Top centre could be traded for the second time this year

Several National Hockey League teams are on the heavy hunt to find a quality forward or centreman to add to their roster before the trade deadline. While a few names have popped on the trade market as potential targets, one new name will definitely draw loads of interest. 

A new name for this time around, but if top forward Derek Stepan gets traded, if will be the second time this year. The New York Rangers shipped him out to the Arizona Coyotes, along with backup goalie Antti Raanta, in return for Anthony DeAngelo and a first-round pick in the 2017 draft, who turned out to be Lias Andersson. 

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman suggested on Wednesday on the air of Vancouver’s Sportsnet 650 if the Coyotes might flip Stepan at some point and draw the attention of many rival clubs. 

Friedman noted that the Buffalo Sabres aren’t moving Jack Eichel or Ryan O’Reilly, and according to him, teams will be in trouble if they target another player from this roster. 

“And unless you think Sam Reinhart is a center, he’s probably not the answer to your question either.”

In 24 games this season in Arizona, Stepan has amassed three goals and 12 points. He could provide an interesting return to the Coyotes, and be the boost a rival team needs to head into the postseason.