As we inch closer to the NHL trade deadline, the chatter around the league is starting to heat up - and while some are bracing for a quieter market, don’t be fooled. There’s still plenty of potential for fireworks.
A number of big names could be in play, and while the standings will shift and more teams will declare themselves sellers over the coming weeks, the early trade board is already stacked with intriguing possibilities. Think Artemi Panarin, Dougie Hamilton, Jordan Binnington, and Alex Tuch - all players who could change the complexion of a playoff race in the right situation.
Let’s break it down.
The Trade Board Is Loaded with Talent - and Big Decisions
TSN’s latest trade bait rankings give us a glimpse into the kind of talent that might be available by the March 6 deadline. The Vancouver Canucks and St.
Louis Blues are front and center, with a combined 10 players on the list. The Nashville Predators and Calgary Flames aren’t far behind, and all signs point to a deadline that could be defined by bold moves rather than minor tweaks.
Kiefer Sherwood tops the list - a 30-year-old winger with a $1.5 million cap hit and unrestricted free agency looming. He’s not a flashy name, but he’s the kind of depth piece contenders covet: reliable, affordable, and playoff-tested.
Then there’s Rasmus Andersson, a 29-year-old right-shot defenseman from Calgary who brings two-way reliability and a manageable $4.5 million cap hit. He’s the kind of player who could slot into a top-four role on a playoff team and make an immediate impact.
But if you’re looking for star power, Artemi Panarin is the headliner. The 34-year-old winger is still producing at an elite level, and while his $11.6 million cap hit is massive, his presence could instantly elevate a contender’s top six. It’s unclear if the Rangers are seriously considering moving him, but his name being floated is enough to raise eyebrows.
Montreal’s Patrik Laine Situation Worth Watching
One of the more curious cases is Patrik Laine in Montreal. Still not cleared for contact, there’s no timetable for his return - and even when he’s healthy, it’s unclear where he fits in the Canadiens’ lineup.
Laine is in the final year of a contract that carries an $8.7 million cap hit, and while Montreal may be hesitant to retain salary, they’ll have to weigh that against the potential return in a trade. If they’re not planning to re-sign him, moving him before the deadline could be the smart play. He could be a luxury depth piece or a valuable asset for another team looking to add scoring punch.
Calgary Flames: Three Players in the Top Six
Calgary is shaping up to be one of the most active teams at the deadline. Rasmus Andersson, Blake Coleman, and Nazem Kadri all crack the top six on the trade bait list, and each brings something different to the table.
Coleman, 34, is still one of the most effective two-way wingers in the game and carries a $4.9 million cap hit with one year left. Kadri, now 35, is a proven playoff performer with three years remaining at $7 million per. If the Flames are ready to retool, these are the kind of pieces that can bring back real value.
More Big Names: Stamkos, Hamilton, Pettersson
Steven Stamkos is another name to watch. At 36, he’s not the same player he once was, but he’s still a leader and a clutch performer. With two years remaining on his $8 million deal, a team looking for veteran leadership and scoring depth could make a push.
Dougie Hamilton and Elias Pettersson also land in the top 10. Hamilton, a 32-year-old right-shot defenseman, is under contract for two more years at $9 million.
Pettersson, meanwhile, is just entering his prime at 27 and carries a hefty $11.6 million cap hit for the next six seasons. While it’s hard to imagine Vancouver moving him, his inclusion on the list suggests anything is possible.
St. Louis Blues: A Team to Watch
The Blues are another team to keep a close eye on. Justin Faulk, Robert Thomas, Brayden Schenn, Jordan Kyrou, and Jordan Binnington all appear on the list - a sign that St. Louis could be open for business in a big way.
Faulk, 33, is a steady veteran with one year left at $6.5 million. Binnington, the 32-year-old netminder, has a year left at $6 million and could be one of the more intriguing goalie options if a team decides to shore up its crease.
Kyrou and Thomas, both 27 and signed long-term at $8.125 million, are more surprising names. It would take a significant offer to pry either away, but if the Blues are looking to shake things up, they’ve got the pieces to do it.
Other Notables
- Andrew Mangiapane (Edmonton): A consistent winger with one year left at $3.6 million.
- Ondrej Palat (New Jersey): A playoff-tested winger with one year left at $6 million.
- Luke Schenn (Winnipeg): A veteran defenseman who brings grit and experience.
- Michael Bunting (Nashville): A 30-year-old winger with scoring upside and a $4.5 million hit.
And don’t overlook players like Boone Jenner, Jake DeBrusk, and Evander Kane - all of whom could be valuable additions in the right situation.
What’s Next?
With the deadline still weeks away, we’re just starting to see the trade landscape take shape. But if the early names on the board are any indication, this year’s deadline has the potential to be anything but quiet.
Whether teams are looking for a top-line scorer, a shutdown defenseman, or a reliable depth piece, there’s no shortage of options. Now it’s just a matter of who’s willing to make the first big move - and who’s brave enough to follow.