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The 2017 NHL trade deadline has passed. And as we waited to see what kinds of trades came filtering in after the 3 p.m. ET deadline ... well, we’re still kind of waiting.
Thanks to factors like the looming expansion draft, a whole bunch of notable players didn’t get traded on Wednesday. You’re probably wondering why.
So were we, so we gathered the reasons for you right here. You’re welcome.
Marc-Andre Fleury
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The reason why Fleury is still a Penguin is pretty simple:
Marc-Andre Fleury not going anywhere. Penguins wanted to keep him.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) March 1, 2017
They said as much a few weeks ago. GM Jim Rutherford wants depth and insurance in net in case Matt Murray gets injured.
Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog
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GM Joe Sakic wanted the moon for each player. There’s virtually no way any team would match that price midseason.
Sakic had conversations about a lot of guys, won't get into specifics with players and other GMs. #Avs
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) March 1, 2017
Sakic: "I don't have to make any major moves." #Avs
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) March 1, 2017
He’s absolutely right. He doesn’t. He could keep Duchene and Landeskog. Or he could trade them this offseason. There’s no urgency in Denver anymore. Not until the season ends. Sakic was right to wait.
Radim Vrbata
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This was a head-scratcher. At $1 million left on an expiring deal, Vrbata should’ve been a highly-valued asset. If Thomas Vanek was traded (he was), so should Vrbata, right?
Well, he kind of likes Arizona.
Vrbata said before he was happy he wasn't traded. He's very happy with Arizona.
— Joe Yerdon (@JoeYerdon) March 1, 2017
Shane Doan
Another possible Coyotes asset. Apparently nobody wanted him.
Shane Doan (laughing) on not being traded/staying w/AZ: "Not a big market for a 40-year-old, 4th liner who only wants to go to a contender."
— Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) March 1, 2017
Ryan Miller
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Miller’s cap hit ($6 million) was the biggest hurdle.
Sharks spoke to Canucks about Ryan Miller earlier in week, but dollars didn't work out. SJ good with Dell backing up Jones.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 1, 2017
Benning: We've talked internally, and to Ryan (Miller's) agent about (re-signing). We're going to see how the rest of the year plays out
— TSN Radio Vancouver (@TSN1040) March 1, 2017
Patrick Sharp
We got news Tuesday night that he was injured, but apparently it’s way more serious than anyone thought. He’s done for the season. Kind of.
Jim Nill says that Patrick Sharp will eventually require season ending surgery. Has been playing with the injury, & will continue to do so. pic.twitter.com/MsdWrBWxGQ
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 1, 2017
Dmitry Kulikov
Back issues have plagued him all season, and although there were rumors that the Bruins were interested ... they stepped back.
Murray says Kulikov's injury problems made it difficult to move him. It was brought up during calls.
— Dave Davis (@DaveDavisHockey) March 1, 2017
Jaroslav Halak
At one point rumors were flying that at least three teams were in on him. And then it got really quiet. Hours passed. And so did the deadline, with Halak still stuck in the Islanders’ minor leagues.
So what happened?
Sounds like, per league exec, Islanders were not able to finalize move involving Jaroslav Halak. Salary was main issue.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 1, 2017
Damn salary cap.