NHL · 1 year ago

15 Players That Will be Traded Before the NHL Trade Deadline

Grant White

Host · Writer

Pat Maroon - Minnesota Wild
Cap Hit: $800K

Years Remaining: Pending UFA

Last on our list is three-time Stanley Cup winner Pat Maroon. Some of Big Rig's scoring touch may have been lost over the past couple of seasons, but his winning pedigree and knack for timely scoring will be a big draw for some teams.

Some of the shine has worn off Maroon's regular season stats. The beefy forward has just 30 points across his last 129 regular season games, notching only nine goals over that stretch. However, with 150 playoff games and 23 goals to his name, some younger and more inexperienced teams could benefit from his presence.

Teams like the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes could improve by adding Maroon. If Phil Kessel doesn't stick in Vancouver, Maroon will be their target guy.

Potential Destinations: Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes
Noah Hanifin - Calgary Flames
Cap Hit: $4.95 Million

Years Remaining: Pending UFA

The Calgary Flames have attempted to quell the trade rumors by saying out loud that trading certain players sends the wrong message to the organization. But actions speak louder than words. GM Craig Conroy has already moved on from several players this season, acquiring futures assets and signaling a rebuild. As such, we're betting the Flames are done moving serviceable assets.

Pending unrestricted free agent Noah Hanifin has already expressed interest in leaving the organization and appears intent on testing the waters this summer. It would be unwise for Conroy to hang onto the blueliner to remain a fringe playoff team and lose Hanifin for nothing in the offseason.

Any playoff team would benefit from adding Hanifin to their defensive corps; however, we're betting he stays north of the border after the trade deadline.

Potential Destinations: Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets
Vladimir Tarasenko - Ottawa Senators
Cap Hit: $5 Million

Years Remaining: Pending UFA

For the second year in a row, Vladimir Tarasenko will likely be a trade deadline acquisition for a playoff-bound team. Although the Stanley Cup-winning forward couldn't lead the New York Rangers to the promised land last season, he should land at another favorable destination in 2024.

Tarasenko has been a driving force across all strengths this season, compiling a 57.6% expected goals-for rating. As expected, his analytics value is derived from solid offensive production. Tarasenko ranks sixth among Ottawa Senators forwards in scoring chances, improving to fifth in high-danger opportunities.

More importantly, Tarasenko continues to translate his analytics profile into on-ice results. His 17 goals and 41 points would be a welcome addition to any squad, but we expect Tarasenko to land with the Boston Bruins or Los Angeles Kings. Wherever it is, though, expect that team to get a boost to their Stanley Cup odds.

Potential Destinations: Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings
Jacob Markstrom - Calgary Flames
Cap Hit: $6 Million

Years Remaining: Signed Through 2025-26

Calgary's brass has come straight out and said they aren't trading Jacob Markstrom. Nevertheless, hanging onto an aging netminder contradicts some of their moves earlier this season. With Dustin Wolf waiting in the wings and several teams closer to a playoff spot than the Flames, we expect Markstrom to be dealt ahead of Friday's deadline.

A rough start to the season is a distant memory for the surging Flames' netminder. Markstrom has been one of the top goalies in the league, putting together a 21-15-2 record with a 2.57 goals against average and .914% save percentage. Moreover, his 11.3 goals saved above average puts him on track for the second-best rating of his career.

The New Jersey Devils are desperately trying to recapture last season's glory and would be willing to overpay for a player of Markstrom's talent. Conroy has already fleeced several GMs in trades this season, and getting the Devils to overpay could be the x-factor in getting a deal done.

Potential Destinations: New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings
Adam Henrique - Anaheim Ducks
Cap Hit: $5.825 Million

Years Remaining: Pending UFA

Versatility is one of the significant selling points of Adam Henrique. The Anaheim Ducks forward can play up and down the lineup, offering depth scoring without compromising defensive responsibility. That's the type of player most playoff teams crave for a deep playoff run.

Henrique has been among the few bright spots trapped on a perpetually underperforming Ducks squad. The 34-year-old has 18 goals in 59 games this season, posting a noteworthy 16.2% shooting percentage. Further, this is the tenth straight season in which he's scored on 13.5% of his shots or better.

Several teams have made serious inquiries on Henrique. Although the Oilers have been one of the primary suitors, Henrique is tailormade for the Carolina Hurricanes system.

Potential Destinations: Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers
Matt Dumba - Arizona Coyotes
Cap Hit: $3.9 Million

Years Remaining: Pending UFA

Matt Dumba has re-invented himself with the Arizona Coyotes this season. For years, Dumba was considered an underperforming offensive defenseman; however, since landing in the desert, the former first-round draft pick has been able to embrace the defensive side of the game.

Dumba consistently checks in against the opponents' top line. Virtually all of his zone starts come in the defending area. He starts 71.3% of his shifts in his own end against the top offensive performers opponents have to offer. Still, he's been a quality shutdown defender while playing a pivotal role on the penalty kill.

