3 Trades That Could Happen Before the NHL Roster Freeze

At 12 a.m. EST on Friday night, the NHL is set to enter a week-long holiday roster freeze, during which no player movement is allowed. No trades, no waivers, and no player loans—only emergency recalls—with the use of IR and LTIR also prohibited during this period.

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Because of the lengthy stoppage, we could be in for a busier-than-usual December 19, as several teams around the league may feel pressure to make a move before the freeze, especially given that the games continue on through December 23rd.

While it’s unlikely we’ll see a Quinn Hughes-to-Minnesota-type blockbuster over the next 13-plus hours, there are still some intriguing names who could be on the move, so let’s take a look at a few possibilities and where they might land.

Alex Lyon to the Edmonton Oilers

This one feels like the most obvious of them all. Thursday night’s lower-body injury to newly acquired goaltender Tristan Jarry has the Oilers in a pickle, and once again in desperate need of a goalie. Calvin Pickard filled in nicely, coming in for the save in Boston, stopping all of the shots he faced. That said, with the way he’s played this season, it’s almost impossible to rely on Pickard as a starter for any length of time.

Enter Lyon, who’s been connected to Edmonton quite a bit recently, amidst an unexpected great start to the year in Buffalo. New Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen has already said he isn’t interested in carrying three goalies, and with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Colten Ellis, and Devon Levi all in the organization, Lyon could be expendable—and a prime target for the Oilers.

Mason Marchment to the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs need some kind of change or spark, and they need it now. A 4-0 shutout loss in Washington to the Capitals on Thursday night was about as lifeless a performance as you’ll see, an alarming sign for a team with Stanley Cup expectations that currently sits outside the playoff picture.

Insider Frank Seravalli has reported that traction has been gained on a potential Marchment trade, and while the Kraken don’t necessarily want to move him, interest is real, and don’t rule out a deal before the freeze. Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs should absolutely be one of those teams in the mix to acquire a big, skilled, physical top-nine forward that brings the jam they lack. Including Matias Maccelli in a return package could both intrigue Seattle and help make the money work.

Phillip Danault to the New Jersey Devils

Another team that’s been reeling of late is the Devils, feeling the impact of Jack Hughes’ absence in a major way. They’ve gone 7-10-0 without their superstar center this season, falling out of a playoff spot in the process after having held the top spot in the Metropolitan Division prior to his injury.

What’s become clear is New Jersey’s need to add another center, and there appears to be a pretty good option on the market in Danault. The shutdown centerman’s future with the Los Angeles Kings is murky at best, and teams have been calling in an attempt to acquire him, one of those being the Devils. Ken Holland is said to want a player in return, and Tom Fitzgerald wants to shed Ondrej Palat’s contract. If Fitzgerald is willing to add in some draft capital, there could be a deal to be made here.

Next: 5 Superstars Who Could Be Next to Move After Quinn Hughes Blockbuster