Greg Wyshynski of ESPN: Looking at the Metropolitan Division – buyers and sellers.
Washington Capitals – Buyers. Could use a depth on the blue line. They paid a big price last year at the deadline for rental defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, would they do it again this year for someone like Mike Green?
Pittsburgh Penguins – Buyers. Could use depth at center. They have most of their draft picks for the next three years, and they could offer up Conor Sheary. They’ve been linked to Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Tomas Plekanec, and Matt Cullen.
Philadelphia Flyers – Buyers. Could use a rental winger, a goaltender, and some depth on the blue line. Have two first-round pick – theirs and the Blues – and some nice prospects they could offer up. They have been scouting the Sabres lately – Robin Lehner and Chad Johnson, and/or Benoit Pouliot?
New Jersey Devils – Buyers. They could use a top-six scorer. They have their first and second round picks, and pending UFA defenseman John Moore. GM Ray Shero likely won’t pay a high price for a rental.
Carolina Hurricanes – Buyers. Need more offense. They have draft picks, Derek Ryan, Lee Stempniak and possibly a young defenseman like Justin Faulk. Do they look for a rental or try for someone like Rangers J.T. Miller.
Columbus Blue Jackets – Buyers. Could use some offense and have defenseman Jack Johnson to offer up and meet his trade request. If the Blue Jackets would likely only move Johnson unless they get a roster player back.
New York Islanders – Buyers. Could use help on the blue line, in net, and some forward depth. They have their own, and the Calgary Flames first and second round picks this year. Sabres Robin Lehner and Red Wings Petr Mrazek of goaltending options.
New York Rangers – Sellers. Players likely available include Rick Nash, Michael Grabner, Kevin Hayes, Ryan McDonagh, Nick Holden and David Desharnais. Mats Zuccarello could also be available. The Stars, Blues, Predators, and Bruins could be options for Nash. Will Lightning and Maple Leafs go big on McDonagh? Getting a first round pick for each of Nash and Grabner would be their best case scenario.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: Looking at the Metropolitan Division – buyers and sellers.
Washington Capitals – Moderate buyers and they could use veteran defenseman at a moderate price.
Pittsburgh Penguins – Will be buyers but they have limited cap space. Have been linked to Tomas Plekanec, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Mark Letestu, Derick Brassard, and Matt Cullen.
Philadelphia Flyers – Moderate buyers. GM Ron Hextall won’t give up their first-round pick or top prospects for a rental. Could be looking at the goalie market
New Jersey Devils – “Careful” buyers. Have already added a top-four defenseman. Not going to pay a big price for someone. Could do a hockey deal or smaller rental deal for a top-nine forward.
Carolina Hurricanes – Moderate buyers. GM Ron Francis could be looking for a top-six or top-nine forward, a ‘hockey trade’ over a rental. They could retain salary to help move out Marcus Kruger.
Columbus Blue Jackets – Deadline plans to be determined. Their offense has struggled and they could use a top-six forward. Defenseman Jack Johnson has asked trade, and as of last week, they may have had an offer of late first round pick on the table.
New York Islanders – Deadline plans to be determined. Won’t move their two first- and second-round draft picks for a rental. There could be pressure to add a player or two with term to help John Tavares decision. The Islanders could use an upgrade in net, but their defense has struggled as well.
New York Rangers – Have already said they will be sellers despite still being in the playoff race. They have pending UFAs in Rick Nash, Nick Holden, and Michael Grabner. Other trade options could include Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller, Mats Zuccarello and Chris Kreider.
