NHL contenders with limited salary-cap space hoping to boost their rosters before the trade deadline could be in touch with the Arizona Coyotes.
NHL contenders with limited salary-cap space hoping to boost their rosters before the trade deadline could be in touch with the Arizona Coyotes. TSN's Chris Johnston reported they're willing to take on contracts or money in exchange for future assets depending on the type of player and contract length.
Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong did the same thing last summer. He acquired Andrew Ladd from the New York Islanders, Shayne Gostisbehere from the Philadelphia Flyers and Antron Stralman from the Florida Panthers.
So which cap-strapped contenders could come calling before March 21?
Perhaps it'll be the Vegas Golden Knights. They must free up cap space for whenever center Jack Eichel and his $10-million annual cap hit comes off long-term injured reserve.
The Washington Capitals have been linked to Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. Maybe they'll offer winger Carl Hagelin and his $2.75-million annual cap hit through 2022-23 to the Coyotes along with a draft pick.
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas has a flair for salary-cap gymnastics to boost his lineup. Maybe he pitches Justin Holl and his $2-million cap hit through 2022-23 along with a pick or prospect, provided the Coyotes aren't on the 30-year-old defenseman's 15-team no-trade list.
The Florida Panthers are rumored to be interested in Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun. If they can't pry him away from the Coyotes, maybe they can convince them to take on winger Frank Vatrano and his $2.533-million cap hit (despite his pending UFA status) by packaging him with a pick or prospect to free up space to pursue a blueliner from a different team.
They might not be the only clubs calling the Coyotes. Armstrong could end up fielding offers from the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, or St. Louis Blues.