(Trade deadline Special) Sellers to get plenty of 3rd rounders

                With trade deadline one week away; the one word we’re hearing just as must as buyer or seller is third round draft pick. Let’s look at some of the players who are most likely going to move for a 3^rd rounder or more.

Two Panthers

                Likely by Monday we will see Florida veteran Sean Bergenheim moved to a buyer for a 3^rd rounder and/or a defenseman. The former Islander is better served as a 3^rd liner; but can play the odd game on the 2^nd line. There are 2 reasons teams like Montreal, Winnipeg, Islanders, Rangers are lining up for his services. He is consistent in regards to scoring goals; only once in the last five years does he have less than 14 goals. The biggest reason why teams love him; 12 goals in 23 playoff games; he steps things up when it matters most.  

                There are not as many teams lining up for Tomas Fleischmann; who has struggled offensively the last two years only because he’s not getting consistent minutes on the top two lines. The former Capital could help a few different teams. He might go well with Malkin in Pittsburgh, same goes in Dallas whether it be with Benn or Spezza on the Stars first or second line.

                My personal belief is Bergenheim will cost more than a 3^rd; I think he will go for a 2^nd rounder or a roster player who can help Panthers get to the post season.

Jiri Tlusty

                Another player close to Fleischmann is Carolina’s Jiri Tlusty. Neither are going to be a savior; but both can play 2^nd line minutes if the linemates and situation is right. The one benefit of Tlusty is his salary is 1 million less at 2.950. The one downside is with the Hurricanes he has played the majority of his time with Eric Stall; wherever he moves to a secondary role with lesser known center.

Defenseman

                There are eight or nine teams looking for one last defenseman before the deadline. We will see Petry, Polak, Hejda, Sekara and Michalek traded before or on March 2. There are some second tier defenseman who will go for about a 3^rd rounder to those teams that miss out.

New Jersey’s Marek Zidlicky could be had, the UFA can still help any struggling powerplay and at times can play top four minutes.  Longtime Ottawa Senator Chris Phillips is on the back nine of his career; he is a decent cap hit of 2.5 million.