LeBrun: O’Reilly to the Maple Leafs, Monahan to the Avalanche, 4 more fit for the NHL trade

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We are just over six weeks away from… NHLThe trade deadline is March 3, and a lot can change in that time, in terms of the standings and the team’s needs based on injuries alone.

That presents an age-old dilemma for NHL front offices looking to add: Are you trying to do this as early as possible, to allow any new players as much time as possible to adjust to their new surroundings? Or do you wait as long as you can, knowing that the assets you have to hammer out are essentially all the coins you have?

There is no easy answer.

Whether planned or naturally occurring due to salary caps and the natural effect of a deadline to force decisions, most deals wait until the last week. But every year is different.

With that in mind, I might want to revisit some of these ideas below, depending on what happens over the next month.

For now, let’s have fun and play matchmaker. Here are six players that I personally like because they fit in with the following contenders:

My understanding is that Coyote I’ve talked to the Kings, over and over, dating back to a year in regards to Chychrun, and I can’t let go of the idea that it makes a lot of sense for the Kings, based on how deep they go into the right side of the blue line and how they can really strengthen the top four on the left side with the left shot of Chychrun. He can play on both sides, but on the left is where the Kings need him.

I get the price of Arizona is still high, but the Kings have a chance to make hay in a wide open Western Conference. This is not rent. This is a hockey deal. It makes a lot of sense.

It’s a fact that Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t keen on being traded for rent, especially if it means giving up a first-round pick. But now is the time.

Playoff intelligence Lightning You will likely have to wait again in the first round of the qualifiers. Yes, O’Reilly has struggled this season, and now he’s injured, but he’ll be back before the deadline. And the addition of a veteran top-six forward with a Stanley Cup and Con Smith pedigree would be an element the Leafs could draw on as they try to shed their playoff demons. It should be noted that he also has the ability to play on the wing if needed.

Now, there is also the small fact that the Blues They haven’t given up on their season, at least not yet, despite their injuries. They’re just hanging out there, just six points away from a wild spot. But Doug Armstrong, the Blues’ general manager, also has a track record of being realistic with his team’s prospects. I expect it to sell out closer to March 3rd.

There’s no tomorrow for this Leafs front office if not for the year, finally, this team gets over the clincher hump. Go get a ROR.

I’m not sure there’s any really bad need for the Power B, but any team serious about a deep playoff run will be looking for depth, and my sense is adding a right-handed defensive shot is something Boston might look at. And I love the idea of ​​veteran Shane in a Bruins uniform. Talk about a man who might love himself in a hurry to this fanbase. He plays the game with power and physicality and will be a perfect addition to the depth.

I understand the Bruins have already had a conversation with Vancouver Around it, though, as this is the time of year when racers invite a lot of teams to explore what’s out there and potential prices. Still …

The amazing Kraken has won eight times in a row and has a real chance at the playoffs in its second year of existence. They also have draft capital to spend if they want to add in before the deadline — three second-round picks in this year’s draft, for example.

I know Klingberg has struggled this season, but I think he deserves a flyer, given his body in action. I like the idea of ​​Kraken adding Klingberg’s offensive skills and his ability to move the puck to the back end. My feeling is ducks You want to pick Klinberg in the first round, but I don’t think based on his play they’ll be able to get it – although I was wrong before. Like I said, Kraken has three Second round picks…

Bo Horvat is the sexiest idea for the defending Cup champions, but given where the injury-plagued Avs players currently sit in the standings, I’m not sure giving up the farm to suspended unrestricted free agent Horvat is a wise move. I think ordering it a little bit and focusing on the cheaper Monahan, which is also UFA pending, is a more measured approach, depending on whether two canadians reasonable with their request. And it may be a step that helps Colorado reach the playoff center.

(For example, imagine the Phils finally got healthy and slipped into the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the West and created all sorts of chaos.)

Monahan could play anywhere in Colorado’s top nine. The two teams are connected Arturi Likonne Trade a year ago, and to me, that’s a reasonable idea, too. Monahan should be back soon from injury, and before he got injured he was writing a nice comeback story for himself.

It’s felt like a match ever since Kane hit the trade rumor mill: The bright lights of Broadway are the perfect stage for a veteran magic man attacking — not to mention a reunion with an old friend Artemy Panarin.

With a complete no-action clause, Kane controls not only whether he actually wants to be handled but also where he ends up. And as far as currency is concerned, the Rangers have a pair of first-round picks in this year’s draft — their own as well as stars. Perhaps they make the first round selection conditional, with Chicago Get the higher of the two?

The only caveat here is that Rangers are keeping their share of the bargain in terms of winning games and looking for a bit of an attractive contender. They’ve been better lately.

(Top photo of Ryan O’Reilly, Auston Matthews, and John Tavares: Klaus Andersen/Getty Images)

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