Talkin' Trades: How the Wild West could affect the NHL Trade Deadline

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Feb 23, 2009 6:34 PM EST

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As of right now every team in the Western Conference has a shot at making the playoffs and the parity in the West could have a major impact on the deals that are made as the March 4th NHL trade deadline approaches. Teams that were once thought to be sellers now might hold on their expring contracts in hopes of making a playoff run. With several NHL franchises struggling to maintain profitablity and relevance, the increase in revenue and brand power that goes along with making the playoffs may outweigh the future benefits of a deadline deal. I also think that we will see less trades in the days leading up to deadline day, so teams can have more time to see if they have a real shot at making the post-season. With points being at a premium in the West, we probably won't see many intra-conference trades between Western Conference teams.

Western Conference
Team	GP	Pts
1. San Jose	57	89
2. Detroit	60	86
3. Calgary	59	76
4. Chicago	58	76
5. Vancouver	59	68
6. Columbus	60	66
7. Dallas	58	65
8. Minnesota	58	64
9. Edmonton	59	63
10. Anaheim	61	63
11. Nashville	60	60
12. Los Angeles	58	59
13. Phoenix	60	59
14. St. Louis	59	58
15. Colorado	60	57