1
Hurricanes
With Max Pacioretty on LTIR, the Hurricanes might and may pursue a number of the greatest names on the commerce deadline. This roster is already spectacular as-is, however reinforcements could not harm contemplating the truth that the Eastern Conference will present a postseason gauntlet. Timo Meier and Patrick Kane ought to each be on the desk for the Canes.
—
38-10-8
2
Bruins
You would want an industrial microscope to discover a flaw on this Bruins roster. They have elite gamers on the prime of the lineup to go together with rock strong and versatile depth gamers. In purpose, Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman are one of many prime duos within the league. I perceive the temptation to make a splash, however wage cap points would make that powerful to tug off with out shaking up the present group.
1
43-8-5
3
Rangers
The Rangers have already made an enormous transfer on the commerce market by buying Vladimir Tarasenko from the Blues. General supervisor Chris Drury may be content material to take a seat tight the remainder of the best way, however one other depth addition may be doable. The group has reportedly been buying Vitali Kravtsov, so possibly that might liberate some house for an additional small addition.
1
33-15-9
4
Devils
Timo Meier can be an ideal match for the Devils. He might put them excessive in a loaded Metropolitan Division, and New Jersey might signal him to a long-term deal and make him a key a part of the longer term. The Devils even have their first- and second-round picks in every of the subsequent three drafts in addition to one of many deepest prospect swimming pools within the NHL. Meier to the Devils virtually appears too straightforward.
1
37-15-5
5
Golden Knights
The Golden Knights have gotten scorching because the All-Star break. They’ve received 5 of six and are beginning to assert themselves as a drive in a wide-open Western Conference. That being the case, Vegas might make the most of having 4 gamers on LTIR and get aggressive forward of the deadline. Whether it is Meier, Kane, or another person, it could be stunning if the Golden Knights did not make a splash.
6
34-18-5
6
Lightning
As is mostly the case right now of 12 months, the Lightning are bumping their head in opposition to the wage cap. As is mostly the case this time of 12 months, I would not be stunned to see common supervisor Julien BriseBois figure some magic. Last season, the Bolts flew considerably beneath the radar with the addition of Brandon Hagel, and he has turn into an integral a part of the group. Will the identical factor occur once more?
2
36-17-3
7
Maple Leafs
By buying Ryan O’Reilly from the Blues, the Maple Leafs have made their large transfer at this deadline. Toronto would not actually have the capital to make one other important addition, however GM Kyle Dubas’ work is completed. The Leafs have a loaded roster, and now it is as much as the gamers to get the job finished in April, May, and June.
1
35-15-8
8
Avalanche
The coach’s room has been at capability for a lot of the Avalanche’s season thus far. That has stored Colorado from competing for a Central Division title this 12 months, however it’s laborious to shake the sensation {that a} sleeping big in Denver is beginning to get up. Activating Gabriel Landeskog from LTIR will have an effect on the group’s wage cap scenario, however GM Joe Sakic would possibly nonetheless discover a approach to take an enormous swing on a participant like Kane.
1
31-19-5
9
Kings
The Kings have been closely linked to Coyotes defenseman Jacob Chychrun for some time now, and that is sensible. Los Angeles is just a little skinny on the blue line, and Chychrun would instantly add some weight to that place, however the Kings do have one other want to deal with. Their goaltending has been poor this season, so focusing on Joonas Korpisalo or Karel Vejmelka would make sense too.
—
32-19-7
10
Oilers
As Edmonton battles for playoff positioning, it’s anticipated to be within the combine for plenty of gamers, however I believe their greatest want could also be on the again finish. The Oilers have apparently kicked the tires on Erik Karlsson, however making that monetary math work would take some severe gymnastics. Chychrun would supply a greater cap scenario, however his acquisition worth may be astronomical. Perhaps the Oilers might look to Jake McCabe for an inexpensive resolution on protection.
2
31-19-8
11
Jets
The Jets are an attention-grabbing group as a result of I doubt many individuals exterior of Winnipeg would have picked them to be main the Central Division at this level within the season. In that respect, they’re taking part in with home cash, and the group’s veteran core are nearing the top of their contracts. Winnipeg has cap house to work with this 12 months, however will the group be keen to half with future property in hopes of a playoff run within the short-term?
