When it comes to the NHL trade deadline, the players take center stage. Which goaltender is going to be on the move to take over in the crease? Which center is going to fill a second line role? Which defenseman is going to be moved for a number of picks?
But what about the movers and shakers who make it all happen? After all, the players have the least amount of work to do when it comes to the deadline. It really just consists of making sure the phone is charged and available in case that call comes through.
Away from the ice, general managers and other front office executives ferociously work the lines, trying to wheel and deal ahead of the deadline. Then there are the news breaking insiders, feverishly calling and texting around, digging for the next big scoop.
Curious as to who is really calling the shots? Here is a look at some of the most impactful figures for this year’s trade deadline.
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10 most influential figures at the trade deadline
Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet insider
Friedman has been Sportsnet’s lead hockey insider for a number of years. He’s one of the quickest to break news in the NHL, whether that be trades, signings, firings, whatever. Put his Twitter notifications on if you haven’t already.
Pat Verbeek, Ducks general manager
The GM of the Ducks has already been busy at the deadline, trading away Hampus Lindholm to the Bruins, Josh Manson to the Avalanche and Nicolas Deslauriers to the Wild.
Rickard Rakell and Maxime Comtois are two names swirling around the rumor mill, likely to be on the move before Monday’s deadline. Verbeek’s first deadline as general manager has been a busy one and he’s likely not done yet.
Pierre LeBrun, TSN insider
One of the multiple insider analysts that TSN has on hand, LeBrun is a seasoned veteran in the NHL news world. He’s got the inside info that fans are craving when it comes to all of the works going on behind the scenes.
Ron Francis, Kraken general manager
Sell, sell, sell! That’s Francis’ mantra for the Kraken’s first ever deadline, or at least it should be.
Francis shipped off Calle Jarnkrok to the Flames last week and holds a valuable trade asset in Mark Giordano. With the Kraken in need of building up its franchise, the club needs draft picks and will be using this year’s deadline to ship off any pending free agents they can for those draft assets.
Kevin Weekes, ESPN hockey analyst
The former NHL goaltender has slowly worked his way from on-air analyst to legitimate insider. Weekes broke the news of the Josh Manson trade and then the Hampus Lindhom deal, from the barbershop no less. He’s become a must-follow, especially at the deadline.
Kyle Davidson, Blackhawks general manager
Everyone is circling the Blackhawks as Davidson begins to deconstruct the current roster and transition into a full rebuild.
Davidson already sent Brandon Hagel to the Lightning for multiple picks and players. Marc-Andre Fleury continues to come up in trade talks, but it’s up to The Flower if he wants to move. Recently, Alex DeBrincat’s name has been discussed, in addition to questions surrounding Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.
It’s shaping to be an eventful deadline for the new Blackhawks’ GM.
Frank Seravalli, Daily Faceoff insider
The former TSN Insider will be working his first trade deadline since he moved from the Canadian sports network to Daily Faceoff.
Seravalli’s reports on deadline day should get much more love than when he leaked all of the Kraken’s entire expansion draft picks hours before their team’s ceremonious announcement of the selections.
Jim Rutherford, Canucks president of hockey operations
While Patrik Allvin might be the general manager of the Canucks, Rutherford has a large hand in the moves of the organization as Allvin still learns the ropes in his first tenure as an NHL general manager.
The president of hockey operations has a number of decisions to make, with the Canucks holding intriguing options for trade bait. J.T. Miller, Conor Garland, Brock Boeser and Tanner Pearson are all Canucks that could be in a different jersey by Monday night.
Darren Dreger, TSN insider
Another TSN insider, Dreger has been a staple among the Canadian sports media for years. He originally started with Sportsnet before making the switch to TSN in 2006. He’s another must-follow when it comes to the NHL news scene.
Bill Armstrong, Coyotes general manager
The Coyotes have been one of the bottom three teams all season long. The rebuild began this offseason and Armstrong has another opportunity to sell off goods for future assets at the deadline.
Jakob Chychrun is the most notable Coyote that could be on the move, but look out for Phil Kessel and Karel Vejmelka to potentially be traded.