The NHL Trade Deadline Is Close: What Top Players Could Be Traded?
The NHL Trade Deadline is less than a week away, and the rumors are starting to swirl rapidly. With many high-end players available, contending teams are now on the clock to offer the best packages in order to chase the Stanley Cup.
The New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings started things off with a bang before the Olympic break took place, sending Artemi Panarin to Los Angeles in exchange for Liam Greentree and draft picks. As we get closer to Friday, more names are becoming available, but who are some of the top players who can be traded at the NHL Trade Deadline?
1) C Vincent Trocheck, NYR
After trading Artemi Panarin, the Rangers will continue to try to sell their best talent as they enter another rebuild. Trocheck is by far the best name available and is expected to bring back a huge haul. He has three years left on his contract and can be a huge contributor in the playoffs. The Minnesota Wild have been seen as consistent frontrunners to land him, and have the assets to get a deal done. The Detroit Red Wings are also among the interested teams.
2) RD Justin Faulk, STL
On the last year of his contract, Justin Faulk is the perfect fit for a lot of contending teams. St. Louis will demand a first-round pick and a high-end prospect in exchange for Faulk, which is a fair asking price. Faulk is exactly the type of battle-tested, minute-munching right-shot defender that many teams are in need of as they make a playoff push. The Edmonton Oilers would be a perfect fit, but they’d have to move things around to make the money work.
3) LW Blake Coleman, CGY
Blake Coleman is one of the top trade candidates to watch in the NHL with the deadline rapidly approaching, and the veteran forward should generate a ton of interest. The veteran winger has 21 points this season, and can contribute to any playoff team’s top nine. The Dallas Stars would be a great fit for Coleman, as they are in desperate need of another impact forward after losing Tyler Seguin for the season.
4) C Erik Haula, NSH
Haula is in the midst of a 40-point pace for the first time in three seasons, and Nashville would be smart to capitalize on his high value while they have the chance. He’s on an expiring contract, making it easier for contending teams to swing a deal for him. Not to mention, his play for Finland in the Olympics definitely helped his stock. He had six points in six games on Finland’s fourth line, registering a point in all but two outings.
5) LW Evander Kane, VAN
The Vancouver Canucks have been trying to trade Evander Kane for several weeks, and the veteran is starting to draw interest ahead of the deadline. If he were to get traded, the Canucks would have to retain some of his $5.15 million cap hit for this season.
Chris Johnston speculated that Kane could be on the move before the NHL Trade Deadline on March 6th. The Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Dallas Stars were among the teams making inquiries about Kane.
The NHL Trade Deadline Will Be Active
Outside of these five names, there are a lot more players who could be traded by Friday. Blue Center Robert Thomas, Flyers Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, and Calgary Flames Center Nazem Kadri are other notable names expected to be on the move. With a ton of contending teams looking to make a push for the Stanley Cup, they will try to present the best packages to improve their roster.
