NHL Trade Deadline 2015: Top Prospects Most Likely to Be Moved

NHL teams will be looking to add players at the trade deadline, and the price will be picks and prospects. Every general manager buying will be careful not to trade players who may be needed, but the price for quality is likely to include NHL-ready prospects.

The AHL boasts a tremendous number of young players who are knocking on the door, and their opportunity may arrive March 2. Selling teams may want a plug-and-play option for their rental, and the team that can satisfy that need will have an advantage.

Here are 10 prospects who may be moved at the trade deadline in March.

10. Martin Marincin, D, Edmonton Oilers

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What Kind of Player Is He? Martin Marincin is a tall, lean defender for the Edmonton Oilers who was taken in the second round of the 2010 draft. In 66 NHL games, he's shown an impressive wingspan and flashes of quality play. 

Are They Likely to Trade a Prospect at the Deadline? The Oilers are in sell mode, but Marincin is unique in that he appears to be NHL-ready. Edmonton's youth movement is likely to push Oscar Klefbom and Darnell Nurse, perhaps allowing a team to trade for young Marincin before he's established.

Can They Afford to Deal Him? Edmonton can deal young players if it can acquire significant value in areas of need. Marincin may be a unique asset for the Oilers—a young player who can be cashed in to address the need for an effective addition in an another area.

9. Ryan Sproul, D, Detroit Red Wings

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What Kind of Player Is He? Ryan Sproul is an emerging prospect with a reputation for being an offensive catalyst. He has been auditioning in the AHL since the fall of 2013.

Are They Likely to Trade a Prospect at the Deadline? The Detroit Red Wings traded prospect Calle Jarnkrok and a second-round pick for David Legwand at the same time a year ago, showing a new willingness to make deadline trades.

Can They Afford to Deal Him? Detroit has several prospects in the minors, but Sproul is the best offensive defender in the group. If the club trades him, it may be for a rental player the Red Wings would like to sign in the summer.

8. Zachary Fucale, G, Montreal Canadiens

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What Kind of Player Is He? Zachary Fucale was the No. 1 goalie selected in the 2013 draft, going No. 36 overall to the Montreal Canadiens. He is regarded as a strong candidate for a future starting role in the NHL, despite a subpar season in 2014-15. 

Are They Likely to Trade a Prospect at the Deadline? The Canadiens have specific needs at the deadline and are considered to be a legitimate contender for the Stanley Cup. If they can address a specific need by dealing a prospect, this is probably the spring they'll do it.

Can They Afford to Deal Him? Montreal has good depth at the position, and its NHL starter, Carey Price, may be the best goalie in the game. The Canadiens have enough depth to deal Fucale without a lot of worry.

7. William Karlsson, LW, Anaheim Ducks

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What Kind of Player Is He? William Karlsson of the Anaheim Ducks is a slick, skilled winger with significant offensive ability. His quick adjustment to North American hockey bodes well for his career moving forward.

Are They Likely to Trade a Prospect at the Deadline? Anaheim is having a difficult time with injuries, and it may require a trade. Karlsson is a talented player who might fetch a useful rental down the stretch.

Can They Afford to Deal Him? The Ducks have a terrific farm team and have been scoring well with draft picks, so they are well-situated to deal away excess for short-term help.

6. Brian Dumoulin, D, Pittsburgh Penguins

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What Kind of Player Is He? Brian Dumoulin is a massive defenseman in the Pittsburgh Penguins' system. He possesses good foot speed and can move the puck, making him a prospect with a nice range of skills. 

Are They Likely to Trade a Prospect at the Deadline? Pittsburgh signaled its intentions for this season when it dealt for David Perron last month. It's extremely likely another deal or two takes place before the deadline. 

Can They Afford to Deal Him? The Penguins have a rich prospect base for defensemen and could easily afford to move one of them for immediate help.

5. Derek Forbort, D, Los Angeles Kings

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What Kind of Player Is He? Derek Forbort of the Los Angeles Kings is a big defenseman who also possesses good speed. He's been regarded as a top-flight prospect since being drafted in 2010. 

Are They Likely to Trade a Prospect at the Deadline? Los Angeles has a very specific problem stemming from the legal issues involving Slava Voynov and his lack of availability. As ESPN.com's Katie Strang recently reported, the Voynov situation is far from being resolved.

Can They Afford to Deal Him? The Kings are an extremely intelligent organization and rarely make a knee-jerk move. In this case, Forbort is probably the best defensive prospect and the most NHL-ready. It's a dear price to pay in order to replace Voynov, but the Kings could survive the loss.

4. Ville Pokka, D, Chicago Blackhawks

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What Kind of Player Is He? Ville Pokka is an effective two-way defender with a wide range of skills. He lacks NHL size but is a quality prospect, as reflected by his being the major asset coming back in the Nick Leddy trade with the New York Islanders.

Are They Likely to Trade a Prospect at the Deadline? The Blackhawks are a strong contender for the Stanley Cup and will be looking for added depth on defense. Pokka is a quality prospect but unlikely to be used in big situations.

Can They Afford to Deal Him? Chicago has some untouchable prospects, notably Teuvo Teravainen, but will have to give in order to get. Pokka is a solid prospect and will return excellent value if dealt at the deadline.

3. J.T. Miller, LW, New York Rangers

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What Kind of Player Is He? J.T. Miller is an impressive forward because of his considerable speed and aggressive style.

Are They Likely to Trade a Prospect at the Deadline? The New York Rangers were in the Stanley Cup Final last season and are in their window of opportunity to win a championship. They will be adding at the deadline.

Can They Afford to Deal Him? Miller has had considerable opportunity to grab a regular job over the last three seasons but is still not established. New York is likely more willing to deal him now than in past seasons.

2. Alexander Khokhlachev, C, Boston Bruins

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What Kind of Player Is He? Alexander Khokhlachev is a creative center in the Boston Bruins' system. He has played just over 100 AHL games in his career and has competed in six NHL games. 

Are They Likely to Trade a Prospect at the Deadline? The Bruins have no real choice as the pressure is immense to make the playoffs. An aging roster needs a boost, and it's going to cost the club picks or prospects.

Can They Afford to Deal Him? The prospect cupboard isn't overflowing, but the club can afford to deal from strength. Boston has several skill forwards ahead of Khokhlachev but few on cheap contracts. It's going to be a difficult decision, but logic dictates the club will pull the trigger on a deal.

1. Brett Ritchie, RW, Dallas Stars

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What Kind of Player Is He? Brett Ritchie is an emerging power forward in the Dallas Stars' system. He is in his second full AHL season and has played in 15 NHL games in 2014-15. 

Are They Likely to Trade a Prospect at the Deadline? The Stars are an unusual team in that they're brilliant offensively but ghastly as a defensive group. They are very likely to deal a prospect in pursuit of defensive help.

Can They Afford to Deal Him? The Stars are loaded at forward, which gives them enough depth to deal a top-end prospect such as Ritchie. A trade that brings in a quality defenseman—who is not a rental—is extremely likely based on current roster issues.