NHL Trade Rumors: 5 names to watch

Nov 18, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty (67) watches the play during the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Will The Coyotes Trade Anthony Duclair?

The Arizona Coyotes got Anthony Duclair in the Keith Yandle trade. Many, including the Coyotes, thought they were getting a future building block. Following a 20 goal and 44 point season during the 2015-16 season, people thought they finally had a star. But Duclair has had a very upsetting 2016-17 campaign so far with just four points in 21 games. The Coyotes are open to trading him, according to Darren Dreger.

Reportedly, the price would be a center. Now, trading Duclair at this point makes very little sense. While his name briefly appeared in some rumors around the 2016 NHL Draft, why would the Coyotes trade him when his value might be at its lowest? Duclair’s shot generation numbers are roughly the same as they were last season and there’s a good reason the New York Rangers thought highly of him.

While the Coyotes claim to just be listening to offers, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Something is clearly up with Duclair if Arizona is entertaining offers for him. However, trading him now could be a terrible trade for the Coyotes unless they get a strong prospect back.

Who could be a fit for him? The Carolina Hurricanes probably make the most sense. They love skilled forwards, though the Coyotes would have to change their asking price to a defenseman for it to make sense.

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