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LeBrun: O’Reilly to the Maple Leafs, Monahan to the Avalanche and 4 more perfect NHL trade fits

We are a bit more than six weeks away from the NHL’s March 3 trade deadline, and a lot can change in that time, as far as the standings and team needs based on injuries alone.

That presents the age-old dilemma for NHL front offices looking to add: Do you try to do it as soon as possible, to allow any new players as much time as possible to adjust to their new surroundings? Or do you wait as long as possible, knowing the assets you have to make a deal are essentially all the currency you have?

There’s no easy answer.

Whether it’s planned or happens organically because of the salary cap and the natural effect of a deadline forcing decisions, most deals do wait until the final week. But every year is different.

With that in mind, I might want to revisit some of these ideas below, based on what transpires over the next month.

For now, let’s have fun and play matchmaker. Here are six players I personally like as fits on the following playoff contenders:

My understanding is that the Coyotes have talked to the Kings, on and off, dating back a year regarding Chychrun, and I can’t let go of the idea that it makes so much sense for the Kings, based on how deep they are. the right side of their blue line and how they could really strengthen their top four on the left side with the left-shot Chychrun. He can play both sides, but it’s on the left where the Kings need him.

I get that Arizona’s price remains high, but the Kings have a chance to make hay in a wide-open Western Conference. And this isn’t a rental. This is a hockey deal. It makes too much sense.

It’s a fact that Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t keen on trading for rentals, especially if it means giving up a first-round pick. But come on, the time is now.

The playoff-savvy Lightning likely await again in the first round of the playoffs. Yes, O’Reilly has struggled this season, and now he’s injured, but he’ll be back before the deadline. And adding a veteran top-six forward with his Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe pedigree would be an ingredient the Leafs could benefit from as they try to shed their playoff demons. Worth noting that he also has the acuity to play wing if need be.

Now, there’s also the little fact that the Blues haven’t given up on their season, at least not yet, despite their injuries. They’re hanging in there, just six points out of a wild-card spot. But Blues general manager Doug Armstrong also has a track record of being realistic with his team’s chances. I predict he’s a seller closer to March 3.

There is no tomorrow for this Leafs front office if this isn’t the year, finally, where this team gets over the playoff hump. Go get ROR.

I’m not sure there’s really any glaring need on the powerhouse B’s, but any team that’s serious about a deep playoff run will look for depth, and my sense is that adding a right-handed shot defenseman is something that Boston might look at. And I love the idea of ​​the veteran Schenn in a Bruins uniform. Talk about a guy who would endear himself in a hurry to that fan base. He plays the game hard and physically and would be an ideal addition for depth.

It’s my understanding that the Bruins have already had a chat with Vancouver about him, although this is the time of year when contenders are calling a lot of teams to explore what’s out there and potential prices. Still…

The sizzling Kraken have won eight straight and have a real shot at the playoffs in Year 2 of their existence. They’ve also got draft capital to spend if they want to add before the deadline — three second-round picks in this year’s draft, for example.

I know Klingberg has struggled this season, but I think he’s worth a flyer, given his body of work. I like the idea of ​​the Kraken adding Klingberg’s offensive skills and puck-moving ability to the back end. My sense is the Ducks want a first-round pick for Klingberg, but I don’t think based on his play they’ll be able to get it — although I’ve been wrong before. Like I said, the Kraken have three second-round picks…

Bo Horvat is the sexier idea for the defending Cup champs, but given where the injury-riddled Avs currently sit in the standings, I’m not sure giving up the farm for the pending unrestricted free agent Horvat is a wise move. I think dialing it down a notch and zeroing in on the cheaper Monahan, also a pending UFA, is a more measured approach, depending on if the Canadiens are reasonable with their ask. And maybe it’s a move that helps Colorado get into playoff position.

(As an aside, imagine the Avs getting healthy finally and sliding into the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the West and creating all kinds of havoc.)

Monahan can play anywhere in Colorado’s top nine. The two teams connected on the Artturi Lehkonen trade a year ago, and to me, this is a sensible idea too. Monahan should be back soon from injury, and before he got hurt he was writing a nice comeback story for himself.

It’s felt like a match since Kane hit the trade rumor mill: the bright lights of Broadway being the perfect stage for the veteran offensive magic man — not to mention a reunion with old pal Artemi Panarin.

With a full no-move clause, Kane controls not only if he actually wants to be dealt but also where he’ll end up. And as far as currency, the Rangers have a pair of first-round picks in this year’s draft — their own plus the Stars’. Maybe they make the first-round pick conditional, with Chicago getting the higher of the two?

The one caveat here is that the Rangers are holding their part of the bargain as far as winning games and looking the part of an appealing contender. They’ve been better of late.

(Top photo of Ryan O’Reilly, Auston Matthews and John Tavares: Claus Andersen / Getty Images)

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