The East’s Biggest Needs

Eastern Conference Teams’ Greatest Needs 

   We’re nearly halfway through the NHL season, and by now most have a good idea of who the playoff teams will be. Sometimes, there’s a team that claws their way back from the brink to squeak in, but that appears less likely this year. 

   That’s not to say any team is perfect,  as there’s always room for improvement. A key date in the NHL calendar is the trade deadline, which is approaching quickly on March 21st. Many teams have a good idea of what parts of their rosters need to improve moving forward, whether it be through trade or the draft. In this article, we’ll be reviewing every Eastern Conference teams’ greatest need going into the NHL trade deadline. 

Boston Bruins (22-12-2): Second line centre

When David Krejci left this off season, it left a massive void at the centre spot for the Bruins. Perhaps they were counting on Charlie Coyle to elevate his production with a long-term extension, but he hasn’t produced as they would have liked. Players like Coyle and Eric Haula are good players, but don’t provide the same level of offense that Krejci did. 

Trade targets: Tomas Hertl, Joe Pavelski, Nick Schmaltz 

Buffalo Sabres (12-20-7):   Finding high end forwards

With Eichel gone, they need to focus on elite level talent up front. They have some good prospects who can play in the top 6 one day. They also have two elite potential defensemen in Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. So now their focus should shift towards drafting a player who can score over a point per game. 

Draft Targets: Brad Lambert, Matthew Savoie, Joakim Kemell

Carolina Hurricanes (26-8-2): Depth Scoring 

It was hard to find something that the Hurricanes could improve upon. Their top 6 forwards are all scoring, however their players in the bottom six are under performing slightly. One is Jordan Staal, who has 2 goals and 10 points in 34 games averaging 17 minutes of playing time. However, it feels like nitpicking at this point. But there’s always something you can look to add. 

Trade targets: Calle Jarnkrok, Max Domi, Johan Larsson

Columbus Blue Jackets (17-18-1): Top Six Centre

   With a roster that’s not bad enough to tank, but also far outside a playoff spot, Columbus is an interesting team to analyze. But when your centre depth is Boone Jenner, 18-year-old Cole Sillinger, Jack Roslovic and Sean Kuraly then you’re not poised to go on a deep playoff run. Jarmo Kekäläinen does have the assets to acquire one, especially with players such as Jakub Voracek and Patrick Laine as potential assets to dangle. 

Draft Targets: Matthew Savoie, Logan Cooley, Conor Geekie

Detroit Red Wings (18-17-5): High End Centre

   The Red Wings have all the pieces in place, including wingers, defensemen, and goalies to become a very good team one day. Dylan Larkin is an above average 1A-1B option but will need more support down the middle if this team wants to go deep one day. Maybe Filip Zadina could be trade bait for a center?

Draft Targets: Matthew Savoie, Logan Cooley, Conor Geekie

Florida Panthers (26-8-5): Faceoff winners

   Even though Florida could win the Presidents Trophy, their special teams and defensive play are somewhat of a concern. Their powerplay, penalty kill and shots against are all in the middle of the pack. Sam Bennett, Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen all combine for a 43% face off percentage, which could improve their special teams solely by gaining possession of the puck. 

Trade targets: Jay Beagle, Cody Eakin, Riley Nash

Montreal Canadiens (8-25-5): Offensive Defenseman

   This season has been disastrous for the Canadiens, but there is potential for a rebound next year with most of their team under contract, and a possible return of Carey Price. Their top offensive defenseman is Chris Wideman, with 9 points in 25 games. With Ben Chiarot most likely gone at the trade deadline, finding a top 4 offensive defenseman should be their priority. However, they could also use help everywhere else. 

Trade targets: Erik Brannstrom, Shayne Gostisbehere, Vince Dunn

New Jersey Devils (14-19-5): Stable Goaltending

   In my opinion, the Devils are one of those teams that should stay the course, because they still are growing a lot of their young players. In a somewhat disappointing season, Mackenzie Blackwood and Jonathan Bernier have performed below average. They have potential to rebound, which is why they should be high on the priority list to address.

