The NHL Trade Deadline is March 8, and things are heating up. Some teams will be looking to unload contracts, while others will be playing cap space gymnastics to bolster their squad for what they hope will be a deep playoff run. So, which players are getting the trade fodder buzz? Check out our block below, and let the trading frenzy begin!
Trade Deadline Block
Jake Guentzel – Penguins
Position: LW
Age: 29, UFA: 2024
Cap Hit: $6 Million AAV
Guentzel is expected to return from injury shortly after the trade deadline, and he could be a valuable addition to any team’s playoff roster. With the Penguin’s playoff hopes melting quicker than the polar ice caps, they have a decision to make on the 29-year-old winger. However, he comes with a hefty price tag and could be an expensive rental for most teams. Whether Pittsburgh will re-sign or trade him remains to be seen, but he is undoubtedly one of the most significant question marks and biggest prizes of this year’s trade deadline.
Potential Teams: Hurricanes, Golden Knights, Oilers, Canucks, Panthers
Potential Return: 2 first-round picks or a first-rounder + high-level prospect
Noah Hanifin – Flames
Position: D
Age: 26, UFA: 2024
Cap Hit: $4.95 Million AAV
Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin is generating trade buzz despite his excellent skills. The Flames have a few players on their roster they might be willing to trade, and with Hanifin’s contract negotiations becoming a headache for management, it appears he might be out the door by the deadline. The real question is whether other teams will take on Hanifin’s baggage and if the Flames’ asking price is too high for a player who will likely dip his toes into free agency and only sign with select American clubs like Tampa Bay. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out, but anyone who can nab him will get the best defenseman on the trade board.
Potential Teams: Bruins, Panthers, Devils, Lightning
Potential Return: First-rounder + high-level prospect and or a good young NHL player
Jacob Markstrom – Flames
Position: G
Age: 34, UFA: 2026
Cap Hit: $6 Million AAV
Staying with the Calgary theme, there are reports the Flames might trade their #1 starter. If someone is willing to pay, it might be a good idea to sell high on the 34-year-old goalie. The Flames are looking to retool, and trading him could give them some flexibility. However, finding a replacement for a number-one goalie is hard these days. Their top goalie prospect, Dustin Wolf, isn’t NHL-ready and might need another year with a mentor like, you guessed it, Jacob Markstrom. It’s unlikely, but it’s still possible they’ll trade him, so he remains high on our trade target list.
Potential Teams: Devils, Kings, Hurricanes, Avalanche
Potential Return: 1st Round Pick, young NHL-ready player
Juuse Saros – Predators
Position: G
Age: 28, UFA: 2026
Cap Hit: $5 Million AAV
Starting goalies are all the rage, and there have been whispers that if the right offer came Nashville’s way, they might be willing to part with their #1 netminder in Juuse Saros. Like Markstrom above, his trade value has never been higher, and the Predators might want to use it to tweak their roster in other areas. Like the Flames, The Preds have a promising young goalie prospect, Yaroslav Askarov, waiting in the wings.
Potential Teams: Devils, Senators, Kings, Avalanche
Potential Return: 1st Round Pick, young NHL-ready player
Adam Henrique – Ducks
Position: C
Age: 33, UFA: 2024
Cap Hit: $5.825 Million AAV
Finding a center at this year’s deadline could be challenging, but Adam Henrique might be the best option for teams looking to add some strength and leadership up the middle. He’s an excellent two-way center and can put up points while playing a solid defensive game. Henrique will likely be the “belle of the ball” at this year’s deadline, and the Ducks could get a healthy return. There are lots of teams who are interested, and talks are starting to heat up.
Potential Teams: Avalanche, Bruins, Rangers, Devils, Oilers, Islanders, Hurricanes, Oilers, Stars
Potential Return: 1st Round Pick (See Sean Monahan deal)
Vladimir Tarasenko – Senators
Position: RW
Age: 32, UFA: 2024
Cap Hit: $5.00 Million AAV
Despite the frustrations that come with a player like Tarasenko, the Ottawa Senators are open to moving the dynamic forward, who is due to become a free agent this Summer. The 32-year-old, when motivated, would be an excellent addition to any team’s top-six forward group.
Potential Teams: Oilers, Golden Knights, Rangers, Hurricanes, Canucks
Potential Return: 2nd Round Pick
Jakob Chychrun – Senators
Position: D
Age: 25, UFA: 2025
Cap Hit: $4.60 Million AAV
It wouldn’t be a trade deadline without Jakob Chychrun on the list. Outside of Hanafin, he’s quite possibly the best defenseman on the market. Although it’s been a tough season for the Ottawa native, he’s one of the more underrated two-way defenders in the league, and having an extra year on his deal will help the Senators maximize their return if they genuinely decide to trade him.
Potential Teams: Capitals, Kings, Flames, Red Wings, Blues
Potential Return: 2nd Round Pick
Scott Laughton – Flyers
Position: C
Age: 29, UFA: 2026
Cap Hit: $3.00 Million AAV
It’s weird, the Flyers are in a playoff spot, and are shopping the 29-year-old center, who would be the type of player you would want in the playoffs. He’s a strong two-way forward who isn’t afraid to play the body and is excellent on the penalty kill. These players are valuable and would be a great addition to a third or fourth line.
Potential Teams: Sabres, Rangers, Maple Leafs, Avalanche, Senators, Oilers
Potential Return: 1st Round Pick
Sean Walker – Flyers
Position: D
Age: 29, UFA: 2024
Cap Hit: $2.65 Million AAV
Sean Walker would be an excellent depth defenseman to add to a playoff bound team, especially on the right hand side. He’s had a pretty good year in Philly. He plays a physical brand of hockey, kills penalties, and can play 16-20 minutes per game. Walker might prefer to dip his toe into free agency this Summer, so it makes sense for the Flyers to get something for him while they can.
Potential Teams: Maple Leafs, Oilers, Lightning, Stars, Avalanche, Devils
Potential Return: 1st Round Pick
