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The NHL trade deadline is about six weeks away, but with the 4 Nations Face-Off coming up in mid-February, there could be some impact trades going down over the next couple of weeks.
The buyers will be sending out draft picks and prospects to upgrade their teams in hopes of a long playoff run.
Among the rumors around the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks could potentially trade J.T. Miller, the New York Rangers are antsy to make changes, which means Chris Kreider could be on his way out, and Brock Nelson looks like his days could be numbered with the New York Islanders. Those are just some potential deals we could see over the next few weeks.
While we are sure to see a few first-round picks and countless later picks exchange hands in the runup to the deadline, let’s look at nine NHL prospects that could be on the move as teams look to mortgage their future for a chance at immediate glory.
Easton Cowan, W/C, Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs have a pretty solid roster and lead the Atlantic Division, but they could use some added depth, particularly down the middle.
With John Tavares out of the lineup, the center depth is being tested as Max Domi and 20-year-old Fraser Minten are currently filling in as their middle six centers. Ideally, Domi would be on the wing and Minten would be in the AHL, but Toronto is making the best of the situation.
Trading Cowan isn’t (and probably shouldn’t be) Plan A for the Maple Leafs, but if they can get a player with term or even a center who is a quality No. 2 who can be interchangeable with Tavares in the middle six, moving their top prospect could be worth it.
Cowan is a highly intelligent, tactical forward who plays with a non-stop motor and a knack for making the best play possible. He is dominating the OHL with a historic points streak, so his stock is at an all-time high. Two weeks at the world juniors don’t change that.
Related: Does The Tavares Injury Hasten The Maple Leafs To Deal For Another Center?
Andrew Cristall, LW, Washington Capitals
It’s remarkable what Cristall has done at the WHL level. Since the 1999-2000 season, he is fourth in career WHL scoring. Simply put, the kid has been a machine. He isn’t without weaknesses – he needs to up the tempo a bit to get to the NHL level, and his skating could use a bit of improvement, but the numbers don’t lie.
The Washington Capitals have quietly gathered a nice collection of prospects. Ryan Leonard is…