With the NHL's March 7 trade deadline approaching, significant developments have already occurred, marking a notable shift in player movement within the league. Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall have been traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, both contributing assists during their debut in a convincing 4-0 victory against the New York Rangers. In return, the Colorado Avalanche acquired Jack Drury and Martin Necas, both of whom have quickly made an impact for their new team, with Drury netting two goals and Necas recording four assists. Such pivotal trades early in the season set a precedent for further activity as teams evaluate their rosters leading up to the deadline.

Among the players potentially on the trading block is Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson. Gibson, who has spent 12 seasons with the Ducks, has been the subject of trade discussions during the team's rebuilding phase, especially since they have not made the playoffs since 2018. At 31 years old, Gibson's solid performances have kept him in the spotlight, particularly as the Ducks struggle for playoff contention. Additionally, Lukas Dostal has emerged as a promising option for Anaheim's future in net. With two seasons remaining on Gibson's contract and a cap hit of $6.4 million, a contending team in need of a reliable second goaltender may indeed find his services appealing.

Seattle Kraken's Yanni Gourde is another player who may be eyeing a change as he approaches free agency. The 33-year-old forward carries a cap hit of $5.16 million, and if extension discussions do not progress productively, the Kraken might consider trading him rather than risk losing him in free agency. Gourde's recent history includes a stint on long-term injured reserve, coupled with a less than stellar performance this season, fielding only six goals and 16 points in 35 games. However, his playoff experience and veteran leadership could still attract interest from teams looking to fortify their roster for postseason play.

The San Jose Sharks are also in a complex situation regarding Mikael Granlund, who leads the team in scoring despite their ongoing struggles. Granlund's versatility as both a winger and center, alongside a reasonable cap hit of $5 million, positions him as an attractive depth scoring option for contending teams. His statistics speak to his capability, having recorded 15 goals and 44 points across 51 games, with notable performance metrics underscoring his effectiveness in various game scenarios. The question for the Sharks is whether to trade Granlund and secure a promising return or keep him as a mentor for their developing players amid a rebuilding phase.

Marcus Pettersson of the Pittsburgh Penguins, another impending free agent, stands out as a potentially valuable asset should other key players be off the market. Pettersson's cap hit of $4.025 million aligns well with his capacity as a top-four defenseman. He brings size, effectiveness, and a defensive-first mentality, which are attributes highly sought after in the current market. Pittsburgh may leverage Pettersson's skills to procure a significant return, potentially even a first-round pick, given the scarcity of quality defensemen available.

The New York Islanders have recently seen a surge in their performance, boasting an 8-2-0 record in the last ten games and riding a five-game winning streak, fueled by the acquisitions of Tony DeAngelo and Scott Perunovich. While general manager Lou Lamoriello has a reputation for a measured approach at the trade deadline, the dynamics could change if the team’s momentum falters. The impending free agency of center Brock Nelson, who has tallied 32 points this season, may prompt discussions should Lamoriello entertain offers amidst the team's current success.

The Buffalo Sabres are weighing their options as they remain outside of playoff contention. There have been reports of interest in 23-year-old center Dylan Cozens. With a cap hit of $7.1 million over seven seasons, Cozens has struggled with consistency, accumulating 10 goals and 26 points in 50 games. Some experts suggest that trading Cozens could free up cap space and allow for a fresh start, benefiting the player and the organization alike.

Lastly, the Vancouver Canucks are navigating a period of uncertainty regarding their core group, highlighted by comments from president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford. Citing a lack of viable solutions to keep the current roster intact, Rutherford indicated that ongoing trade discussions involve star centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. With Miller presenting a manageable contract at $8 million and solid playoff experience, he remains an attractive option for teams seeking depth. Conversely, Pettersson's new long-term deal complicates potential trades, as the Canucks weigh their options while trying to maintain competitive stature.