NHL Roster Freeze Ends Tonight
Can we expect Zach Bogosian to be finally dealt after requesting a trade, or should we expect Sabre's GM, Jason Botterill, to wait until the deadline to secure full trade value? The final question: Should we expect teams to follow the Coyotes' example and trade for rental players, or will this play out until the trade deadline in February?
3 Biggest Rental Targets; Pre-deadline Frenzy?
1. Tyson Barrie: UFA
Barrie was the headline of an offseason deal between the Colorado Avalanche and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite a slow start, Barrie has 17 points in 38 games this season. It is unlikely that the already cap pressed Maple Leafs will re-sign Barrie as he comes with a $5.5 million per year price tag. Are the Maple Leafs confident enough with their roster to make deep playoff run, or will they take cautious measures and deal the highly touted offensive defenceman and retain valuable assets?
2. Braden Holtby: UFA
Holtby is in his final year of a 5 year deal with a cap hit of $6.1 million. After turning 30 this September, is signing their Stanley Cup goalie in the long term picture? He is still playing incredible hockey, but Nicklas Backstrom and future RFA's still need to be paid. Is the Holtby's relationship with the Capitals organization strong enough to wait until the offseason for an extension, or will he be dealt?
3. Alex Pietrangelo: UFA
The St. Louis Blues' captain, Alex Pietrangelo, has started the 2019 season right where he left off in June when he hoisted the Stanley Cup. His 28 points in 38 games only proves that he is still an elite defenceman, but are the Blues willing to risk losing him without compensation when his contract expires? If the Blues can pull off a back-to-back cup win, any risk would be worth it; but nothing is certain. Don't be surprised when Doug Armstrong phone begins to ring as we near the deadline.
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