If the New York Islanders want to get real about a playoff spot, they need a player like Matt Dumba to regulate some of their defensive deficiencies. But most fringe playoff teams need a similar presence.

Potential Destinations: St. Louis Blues, New York Islanders
Jordan Eberle - Seattle Kraken
Cap Hit: $5.5 Million

Years Remaining: Pending UFA

Seattle Kraken winger Jordan Eberle has been sitting with his bags packed for the past two weeks. The impending unrestricted free agent is a sought-after scoring option. And with the Kraken sitting outside the playoff picture, they will be happy to oblige when the right offer is presented.

Eberle has been one of the top-scoring wingers of the past decade. Since his second professional season in 2011-12, Eberle has recorded 20 or more goals in eight of his 12 campaigns and is on pace to reach that threshold again in 2023-24.

This is another forward that the Oilers have been linked to. Rather than keeping Eberle in the division and torpedoing their postseason aspirations, we expect the Kraken to move their winger across the country. I hope Eberle likes cheesesteaks.

Potential Destinations: Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers
Anthony Duclair - San Jose Sharks
Cap Hit: $3 Million

Years Remaining: Pending UFA

Mike Grier's tenure as General Manager of the San Jose Sharks is off to a questionable start. Grier has made several confounding moves that have left the team in a worse spot. His willingness to rebuild the Sharks should accelerate an Anthony Duclair trade.

Duclair desperately needs a change of scenery. The veteran left winger has just 13 goals and 22 points on the campaign, representing one of his worst statistical seasons on record. Still, teams will be focused on his ten even-strength goals and 13.8% shooting percentage when looking at Duclair's scoring potential.

The Montreal Canadiens remain a natural landing spot for the Quebec native, but we wouldn't be surprised if a team like the Washington Capitals came calling ahead of the deadline.

Potential Destinations: Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals
Reilly Smith - Pittsburgh Penguins
Cap Hit: $4.95 Million

Years Remaining: Signed Through 2024-25

Kyle Dubas might have to abandon his usual standards to wiggle free from Reilly Smith. Never the kind of GM to sell low on a player, Smith has struggled to deliver quality performances in a Pittsburgh Penguins uniform.

Smith has failed to produce despite skating on a line with eventual Hall of Famer Evgeni Malkin and spending nearly two minutes per game on the powerplay. The former third-round pick sits seventh on the team in scoring, totaling 25 points in 52 games.

Those concerns spill into Smith's analytics profile, as well. He sits 11th on the Pens in expected goals-for rating at five-on-five, ranking tenth in scoring chance rating.

A change of pace would benefit Smith. He's well suited for the Toronto Maple Leafs style, but Kyle Dubas may be apprehensive about making a deal with his former club.

Potential Destinations: Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning
Jakob Chychrun - Ottawa Senators
Cap Hit: $4.6 Million

Years Remaining: Signed Through 2024-25

The going rate for defensemen isn't cheap, but at least a few teams would be willing to pay it for a guy like Jakob Chychrun. The Senators' rearguard straddles a wide line, serving a quality shutdown role while excelling as a puck-moving defenseman.

In 59 games this season, Chychrun has posted a 53.9% Corsi rating across all strengths, contributing to an above-average 54.7% expected goals-for rating. That's also translated to top-end output, with Chychrun leading Sens' d-men with nine goals and 31 points.

Two teams are in dire need of a quality defenseman. First, the Detroit Red Wings have given up the seventh-most goals at five-on-five. Likewise, the Winnipeg Jets only have two blueliners with more than 19 points. Chychrun would be a natural fit for both squads, enhancing their Stanley Cup aspirations.

Potential Destinations: Detroit Red Wings, Winnipeg Jets
Pavel Buchnevich - St. Louis Blues
Cap Hit: $5.8 Million

Years Remaining: Signed Through 2024-25

The Oilers' search for a top-six forward could lead them to the St. Louis Blues. The Blues are reportedly interested in dealing away Pavel Buchnevich, and he's well-suited to ride shotgun next to Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.

The Blues' sniper has been sensational this season. Buch is scoring on 15.5% of his shots, resulting in 24 goals and contributing 48 points in 58 games. Moreover, he hasn't finished with a shooting percentage below 15.1% in any of his past four seasons, with 69 of his 100 goals over that stretch coming at five-on-five.

Moving a $5.8 million contract is no easy feat in today's NHL; however, the Oilers have the pieces to make a deal happen.

Potential Destinations: Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings
Frank Vatrano - Anaheim Ducks
Cap Hit: $3.65 Million

Years Remaining: Signed Through 2024-25

Frank Vatrano has taken on a more robust role with the Anaheim Ducks this season, amplifying his trade appeal for many other playoff contenders. Vatrano is playing a career-best 18:20 per game, precipitating a boost in production. That's an appealing combination for teams looking to make a deadline splash.

