Written by Dave Stevenson at Fanside.com
With the 2016 NHL Trade Deadline approaching on February 29th, let’s take a look at the top 29 players who could be moved
The 2016 NHL trade deadline should be an exciting one as always. With many teams still in the playoff hunt and few teams seeing themselves completely out of it, that should lead to some big deals. Some teams will struggle between now and the 29th, meaning that there will be more sellers on February 29th than there are right now.
There will be plenty of great players available at the trade deadline as contenders will try to add the final pieces to what they hope will be their Stanley Cup puzzle and sellers will try to ensure themselves a better future. Whether teams are looking for a top six forward, a top four defenseman, a better goaltender, or simply just looking to add some much-needed depth for a playoff run, there are players out there for every team.
It won’t just be upcoming free agents for sale this year. NHL teams could trade some pieces that will be around for longer than a few months as teams try to shed salary cap space to make space for offseason adjustments. Here are the 29 best players that could be traded by February 29th.
29: Justin Schultz
Schultz is a talented defenseman with the puck. He still has room to grow as he’s just 25 years old and turns 26 in July. The talented puck mover has 100 points in 239 career games for the Oilers. However, Schultz’s time with the Oilers has likely run out. The Oilers will likely try to trade him, especially if they can add one of the defensemen that they want to get.
Schultz will be a restricted free agent after this season and unless he doesn’t get a qualifying offer, he will see a raise in his $3,900,000 salary. The Oilers blue liner definitely has talent offensively but his play in his own zone has made him a target for criticism in Edmonton.
To continue reading this article, click here.
