The end of December not only marks the season of holiday cheer, but also a unique time in the NHL schedule – the holiday roster freeze.
However, just because teams are prohibited from making trades between Dec. 20 and Dec. 27, that doesn’t mean they won’t try to make some moves in the days leading up to the freeze.
As the freeze approaches, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recommends three players who could be on the move in the coming days.
“We’re going to see one of them tonight in the final game of the doubleheader, and that’s Trent Frederic of the Boston Bruins,” Friedman said in the report. Saturday headlines a section of hockey night in canada.
The bruising forward is in the final year of a two-year, $4.6 million contract with the Bruins and will become a free agent after this season.
“I’ve been around long enough to know that what’s right today may not be right tomorrow when it comes to contract negotiations, so I’m not going to stand in the way of that,” Friedman added. “The Bruins are getting a lot of calls,’ What are you thinking? Are you going to keep him? ‘He’s a guy who will definitely generate a lot of interest.’
The 26-year-old is a seven-year NHL veteran who set career highs in goals (18), assists (22) and points (40) in the 2023-24 season. In 311 career games, Frederic scored 52 goals, provided 53 assists and played 291 minutes.
Friedman also said the blue line on the West Coast may be moving.
“In Vancouver, there were reports this week that they were trying to move defender Vincent Descharnais. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out the way the player and team had hoped,” Friedman reported. “I did hear a little bit [that] The Canucks prefer draft picks in return because they want some roster and salary cap flexibility. But I’m hearing now that the Canucks are willing to consider all options to help Desharnais get a fresh start. ”
The 28-year-old defenseman joined Vancouver as a free agent on July 1, signing a two-year, $4 million contract with the Canucks. He played 17 games for the club, mainly scoring 2 goals and 2 assists from the bottom position, although he has been scratched several times by head coach Rick Tocchet this season.
Two-time Stanley Cup champion Brandon Saad may also be on the market as the St. Louis Blues get the forward healthy before Saturday’s game against the Dallas Stars.
“Saad is in the third year of his contract. He has one year left and is making $4.5 million annually,” Friedman added. “The Blues want to trade him. He has a no-trade clause, but I hear he’s willing to look at some other options.”
The 32-year-old played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche before signing with the Blues in 2021.
In 890 career NHL games, Saad has 257 goals and 252 assists.
Be prepared for possible turmoil in the NHL as some teams have already made moves.
