Who's Available for Each NHL Team Ahead of the 2015 Trade Deadline?
The NHL's March 2 trade deadline is fast approaching. Many fans and pundits are caught up in speculation over which players could become available ahead of deadline day.
Several factors go into determining a trade candidate for each NHL team. We must take into account a player's availability and free-agent status, as well as a team's roster and salary-cap needs.
Here's a look at which players could be available for each NHL team heading toward the trade deadline. Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section below.
Anaheim Ducks
1 of 30
Who's available: Left wing Matt Beleskey.
Why he could be traded: Beleskey is eligible for unrestricted free agency. Despite contract talks, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos reports the Anaheim Ducks could trade Beleskey if he is unsigned before the trade deadline. Though sidelined two to four weeks by a shoulder injury, Beleskey could still interest teams that are seeking a left winger.
Possible trade destinations: CSNNE.com's Joe Haggarty listed Beleskey among his trade targets for the Boston Bruins. Sportsnet's Mike Johnston lists the Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers as possible destinations for Beleskey.
Arizona Coyotes
2 of 30
Who's available: Center Antoine Vermette and defensemen Zbynek Michalek and Keith Yandle.
Why they could be traded: Vermette and Michalek are unrestricted free agents. Yandle still has a year on his contract, and his puck-moving skills could attract considerable interest from clubs in need of a skilled blueliner.
Possible trade destinations: TSN's Darren Dreger claims the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks and Colorado Avalanche have interest in Vermette. The Globe and Mail's Eric Duhatschek suggests the Ducks and Los Angeles Kings could pursue Michalek. ESPN.com's Craig Custance includes Yandle on a list of suggested Red Wings' trade target.
Boston Bruins
3 of 30
Who's available: Defenseman Dennis Seidenberg and right wing Loui Eriksson.
Why they could be traded: Sportnet's Nick Kypreos reports the Boston Bruins are open to moving Seidenberg and Eriksson. They must free up cap space to re-sign young free agents Dougie Hamilton, Torey Krug and Reilly Smith. Kypreos writes that the Bruins seek a depth forward.
Possible trade destinations: Non-playoff contenders with cap space that are hoping to unload pending free agents could be in the mix. The Arizona Coyotes could be a prime target, as they might move center Antoine Vermette and defenseman Zbynek Michalek.
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Buffalo Sabres
4 of 30
Who's available: Right wing Chris Stewart and centers Cody Hodgson and Torrey Mitchell.
Why they could be traded: Stewart and Mitchell are unrestricted free agents in July. Hodgson, 25, has four more years and $25.5 million left on his contract, but he's struggling this season and could use a change of scenery.
Possible trade destinations: The Boston Bruins have been interested in Stewart for some time. ESPN.com's Ryan Wagman believes Stewart could address their need for depth at right wing. The Boston Globe's Fluto Shinzawa reports the Calgary Flames could also pursue Stewart.
Calgary Flames
5 of 30
Who's available: Left wings Curtis Glencross and Sven Baertschi.
Why they could be traded: Glencross is an unrestricted free agent in July and could test the free-agent market. Baertschi doesn't seem to fit into the Flames' rebuilding plans and could benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.
Possible trade destinations: Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman lists the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, Winnipeg Jets and possibly the Tampa Bay Lightning as destinations for Glencross. The Boston Globe's Fluto Shinzawa claims the Flames have interest in winger Chris Stewart. Perhaps Baertschi could be used to land Stewart.
Carolina Hurricanes
6 of 30
Who's available: Forwards Jiri Tlusty and Jay McClement and defensemen Andrej Sekera and Tim Gleason.
Why they could be traded: The four are eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. Raleigh News and Observer's Chip Alexander speculates the team could move them all by the trade deadline. There probably isn't a future for most of them on the rebuilding Hurricanes.
Possible trade destinations: Sekera could attract the most attention. TSN's Pierre Lebrun reports the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks are in the market for a defenseman. The Penguins and Bruins could have interest in Tlusty.
Chicago Blackhawks
7 of 30
Who's available: Left wing Bryan Bickell and possibly center Andrew Shaw.
Why they could be traded: The Chicago Blackhawks must free up cap space to add depth on defense while making room for key re-signings. ESPNChicago.com's Scott Powers claims Bickell could be a cap casualty. Bleacher Report'sSteve Silverman raised concerns over Shaw's ability to become a second-line center. Perhaps the team could deal him in a cost-cutting move for a blueliner.
