We’re rocketing towards the NHL trade deadline on Friday and that means more NHL rumours. Teams are scrambling to make deals before the dust settles on Friday afternoon. General managers are trying to figure out what course of action they’re taking the rest of the season. Will some punt to next season or will they try to add assets to make a Stanley Cup Playoff push. Today’s NHL rumours focus on the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Minnesota Wild
Rumour: On the Daily Faceoff’s big trade board, Minnesota left wing Brandon Duhaime is 11th on the list. Duhaime is a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
50 names in play, 4 days from Deadline: https://t.co/eHe3NyS33A pic.twitter.com/gpnsfvIIY2
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 5, 2024
Analysis: The 26-year-old winger has drawn plenty of interest around the league. Wild general manager Bill Guerin hasn’t given up on the season, but he knows that he might be able to get something for the Coral Springs, Fla. native. Duhaime is a low-cost option that has only a $1.1 million cap hit for the rest of the season.
The young forward only has four goals and four assists in 62 games this season. However, Duhaime possess a lot of speed and is the perfect depth piece for a contending team. He’s aggressive and is willing to throw the body around to help on his end of the ice. The Wild forward scored nine times last year and this was despite him barely getting over 10 minutes a night.
Duhaime may not be the sexiest name on the market. However, he can be a thorn in the side of opposing teams. He’s also willing to drop the gloves if needed to stick up for teammates. The three-year pro has a lot of tools that aren’t in the arsenal of a lot of players in this age.
Guerin knows that he has to keep whittling down salary due to the dead money of the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts. The Minnesota GM also gave out a number of extensions this season. Trading Duhaime may give his team a bit more breathing room in the off-season.
Nashville Predators
Rumour: The Athletic’s Chris Johnston still lists Tyson Barrie on his trade board. Barrie clocks in at 28th on the list.
New, for @TheAthletic: A look at the top-50 NHL trade targets as the final sprint towards Friday's deadline arrives.
It's the Big Board.https://t.co/z3B1cRBNi8https://t.co/z3B1cRBNi8
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 4, 2024
Analysis: It hasn’t really worked out for the veteran blueliner this season in the Music City. The Victoria, British Columbia native has found himself a healthy scratch for this first time in a number of seasons. It’s safe to say the 32-year-old would like a change of scenery.
Barrie did get permission earlier in the season from general manager Barry Trotz to seek a trade. However, no one has stepped up to swing a deal for the veteran defender. The 13-year pro does have some value on the power play, but could be a liability in even-strength situations.
Having Roman Josi as the usual power-play quarterback has limited Barrie’s chances and where he would likely fit the best. Barrie also makes a cap hit of $4.5 million, which could scare a few teams off. Could the Predators be willing to retain some salary in order to make a deal happen?
One thing that does work in the veteran’s favour is that he’s well-respected in the locker room. He could be a steadying influence on a young team. Leadership is an underrated intangible and Barrie does have that.
A team like the Calgary Flames could look at Barrie if they trade Noah Hanifin at the deadline. The Winnipeg Jets might use Barrie to give the team some creativity on the offensive end during extra-man situations. Barrie’s agents have been working the phones for months, but we may finally see a breakthrough.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron – USA Today Sports
