CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The NHL’s trade deadline is Monday, April 12, 4 p.m. Atlantic.
However, the seven Canadian teams could be making moves well before then.
Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions at the Canada-United States border, any players acquired from American-based teams faces a mandatory 14-day quarantine before they can join a Canadian club. If they’re acquired on April 12, the earliest they could join the roster is April 27.
With the regular season ending on May 8 and the playoffs beginning three days later, that leaves little time for the player to return to game shape and adjust to his new teammates.
The Winnipeg Jets have first-hand knowledge of that problem. They acquired Pierre-Luc Dubois on Jan. 23 from the Columbus Blue Jackets, but he couldn’t join their lineup until Feb. 9. The layoff affected the 22-year-old forward’s game, contributing to a lower-body injury that sidelined him for four games in mid-February. He finally regained his form by mid-March.
Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff indicated last week he’d be willing to make another trade for the right price and fit. It’s believed he would like to acquire a defenceman. Dubois’ experience, however, could prompt Cheveldayoff to make a deal sooner rather than later.
The same goes for his Canadian peers who intend to be buyers before deadline day. Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas acknowledged the quarantine period provides an incentive to make moves earlier. His trade discussions have focused on obtaining a forward.
It wouldn’t be surprising if any trade they make with American clubs occur before the end of March. Any moves they make leading up to deadline day could be among themselves as the 14-day quarantine doesn’t apply to players traded within Canada.
In need of help
Several playoff contenders will be shopping for help before the trade deadline.
Like their North Division peers in Winnipeg and Toronto, the Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames could test the trade market. The Canadiens need a top-four, left-side defenceman and a centre who’s strong in the faceoff circle. Meanwhile, the Flames seek a right-winger with a right-handed shot.
The Boston Bruins are clinging to the fourth and final playoff spot in the East Division. They could also use a left-side blue-liner, but adding a second-line scorer is their primary need.
Losing captain Anders Lee to a season-ending knee injury will put the New York Islanders into the market for a scoring winger. The slumping Philadelphia Flyers could also use some defensive help.
In the West, the Colorado Avalanche is surging up the standings but requires an experienced, reliable backup to spell off overworked starter Philipp Grubauer. That issue won’t be suitably addressed by the recent acquisition of little-used goalie Jonas Johansson from the Buffalo Sabres.
Lyle Richardson is a freelance writer with Bleacher Report and Featurd.io and runs the website Spector's Hockey. His column will appear in The Guardian through the NHL season.