1
35-22-1
12
Stars
Stop me should you’ve heard this earlier than, however the Stars want so as to add some scoring depth. The prime line of Jason Robertson-Joe Pavelski-Roope Hintz has mixed for just below 39% of Dallas’ 183 objectives. Jamie Benn is absolutely the one different participant who has chipped in on a constant foundation. Landing Patrick Kane can be a large addition for this group, but when that plan falls via, possibly Brock Boeser or James van Riemsdyk might add offense at a a lot decrease price.
2
30-16-12
13
Wild
If the Wild plan on reaching the playoffs and performing some injury as soon as they get there, they’re going to want some scoring assist for Kirill Kaprizov, Mats Zuccarello, and Joel Eriksson Ek. Minnesota has the wage cap room so as to add forward of the deadline, and Patrick Kane would deal with a necessity. The solely query can be whether or not Kane would need to go to the Wild. Beyond that, Anthony Duclair or Brock Boeser might add some offensive pop.
4
31-21-5
14
Panthers
Florida is in a tricky spot forward of this commerce deadline. The group is at present in a playoff spot, however it’s twelfth within the Eastern Conference in relation to factors share. On prime of that, the Panthers have little or no monetary flexibility, no first-round picks within the subsequent three drafts, and a shallow prospect pool. Florida could need to see if the present assortment of gamers can determine it out.
—
29-25-6
15
Kraken
The Kraken are a captivating case at this commerce deadline. After a brutal inaugural season in 2021-22, Seattle finds itself in third place within the Pacific Division. At final 12 months’s commerce deadline, it appeared just like the Kraken have been going to take a gradual method to constructing a contender. Would they be keen to speed up that course of and spend some draft capital at this commerce deadline, or will GM Ron Francis persist with a extra long-term plan?
2
32-19-6
16
Flames
The Flames have sufficient expertise to compete for a Stanley Cup, no less than on paper. For no matter purpose, Calgary hasn’t been in a position to flip all that expertise right into a safe playoff spot this 12 months. With extensions for Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar arising subsequent 12 months, the Flames might be out there for a rental over the subsequent week or so. Could Calgary swing for the fences and goal Timo Meier? If not, the group might take a shot on touchdown James van Riemsdyk.
1
27-20-11
17
Red Wings
It appears like Tyler Bertuzzi might be staying in Detroit in the interim, and the group’s efficiency because the All-Star break has the Red Wings proper again within the playoff image. That might result in a quiet deadline for Steve Yzerman, however pending free brokers like Pius Suter and Oskar Sundqvist would possibly generate some form of curiosity on the commerce market.
5
27-21-8
18
Sabres
Much to my very own dismay, I really feel comfy saying that the Sabres won’t be profitable the Stanley Cup this season. That mentioned, this group is on the appropriate trajectory to contend in a few years. Could Buffalo be excited about the lengthy recreation forward of the commerce deadline? Timo Meier would make a ton of sense if the Sabres might get him to conform to an extension for the commerce. Would Patrick Kane, a Buffalo native, be keen to enroll in a number of extra seasons at an inexpensive worth?
—
28-23-4
19
Islanders
The Islanders kicked off this 12 months’s commerce deadline frenzy by buying Bo Horvat from the Canucks, however an damage could drive the group to proceed shopping for if it desires to succeed in the playoffs. Mat Barzal is now week-to-week with a lower-body damage, and the Isles are nonetheless on the incorrect facet of the playoff possibilities. Lou Lamoriello may be tempted so as to add one other middle-six ahead earlier than Mar. 3.
2
30-24-7
20
Senators
It may be within the Senators’ finest curiosity to face pat at this commerce deadline. The franchise has its younger core in place because it awaits a brand new proprietor, and brighter days are forward for the Sens. Ottawa is not able to be a purchaser simply but, however its days of promoting could quickly be previously.
—
27-25-4
21
Penguins
Penguins GM Ron Hextall has instructed The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun that he wish to add forward of the commerce deadline. That will be the case, however discovering a great match for this group is a bit more troublesome. Giving up premium property in an effort to bolster a group on the playoff fringes would not seem to be a wise guess, however Pittsburgh could need to maximize its window with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang nonetheless main the best way.
