Get the latest from The Hockey News right in your inbox
Login +
NewsletterGet the Magazine

TheHockeyNews

TheHockeyNews.com gives you the inside scoop on hockey like no other publication. News, analysis, opinion, scores, and stats, from the NHL and hockey leagues around the world.

All-Access +

Versus: Is Ferland or Simmonds the better rental option this spring?

Many teams are looking to add a player who can to bring some sandpaper when the going gets rough. Ferland and Simmonds are two good options, but which is the best?

The month approaching the trade deadline may be the most pressure-packed time of the season for NHL GMs. Parity and the frequency of three-point games combine to bunch the majority of the teams together in the standings. In spite of this, fans and media insist all 31 teams must fall into one of two categories – those teams that can win the Stanley Cup this season (buyers) and those teams that have no chance (sellers). If a team is considered to be a contender, it is expected to go all out to add that final piece of the puzzle that will put it over the top. For the most part, the best players made available prior to the trading deadline are those who will be UFAs at the end of the season (rental players). This approach involves high risks for the GMs of buyer teams. There is a long list of ...

All-Access +

All-Access Member Area

Premium content and in-depth analysis from our team of experts exclusively for magazine subscribers. Simply login to unlock the content or become a member for less than $2.50 a month.

Tom Thompson

About the Author

Tom Thompson

Tom Thompson spent 31 years in the NHL as a scout, Director of Scouting and Assistant General Manager. He was responsible for running 14 Entry Drafts for the Calgary Flames and Minnesota Wild and also worked for the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers.

more from this author