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NHL Trade Rumors: Wild to acquire Martin Hanzal from Coyotes

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 16, 2017; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes centre Martin Hanzal (11) is seen out on the ice as they play against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes centre Martin Hanzal (11) is seen out on the ice as they play against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to multiple reports, the Montreal Canadiens have traded for Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal. 

One of the biggest dominoes at the 2017 NHL trade deadline has fallen. The Minnesota Wild have traded for him to upgrade their center depth. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period was the first to report a Hanzal trade was close. Martin Hanzal of the Arizona Coyotes is considered by many to be the best rental option for centers. He’s a strong two-way center who can produce at a decent rate. Moreover, Hanzal can win face-offs, which are always important come playoff time.

The Wild are paying a steep price to acquire Hanzal. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Wild are giving up a first and second rounder as well as a conditional pick that can be a second rounder.

This trade helps both sides. Hanzal should slot in nicely as Minnesota’s number two or number three center. In 51 games with the Coyotes this season, he has 16 goals and 10 assists for 26 points. Keep in mind Arizona struggles offensively, so his numbers should go up a little bit in Minnesota. Hanzal will also benefit from having Bruce Boudreau as his head coach.

With the trade, the Wild have impressive center depth. Eric Staal, Charlie Coyle, Mikko Koivu, and Erik Haula should help to form arguably the deepest group of centers in the NHL. Adding a face-off guy like Hanzal, who has a 56 percent face-off win percentage, makes them even deeper. The Wild also get Ryan White, a decent depth forward, to complete the trade.

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For Arizona, the return is huge. He’s the best rental center available. A first rounder and a second rounder alone is great. However, the second potential second rounder makes this a huge win for the Coyotes. The next guy to leave Arizona via the trade market should be Radim Vrbata, a nice scoring forward who should net them a good return. Minnesota had to pay a hefty price, but it might be worth it in the end.

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