With two weeks of the 2021 NHL season in the books, some early trends have started to take shape. Some are expected, others are quite shocking.
Here's a 12-pack of takes based on the January action -- from potential trades, to the first coach fired, to who we like as early Selke and Calder candidates -- and our panelists' thoughts on whether to buy or sell them.
Read more: Power Rankings after Week 2
1. The Capitals need to trade for a goaltender.
Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: Sell. I think we forget that when Washington let Braden Holtby walk, and before Henrik Lundqvist was available, the Caps were comfortable going with Ilya Samsonov. Young goalies need opportunities, and Vitek Vanecek has been a pleasant surprise. While there was definitely a thought process to bringing Lundqvist in, I'm not sure there's a veteran available that makes sense -- either to fit under the cap or without having to give up too many future assets.
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Sell. Samsonov and Vanecek have the potential to be a pretty decent tandem, but the real question facing my dear buyers: What's the other option? Who's the game-changer that's an upgrade over either of these young goalies? Even if the Capitals made a move for an expiring contract like that of Coyotes goalie Antti Raanta, there's also the fact that Washington has lumps on its scalp from bumping up against the salary-cap ceiling. Roll with Samsonov and Vanecek, unless a precipitous tumble down the standings necessitates a move.
Chris Peters, NHL draft and prospects analyst: Buy. I am a big believer in Samsonov, while Vanecek has done well in the early goings. But there was a reason this team wanted to bring in Lundqvist. The Caps have only so many years of true Stanley Cup contention with their current core. Having a veteran safety net for Samsonov could help solidify a contending roster.
Arda Ocal, ESPN staff writer: Buy. At least to bolster the depth. The hockey world wants King Henrik to recover fully and come back onto the ice and play games in the NHL again ... I've even seen plenty of Flyers, Devils and Islanders fans send well wishes on social media, after years of hating him on the ice. But unless and until Hank returns, that leaves a spot open and the Caps are likely thinking of hedging their bets; another goaltender in the mix would only help their playoff hopes today.
2. Both Patrik Laine and John Tortorella will be on the Blue Jackets next season.
Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: Buy. If the Blue Jackets were willing to go big on a contract with Pierre-Luc Dubois -- which GM Jarmo Kekalainen confirmed they were -- you bet they'd do the same for a guy who ranks top 10 in goals over the past four seasons. I think Laine will mesh well with Columbus, and feel wanted there. My only hesitancy is Tortorella, whose contract is up after this season. I don't know what his intentions are, and if he's ready for his next chapter. I don't think anyone should be in the business of trying to predict what's going on in Tortorella's head.
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Sell. As Emily mentioned, Tortorella is in the final year of his contract. Let's say the Jackets miss the playoffs -- what happens then? He's in his sixth season with Columbus, playing a style of hockey that gets you only so far, with a personal style that eventually wears thin. He'll be looking for a raise at a time when heavily compensating one's coach isn't en vogue. And don't forget that Torts signed his current contract in 2018, a year before John Davison, his biggest advocate in the organization, left for the New York Rangers. Most likely, Tortorella coaches his team to the playoffs and gets an extension. But what's the sense in writing about John Tortorella without a streak of contrarianism? Consider this prediction a homage.
Chris Peters, NHL draft and prospects analyst: Buy. The Blue Jackets are making a big investment by trading Dubois, they're going to have the capital to give a big contract with term to Laine. Kekalainen has his work cut out for him, but I don't think the Laine relationship with Tortorella will sour so quickly that they can't get the extension done. Laine has the chance to be the biggest star in Columbus and that shouldn't be lost on the young sniper.
Arda Ocal, ESPN staff writer: Buy, for sure. Of course the spotlight will be on Dubois because of what went on leading up to him being traded, but remember Laine didn't seem too happy to still be in Winnipeg either, so this is a win/win trade where solid pieces are going both ways. I can see Laine liking his team in Columbus and the feeling being mutual. As for Torts, he's made the playoffs the past four years with Columbus, so unless it's an embarrassing playoff exit or they miss the postseason entirely, it doesn't feel like Torts is on the chopping block.
3. The Wild will win a playoff round.
Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: Sell. Kirill Kaprizov changes the dynamic in Minnesota, but he can't compensate for their biggest organizational deficiency: center depth. While the fourth spot in the West is up for grabs, we'd have to assume the Wild cannot upset either the Blues, Golden Knights or Avalanche. I don't think they're there quite yet.
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Sell. At best, the Wild are either the No. 3 or No. 4 seed in the West Division. That means they earn the right to be the sacrificial chew toy to the division's resident big dogs, the Golden Knights and the Avalanche. At best it'll be a learning experience. At worst, it'll be a de facto bye for one of the top Stanley Cup contenders.