Vatrano does it all. The veteran forward plays a primary role on the powerplay and penalty kill, enhancing his allure to all contenders. Additionally, he leads the Ducks in scoring, accumulating 48 points in 60 games. Arguably, the most appealing feature of Vatrano's profile is his modest $3.65 million salary, which is palatable for most franchises.

Again, plenty of teams would benefit from having Vatrano join them. But a reunion with a former club makes the most sense as the Florida Panthers gear up for another extended playoff run.

Potential Destinations: Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators
Nic Dowd - Washington Capitals
Cap Hit: $1.3 Million

Years Remaining: Signed Through 2024-25

Lost in all the hoopla of the more prominent offensive names is the importance of a solid checking center. Although an upper-body injury has prevented Nic Dowd from suiting up since February 21, the Washington Capitals center is on trade alert ahead of Friday.

Dowd is a checking center through and through. A minuscule 10.1% of his shifts start in the attacking zone, meaning the Caps constantly deploy him to hinder the opponents' top scorers. Nevertheless, Dowd has a respectable 42.0% expected goals-for rating while being on the ice for 201 scoring and 82 high-danger chances.

Throughout his career, Dowd has a 51.9% face-off percentage. That's precisely the type of small win that can make a big difference in the playoffs.

Potential Destinations: Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings
Jack Roslovic - Columbus Blue Jackets
Cap Hit: $4 Million

Years Remaining: Pending UFA

Jack Roslovic is playing like he wants off the Columbus Blue Jackets bus. Limited to just 37 games this season, nine of his 20 points have come over the past ten games. Teams are starting to take notice, and it could be the lifeline Roslovic needs to land on a playoff-bound squad.

Whether it's by design or not, the Blue Jackets are showing off Roslovic ahead of the trade deadline. The former top prospect has never really lived up to the offensive expectations of being a first-round draft pick, but that's not to discount his offensive contributions. Over the previous three seasons, Roslovic has 123 points in 206 games, equalling 0.60 points per game.

The hazard with acquiring Roslovic is that most of his production has come since moving back to the top line. Teams may question whether he can thrive in a secondary role. Still, that's a gamble the Los Angeles Kings or Nashville Predators might be willing to make.

Potential Destinations: Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators
Joel Edmundson - Washington Capitals
Cap Hit: $1.75 Million

Years Remaining: Pending UFA

In a league where replacement-level defensemen earn upwards of $4 million, Joel Edmundson stands out as the quintessential value play. The hulking blueliner earns a modest $1.75 million with an elite analytics profile.

Through the first six seasons of his career, Edmundson had put up an expected goals-for rating above 50.0% in four of those campaigns. That came despite most of his zone starts in the defending area. Since then, the Montreal Canadiens and now Washington Capitals have deployed Edmundson in a primary defending role, limiting his analytics ceiling.

Edmundson is worth the investment for most playoff teams, and we could see a substantive surge in his metrics if played under the right circumstances. The Colorado Avalanche could be the team to reinvigorate Edmundson, but he'd also benefit from playing on the Jets.

Potential Destinations: Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets
Pat Maroon - Minnesota Wild
Cap Hit: $800K

Years Remaining: Pending UFA

Last on our list is three-time Stanley Cup winner Pat Maroon. Some of Big Rig's scoring touch may have been lost over the past couple of seasons, but his winning pedigree and knack for timely scoring will be a big draw for some teams.

Some of the shine has worn off Maroon's regular season stats. The beefy forward has just 30 points across his last 129 regular season games, notching only nine goals over that stretch. However, with 150 playoff games and 23 goals to his name, some younger and more inexperienced teams could benefit from his presence.

Teams like the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes could improve by adding Maroon. If Phil Kessel doesn't stick in Vancouver, Maroon will be their target guy.

Potential Destinations: Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes
Noah Hanifin - Calgary Flames
Cap Hit: $4.95 Million

Years Remaining: Pending UFA

The Calgary Flames have attempted to quell the trade rumors by saying out loud that trading certain players sends the wrong message to the organization. But actions speak louder than words. GM Craig Conroy has already moved on from several players this season, acquiring futures assets and signaling a rebuild. As such, we're betting the Flames are done moving serviceable assets.

Pending unrestricted free agent Noah Hanifin has already expressed interest in leaving the organization and appears intent on testing the waters this summer. It would be unwise for Conroy to hang onto the blueliner to remain a fringe playoff team and lose Hanifin for nothing in the offseason.

Any playoff team would benefit from adding Hanifin to their defensive corps; however, we're betting he stays north of the border after the trade deadline.

Potential Destinations: Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets

15 Players That Will be Traded Before the NHL Trade Deadline

Sports Betting

Sportsbook Promos

Social Casinos