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Pacific Division Power Rankings
6
Whatcha Need Edition
Last week the NHL trade deadline took center
stage, and teams around the league were trying to prioritize what they want vs.
what they need. In the Pacific Division this dilemma is played out in a small
scale with the ‘buyers’, ‘ sellers’, and
‘tweeners’ all being represented. Though it has been claimed that the
Stanley Cup can’t be won at the deadline, many fans will argue it CAN be
lost – both in this season and ones to come. With that in mind, let’s
take a look at the Needs of the lucky 7 teams near and dear to us!
#1
– Anaheim Ducks (Depth Scoring)
Even though the Ducks farm system
is stocked full of players that on lesser teams might be already be NHL
regulars, that future is not yet completely ready for prime time. While the
2017 Ducks looks ready to hit the second season, this year’s group is
woefully thin in established veteran scoring. That might not be a problem if
everyone stays healthy, but if injuries do hit the Ducks could find themselves
in deep trouble. With that in mind, the biggest need for Anaheim is a proven
depth scorer along the likes of Ales Hemsky or Jaromir Jagr. Alternatively,
thought he price might be higher, parlaying some of that franchise depth into
Tomas Vanek, Matt Moulson, or Chris Neil could really put the Ducks over the
top.
Last Ranking: 1
#2 – San Jose Sharks (Defensive
Depth)
Unlike their other Pacific Division mates, the Sharks have
already faced near ‘worst case’ scenarios when it comes to injuries.
However, with Torres and Couture returning to the lineup the Sharks will be
rolling 3 lines deep with talent. Even if Hertl can’t return this season,
the valuable experience gained by injury replacements will only make San Jose
better in the short and long term. Where there is concern though is on the
backend, where an injury or two could derail a playoff push; and that’s
assuming the talent right now is sufficient for a championship run. GM Doug
Wilson will undoubtedly be looking for reinforcements with Christian
Erhoff’s name being tossed around; though players like Chris Phillips and
Jani Pitkannen might be the caliber he can afford.
Last Ranking: 2
#3 – Los Angeles Kings (Someone to Play For)
If you
think this is a weird item to be searching for at the trade deadline
you’re right, but the only thing the Kings have been consistently good at
this year is being streaky. Even though professional athletes shouldn’t
need outside motivation, there comes a time when championship squads can lose
interest in paying the price it takes to win. That is where a cause can help
reignite that passion, such as Ray Bourque did for the Avalanche in 2001 or
Dave Andreychuk for Tampa Bay in 2004. One likely target for LA could be
Jaromir Jagr, though you have to wonder if even that will be enough.
Last Ranking: 4
#4 – Calgary Flames (Pile’o’Draft
Picks)
Yet again, the Calgary Flames bubble up by playing good hockey,
posting a 7-3 mark in their last 10. Obviously, for a team on the rebuild this
needs to stop, as there is nothing to be gained by progressing with the current
bunch of players – many of whom should be renting apartments in new
locations by this time next week. Among the players that can be had for the
low, low price of future draft picks are Mike Cammalleri, Matt Stajan, Lee
Stempniak, Kris Russell, and Joey MacDonald. That’s quite a list of names
on the market, and the success of this Wednesday will be determined solely on
how many no longer play for the Flames Thursday morning.
Last Ranking:
6
#5 – Edmonton Oilers (NHL Talent)
Yup, this is a sad
testament to Vancouver and Phoenix that they have been passed by the Oilers and
their band of merry men. I recently sat down and watched an entire Oilers game,
and the one thing that stood out is that there are too many players on that
team that just don’t know what it takes to play in the NHL and succeed.
Partly, that comes from all those high draft picks being rushed, but the only
way to overcome and instill the proper work ethic, puck protection skills, and
commitment level is to bring in some players that can demonstrate it. Where it
gets tricky though is that Edmonton needs to win during this process which
means they need to acquire high level talent; and that is costly. Thankfully
the Oilers are flush with youth and if they are serious some of it needs to be
parlayed into real useful assets. As a result, while Ales Hemsky will
undoubtedly be moved, the list of acquirable players useful to Edmonton is
small and should include players like Chris Stewart, Tomas Vanek (with an
extension), or Matt Moulson.
Last Ranking: 7
#6 – Phoenix Coyotes (Top Line Scoring)
The Desert Dogs have been trying to hang tough in the Pacific Division all
season but the woefully lacking offense is finally starting to wear down.
Strangely, the lack of scoring could probably be overcome if the backend
wasn’t also springing leaks which is why the rumours of Phoenix shopping
Keith Yandle are all the more perplexing. While the argument could be made that
Yandle is part of the problem, the question is will Yandle fetch enough to get
established scoring help? And if the bill is higher than that will Phoenix
sacrifice future assets to prop up an aging core. Sadly, the best path forward
might be to package Doan with Yandle to pry some offense out of a team looking
to make a run at the Cup this season.
Last Ranking: 5
#7
– Vancouver Canucks (A Roberto Luongo Trade)
Vancouver, what
happened to you? You were showing signs of progress before your coach goes and
gets himself suspended and you started a goalie controversy by favouring Lack
over Luongo!! The result: a 2-7-1 record and playoff dreams fading. You know,
years ago the Islanders were known as the epicenter of dysfunction but I think
it’s time to move that title to Van City. Despite all the evidence, the
only way forward for the Canucks at this point seems to be moving Luongo for
assets (maybe to Buffalo, Edmonton, or Long Island). However, if ownership
decides to move Ryan Kessler as well, than Vancouver should consider going all
in on a quick rebuild and look at shopping the Sedin’s too. Who knows,
maybe there is method to this madness?
Last Ranking: 3
Contact Ryan at ryanhall@letsgosharks.com
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