New York Islanders (13-13-6): Top four defenseman

   With an injury to Ryan Pulock, it definitely has hurt the defense for the Islanders. Their team defense is their identity and having a top pair defenseman out doesn’t help. Noah Dobson has fared well in his spot so far, but after Adam Pelech there isn’t enough strength. Chara and Greene are fine options but are purely defensive now, and Salo hasn’t established himself just yet. 

Trade targets: Nick Leddy, Mark Giordano, Hampus Lindholm

New York Rangers (26-10-4): Middle Six Right Winger

   The Rangers are having a fantastic season, which is being carried by their first powerplay unit, a great penalty kill and Igor Shesterkin. They need to figure out what their plan is with Alexis Lafrienère, as the 2020 1st overall pick only has 11 points in 37 games. Right now, they have Kakko playing in the top six, and players like Dryden Hunt and Filip Chytil subbing in. 

Trade targets: Dustin Brown, Rickard Rakell, Jack Roslovic

Ottawa Senators (11-19-2): Top Six Winger

   With Tim Stützle transitioning to center, the Sens could have Stützle, Josh Norris and Shane Pinto down the middle. Pretty good. While Connor Brown and Alex Formenton are good, Stützle deserves a dynamic winger who can compliment his elite skill set. While he could use one now, the Sens should circle back to this in the summer. 

Draft targets: Brad Lambert, Juraj Slafkovsky, Joakim Kemmell

Philadelphia Flyers (13-18-8): Fix up the defense core

   It’s clear that this new look for the Flyers isn’t really working. They’re 12 points outside a playoff spot, and the acquisitions of Ristolainen and Yandle haven’t panned out. They’re goaltending has been average, but the team allows the most shots per game in the league, explaining their lack of success in the standings. They’ll get Ellis fully healthy for next year and have him to help the defense core with Travis Sanheim and Ivan Provorov. 

Draft Targets: David Jiricek, Simon Nemec, Seamus Casey

Pittsburgh Penguins (23-10-5): Backup goalie

   Tristan Jarry has been amazing this year, with a .928 save percentage. However, Casey DeSmith has underperformed with an 0.888 mark in 8 games. Jarry is a great goalie but resting him a little bit will help him if the Pens want to go on a long playoff run. The team is very well coached, so making a big move at the tradeline for the players would be an overreaction at the moment. 

Trade targets: Braden Holtby, Jaroslav Halak, Jake Allen

Tampa Bay Lightning (27-9-5): Goaltending Depth

   Vasilevskiy is Vasilevskiy. Brian Elliott has been okay with a .899 save percentage in a limited sample size. With Vasilevskiy playing a lot of hockey in the past year and a half, adding a third goalie can help if they run into injuries. Their depth has taken a hit, but players like Joseph, Colton and Raddysh still have the ability to elevate their offensive production. 

Trade targets: Anton Forsberg, Dustin Tokarski, Sam Montembeault

Toronto Maple Leafs (24-10-3): Third Line Centre

   With limited cap space, there isn’t a ton of room to work with. Right now, the Leafs’ third line center is David Kampf, who has been solid but doesn’t score at a third line rate. A third line center can take pressure off of someone like Mitch Marner, who is on the first penalty kill at the moment. It doesn’t need to be a veteran because the core players have come of age, and they have enough leadership. 

Trade targets: Vladislav Namestnikov, Adam Henrique, Isac Lundeström

Washington Capitals (22-9-9): Elite goaltending

   Ilya Samsonov has a .903 save percentage and Vitek Vanecek has a .911 mark, which needs to be better if the Caps want to rebound from their last two playoff performances. They allow the second least shots against, so it’s not a matter of them being overwhelmed. They have offensive and defensive depth, but the goaltending is the one part holding them back. They don’t need to go and acquire a goalie, but should focus on improving that area as soon as they can. Trade targets: Marc-Andre Fleury

-Damian Smith

Twitter: @Damian_Smith