5 Trade Candidates Teams Opted To Try To Sign Instead

It was another successful trade deadline in the NHL and we saw a number of contenders make big moves, whether that was on deadline day or in the days leading up. Some players that were expected to be moved didn't go to a new team though. This wasn't for lack of trying, but rather in the hopes that the current teams could still have time to negotiate and re-sign them. Here are the top-5 who weren't moved because of the potential upcoming contract extensions.

Brock Boeser

The Vancouver Canucks didn't trade Brock Boeser and said the offers for him were not good. If the Canucks lose Boeser, the team will be in even more trouble than they are right now, so they have to try to tear it down. The Canucks' winger reportedly turned down a previous offer due to the term, but that just means Vancouver knows where to go from here to get a deal done. The Canucks may not even make the playoffs this season and then lose Boeser in free agency, but they've given themselves a chance to keep him around for the foreseeable future.

Ryan Donato

The Chicago Blackhawks had been trying to work on an extension for Ryan Donato in the midst of a career year, but things didn't materialize. It was reported that the two sides were close on deadline day, and if the offer blew the Blackhawks away and there was no contract, he would be moved. That didn't happen and Chicago gets more time to re-sign Donato, which is more likely to happen than not. No other team has given him the opportunity Chicago has and he's earned it and continued to prove them right.

Kyle Palmieri

While the New York Islanders traded Brock Nelson, Kyle Palmieri was informed that he would not be moved at the deadline. The Islanders are pretty much out of the race unless they go on a run, but it doesn't look like the team is waving the white flag and still trying to come back strong next season with less injuries. With how Palmieri has performed and his willingness to stay, a deal around 2-3 years appears to be happening soon.

David Savard

The Montreal Canadiens' current stretch of games in which they have jumped a number of teams in the standings and have been winning games changed the team's approach at the deadline. With a chance to break through and make the playoffs after a number of rebuilding years, the team opted to re-sign Jake Evans and not trade some other trade candidates like David Savard and Joel Armia. The Canadiens' defense is fairly young and capable right shot defensemen aren't as easy to come by, so Savard not only stayed, the team could look to keep him around for another couple of years.

Ivan Provorov

The Columbus Blues Jackets have also played well and hold the top wildcard spot in the East. At a time, they were listening to offers for Ivan Provorov as he's in the last year of his deal, but the team has chosen to keep him on their blue line amidst a turning point season for their organization. The Blue Jackets aren't just holding onto Provorov because of their position in the standings, but also because they are trying to sign him to stick around. He has been a good piece for them.