The race for the Stanley Cup is heating up in the Western Conference as teams make moves to strengthen their rosters ahead of the March 8 trade deadline. The recent trades and signings have already made the path to the championship more challenging for the top contenders in the West.
At NHL All-Star Weekend, news broke that the Winnipeg Jets had acquired Sean Monahan, while the Vancouver Canucks added Elias Lindholm. Both Rick Tocchet and Rick Bowness, who were present at the event, expressed their approval of these moves. The Colorado Avalanche also made a significant signing by adding veteran winger Zach Parise to their team. With these additions, the Western Conference teams are ramping up their efforts to secure key players.
The competition in the West is expected to intensify further as the trade talk picks up in the coming weeks. The parity in hockey makes the race wide open, with any team having the potential to make a deep playoff run. Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche recognizes the tightness of the competition and the need for teams to make moves to stay competitive.
Among the top contenders in the West are the Vancouver Canucks, who have had an impressive season so far, consistently avoiding losing streaks. The Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers led by Connor McDavid, and the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights, are also formidable teams vying for the championship.
The addition of Sean Monahan significantly bolsters the Jets' chances of success. With consecutive victories following a rough patch, Winnipeg is showing signs of stability and has the depth and skill needed for a playoff run. Kyle Connor, the Jets' leading goal scorer, emphasizes the importance of translating their game into playoff hockey to prepare for the intense postseason battles.
The Avalanche, who came close to winning the Cup in 2022, are eager to replicate their success. They are in need of another center to replace the void left by Nazem Kadri's departure and could benefit from a solid backup goaltender. The recent acquisition of Zach Parise, a seasoned player with vast experience, is an excellent addition to their lineup without sacrificing any assets.
As the trade deadline approaches, several players are expected to change teams. Calgary defensemen Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev, goaltender Jacob Markstrom, Montreal goalie Jake Allen, Anaheim's Adam Henrique, Washington's Max Pacioretty, Nic Dowd, and Anthony Mantha, and Philadelphia's Nick Seeler and Sean Walker are among the players likely to be on the move.
Looking ahead, the Avalanche have the possibility of captain Gabriel Landeskog returning from a two-season absence due to a knee injury. Additionally, the team is hopeful that Valeri Nichushkin will rejoin them at some point after his participation in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. These potential reinforcements offer excitement for the team, but the focus remains on the present and finding ways to secure victories with the current lineup.
With just six weeks until the start of the playoffs, the race in the West is intensifying. The recent trades and signings have already impacted the balance of power among the top contenders. As teams strive to strengthen their rosters, it is clear that the road to the Stanley Cup in the Western Conference will be a tightly contested battle.
