THW Daily - What Red Wings Could Do at Trade Deadline & Why Blackhawks Could Target Kakko
Also, grading the Canucks' trade for Lindholm, the Maple Leafs' trade deadline strategy & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have what the Red Wings could do at the trade deadline, why the Blackhawks could target Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko, a trade grade for the Canucks’ Lindholm deal, and much more.
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New Jersey Devils: 5(ish) Questions With Devils Forward, "The Cobra" Chris Tierney by Josh Reinitz
Columbus Blue Jackets: Blue Jackets' Writer Mark Scheig Discusses David Jiricek by William Espy
Hockey History: Winnipeg Jets 1.0 Rookie Rewind: Teemu Selanne by Matthew Zator
Minnesota Wild: Wild Player of the Month: Joel Eriksson Ek by Tyson McKay
Prospects & Draft: AJHL Exodus Mirrors the Formation of the WHL by Dayton Reimer
Anaheim Ducks: Ducks Player of the Month: Troy Terry by Jordan Reinhardt
Detroit Red Wings: Red Wings Prospect Check-In: Defensemen Lead the Way & Kasper Catches Fire by Jordan Orth
News & Rumours: First Look: How the Lindholm Deal Happened, The Delay, and Tanev Part of Trade Talk by Jim Parsons
Buffalo Sabres: Sabres' Prospect Update: Feb. 1 by JP Gambatese
Arizona Coyotes: Kachina Corner Weekly Audio Report: A Rough Trip Down South by Chase Beardsley
Check Out THW’s Professional Women’s Hockey League Coverage
Grading Canucks’ Blockbuster Trade for Elias Lindholm
February 1, 2024 by Alex Chauvancy
We have our first major deal ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, and it’s a whopper. Late last night, the Calgary Flames connected on a trade that sent Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks. In return, the Flames received Andrei Kuzmenko, as well as some futures. Here are the full details:Â
There’s no extension for Lindholm, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, at least for now. Meanwhile, the Flames seem to be getting started on what’ll at least be a soft rebuild, something they’ve needed for quite some time. Let’s hand out grades for each side.
Red Wings’ Trade Deadline Needs Hinge On One Question
February 1, 2024 by Tony Wolak
Following the holiday break, the Detroit Red Wings opted to deploy David Perron on the first line alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. The results have not been pretty – six goals for, 11 against, and a 35.79 percent expected goals share at even strength.Â
During the Philadelphia Flyers game on Jan. 25, the Red Wings replaced Perron on the top line with Alex DeBrincat, pushing the former to the second line with J.T. Compher and Robby Fabbri. The impending return of Patrick Kane likely means him being paired with DeBrincat, leaving an open spot on the top line. The question, now, is who will join Larkin and Raymond moving forward? There are a few options to consider – both the player and the downstream effect.
How the Canadiens Can Have a Successful Trade Deadline
February 1, 2024 by Rob Couch
The Montreal Canadiens surprisingly stayed in the race for a playoff spot longer than many would have thought after the injuries early in the season. Some players have stepped up, while others have struggled. This was never going to be their year as they are still technically in a rebuild. There are lots of talented players coming through the ranks very soon and a lot for fans and the organization to be excited about.
This trade deadline is one where the Canadiens need to once again focus on selling some key assets that will make the team better in the future. If the team sells correctly, they should lose more games, fall down the standings further, and hopefully get a better player from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. If they aren’t going to make the playoffs, and the chance they will is very low, then it’s better to succeed at the deadline and the draft. So what will make a successful trade deadline for the Canadiens? Let’s dive in.
Rangers Reportedly Fielding Trade Calls for Kaapo Kakko
February 1, 2024 by Jesse Courville-Lynch
Despite their recent struggles heading into the All-Star Break, the New York Rangers remain one of the strongest teams in the NHL heading into February. They will likely be buyers heading towards the trade deadline as they look to strengthen their roster for a Stanley Cup run this season, but there haven’t been many connections made between the Rangers and players on the trade block around the league.
On a recent segment from TSN’s Insider Trading, it was stated that the Rangers have been fielding trade calls on forward Kaapo Kakko and may consider using him as part of a trade package should they try to make a big trade.
Blackhawks News & Rumors: Bedard, Prospects & Trade Talk
February 1, 2024 by Brooke LoFurno
Even though the Chicago Blackhawks are five days into their All-Star break, and although many are enjoying the retreat from the season, the hockey world never sleeps. Even though the team is off, the news and rumors never stop, especially now that the trade deadline is a month away (March 8). Here are some developments from the past few days.
Maple Leafs’ 2024 Trade Deadline Strategy: No Move Is Best
February 1, 2024 by The Old Prof
After being one of the best regular-season teams in the NHL’s Eastern Conference for the past few years, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a battle for a wild-card spot this season.  As of the All-Star Break, they are in fourth in the Atlantic Division, a point behind the third-place Tampa Bay Lightning, who have 59 points, and tied with the Detroit Red Wings at 58 points. Toronto is ahead of both in winning percentage and has three games in hand.
That said, games in hand do not always translate to points on the board, especially given the up-and-down season the Maple Leafs are having.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Edmonton Oilers - Oilers Were Smart to Avoid Elias Lindholm Trade With Flames
Winnipeg Jets - Jets Trading for Chris Tanev Would Be the Perfect Deadline Move
Toronto Maple Leafs - Ranking the Maple Leafs’ Best Assets for the 2024 Trade Deadline
NHL News & Rumors - Flames, Canucks, Senators, Penguins
From TSN - Flyers taking calls on veteran C Laughton
From Sportsnet - Senators looking to 'prove a lot of people wrong' down the stretch
From ESPN - Canucks sign GM Patrik Allvin to contract extension
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