NHL Trade Buzz: Teams Eyeing Winnipeg Jets’ Blue Line
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Winnipeg Jets find themselves in the spotlight with several teams reportedly interested in their defensemen. Luke Schenn and Logan Stanley, both pending unrestricted free agents, are attracting attention from a handful of clubs. The Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, and Carolina Hurricanes are among those believed to be in the market for defensive reinforcements.
The Jets have a few more UFAs on their roster, including goaltender Eric Comrie and forwards Jonathan Toews, Gustav Nyquist, and Tanner Pearson. While Winnipeg might consider adding a player, they’d likely be looking for someone with term remaining on their contract.
Sharks on the Hunt for Defensive Depth
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks are just five points shy of a wild card spot and are actively seeking to bolster their defense. Several intriguing options are on their radar:
- Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, with two years left on a $9 million contract and a 10-team trade list. Though the Sharks aren’t currently on his list, Hamilton's appeal remains high given his previous interest in the team.
- Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues, who has a year left at $6.5 million and a 15-team no-trade list. Acquiring Faulk might require a first-round pick or a high pick and a prospect, potentially making Hamilton a more attractive option.
- Mason Lohrei of the Boston Bruins, a 25-year-old who might benefit from a change of scenery after being a healthy scratch.
- Zach Whitecloud from the Calgary Flames, who’s enjoying increased ice time. With two years left at $2.75 million, acquiring him could cost a second-round pick and a prospect.
- Logan Stanley of the Winnipeg Jets, a towering 6-foot-7, left-shot defenseman, is another potential target despite not playing top-four minutes.
- Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers, a 24-year-old right-shot pending RFA known for his skating and penalty-killing abilities, could demand a first-round pick.
Other potential trade candidates include Toronto Maple Leafs’ Brandon Carlo and Anaheim Ducks’ Pavel Mintyukov.
As the trade deadline looms, teams are strategically positioning themselves for a playoff push, and the Jets and Sharks are at the center of the action. Keep an eye on these developments as the NHL landscape continues to shift.