Chris Peters, NHL draft and prospects analyst: Sell. I think the Wild are an improved team and I've been a conductor on the Kirill Kaprizov hype train. I don't, however, think the team is necessarily going to enjoy a .923 save percentage for the whole season. I'm still not entirely sure the Wild are going to be a playoff team, but they've been a lot more fun to watch to start this season.
Arda Ocal, ESPN staff writer: Buy, on the condition that they play like the first five games of the season. Sell if they play like they have since then. But, if they are truly regressing as they have been of late, I am on the sell boat.
4. Semyon Varlamov finishes the 2021 season with a better save percentage than Carter Hart.
Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: Buy. I'm as big of a fan of Hart as anyone -- and believe he's uniquely poised to be the long-term answer in Philadelphia. But you just can't underestimate the defensive structure in New York, which continually puts Varlamov in position to thrive.
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Sell. Varlamov has the advantage of playing in the Barry Trotz system, but Hart matched his save percentage (.914) last season. The first few games have been rough for the Flyers goalie, which is to be expected as Philadelphia deals with changes to its blue line without the benefit of preseason games. But I like Hart to bounce back and finish just a smidgen better than Varlamov in save percentage.
Chris Peters, NHL draft and prospects analyst: Sell. It's a little too early for me to bail on my Vezina Trophy pick in Hart, but there's currently a gap between the two goaltenders with Varlamov stopping virtually everything so far this season. Hart is still early in his career and small-sample stumbles are always going to crop up. His mini-meltdown the other day when he made kindling of his goalie paddle may have been good for the soul.
Arda Ocal, ESPN staff writer: Too early to speculate here. They've played four and five games, respectively. Ten is my minimum. I'm staying away from this one for now. I'll sooner go buy some GameStop stock than decide between those two right now.
5. The Canucks will finish in the bottom five of the NHL in goals against per game.
Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: Sell. The Canucks currently have the third-worst goals allowed per game rate in the league. The Sabres, Red Wings, Blackhawks, Kings and Oilers are currently above Vancouver, and I see at least three of those teams slinking below the Canucks eventually. They can figure this out.
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Buy. I really wanted to believe the Canucks had learned a thing or two about team defense since last season, but alas, they have not. Through eight games -- a.k.a. 14% of the season -- the Canucks are the worst team in the NHL in expected goals against at 5-on-5 (3.03) and in all situations (3.79). The losses of Christopher Tanev and Jacob Markstrom to free agency have knocked them off kilter early. But even with those two in the lineup, Vancouver was tied for 26th in expected goals against in all situations last season (3.03). The fact that there are no off nights in the all-Canadian division -- home to five of the top 10 teams in all-situations expected goals! -- doesn't help.
Chris Peters, NHL draft and prospects analyst: Buy. I've made a point to watch the Canucks a lot in the early part of the season and I've been shocked at how poor they've been defensively. The absence of Tanev is noticeable, and it's hard to deny they miss Markstrom too. Vancouver is hemorrhaging shots against at a rate higher than any other team in the league, and I don't see that stopping in their division.
Arda Ocal, ESPN staff writer: Buy. In most Canucks games this season, at least one team is scoring five-plus goals. The Canucks lead the league in goals for and goals against. Markstrom has looked mostly good in Calgary, while the Braden Holtby-Thatcher Demko combo has been rough at times out of the gate. But, again, it's still early. There are plenty of days to turn it around between the pipes and defensively.
6. The Canadiens can win without Carey Price standing on his head.
Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: Buy. The Canadiens made improvements at every position this offseason, and that includes goaltending. Remember, the Habs smartly brought Jake Allen in to relieve some pressure from Price. Of all teams in the league, Montreal has impressed me most through the season's first two weeks. The Canadiens play with swagger; they believe they are the better team every night, and I'm starting to believe it too.
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Buy. Carey Price mythmaking is exhausting. Yes, he had a tremendous postseason in the bubble. No question. But over the past two seasons, Price is 30th in goals saved above average (9.1). The Canadiens have sprinted out to a great start while Price languishes with a .893 save percentage. He's a tremendous goaltender whose reputation has been inflated like a parade balloon for the better part of a decade.
Chris Peters, NHL draft and prospects analyst: Buy. This Montreal roster is a lot better than it was last season on a number of levels. The emergence of Nick Suzuki as a legit top-six center in his second season in the NHL is a massive benefit. Newcomers Tyler Toffoli and Josh Anderson have made Montreal's attack much more formidable. Meanwhile, they have high-end rookie Alexander Romanov plugging a hole in their blue line while Shea Weber and Jeff Petry have been their regular selves. As long as this team stays healthy and Price is even average -- with his average being a lot better than most goaltenders -- the Habs are going to be a major player in the postseason chase.
