Insider compiles a list of the top-20 trade deadline targets, says market is heating up
Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli has quickly become one of the league's most trusted insiders. From his early scoops to his quick delivery of the information, many turn to Seravalli first for info, even over the likes of Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and TSN's Chris Johnston.
Seravalli compiled a list of the top-20 trade deadline targets, adding that the market is really starting to heat up as we approach the halfway mark of the season. There are certainly some intriguing names who are expected to move.
With 75 days to go until the NHL's trade deadline, Seravalli lists San Jose Sharks forward Tomas Hertl as the number one trade deadline target. Seravalli believes that the Rangers are the team to watch here.
Some other names near the top of the list are Montreal Canadiens defenseman Ben Chiarot and Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun. Chiarot is linked to the St. Louis Blues and the Florida Panthers, according to Seravalli, but there are a number of other teams in the playoff picture that may get involved. Seravalli lists Vegas, Colorado, Washington and New York as options.
The most intriguing name on this list for me is Reilly Smith in Vegas at number 10. With Jack Eichel back on the ice and practicing with the Golden Knights, they're going to have to move some money out to stay cap compliant. Smith is a pending UFA with a $5M cap hit who Seravalli believes will fetch a larger return than Nick Foligno did at last year's trade deadline (a 1st and a pair of 4th's).
Seravalli also has Toronto Maple Leafs defender Justin Holl listed just off the board, along with Vladimir Tarasenko (STL), J.T. Miller (VAN) and Bryan Rust (PIT).
