Kukla's Korner Hockey
Hot Trade Targets
by Paul on 01/17/19 at 08:51 AM ET
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from Michael Traikos of the National Post,
Forget about Mark Stone or Matt Duchene. Heading into this year’s trade deadline, the two names at the top of most lists are Wayne Simmonds and Micheal Ferland.
They might not provide the same point production as some of the high-profile rentals available. But they certainly pack a punch. And for teams eyeing a Stanley Cup, that might be more important.
Call it the Tom Wilson effect.
After the Washington Capitals won the Stanley Cup last year with a team that played hard, heavy hockey, the message sent to the rest of the NHL was that you better have bruisers among your top-six if you expect to make a long playoff run. That’s why Vegas re-signed Ryan Reaves over the summer and why Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock keeps complaining that his team isn’t heavy enough.
We’ve obviously moved past the days of teams needing a fourth-line enforcer to keep the peace. But having someone who can agitate, initiate contact and create space for his teammates will always have value — especially in the playoffs.
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