Arda Ocal, ESPN staff writer: Buy. I love the pieces the Habs have in place. Like the Canucks (who have been their dance partner to produce some of the most exciting hockey so far this season), the Habs are a high-scoring team, second in the NHL. But unlike the Canucks, they have only 17 goals against. Suzuki looks great in his second NHL campaign, Petry and Weber are as solid as you would expect them to be. This team seems to really be jelling well on the ice, no regulation losses, in a division that is all about firepower and high scoring; so far, so good.
7. Joe Pavelski will lead the Stars in scoring.
Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: Sell. Miro Heiskanen and John Klingberg were the No. 1 and No. 2 point producers for the Stars in their run to the 2020 Stanley Cup Final. I just get the feeling that a defenseman will pace the scoring for Dallas this season, a la Roman Josi in Nashville last season.
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Strong buy. With Tyler Seguin on the shelf for a bit, the coast is clearer for Pavelski to finish atop the Dallas scoring list. He had a down offensive campaign in 2019-20, his first season outside of San Jose, but he's off to a hot start in the Stars' admittedly early returns. Coach Rick Bowness has him paired with Alexander Radulov, arguably the team's most gifted offensive player, which only bolsters the case.
Chris Peters, NHL draft and prospects analyst: Buy. This one comes down to durability. Pavelski has missed only a handful of games over the last several seasons. The condensed schedule could wear on him and I'd be concerned about fatigue when the playoffs roll around, but he's been buzzing. His 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs performance was one for the ages for an over-35 player. With Seguin on the shelf and Jamie Benn already banged up, Pavelski can be a driver on a very deep Dallas squad.
Arda Ocal, ESPN staff writer: Light sell here, because I picked Alexander Radulov taking it by racking up the assists, but Pavelski leading the Stars at the end of the regular season wouldn't be a massive surprise.
8. The Bruins will trade a first-round pick before the deadline.
Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: Sell. The Bruins didn't have a first-round selection in two of the last three drafts. We know Boston is eyeing the future, looking for ways to retool once their veteran core has officially aged out (which is soon). They can't afford to keep skipping on first-rounders or they'll end up in post-contention purgatory, which is what the Penguins face.
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Sell. Is it possible that Boston finds a veteran upgrade for their defense corps and must sacrifice a first to land that player? Of course, and GM Don Sweeney hasn't shown a hesitancy in trading the future to improve the present. But it would be odd for the Bruins to preach about a youth movement in letting Zdeno Chara travel down I-95 to Washington, D.C., only to turn around and trade a first-rounder at the deadline.
Chris Peters, NHL draft and prospects analyst: Buy. Allowing Chara and Torey Krug to walk created enough cracks in the Stanley Cup core, but maximizing the remaining peak years of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and Tuukka Rask should be attractive enough to keep charging ahead for another Stanley Cup. The Bruins look like they could use some veteran help on defense or at wing, and their best bargaining chip is that first-round pick.
Arda Ocal, ESPN staff writer: Buy. And I think it will be a defenseman. I'm bullish on Charlie McAvoy. He's on the top defensive pairing with AHL call-up Jeremy Lauzon, and though it's not a home run out of the gate, there are signs of improvement. As we get deeper into the season, the Bruins might find themselves in a situation where they need a couple of pieces to really contend and will look to bolster their blue line.
9. Ty Smith will be a Calder Trophy finalist.
Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: Sell. While last season was all about the precocious defensemen, there are too many talented forwards in this year's class who will woo voters with their production (you can already Sharpie in Kaprizov for one of the slots). Not sure if Smith can sustain this pace, and I think some of the rookie goaltenders (OK, mainly looking at you, Igor Shesterkin) will turn things around.
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Buy. Emily's correct that it's a deep rookie class, but it could break down where one top player at each position gets a Calder nod. So let's give Kaprizov his slot. Let's assume one of the goalies separates from the pack. If the last spot goes to a defenseman, it's Smith vs. K'Andre Miller of the Rangers and Romanov of the Canadiens. There's every chance Smith is the cream of that crop if the Devils continue their solid play and he gets the ice time.
Chris Peters, NHL draft and prospects analyst: Sell. Ty Smith is off to an incredible start to his NHL career and it's been a long time coming. If he can sustain his production, he's a no-brainer finalist, but I'm not as confident it will keep up. Additionally, there's a pretty crowded field of forwards who are likely to end up with more attractive numbers and a few goaltenders who will likely figure into the Calder race as the season progresses.