Possible trade destinations: Teams with cap space that are seeking offensive depth could come calling for Bickell, Shaw or both. The Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers could be suitors.
Colorado Avalanche
8 of 30
Who's available: Forwards Ryan O'Reilly and Daniel Briere.
Why they could be traded: The Colorado Avalanche need experienced top-four defensemen and could use O'Reilly to acquire one. Briere is an unrestricted free agent this summer. If the Avalanche fall out of playoff contention, they could move him at the trade deadline.
Possible trade destinations: On Dec. 23, ESPN.com's Craig Custance noted a rumor linking O'Reilly to Arizona Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle. The Ottawa Citizen's Wayne Scanlan claimed the Ottawa Senators had interest in O'Reilly. Sportsnet's Mike Johnston lists the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks as destinations for Briere.
Columbus Blue Jackets
9 of 30
Who's available: Forwards Mark Letestu, Cam Atkinson and Matt Calvert.
Why they could be traded: Letestu is an unrestricted free agent. Atkinson and Calvert are restricted free agents with arbitration rights. Management could trade those two rather than risk the threat of arbitration.
Possible trade destinations: The Columbus Dispatch's Aaron Portzline reports the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche could have interest in Atkinson, while the Winnipeg Jets could pursue Letestu.
Dallas Stars
10 of 30
Who's available: Forwards Shawn Horcoff and Erik Cole.
Why they could be traded: Horcoff and Cole are unrestricted free agents. If the Stars stumble in the playoff chase, they could deal both players by the trade deadline.
Possible trade destinations: Sportsnet's Mike Johnston lists the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning as destinations for Cole. The New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets need help in the faceoff circle and could target Horcoff.
Detroit Red Wings
11 of 30
Who's available: Goaltender Jonas Gustavsson and defenseman Jakub Kindl.
Why they could be traded: Gustavsson is a free agent this summer. Given Petr Mrazek's play while filling in for sidelined Jimmy Howard, there's no future for Gustavsson in Detroit. Kindl is a frequent healthy scratch. The Wings could try moving his $2.4 million cap hit off their books.
Possible trade destinations: Pro Hockey Talk's Mike Halford suggests the New York Rangers could use an affordable backup like Gustavsson. MLive.com's Ansar Kahn proposes Kindl in a package offer as trade bait for Edmonton Oilers blueliner Jeff Petry.
Edmonton Oilers
12 of 30
Who's available: Defenseman Jeff Petry, center Derek Roy, goaltender Viktor Fasth.
Why they could be traded: They are unrestricted free agents who probably won't re-sign with the hapless Edmonton Oilers. The Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson reports Petry's agent claims he's had no contract talks with the Oilers and expects his client to be dealt.
Possible trade destinations: Sportsnet's Mike Johnston lists the Detroit Red Wings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins as possible destinations. The Winnipeg Jets could consider Roy as a depth forward. The New York Rangers could look at Fasth as a short-term backup for Cam Talbot.
Florida Panthers
13 of 30
Who's available: Forwards Tomas Fleischmann, Scottie Upshall, Tomas Kopecky and Sean Bergenheim.
Why they could be traded: The four are unrestricted free agents this summer. The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reports they are likely available. Bergenheim could be first out the door. The Miami Herald's George Richards writes that his agent has requested a trade.
Possible trade destinations: Sportsnet's Mike Johnston lists the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers as destinations for Bergenheim. Those clubs could also take a look at Fleischmann, Upshall or Kopecky.
Los Angeles Kings
14 of 30
Who's available: Forwards Mike Richards, Justin Williams and Jarret Stoll.
Why he could be traded: The cap-strapped Los Angeles Kings want to clear Richards' full $5.75 million cap hit from their books. If they become sellers at the deadline, ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun believes the Kings could trade pending free agents Williams and Stoll.
Possible trade destinations: Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman claims the Maple Leafs had interest in swapping defenseman Dion Phaneuf for Richards but only if another player was included in the deal. Williams and Stoll could interest the Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets.
Minnesota Wild
15 of 30
Who's available: Center Kyle Brodziak and perhaps goaltender Darcy Kuemper.
Why they could be traded: Brodziak is an unrestricted free agent. Kuemper has struggled to prove himself as a starting goalie. With midseason acquisition Devan Dubnyk saving the Wild's season, perhaps the team moves Kuemper to free up space to re-sign Dubnyk and address depth issues elsewhere.
