NHL Trade Deadline: Bannister's Insider Perspective

0:00It's March 3rd for the NHL. Let's get into it. Follow and subscribe for more team news every day. Former NHL coach and player Drew Bannister is opening up about the NHL trade deadline, set for this Friday at 3 p.m. Eastern time. With his background as a defenseman for teams like Tampa Bay, Edmonton, and Anaheim, plus coaching stints with St. Louis and junior hockey squads, he shares how the deadline shakes up players and benches. Bannister got traded twice right before deadlines himself. First from Tampa Bay to Edmonton, on March 18th, 1997, learning the news as his plane touched down for the game. Then from Edmonton to Anaheim on January 9th, 1998, switching Jersey's midday before facing his old squad. Players feel the pressure big time. Bannister says, it's a major distraction in the room, especially for those with families, leaving everyone tense and focused on controlling what they can. Most want to stay put, but rumors stir things up no matter your experience level. From the coaching side, it's tricky too.

1:01Bannister dealt with tough talks involving agents and parents in junior leagues, and notes trades are tougher now with the salary cap and picks in. Playing. Still, players at that level get it as part of chasing opportunities. Bannister also gives a nod to the Olympic Winter Games and Milano Cortina. He calls Canada's men's team strong, but praises U.S. goalies for key wins. Saying the event was a huge positive for NHL and women's pro hockey at all, levels. This episode is proudly sponsored by our partner. Black's deeper, reset faster, comfort you can hear. S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.