NHL Hockey Insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that teams are potentially gearing up for some big trades during the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Friedman touched on how teams are preparing to make a move regardless if there's a pause in the season.
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Not only does Friedman believe that deals could happen, but any trades will more than likely distract us from the event itself. But with no roster freeze -- will any moves be made?
Let's take a look.
Potential Trades During 4 Nations Face-Off: Elliotte Friedman
There is always the potential for a deal to get done, and given that there may be a secret memo going around that some mid-level deals get the green light -- who could be traded?
It won't be a Brock Nelson, or Dylan Cozens level of trade but there are certainly names being tossed around who would constitute as a mid-level deal:
- Brandon Tanev (SEA)
- Scott Laughton (PHI)
- Carson Soucy (VAN)
- Mario Ferraro (SJ)
- Jake Evans (MTL)
Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, and Vegas are all contenders who would be willing to pull off a deal during the tournament.
The NHL has tried very hard to promote this tournament and any distractions away from it is going to make the NHL upset; less eyes means less money.
The tournament runs from Feb. 12-20, and there's more than enough time for players to get dealt. They don't hit the ice until the 18th, and barring some immediate freeze on the roster -- expect at least one deal to be made.
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With teams gearing up for the final two and a half months of the season, there's little time for emotions when it comes to potential trades and if a good deal is presented to them then no tournament is going to stop them from making it.
But what do YOU think? Do you think the 4 Nations will see a few trades? Or will things pick up once players return to the regular season? Let us know!