Possible trade destinations: Playoff clubs that are seeking an experienced checking-line center (Calgary Flames, New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks) could pursue Brodziak. Kuemper could interest teams in need of goaltending depth, like the San Jose Sharks and New York Islanders.
Montreal Canadiens
16 of 30
Who's available: Center Lars Eller and defenseman Alexei Emelin.
Why they could be traded: TSN's Bob McKenzie claims Eller and Emelin have been in the rumor mill for “weeks, if not months.” The Montreal Canadiens seek an upgrade in scoring and on defense and could use Eller and Emelin to address those needs.
Possible trade destinations: The Fourth Period claims the Canadiens have interest in Edmonton Oilers' forwards Jordan Eberle and Nail Yakupov. They could also pursue Arizona Coyotes forward Antoine Vermette and defenseman Keith Yandle.
Nashville Predators
17 of 30
Who's available: Forwards Matt Cullen and Viktor Stalberg.
Why they could be traded: Though the Nashville Predators recently acquired defenseman Cody Franson and forward Mike Santorelli, they could seek additional depth beyond this season. Cullen is eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. Stalberg, who is earning $2.5 million annually through 2016-17, was recently waived and doesn't have a future in Nashville.
Possible trade destinations: Playoff clubs that are seeking a rental player for experienced depth at center (New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks) could have interest in Cullen.
New Jersey Devils
18 of 30
Who's available: Forwards Jaromir Jagr, Martin Havlat, Michael Ryder, Jordin Tootoo, Steve Bernier and Scott Gomez. Defensemen Marek Zidlicky and Bryce Salvador.
Why they could be traded: They are all unrestricted free agents. The New Jersey Devils have little chance of clinching a playoff berth. General manager Lou Lamoriello could move as many as possible before the trade deadline.
Possible trade destinations: Sportsnet's Mike Johnston lists the New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins as clubs which could pursue Jagr to boost their offense. Zidlicky, a right-shooting defenseman, could interest the Anaheim Ducks and Detroit Red Wings.
New York Islanders
19 of 30
Who's available: Defensemen Lubomir Visnovsky and Matt Donovan and possibly goaltender Chad Johnson.
Why they could be traded: Visnovsky and Donovan are free agents and won't be returning to the Islanders next season. Johnson has struggled as Jaroslav Halak's backup and might need a change of scenery.
Possible trade destinations: Clubs that are seeking playoff rental blueliners (Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins) could kick the tires on Visnovsky or Donovan.
New York Rangers
20 of 30
Who's available: Forward J.T. Miller and defenseman John Moore.
Why they could be traded: The New York Post's Larry Brooks recently suggested the little-used Miller could become a trade chip to land a versatile third-line forward. On Jan. 30, Brooks wondered if the Rangers were showcasing Moore for a trade.
Possible trade destinations: The Rangers could dangle Miller to the Arizona Coyotes as part of a return for center Antoine Vermette. Brooks claims the Rangers have interest in Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Andrej Sekera. They could offer Moore as part of a package deal for Sekera.
Ottawa Senators
21 of 30
Who's available: Forwards Colin Greening and Erik Condra, along with defensemen Jared Cowen and Patrick Wiercioch.
Why they could be traded: The Ottawa Sun's Don Brennan suggests Condra, an unrestricted free agent, could be the Ottawa Senators' best trade option. The team demoted him after attempts to trade him fell through. The Ottawa Citizen's Ken Warren notes the Senators have eight defensemen and could move Cowen or Wiercioch.
Possible trade destinations: The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch believes the Carolina Hurricanes could have interest in Wiercioch. They could also take a look at Cowen. Condra might interest the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets or Vancouver Canucks as a depth forward.
Philadelphia Flyers
22 of 30
Who's available: Defensemen Kimmo Timonen, Carlo Colaiacovo and Michael Del Zotto.
Why they could be traded: They're free agents at season's end. There could be some interest in Timonen if he's fully recovered from blood clots. The team could deal Del Zotto if it doesn't re-sign him before the deadline.
Possible trade destinations: Sportsnet's Mike Johnston lists the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Tampa Bay Lightning and Vancouver Canucks as destinations for Del Zotto to address their needs on the blue line. Those clubs could also kick the tires on Timonen and Colaiacovo.
