Introduction

The NHL’s trade deadline is fast approaching, set for Friday, March 6, at 3 p.m. ET. As general managers across the league scramble to finalize their trade strategies, the market is heating up. With fresh trades already occurring, teams are making strategic moves to bolster their rosters ahead of this pivotal moment in the hockey calendar.

Recent Trades and Implications

As teams refine their plans, the Colorado Avalanche recently completed a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, sending defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round pick in exchange for defenseman Brett Kulak on February 24. This move highlights the urgency teams face in reshaping their line-ups as the trade deadline looms.

Notable Players on the Trade Block

With just a week left, we revisit several key players who have been the subject of trade rumors, some from our previous listings, and others emerging recently:

• Vincent Trocheck (New York Rangers): As the Rangers shift into sell mode after trading Artemi Panarin, Trocheck remains a top trade candidate given his skills and experience.
• Nazem Kadri (Calgary Flames): Following the trade of Rasmus Andersson, Kadri remains under speculation as the Flames continue their restructuring.
• Jordan Kyrou (St. Louis Blues): Once considered off-limits after signing an eight-year contract, the Blues are now open to offers for their star winger.
• Conor Garland (Vancouver Canucks): Garland may be on the move as the Canucks explore trades for their longer-term contracts.

Under the Radar Candidates

In addition to the heavy-hitters, several players are drawing attention without the spotlight:

• Tyler Myers (Vancouver Canucks): Originally quiet in trade talks, Myers was held out of a recent game as the Canucks sought to facilitate a deal, with reports tying him to the Detroit Red Wings.
• Warren Foegele (Los Angeles Kings): After the acquisition of Panarin, Foegele could be moved, especially given the Kings’ surplus of wingers.
• Dawson Mercer (New Jersey Devils): As the Devils look to shake things up, Mercer’s name has surfaced amidst interest from multiple teams.
• Andrew Mangiapane (Edmonton Oilers): Although trade chatter for Mangiapane has cooled, his future remains uncertain as the Oilers seek to make key improvements.

Teams in Sell Mode

As the trade deadline approaches, teams like the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames are fully committed to moving players. The Canucks, having traded key defensemen like Quinn Hughes, are expected to be active in shedding contracts, while the Flames are looking to reshape next season’s roster.

The Buzz Surrounding Goalie Transactions

With the trade deadline approaching, the potential movement of goaltenders such as Jesper Wallstedt (Minnesota Wild) and others is drawing attention. Teams view these players as valuable trade chips that could enhance their lineups as playoff positions are contested.

Contract Considerations

One of the most significant factors in trades will be salary cap implications. Players like Patrik Laine (Montreal Canadiens), who is nearing return from injury, could command a high price depending on how much of his contract the Canadiens are willing to retain. Similarly, the likes of Dougie Hamilton (New Jersey Devils) and Robert Thomas (St. Louis Blues) carry significant cap hits that may complicate potential deals.

Conclusion

As teams prepare for what promises to be a frantic trade deadline, the landscape of the NHL is changing rapidly. GMs are weighing trade options carefully, looking to enhance their squads for a playoff push or clear salary cap space for future endeavors. Players like Trocheck, Kadri, and others will be pivotal in discussions leading up to the deadline, and fans will be watching closely to see how their teams fare in this critical period.