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With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, teams in playoff contention will have to make tough decisions about their roster construction. Some teams fighting for playoff positions have struggled in games leading up to the All-Star break.
Some of these teams are in their Stanley Cup window. They must strike while the iron is hot. There is no time to sit back and be patient.
We have compiled the three NHL teams that need to be the most aggressive at the NHL trade deadline.
NHL Trade Deadline: three teams that need to make a big splash before March 3
1) Washington Capitals
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To have some cap certainty before the NHL trade deadline, the Capitals signed winger Sonny Milano to a three-year, $5.7 million extension. Other than their five-game winning streak in December, the team has been inconsistent all season.
The Capitals' recent losses have come against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild. They have posted a 6-7-1 record since January 1. Despite their struggles, they have held onto the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Their biggest problems are defense and goaltending. Over the last month, starting netminder Darcy Keumper has given up two or fewer goals in just one game. The 32-year-old signed a lucrative six-year contract in the offseason. He has posted a 15-14-1 record, 2.62 goals-against average, and .915 save percentage this season.
Keumper has a good track record, especially when the stakes are high. The Capitals will need to focus on upgrading their blueline to qualify for the playoffs.
2) Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames’ season has been defined by two drastic losing streaks. They lost seven straight games between October 29 and November 10. They also went on a five-game losing streak from December 9 to 16. Despite their struggles, they are still in the thick of the playoff race in the Western Conference.
The Flames have a talented roster but lack chemistry. It seems like every good win they've had in the last month has been followed by a bad loss.
If the Flames want to remain a playoff contender, they'll need to be more consistent. They rank 18th in the league in goals scored. Acquiring a top-six forward should be at the top of their trade deadline wishlist.
3) Minnesota Wild
The Wild have been one of the most disappointing teams this season. They were very inconsistent last month. Their roster is very top-heavy and lacks scoring depth. The team ranks 23rd in the NHL with 149 goals scored. Kirill Kaprizov has been one of the few players that have pulled their weight.
There also hasn't been a lot of consistency with their line construction. Due to injuries, head coach Dean Evason has been forced to shuffle their lines frequently.
The Wild's goaltending has kept them in the playoff picture. Despite their scoring woes, they currently sit third in the Central Division with a 27-19-4 record. They lost 4-1 to the Dallas Stars tonight. If they want to be a Stanley Cup contender, they will have to acquire a top-six forward and additional forward depth at the trade deadline.
