Fansided

1 trade every NHL team should make

By Dave Stevenson

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the NHL shield logo before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the NHL shield logo before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Coyotes

Not surprisingly, the Arizona Coyotes are exploring a trade of forward Anthony Duclair. Despite an impressive 2015-16 campaign, he has slumped mightily in 2016-17. Rumor has it Arizona was souring on him even before this season, as his name got thrown around at the 2016 NHL Draft.

They ought to trade him for a defenseman because that’s their largest area of need. However, at the same time, the Coyotes can’t trade him for a star. So a younger one makes sense. How about 2014 first round pick Haydn Fleury of the Carolina Hurricanes?

Sure, Fleury hasn’t played in the NHL yet, but that’s a testament to how good Carolina is defensively. Through no fault of his own, he’s been rendered surplus. A fresh start would be great for him and Arizona could give him the NHL playing time he needs to continue his development.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes would get back a skilled forward who is still a covetable asset. Carolina’s strategy recently has been to get as many forwards with skill as possible until enough of them pan out to be contenders. It’s not a horrible game plan and to a degree, it’s working. While Carolina also needs a goaltender, Arizona can’t provide that. But they can help by providing a skilled forward in exchange for a surplus, but still very good, defenseman.

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