With the NHL trade deadline now less than two months away, attention will begin to focus more intently on players on underachieving teams who are set to become unrestricted free agents.
One such player is Martin Hanzal of the Arizona Coyotes, who maintains he'd like to stay in the desert, but acknowledges the reality of a possible move prior to the March 1 deadline.
"I want to stay here," Hanzal said, per Sarah McLellan of azcentral sports. "That's the priority, but we have to be on the same page - both sides. If they want me, I'll be happy to stay here. But if not, I gotta move on."
From the team's perspective, general manager John Chayka remains in wait- and-see mode.
"There's not a lot going on," Chayka said. "But at the same time, it's one of those things where we kind of know where the player is at. The player knows where we're at. If there was an opportunity to do something, I don't think it would take too long. But still collecting information and working through the process.
"To date, I wouldn't say I've received a serious offer," he added in reference to the trade market.
Hanzal, 29, is in the final season of a five-year deal that carries a $3.1-million cap hit and a modified no-trade clause. In 32 games this season, he's scored eight goals and added six assists.
Earlier this season, he was linked in trade reports with the Montreal Canadiens.
