3 Potential Trade Destinations for Arizona Coyotes' Nick Schmaltz

Now that the NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone. We will look at players that could be on the move this offseason. The Arizona Coyotes are in a very interesting situation heading into the off-season, as they have attempted to trade most of their players with larger deals. After the Chychrun deal, it left them with Clayton Keller, Lawson Crouse, and Nick Schmaltz as the main pieces to the team up front. Schmaltz had been talked about in trade rumours this past NHL trade deadline, and because of that, we will look at 3 trade destinations for Schmaltz.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes were reported to have interest in Schmaltz at the trade deadline, but nothing came from it. That may open the door for them to reengage with the Coyotes this offseason, as the Hurricanes look to capitalize on their chance to win the Cup before they need to re-sign their stars. Schmaltz's style of play would be a near-perfect fit for Carolina's coach, Rod Brind'Amour.

Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals are one more disappointing season away from blowing up their team. However, they have veterans like Alex Ovechkin and Nick Backstrom, that may not to play through a rebuild. As a result, they may look at retooling on the fly this off-season. Nick Schmaltz makes sense for the Capitals because he has term on his deal and is only 27 years old. Washington will most likely trade or buy out Anthony Mantha this off-season, and Schmaltz could replace him in the top 6.

Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres may come up short in the wildcard race this season, but it gives the management group as well as the team hope for next season. If Schmaltz does become available, the Sabres should part with some prospects to bring him in. They are a team on the cusp with a good young core. When you have that young core you need to build around it with supporting pieces to improve. If the asking price isn't too much for them, then Buffalo should push their way to be the front-runner for Nick Schmaltz.