With the NHL trade deadline right around the corner, the rumors are set to heat up with plenty of talk about which players will be on the move and where they are most likely to end up. While talent, grit and experience will all be important traits that general managers contending for a playoff spot look to add, there is a handful of clutch performers that they should strongly consider adding as players that can provide their lineup with a substantial boost the rest of the way. Here is a look at five clutch performers that NHL GM’s should target at the trade deadline.
Thomas Vanek, Detroit Red Wings
Those that wrote Vanek off after last season were clearly wrong about his ability as he is up to 13 goals and 33 points in 41 games so far this season. Vanek actually leads the Red Wings in points per game this season and while GM Ken Holland wants to negotiate an extension the more likely scenario is that Detroit is able to move him to a contender before the deadline. Vanek still has something left in the tank and his clutch scoring ability could make him an intriguing piece for GM’s looking to add to their forward depth before the deadline.
Jarome Iginla, Colorado Avalanche
The 39-year-old Iginla is no longer in his prime but the gritty power forward could provide some key intangibles for a team primed to contend for the Stanley Cup. Iginla has just seven goals and 14 points with the Avalanche this season but he could really benefit from a move to contender as he looks to finish the season and perhaps even his career on a high note. A veteran player that can provide leadership, grit and still score at a decent level could be the perfect clutch addition to the third line of a Stanley Cup contending team this season.
Kris Versteeg, Calgary Flames
The veteran winger has two Stanley Cup wins on his resume with the Chicago Blackhawks in both 2010 and 2015. Versteeg has produced 334 points in 590 regular season games while also providing grit and tenacity wherever he has played. Calgary could be in for a major rebuild following a disappointing season and there is a good chance they will try to move Versteeg to a contender that is looking to add a gritty veteran winger at the trade deadline. On the season, Versteeg has 21 points in 36 games, which isn’t bad. He can offer some experience and some pop on a contending team’s second or third line. Look for him to get moved.
Shane Doan, Arizona Coyotes
Doan hasn’t had many opportunities to prove his clutch ability of late but the 40-year-old ranks seventh on the NHL’s active goal leaders list with 400 career regular season goals. Doan has always been a tougher player that likes to hit and stick up for his teammates and his grit as well as his leadership could be intangibles worth acquiring for teams that feel they can contend for the Stanley Cup this season. He’s a good third-line option for a team that doesn’t necessarily need a ton of scoring. He’ll offer some leadership, some toughness and a mild offensive presence. That could be of value to a few teams that are shopping these days.
Brian Gionta, Buffalo Sabres
In his third season since leaving the Montreal Canadiens, Gionta is having his most productive year for the Sabres with 12 goals and 27 points through 55 games. The 38-year-old isn’t an elite scoring winger by any means but he plays an excellent two-way game and could contribute at a decent level for a third line player on a Stanley Cup team. He has been effective on the power play for the Sabres this season too. Gionta has plenty of Stanley Cup playoff experience and is the Sabres team captain, which goes to show you that he has strong leadership and experience. He could be a decent addition for a contending team at the NHL trade deadline. Is going to fit in on someone’s top line? Definitely not. But as an extra option on the second or third line, Gionta is a name to keep an eye on as trade season approaches.
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