Quote:
Originally Posted by Wolven
It is easy to say these things in generic terms but when you actually look, there are very few top pair RD (#2/3 D on the team) that are likely to become available. Also, a team like the Stars who already have 3 LD in their top 4 are very unlikely to want to add another LD.
But if we stop talking in generic terms and pick a team and look, I think the absolute statements "other/better RD will become available" falls apart: - Kings - If they were to blow up this year they wouldn't trade Clarke. They would likely look at moving Doughty, which would be very hard to do, and Ceci, who they just signed to a 4 year contract.
- Red Wings - If they tank they won't move Seider. Probably Chairot, Holl, or Gustafsson if they can work around the NTCs
- Canucks - If they crash and burn would they trade Hughes or Hronek? I doubt it.
- etc.
Teams will offer up players in their mid 30s or players that are 18-20 minute guys that should be on the third pair of a contender. No other teams will offer up a RHS D in his 20s who plays 24 minutes per night unless they are forced to (Dobson).
Note: you can look at the list of UFAs for 2026 and see that there isn't another Dobson coming up.
However, for arguments sake: Yes, another RD that is equivalent or better than Andersson could become available this year.... but even if that does happen, there are 5+ teams looking for an upgrade in RD and only 1-2 available players. The market for Andersson won't change dramatically if one or even two other player becomes available because there are still more buyers than sellers. |
You list the Red Wings, Canucks and Kings? That is it. Why is that the list?
Kings - I doubt they are sellers, but if they were Doughty has 1 year after this year remaining. If they sold, would they retain salary to get more for Doughty? I think they would.
Canucks - if they made Hronek available, he would be ahead of Ras by a fair amount. He is 27 and his contract expires when he is 35. Ras likely signs to he is 38 and gets more per year. I'll take Hronek
Red Wings - aren't trading Seider
NYI - why are they not on the list? Pulock and Mayfield might be good adds for cheaper and have better contracts
Seattle - Larsson and Dunn? If they decide to tank, both could be available. Dunn is a lefty, but he can play his offside
Preds - Josi? If they tank will Josi move at some point. He plays both sides
Ducks - Trouba could be a cheap pick up
Pens - Karlsson
Flyers - Risto is almost a UFA
There will be more than Ras available at the deadline. Right now, it seems only Ras is available right now with at least 3-5 teams interested.