With the NHL freezing trades during the Olympic break, there is a possibility that we could see a potential blockbuster trade some time within the next week. Many playoff contenders are in need of some serious help at certain positions, and a trade would be the best way to fill any gaps at this point of the season. Here are some trades that would certainly be beneficial to both sides at this point in the season.
Los Angeles Kings trade Linden Vey, Jake Muzzin and a 2nd round pick to New York Islanders for Thomas Vanek and a 5th round pick
While Vanek would likely be no more than a rental player, giving up two young players and a pick may end up being worth it for the Kings. Los Angeles has won only two of its past ten games despite having two tremendous goaltenders in Jonathan Quick and Martin Jones, is in desperate need for a goal scorer like Vanek.
The Islanders will be getting two young players with a ton of upside and a fairly high pick in the draft in exchange for a player who, while very talented, will not be able to carry the team to the playoffs barring a miracle.
Toronto Maple Leafs trade Nikolai Kulemin to Pittsburgh Penguins for Simon Despres and a 3rd round pick
There has been talk of Kulemin being traded for quite some time, and the Maple Leafs could deal him in order to clear up some cap space as well as add a young defenseman like Despres. The Leafs have had all sorts of issues preventing goals this season, and Despres could eventually grow into a player who could help them in that department.
The Penguins could use another winger to add more depth to their top-heavy offense, and Kulemin would seemingly fit the bill to do so. While Despres could be a big part of Pittsburgh's future, they can afford to give him up with other young blueliners like Olli Maatta and Brian Dumoulin seeing NHL action.
Colorado Avalanche trades PA Parenteau and Tyson Barrie to Montreal Canadiens for Andrei Markov and a 3rd round pick
This would be a big hockey trade for two playoff contenders that could benefit both Colorado and Montreal.
The Canadiens have been interested in Parenteau, but Colorado is not willing to give him up easily. By throwing in a top young defenseman in Barrie, the Avalanche could be able to acquire a veteran blueliner like Markov.
Colorado is one of the youngest teams in the NHL, and a veteran presence on defense could work wonders for them down the line this season. The Avs' surplus of youth allows them to be able to afford trading away Barrie. Couple him with a player that Montreal has coveted and the Avalanche may be able to get a deal that could leads it to a deep playoff run.
Winnipeg Jets trade a 1st round pick and Scott Kosmachuk to Buffalo Sabres for Ryan Miller
Riding an unexpected hot streak, the Winnipeg Jets have suddenly emerged on the cusp of the playoff bubble. The offense has turned it up a notch, but can Al Montoya really be the right guy in net to lead this team to the playoffs in a tough Western Conference?
Miller is the perfect fit for the Jets, and they may be able to package together the right deal. A first round pick along with a top-ten forward prospect like Kosmachuk, Jimmy Lodge or Adam Lowry could be enough to lure the Sabres to cut ties with their longtime goaltender.
Washington Capitals trade Martin Erat and a 3rd round pick to Minnesota Wild for Marco Scandella, Jason Zucker and a 4th round pick
Erat has wanted out of Washington all season. Minnesota needs offense. Washington needs a defensive defenseman and a left winger.
Zucker is young and could provide a decent amount of production in the future for the Capitals, while Scandella is a defensive-minded defenseman that could fit well on a team that needs some more help in that department.
The issue with Erat is that there is a big question mark surrounding him. Despite his 21 assists this season, he does not have a single goal. If he leaves Washington for a place he could be happier in, however, he could return to the level he was at in Nashville earlier in his career.