Trade Deadline Preview: Western 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.

Western Conference:

 (order of standings as of April 17, 2011)

Nashville Predators

The defending MRFHL Champions find themselves in a great position to repeat. With the team tearing it up down the stretch they seem to have found their groove. With just under 3 million in cap space it will be interesting to see if GM Wilson makes adjustments to help his team repeat.

Verdict: Hold

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks boast one of the most talented goal scoring teams. Always looking to improve his pro-roster it is expect GM Di Antonio will be working the phones leading up to deadline day. With just under 2 million to work with he will need to be creative.

Verdict: Hold

San Jose Sharks

With 10 million available in cap space the Sharks are in a good position to add to their pro roster. With the majority of their players signed for next season it is likley GM Christ will stand pat with his current roster as he has done thus far.

Verdict: Hold

Edmonton Oilers

Since taking the reigns GM Stangle has done a fine tune-up of the club. It is expected he will continue to tweak the club pro roster. Expect the Oil to make slick moves before the deadline but not to mess with the current makeup of the team.

Verdict: Hold

Minnesota Wild

The Wild have been hot all year. A team that boasts the Sedin twins and Big Z as the leaders of the organization there are many questions GM Perry will need to address in the off season. It is likely all movement coming out of Minnesota will be done in the off season as the Wild gear up for their playoff run.

Verdict: Hold

Calgary Flames

The Flames keep defying all odds and continue to win. Despite a massive sell off of assets the current MRFHL scoring leader Rick Nash continues to win games for them. With the Flames in full rebuild mode  is it only a matter of time before Rick Nash gets traded ?  Will GM Loftus be able to garner a suitable return for Nash and address the future needs of the franchise?

Verdict: Sellers

Los Angeles Kings

Since being hired as GM, Christopher Vogel has made a number of moves to inrease the depth in the Kings organizations. Currently in the playoffs, there has been recent rumors they might be sellers come deadline day. Their  franchise player Patrik Elias still has some gas in the tank and is rumored to be on the block. Will GM Vogel seek pieces to go deeper in the playoffs or players that fit into long term plans. Time will tell.

Verdict: Sellers

St. Louis Blues

With their off season signings working out well the St. Louis Blues got off to a red hot start to the MRFHL season. In a press release GM Finch made it clear he is confident in his teams abilities to go deep in the playoffs. “St. Louis Blues will not be making very many if any more trades during this season”.

Verdict: steady as she goes, Hold

Detroit Red Wings

Depite a slow start to the first half of the team the Red Wings have been playing some good hockey for the majority of the second half of the season. GM Lefebvre will be looking to add some secondary scoring and with 13 million at his disposal it is expected he will maximizing his pay role to make a deep playoff run.

Verdict: Buyers

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks got out in front of the trade deadline and added seasoned veterans Kris Draper and Jamie Langenbrunner. With a star studded roster it will only be a matter of time before the Blackhawks snap out of their funk. GM Semonick will likely make one or two more trades to ensure they get back on track. With over 6 million to work with expect a couple healthy additions.

Verdict: Buyers

Colorado Avalanche

The Avs have all the right pieces but have yet to find the chemistry. GM Zapletal might try to move UFAs Laperriere or other affordable options in Greene, Maltby or Moreau but don’t expect a lot of moves out of Colorado with 2.7 mill in cap space available.

Verdict: Hold

Phoenix Coyotes

The Coyotes boast one of the deepest teams in the MRFHL right down to their AHL affiliate. GM Brouillette has stocked up on some promising NHL ready players and with the recent addition of Jason Spezza it looks like the Coyotes will be ready to contend of a playoff spot next season. Always looking to be more competitive GM Brouillette will likely be working the phones this deadline.

Verdict: Buyers

Columbus Blue Jackets

Better days are ahead in Columbus. GM Potts has brought in high octane talent and there is no shortage of talent up front. One area GM Potts might be looking to address will be the back end. As the trade deadline approaches don’t expect a lot of movement out of Columbus some his needs will likely be addressed in the off season.

Verdict: Hold

Anaheim Ducks

With over 30 million in cap space at his disposal GM Neilson might be tempted to make a move if it makes sense for the long-term success of his organization. For the most part Neilson has moved out most of the aging veterans and it seems he will be most active towards the 2011 Draft where he is likley to select in the top 5. Neilson may need to decide in the coming weeks if he will be resigning

Verdit: Hold

Dallas Stars

The Stars pro roster needs tremendous work however they have one of the brightest futures in the MRFHL. GM O’Byrne has amassed one of  the leagues most promising prospect lists. With 6 first round picks in 2011 he will be adding to his deep pool or prospects. Always looking to add more picks and prospects GM O’Byrne will be active if the right deal comes along and with plenty of cap space available  you can be sure he will be utilizing it.

Verdict: Buyers