Pittsburgh Penguins
23 of 30
Who's available: Defensemen Robert Bortuzzo and Brian Dumoulin.
Why they could be traded: The Pittsburgh Penguins are in need of experienced blue-line depth. Bortozzo and Dumoulin are restricted free agents, and there might not be sufficient cap space to re-sign them. The team could use them as trade bait to pry an experienced rental defenseman from a non-contender.
Possible trade destinations: The Penguins could offer Bortuzzo or Dumoulin packaged with a draft pick or prospect to the Edmonton Oilers for Jeff Petry or try to work a deal with the Carolina Hurricanes for Andrej Sekera. They could also offer one of them to the Toronto Maple Leafs for defensive forward Daniel Winnik.
San Jose Sharks
24 of 30
Who's available: Forwards Tyler Kennedy, James Sheppard and Andrew Desjardins, along with defenseman Scott Hannan.
Why they could be traded: All are unrestricted free agents and aren't expected to be re-signed. CSN Bay Area's Kevin Kurz speculates the team could move Kennedy, Sheppard and Desjardins before the deadline.
Possible trade destinations: Playoff clubs that are seeking affordable forward depth (New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Vancouver Canucks) could have interest in Kennedy, Sheppard or Desjardins.
St. Louis Blues
25 of 30
Who's available: Forwards Magnus Paajarvi and Joakim Lindstrom.
Why they could be traded: Paajarvi and Lindstrom are free agents this summer and have no future with the St. Louis Blues. Paajarvi is in the minors, and Lindstrom has been a healthy scratch.
Possible trade destinations: Playoff contenders like the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Wild could seek affordable rental forwards like Paajarvi and Lindstrom.
Tampa Bay Lightning
26 of 30
Who's available: Wingers Brett Connolly and J.T. Brown.
Most likely to move: The Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson reports the Tampa Bay Lightning could move Connolly, who hasn't played up to expectations as a scoring forward. Brown is a frequent healthy scratch. The Lightning could move them to bolster their defense corps.
Possible trade destinations: The Ottawa Senators carry eight defensemen and could have interest in Connolly or Brown. The two teams have a recent trade history, as the Senators shipped Ben Bishop to the Lightning in 2013. Tampa Bay could also offer up Connolly to the Arizona Coyotes for blueliner Zbynek Michalek.
Toronto Maple Leafs
27 of 30
Who's available: Forwards Tyler Bozak, Daniel Winnik and David Booth.
Why they could be traded: The Toronto Maple Leafs are starting a roster rebuild. The Toronto Sun's Mike Zeisberger speculates the team could deal Bozak. Winnik and Booth are unrestricted free agents.
Possible trade destinations: Sportsnet's Mike Johnston lists the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Minnesota Wild, Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins as destinations for Winnik. The Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers need depth at center and could pursue Bozak.
Vancouver Canucks
28 of 30
Who's available: Backup goalie Eddie Lack and forwards Zack Kassian and Shawn Matthias.
Why they could be traded: The Vancouver Canucks are pleased with the play of minor league goalie Jacob Markstrom and could move Lack to make room for him. Kassian has struggled to reach his potential as a power forward. Matthias is an unrestricted free agent in July.
Possible trade destinations: ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun claims the Canucks' priorities are a top-six forward and defensive help. They could shop Kassian in a package offer to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Tyler Bozak or the Ottawa Senators for a defenseman like Patrick Wiercioch or Jared Cowen.
Washington Capitals
29 of 30
Who's available: Defenseman Mike Green and forwards Joel Ward, Aaron Volpatti and Jay Beagle.
Why they could be traded: All of them are unrestricted free agents. The Washington Capitals could consider moving one of them for a scoring forward, particularly on right wing. Green could fetch the best return.
Possible trade destinations: Sportsnet's Mike Johnston lists the Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings as destinations for Green.
Winnipeg Jets
30 of 30
Who's available: Defensemen Paul Postma, Adam Pardy and Jay Harrison, along with forward TJ Galiardi.
Why they could be traded: The Winnipeg Jets still seek a checking-line forward and have depth to draw upon from their defense. They placed Galiardi on waivers earlier this season.
Possible trade destinations: ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun believes the Jets could have interest in Toronto Maple Leafs forward Daniel Winnik. The Jets could package Postma or Pardy with a draft pick for Winnik. They could offer up the same to the Columbus Blue Jackets for center Mark Letestu.
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