Ranking Martin Hanzal’s most likely destinations

The 2016-17 NHL season was an interesting one for Martin Hanzal. The 30 year-old Czech native hit 20 goals for the first time in his career. He was also traded for the first time in his career. And, while he didn’t reach the heights in Minnesota he’d hoped for when he was acquired by the Wild at the NHL Trade Deadline from the Arizona Coyotes, the big center man will still command some interest on the free agent market this offseason.

So, who might be most interested in acquiring Hanzal’s services? Let’s take a look at his top 3 most likely destinations: 

1. Montreal Canadiens - Surprisingly, the Habs are reasonably flexible when it comes to the NHL salary cap. General manager Marc Bergevin hasn’t always done well on the trade market, but his management of his team’s contracts must be commended. The future of Alex Galchenyuk at the center ice position is still very much up in the air and adding Hanzal would finally give the team the big center ice presence that they’ve been seeking for so long.
2. Edmonton Oilers - Despite needing to re-sign burgeoning superstar Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers are in good shape with regards to salary. They’ll be in even better shape if the trade rumors surrounding Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are to be believed. The real shoe to drop is the future of Nugent-Hopkins. If the Oilers decide to move him in a deal, they’ll have a big hole at center on their 2nd line, a spot perfect for a short-term Hanzal deal.
3. Philadelphia Flyers - When you think big, lumbering forwards you naturally think of the Philadelphia Flyers. Remarkably, the Flyers have over $13 million in cap space for 2017-18 and have a need for a center man beyond Claude Giroux and Brayden Schenn. It’s possible that Valterri Filpula or Sean Couturier can fill that role, but adding Hanzal to the mix would really solidify the team at center.

Wherever Hanzal ends up, team should be wary of handing the 30 year-old too much term. While he has the capabilities to help a team out in the short term, history tells us that a player’s production almost always falls off as they enter their thirties.