Get ready for an intense week in the NHL as we approach the Trade Deadline! It's a time of uncertainty and high stakes for players and their families. The deadline falls on Friday at 3 p.m. ET, and the league is buzzing with potential moves.
NHL coach Mike Sullivan sums up the atmosphere perfectly: 'There's just so much uncertainty around this week... We're all human beings, and these times are uneasy for players, families, and everyone involved. It affects people's lives.'
Some players have already switched teams, like Artemi Panarin's move from the Rangers to the Kings on February 4th. But the real action is yet to come, with buyers and sellers negotiating deals over the next few days.
This season, it's a buyer's market due to an abundance of impact players who could be on the move, especially centers. However, the tight standings make it unclear which teams are willing to sell, even with valuable assets at stake.
Here's a list of 20 players who are likely, or at least possible, to be changing teams before the clock strikes:
Forwards:
- Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers: Trocheck, a 32-year-old center, is prepared for a trade. With a reasonable contract and a proven track record, he's a valuable asset for any team.
- Nazem Kadri, Calgary Flames: A Stanley Cup champion and a productive No. 2 center, Kadri is signed for three more seasons, offering cost certainty to acquiring teams.
- Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues: In the prime of his career at 26, Thomas is a Stanley Cup champion and a consistent point producer. His reasonable contract makes him an attractive target.
- 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, but the Canucks' poor standings and bold moves, like trading Quinn Hughes, have put him in the spotlight.
- Jordan Kyrou, St. Louis Blues: Kyrou, like Thomas, is a key player for the Blues. If a trade happens, it would be a significant move for any team acquiring him.
- 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 reliable middle-six forward and penalty killer, has won the Stanley Cup twice and could be a valuable addition for any team.
- Evander Kane, Vancouver Canucks: Kane is a potential rental player with a strong postseason record. He could be a game-changer for a contender.
- Jake DeBrusk, Vancouver Canucks: DeBrusk, with a full no-movement clause, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Canucks' rebuilding phase. His future is uncertain.
- Bobby McMann, Toronto Maple Leafs: McMann could be on the move if the Leafs decide to sell, despite his willingness to stay in Toronto.
- Kiefer Sherwood, San Jose Sharks: Sherwood was acquired by the Sharks, but his future is unclear. The team may look to trade him to recoup their investment.
Defensemen:
- Justin Faulk, St. Louis Blues: Faulk, a veteran right-shot defenseman, could provide stability to a contending team's blue line.
- Tyler Myers, Vancouver Canucks: Myers has been a healthy scratch, indicating the Canucks' desire to trade him. His no-movement clause gives him control over his destination.
- Rasmus Ristolainen, Philadelphia Flyers: Similar to Myers, Ristolainen is a big right-shot defenseman who could be an enticing option for teams.
- Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey Devils: Hamilton's name has been in trade talks due to the Devils' struggles. His mobile style and offensive contributions make him an attractive target.
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Toronto Maple Leafs: Ekman-Larsson, a proven high-stakes defenseman, could be on the move as the Leafs' chances of contention fade.
- Mario Ferraro, San Jose Sharks: Ferraro, a rugged left-shot defenseman, is in his final year of contract and could be a valuable addition for a contending team.
Goalies:
- Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida Panthers: Bobrovsky, a veteran goalie, has helped the Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. However, with the Panthers' recent struggles, he could be on the move.
- Jordan Binnington, St. Louis Blues: Binnington's recent standout performance for Team Canada at the Olympics has put him back in the spotlight. He's a proven big-game goalie and could be a valuable acquisition for any team.
Stay tuned as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches! Which players will make the cut, and which teams will emerge as winners? The next few days are sure to be filled with excitement and controversy. Don't miss out on the action!
