East the Bruins have been continuing to walk the fine line of adding youth while remaining competitive. It seems the Bruins are poised to be sellers come trade deadline. Bruins have other assets they could enterain offers to but it would be expected players like Avery and Knuble would be moved to a team that is looking for rental players as GM Valente has made it clear they will not be back.

Verdict: Sellers

Florida Panthers:

With couple years away from being playoff contenders GM Wilson tried to speed up the rebuild by acquiring franchise player Getzlaf for promising prospect Seguin and Jhonas Enroth. The Panthers will look to find veteran Brian Rolston a new home but have also been actively shopping Backes and Grabovski. With Wilson determined to make the playoffs expect the Panthers to look for a supporting cast for Getzlaf.

Verdict: Buyers

Toronto Maple Leafs:

Expect the Leafs to be sellers but don’t be surprised if this trade deadline is a quiet one for them.  It seems they will continue to bring in younger talent and prepare for the off season free agency where they will try to snag something. Notable trade targets include Gleason, McDonald and Tanguay. Unlike Gleason, McDonald and Tanguay will be UFA’s at the end of the year.

Verdict: Sellers

Tampa Bay Lightning:

Although, GM Zelichowski has many assets available to move if he decides to be a seller but it seems that all they really need is a top line player to fill the void Vinny left.  Moving Langenbrunner and Draper to Chicago for some younger talent in Boyes and Stewart signals a new era in Tampa Bay excpt the Lightning to continue to be patient.

Verdict: Sellers

Washington Capitals:

Looking to speed up the rebuild the Washington GM is looking to unload some of their defense core to help out a playoff bound team. There is no question that players like Ed Jovanovski and Derek Morris will be able to help playoff bound teams depth players like Samsonov and Foster might be the first to go.

Verdict: Sellers

New Jersey Devils

Despite this years woes the NJ Devils are on the right track. They have a promising roster of players and will probably be more active in free agency then at the trade deadline. With a good mix of role players and prospects they will be looking to add that elusive top line player the franchise has been lacking since the departure of Jason Spezza.

Verdict: Hold/Sellers

Carolina Hurricanes:

The Hurricanes will be in full rebuild. They still have a couple assets they could move for the right price to help speed up their rebuild. It is expected they might move Wallin, Nichol, Demitra, Modin all of which except Neil would be good rental players for teams looking to firm up their bottom lines.

Verdict: Sellers.

Buffalo Sabres:

Buffalo has been active all year acquiring a good mix of youth and looks like they will continue to rebuild. Poised to select in the Top 5 of the 2011 MRFHL Draft it seems they will be only making moves if the right deal comes along for some additional NHL ready youth. Their most recent addition of  Erik Karlsson to a blueline that boasts Yandle, Bogosian (and McDonagh ready for the limelight) it seems Bufflao will continue to build from the net out.

Verdict: Sellers.