Arda Ocal, ESPN staff writer: Sell. Too many rookies in the NHL that could pop off at any moment. The Rangers have two just waiting to make a splash, Alexis Lafreniere and Igor Shesterkin, even if the start of their season hasn't been great.
10. David Quinn will be the first coach fired.
Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: Sell. If the Rangers look embarrassingly bad 20 games in, I do think it's a conversation. Ownership in New York is concerned about optics, and we know the Rangers are willing to stomach buyouts. But in the big picture, the Rangers are still ahead of schedule in their rebuild, and Quinn is under contract through 2023. If he survives the season and New York is out of the playoffs, he'll be on an extremely short leash this offseason and definitely to start next season.
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Buy. The heat's already being turned up on this Rangers season, which is off to a stumbling start. Lineup decisions are being questioned. The team is middle of the pack defensively. It's still quite early, and he's only in his third season with the team. But given the expectations and the investment, it's possible the Rangers see Quinn as the caretaker that took them as far as he could in his first NHL stint, but that a more experienced coach is necessary to elevate them to championship contender status.
Chris Peters, NHL draft and prospects analyst: Sell. Quinn's job right now is to keep the Rangers' young players on the right track. Those players are improving and are being trusted with substantial roles. Rookies Alexis Lafreniere and K'Andre Miller are being given room to grow into their roles. Kaapo Kakko and, before being injured, Filip Chytil have looked much improved. The Rangers overachieved last season, but they're still on the right track in their progression.
Arda Ocal, ESPN staff writer: Sell. It's way too early to predict, but if the Rangers stay in the basement for much longer, Quinn would be in the mix to be the first; however, I'm still going to guess that Jeff Blashill of the Red Wings is the favorite. He's been bench boss in Detroit going on six seasons, and missed the playoffs for four straight. The Wings seem to be battling at the bottom of the table in the first part of the season -- with no major hope for a leap into playoff contention -- so it could be a change in the Motor City before Broadway.
11. Duncan Keith will waive his no-trade clause.
Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: Sell. As frustrated as the veteran core may be by the direction management chose -- a retool, which incorporates as many young players as possible -- I get the sense they're willing to see this thing through, together. Teams have asked about Keith, but nobody I've talked to has received any indication he wants to leave Chicago.
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Buy, but under one condition. I had an NHL executive text me recently with this proposal: Keith waives his no-move clause and takes the last three years of his contract ($5,538,462 in average annual value) to British Columbia, where he spent his teen years; Loui Eriksson takes his last two years ($6 million AAV) to Chicago, along with a prospect/draft pick sweetener. Problems solved, and Vancouver's aforementioned porous defense gains a still-solid defenseman, a mentor to Quinn Hughes and some rings in the room. Who says no? (Well, other than maybe Eriksson.)
Chris Peters, NHL draft and prospects analyst: Sell. While the Blackhawks have to consider a more significant tear-down of their current roster and should be working on Keith to consider this, I just don't know if Keith would want to be moved in a season that's already this unsettled. Keith has held firm on not waiving before, and if I were him I'd rather have a clearer picture of what the NHL landscape is going to look like before leaving the only franchise I've ever known.
Arda Ocal, ESPN staff writer: Buy. If a Stanley Cup contender comes knocking on the Hawks' door asking for Keith's services by the trade deadline, then the rebuilding Hawks could very well look at it as an opportunity to unload at least part of that $5.5 million salary while looking to the next generation of Hawks players. From Keith's perspective, he's won three Cups with the Hawks; why not chase one more?
12. Anze Kopitar will win his third Selke Trophy.
Emily Kaplan, national NHL reporter: Sell. No question the Kings are more competitive this year, and a big part of that is Kopitar's latest resurgence. But there's just too many talented defensive-minded forwards these days to handicap the race this early. Offhand, I could count at least 10 deserving candidates, including Kopitar.
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Buy. Kopitar's hot offensive start is great. The fact that two of the lines he's played on with regularity have yet to surrender a goal at 5-on-5 is remarkable and a good reminder that Kopitar is more than capable of earning a third Selke. Especially if his offensive numbers are good, since that has generally been an inexplicable qualification (in the minds of some voters) for winning the award for best defensive forward.
Arda Ocal, ESPN staff writer: Buy. With Sean Couturier out, the Bruins and Patrice Bergeron in a very competitive East division, and the Kings finding success early against the Blues and Ryan O'Reilly, I feel like Kopitar is hot out of the gates and definitely in contention again to win the trophy he's won twice before.