Strangelove wrote:
We need BEAST and can pick up a reliable experienced veteran backup as Lou Insurance. I like to think some GMs still see Ballard as a Top 4 dee in a different scenario.
The most obvious BEASTS that come to mind are Suter and Weber.
Since our most palatable trade chip is Schneider, and the Preds are set in net, I have my doubts as to the Canucks' ability to get either in a trade. The most likely way is through UFA or offer-sheet.
So in terms of targets by the deadline, it's hard to spot any obvious BEASTS.
I'm not sold of Schenn, and even if he lives up this potential, it won't be happening for a couple of years given how much work his game needs.
We'd all like to add Gleason, but is he the BEAST we're really looking for?
Gleason could be a nice 5-6 D-man who can step in the top 4 when needed, but he's yet another left handed defenseman, and he doesn't have the talent to be a regular top 4 player on this team.
Looking around the league, I don't see many veteran top d-men being available.
The only players I could see as possible targets are good, young, up-and-coming d-men on teams that need goaltending or help up-front.
With that in mind these are the guys I'd look at, although some of those names are very unlikely to move:
Islanders - Hamonic
Colorado - E. Johnson
Toronto - Gardiner
Washington - Carlson, Alzner
Tampa - Hedman
New Jersey - Larsson
Florida - Gudbranson, Garrison
Phoenix - Ekman-Larson, Runblad
Not all of those guys fall into the BEAST category, but all project as legit top 3 d-men. Also, at least a few of those names, like Larsson, Hedman, E. Larson and Gudbranson are nearly untouchable. But as we've seen, teams are generally more willing to trade somewhat unknown commodities than they are with moving guys who are established top d-men.
I think Gillis can get a good d-man in a package for Schneider, but I don't see it happening by the deadline.