Trade Watch: 3 Defensemen Expected to be Moved

The NHL trade market is heating up as it's being confirmed each day which teams are looking for upgrades. When it comes to defensemen specifically, the Ottawa Senators, St Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, and Florida Panthers are all teams trying to land another blueliner. When it comes to players, here's three defensemen expected to be traded this season:

Brenden Dillon

The Winnipeg Jets have a surplus of NHL defensemen, with Brenden Dillon topping the list of most likely to be moved of their group. The rugged blueliner is tough as nails and can bring some sandpaper to any team interested. Dillon, 32, is signed for this season and next, with a cap hit at $3.9 million against the books. Three assists in 13 games, Dillon is more suited in a depth role where he can be relied upon to block shots, make big hits, kill penalties and make his team harder to play against. 

Erik Karlsson

San Jose Sharks veteran Erik Karlsson has turned back the clock and exploded back onto the scene this season. Karlsson leads the Sharks with 10 goals and 21 points in 16 games. If he's going to be moved, the Sharks will have to retain close to 50% of his $11.5 million, something they do have interest in if it means the pot is sweetened. The kicker here is the buy in as Karlsson has a full no-movement clause and has to approve any deal. Word is he's open to moving to a contender but not necessarily all of them and will be picky. 

Vladislav Gavrikov

The Columbus Blue Jackets are headed for the NHL draft lottery and expect them too overload pending free-agent defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. The 26-year-old 6-foot-3 defender is making $2.8 million against the cap and so far this season has two points in 14 games. Gavrikov is playing over 21 minutes a night in Columbus and is a strong penalty killer. He'll be shipped out for an asset or two at some point before the trade deadline.

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