Scheifele to BOS:
I think the Bruins will be patient on a move for a center. They can still hang around the playoff race around the deadline, and I think they know they’ll need to bring in a top center for another push before their window closes. They should be willing to give up good assets to go for it all, though their prospect pool and quantity of picks isn’t great.
Hellebuyck to New Jersey:
The Devils are one of the most exciting up-and-coming teams in the East. I think they could make a run to the conference final if they get the goaltending. Hellebuyck could be the perfect answer for them. Now, if they’re comfortably in a playoff spot by the deadline, I wouldn’t play Hellebuyck much down the stretch. The most important thing is that he’s healthy and well rested for the playoffs. I think New Jersey won’t be afraid to make some big moves though, and I’m all for it if I’m a neutral fan of the league. This would be a hell of a team to watch for the next few years.
DeMelo to ???:
I don’t know what team will be the best fit for DeMelo as of right now, but there are a few teams that could make sense for a shutdown RHD. If DeMelo plays well this season for Winnipeg, I think it’s a possibility that he could go for 1st round pick value. However, if they’re getting 1sts in the Scheifele and Hellebuyck deals, they could be better off getting a 2nd and a good prospect for DeMelo as opposed to just a 1st round pick. If Pittsburgh is in a spot to contend by the deadline, they could be a team that makes sense, as a shutdown RHD that can eat big minutes in certain situations over EK65 and Letang would be phenomenal for them, and make their defense an underrated threat. We’ll see how DeMelo’s season goes, but I expect him to be a big deadline piece.
Dillon to ???:
I could also see Dillon dealt, but not for a massive return. He could play a solid 3rd pair role for a true contender. I think it’s too early to pinpoint a 1-team favorite for him, as it could come down to injuries and who’s in the playoff race. I think at best, Winnipeg gets a conditional 3rd that can turn into a 2nd, but you’re most likely talking 3rd-4th round value. If Winnipeg can retain on him though, that could increase his value.
Heinola too ???:
I really like Heinola as a prospect, but it’s clear he doesn’t want to be in Winnipeg anymore. He could either be dealt in a prospect swap, or part of a deal involving one of these other players.
Winnipeg flips Forbort to a contender, hence why he’s okay with going to Winnipeg as part of this deal if anyone wants to try to argue about his M-NTC. Boston can find a cheaper replacement for Forbort, I just see him being a cap casualty to them.
I see Mantha being expendable and not bouncing back for the Caps, so he can be expendable for cap purposes in a deal. I also hate to say it, since I like Pacioretty as a player, but he will likely deal with injuries again, so Nino can be a good injury replacement for him. As for Forbort, he can be a solid 3rd pair defender than can take some minutes off their younger LHDs ahead of him. Though the Caps should likely rebuild, as long as they have Ovi, they will keep trading picks to contend.
New Jersey keeps their 1st round pick to try and acquire another piece at the deadline. Besides, goalie trade value isn’t super high, no matter how great the goalie is.
Vanecek likely has to be part of this deal for cap purposes. I think Schmid can take solid minutes for New Jersey still, so they won’t mind sending out Vanecek to bring in Hellebuyck.
As mentioned in the description, DeMelo can take big shutdown minutes for the Pens over Karlsson and Letang. It could create a very underrated blueline in Pittsburgh…
Value:
Dillon unretained = 4th
2nd round pick swaps so Buffalo has an extra 2nd when they’ll be in a better spot to contend.
Johnson for Heinola, D prospect swap
Buffalo brings in Dillon as a depth defender, and they have enough cap space where there doesn’t need to be retention. Though they don’t necessarily need Heinola, if one of Dahlin/Power play on the right side, Heinola could eventually develop to play the 2nd or 3rd pair LHD. This is a low-risk, high reward deal for the Sabres IMO.
If the scenario you set out for Washington does happen, I don’t see them in a playoff spot, but if they are I’d say drop the 2nd down a bit and take out Forbort, as that would almost certainly force the Capitals to waive Alexeyev and unfortunately Edmundson already fills the role Forbort would.
I personally expect Mantha to bounce back but I wouldn’t particularly mind this if he doesn't. I do think it would be more likely Washington goes after Duclair or Barabanov instead of Nino though.
Rush the cup for NJ, just to fight Helly on his contract extension trying to get him to take a HUGE paycut from his asking of 9.5 to around 7.5 CUZ they still need to sign mercer for long term and he is worth 6m. This trade hurts the devils for the future. If Helly wants to be a devils take a pay cut you bum. Also more on from the goalie trades to NJ PS Jets decline they will want a first no matter what.
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