The NHL Trade Deadline is fast approaching, and it's a nerve-wracking time for players and their families. This week is one of the toughest in the NHL season, with uncertainty hanging heavy in the air. As the clock ticks down to Friday at 3 p.m. ET, teams and players are facing crucial decisions that could shape their futures.
New York Rangers coach Mike Sullivan sums up the sentiment perfectly: 'It's what we sign up for, but it doesn't make it any easier. We're all human, and these times can be uneasy for everyone involved.'
And it's not just talk; players have already started moving teams. One notable example is Artemi Panarin's move from the Rangers to the Los Angeles Kings on February 4th. But the real action is yet to come, with buyers and sellers negotiating the final details of potential trades.
This season, the market is tipped in favor of buyers, thanks to a surplus of impact players who could be on the move, particularly centers. However, the tight standings make it unclear which teams are willing to sell, even if they possess valuable assets.
This logjam of talent has many predicting a busy deadline day on Friday. Here's a list of 20 players who could be changing teams before the bell tolls:
Forwards:
- Vincent Trocheck (New York Rangers): Trocheck is prepared for a trade, with a 12-team no-trade list that excludes West Coast teams. He's the Rangers' best trade asset, with a reasonable contract and a proven track record as a top center.
- Nazem Kadri (Calgary Flames): A Stanley Cup champion and a productive No. 2 center, Kadri's value is high, but the Flames aren't under pressure to trade him.
- Robert Thomas (St. Louis Blues): With a reasonable contract and back-to-back 80-point seasons, Thomas is a prized center. His trade would be a significant move for the Blues, who are currently last in the Central Division.
- Ryan O'Reilly (Nashville Predators): O'Reilly, a 2019 Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe Trophy winner, could be on the move if the Predators become sellers.
- Elias Pettersson (Vancouver Canucks): It's a surprise to see Pettersson on this list, given his recent eight-year contract with the Canucks. However, the team's poor standing and bold moves, like trading Quinn Hughes, could see Pettersson change teams.
- Jordan Kyrou (St. Louis Blues): Kyrou, like Thomas, is a key Blues player who could be a target for teams looking to bolster their offense.
- Steven Stamkos (Nashville Predators): Stamkos has stated he won't waive his no-movement clause, but if the Predators become sellers, his stance could change.
- Blake Coleman (Calgary Flames): Coleman, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, is expected to be traded, bringing reliability and experience to a new team.
- Evander Kane (Vancouver Canucks): Kane is a potential impact rental player, with playoff experience and a proven scoring threat.
- Jake DeBrusk (Vancouver Canucks): DeBrusk, with a full no-movement clause, could be a trade target if the Canucks' rebuild continues.
- Bobby McMann (Toronto Maple Leafs): McMann could be on the move if the Leafs decide to sell, despite his desire to stay in Toronto.
- Kiefer Sherwood (San Jose Sharks): Sherwood, acquired by the Sharks earlier this year, could be traded to recoup the assets they gave up to get him.
Defensemen:
- Justin Faulk (St. Louis Blues): Faulk, a veteran right-shot defenseman, could be a steadying presence on a contending team's blue line.
- Tyler Myers (Vancouver Canucks): Myers has been a healthy scratch, indicating the Canucks' desire to move him. His no-movement clause gives him control over his next team.
- Rasmus Ristolainen (Philadelphia Flyers): Similar to Myers, Ristolainen is a big right-shot defenseman who could be an enticing trade option for the Flyers.
- Dougie Hamilton (New Jersey Devils): Hamilton's name has been in trade talks all season, with the Devils looking to shed his salary cap charge.
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson (Toronto Maple Leafs): Ekman-Larsson, a proven high-stakes defenseman, could be on the move if the Leafs continue to struggle.
- Mario Ferraro (San Jose Sharks): Ferraro, a rugged left-shot defenseman, is in the last year of his contract and could be a trade target for teams looking for defensive depth.
Goaltenders:
- Sergei Bobrovsky (Florida Panthers): Bobrovsky, a veteran goalie, has helped the Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. However, the Panthers' recent form could see them consider their options with Bobrovsky, who is in the last season of his contract.
- Jordan Binnington (St. Louis Blues): Binnington's recent standout performance for Team Canada at the Olympics has showcased his ability as a big-game goalie. With one season left on his contract, he could be a trade target for teams seeking a reliable No. 1 goalie.
