Top 5 Trade Candidates Who Did NOT Get Dealt
Now that the dust has settled on a wild NHL Trade Deadline week, we take stock on some of the top names on the trade block that did NOT get dealt.
Let's have a look at the top 5 players who are still with their teams despite being on the verge of being traded.
Pavel Buchnevich
The top offensive player who didn't move is undoubtedly the St. Louis Blues' sniper. With five 20+ goal seasons in the last six years, and 24 and counting this campaign, interest was sky high, and Buchnevich would have provided a huge boost to the top-six of any playoff-bound team, and still has another year remaining on his reasonable $5.8 million AAV contract. Instead, Blues GM Doug Armstrong, not getting the return he wanted, says he is now considering discussing a contract extension with his leading goal-scorer in the off-season.
Jacob Markstrom
The Calgary Flames' goaltender almost didn't make this list, as the team actually thought they had a deal with the New Jersey Devils, and Markstrom waived his no-trade provision for it. But the trade fell through. Now, despite the awkwardness of the situation, Markstrom remains in Calgary for the season as they try to squeeze a playoff berth out of a very strange year for them.
Linus Ullmark
While we're talking about goalies, another huge name that almost got moved was none other than the reigning Veniza Trophy winner. The Bruins thought they had a deal in place for Ullmark with the Los Angeles Kings, but according to reports, he vetoed the move.
Jacob Chychrun
Chychrun would have been a massive get for a Cup contender, despite his insistence that he wasn't interested in going anywhere and wanted to stay with the Ottawa Senators. He has one year left on a $4.6 million AAV, but unless the two sides are able to agree on an extension this summer, trade talks could certainly be revisited before next season begins.
David Savard
Another D-man that saw increased chatter around the deadline, With another year remaining on a reasonable $3.5 million AAV contract, Savard would have been a nice addition to a contender's blueline. The Montréal Canadiens were willing to listen, but were not interested in moving him unless their price tag of a first rounder was met—especially for the Toronto Maple Leafs. That obviously didn't happen, and the Habs are more than happy to keep him around to help mentor the young kids.
Notable mention for the list of those who didn't get dealt includes Max Pacioretty and Nic Dowd of the Washington Capitals, and Reilly Smith of the Pittsburgh Penguins, all of whom had plenty of interest at the deadline.
Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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