5
27-20-9
22
Capitals
The Capitals have been sinking like a stone for some time now, and they’re drifting into vendor territory. Washington is eleventh within the Eastern Conference in factors share, and accidents have decimated the group. That being the case, the Caps have a slew of defensemen on expiring contracts that might be dealt for some draft capital, together with Dmitry Orlov.
3
28-25-6
23
Coyotes
Welcome to the client’s market, Arizona. The Coyotes have not misplaced a recreation in regulation since Jan. 24, and that has harm their probabilities of profitable the draft lottery. They will doubtless enhance these possibilities by buying and selling Jacob Chychrun within the subsequent 10 days. Beyond Chychrun, Shayne Gostisbehere might be an interesting participant to groups in search of defensive depth.
3
20-29-9
24
Predators
It looks as if the Predators are attempting to keep away from being sellers by any means obligatory, however it’s in all probability time to face the music. Nashville is now seven factors out of the playoffs with simply 28 video games remaining. The greatest drawback for the Preds could also be getting different groups to tackle some subpar contracts, however on the very least, Dante Fabbro and Mattias Ekholm might present worth on the blue line for contenders.
1
27-22-6
25
Blues
The Blues have already been energetic sellers by buying and selling away Vladimir Tarasenko and Ryan O’Reilly, they usually now have three first-round picks within the 2023 NHL Draft. The Blues at the moment are reportedly in on the Timo Meier sweepstakes as they attempt to expedite their rebuild, and that might be some good work by GM Doug Armstrong. The actual problem for St. Louis, although, might be rebuilding an growing older defensive core filled with prolonged contracts.
—
26-28-3
26
Blackhawks
With Tarasenko and O’Reilly now off the market, Patrick Kane is getting much more consideration. With considerations about his hip damage swirling, Kane scored a hat trick in a dominant recreation in opposition to the Maple Leafs on Sunday. It’s secure to imagine Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson was fielding a number of calls after that recreation. Due to his no-movement clause, Kane can have lots of affect over the place he winds up.
4
20-32-5
27
Canadiens
With Sean Monahan on LTIR, the Canadiens could not have many strikes to make on the commerce deadline. Montreal undoubtedly will not be shifting any members of its younger core, and it may be powerful to commerce a number of the veterans for a major return. The Habs may be comparatively inactive on Mar. 3.
3
24-29-4
28
Sharks
No group is best positioned to “win” the commerce deadline than the Sharks. Timo Meier is the highest participant accessible, and as different gamers come off the board, the value to accumulate him will solely go up. Then, there’s Erik Karlsson, who’s on tempo to place up over 100 factors as a defenseman. It’s not each day {that a} group can transfer a 32-year-old defenseman with an $11.5 million cap hit for the subsequent 4 seasons.
1
18-29-11
29
Canucks
Vancouver has already traded the largest chip it had in Bo Horvat, however there are nonetheless a few strikes that might be made. Brock Boeser could also be on his manner out, and any groups that miss out on Timo Meier might pivot to him. The most attention-grabbing participant on this Canucks roster is J.T. Miller, who simply signed a seven-year extension within the offseason. Would any groups be keen to tackle that contract?
—
22-30-5
30
Flyers
The Flyer almost definitely to be traded needs to be James van Riemsdyk. There have been rumblings about Philadelphia attempting to maneuver him within the offseason, however now his $7 million cap hit might be a lot simpler to swallow. Any contender in search of further scoring depth might be taking a look at van Riemsdyk.
2
23-26-10
31
Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets could not have many large names to supply on the commerce market, however they may nonetheless be energetic. There is outwardly lots of curiosity in Vladislav Gavrikov, and if Columbus can get a first-round choose again for him, that might be an unimaginable return. On prime of that, goalie Joonas Korpisalo has performed nicely sufficient to garner some curiosity.
1
18-34-5
32
Ducks
The Ducks have loads of pending free brokers on the blue line, however the issue is that the group may be too unhealthy for its personal good. Kevin Shattenkirk, Nathan Beaulieu, John Klingberg, and Dmitry Kulikov have all actually struggled. That has doubtless harm any potential return the Ducks would get for these gamers.
1
17-34-7
