Updated NHL Trade Block Big Board 1 Week From the 2023 Deadline
The 2022-23 NHL trade deadline is Friday, March 3, at 3 p.m. ET. There have been six trades since we published our last NHL Trade Block Big Board on Feb. 6, and two of them removed a pair of notable names from our listing.
The St. Louis Blues dealt both. The first was winger Vladimir Tarasenko, who was shipped to the New York Rangers. The second was center Ryan O'Reilly, as he was part of a three-team deal last week that sent him to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Chicago captain Jonathan Toews also comes off our listing. He released a statement announcing he's stepping away from the team because of long COVID and chronic immune response syndrome.
A number of noteworthy trade candidates remain as the deadline approaches, though. They include San Jose Sharks winger Timo Meier, Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane and Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
With the deadline just one week away, here's our updated Trade Block Big Board. We'll look at where the top trade candidates sit in our rankings based on value and the likelihood of a trade, as well as the latest rumors involving them since we published our previous listings.
20. Tyler Bertuzzi, Detroit Red Wings
1 of 20
Listed at No. 12 on our previous big board because of his expiring contract, Tyler Bertuzzi seemed a likely trade candidate. However, the Detroit Red Wings might not be as keen to move him as originally believed.
Slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, the 27-year-old seems no closer to a contract extension. On Feb. 11, Sportsnet's Jeff Marek reported there were brief discussions between Red Wings management and Bertuzzi's camp, but they weren't serious and didn't go anywhere.
Fast-forward to a week later, however, and Marek's colleague, Elliotte Friedman, said there's a belief that Bertuzzi isn't going anywhere for now, as the Wings prefer to retain the former 30-goal scorer as they attempt to nail down a playoff berth.
The Wings could change their minds about retaining Bertuzzi, so we're including him on our updated listing of the top trade candidates. Nevertheless, he slides to No. 20 as the possibility of a trade seems much less likely.
19. Joel Edmundson, Montréal Canadiens
2 of 20
We had Joel Edmundson listed at No. 9 on our previous big board. The subject of trade speculation for most of this season, the 29-year-old Montréal Canadiens defenseman seemed certain to be moved by the trade deadline. However, an ongoing recovery from an upper-body injury has adversely affected his value.
Unlike most on this list, Edmundson isn't on an expiring contract. He's signed through 2023-24 at an average annual value of $3.5 million with a 10-team no-trade clause. That extra year on his contract, his physical defensive style and his postseason experience were expected to make him an attractive trade candidate.
The trade rumors about Edmundson persisted this season despite his being hampered by the recurring injury. However, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported on Feb. 16 that the Canadiens could have difficulty moving banged-up players such as Edmundson and center Sean Monahan, who's been out since Dec. 5 with a lower-body injury.
Edmundson could still draw interest from a playoff contender in dire need of blue-line help. However, the concerns over his injury send him tumbling down our listing. As for Monahan, who was No. 16 on our previous ranking, he's not included here given the uncertainty over when he'll return to action.
18. John Klingberg, Anaheim Ducks
3 of 20
In January, the full no-trade clause in John Klingberg's contract reverted to a modified deal listing 10 preferred trade destinations
The 30-year-old Anaheim Ducks defenseman continues to slide down our big board, tumbling from No. 15 on our previous listing. A six-time 40-point performer, he has just 22 points in 48 games this season and is sidelined with a lower-body injury.
On Feb. 8, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli wondered if a playoff contender in need of power-play production from the blue line might take a chance on Klingberg. He suggested the Seattle Kraken, New York Islanders and Calgary Flames as potential fits.
Since then, however, Klingberg hasn't been mentioned much in recent trade rumors. That doesn't mean he won't get moved by deadline day. However, the Ducks will likely have to retain some salary and accept a low return (such as a third-round pick) if they hope to get anything for him at this stage.
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17. Kevin Hayes, Philadelphia Flyers
4 of 20
With their playoff hopes fading, the Philadelphia Flyers could become sellers by the trade deadline. Kevin Hayes has recently surfaced in media trade chatter. The 30-year-old forward sits second among Flyers scorers with 48 points in 58 games.
On Feb. 5, Philly Hockey Now's Sam Carchidi cited Detroit Hockey Now's Kevin Allen reporting a "very good" NHL club is interested in Hayes, who's been moved from center to wing by Flyers coach John Tortorella. Allen said the mystery club would like to move Hayes back to center.
Perhaps that "very good" club is the Colorado Avalanche. On Jan. 20, The Athletic's Eric Duhatschek mused about the possibility of the Avalanche bringing in Hayes to fill their second-line center position.
Hayes' contract, however, could prove too difficult to move before March 3. He's carrying an average annual value of $7.1 million through 2025-26 with a 12-team no-trade list. Still, one can't dismiss the possibility, especially if the Flyers are willing to retain part of his cap hit to facilitate a deal.
16. Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks
5 of 20
Frequent rumors of teams with potential interest in San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson saw him land on our December and January big boards. A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman, the 32-year-old has returned to form after three injury-plagued seasons to lead all blueliners with 76 points in 58 games.
The Karlsson trade chatter dried up throughout January, so much so that we didn't include him in our February listing.
His contract carries an average annual value of $11.5 million through 2026-27 plus a full no-movement clause, and it seemed impossible to deal the highly skilled blueliner with so many teams carrying limited salary-cap space.
However, the Karlsson rumor mill roared back to life Feb. 11 when TSN's Chris Johnston tweeted the Edmonton Oilers had reengaged in trade discussions with the Sharks. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believed the Sharks would have to retain between $4.5 million and $5 million of Karlsson's cap hit to make this work.
Three days later, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun expressed his belief that the financial hurdles for the Sharks and Oilers are too difficult to clear during this season. He acknowledged a three-team deal was possible to spread the cap hit around but doubted it would happen.
Nevertheless, the fact that the two clubs are discussing it moves Karlsson back onto our board.
15. Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues
6 of 20
St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong has been busy in the trade market this month, shipping out Tarasenko and O'Reilly weeks before the March 3 deadline.
Other Blues, such as Colton Parayko, could be on the move as well.
On Feb. 16, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported the Blues could give consideration to moving Parayko to shed his contract. The 29-year-old defenseman is signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $6.5 million and a full no-trade clause.
Nevertheless, LeBrun said he's drawing the most interest among the Blues defense corps.
Two days later, The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford reported there was more talk of the Blues perhaps moving a defenseman such as Parayko with term remaining on his contract. On Feb. 21, Frank Seravalli indicated the Ottawa Senators inquired about Parayko as they continue to shop for an experienced rearguard to bolster their blue line.
Parayko's cap hit and no-trade clause could make him difficult to move in-season. It could be a deal that takes place in the offseason. Still, the amount of recent buzz about him combined with the Blues' recent trade activity makes his situation worth monitoring as deadline day draws near.
14. Tanner Jeannot, Nashville Predators
7 of 20
The Nashville Predators are struggling to remain in the chase for the final Western Conference wild-card berth. On Feb. 16, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported being told that general manager David Poile was willing to listen to offers on almost everyone on his roster if they don't soon gain ground in the standings.
LeBrun mentioned Poile could entertain offers on notable forwards such as Matt Duchene, Ryan Johansen or Mikael Granlund. However, they're all signed beyond this season on expensive contracts that could prove difficult to move at the deadline given the high number of teams carrying limited salary-cap space.
Tanner Jeannot, however, could draw more interest if Poile's willing to move him. A versatile, physical forward with a decent scoring touch who can play either wing, the 25-year-old carries an affordable $800,000 cap hit and is slated to become a restricted free agent on July 1.
Those attributes are among the reasons for Jeannot's debut on our big board. On Feb. 18, the New York Post's Larry Brooks reported the Predators could move the rugged winger if he's not re-signed before the trade deadline. The Rangers could be among the suitors.
13. Karel Vejmelka, Arizona Coyotes
8 of 20
Trade talk regarding the Arizona Coyotes has fixated on defensemen Jakob Chychrun and Shayne Gostisbehere. Of late, however, Karel Vejmelka has surfaced in the rumor mill.
The 26-year-old is in the first season of a three-year contract that features an average annual value of $2.7 million. Lacking no-trade protection, he could be shipped to any other club. However, he's also their best goaltender, posting a 3.38 goals-against average, a .903 save percentage and three shutouts.
Vejmelka's stats would be better if he weren't backstopping a rebuilding club. Despite his lack of playoff experience, he could be a solid option for a contender seeking affordable goaltending depth.
On Feb. 13, the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch included Vejmelka among several goalie trade targets for the Senators. Three days later, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believed Vejmelka's name came up in discussions between the Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings regarding a potential trade involving Chychrun that failed to materialize.
12. Max Domi, Chicago Blackhawks
9 of 20
Signed last summer by Chicago to a one-year, $3 million contract, Max Domi was expected to become a trade chip by the deadline. The 27-year-old has played very well, leading his club with 46 points in 57 games.
That performance earned Domi the No. 8 spot on our previous big board. However, it's no longer a certainty that he'll be moved by the deadline.
On Jan. 9, The Athletic's Scott Powers reported Domi would prefer to stay in Chicago and sign a contract extension. In his Feb. 16 "32 Thoughts" column, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman indicated Domi still hoped to stay put.
That hasn't kept Domi's name out of the rumor mill. On Feb. 20, CBS Sports' Chris Bengel included the versatile forward among his list of trade candidates for the New York Islanders. Unless Chicago GM Kyle Davidson gets an impressive offer, he could retain Domi.
11. Shayne Gostisbehere, Arizona Coyotes
10 of 20
Suffering an upper-body injury on Jan. 24, Shayne Gostisbehere was projected to miss four to six weeks. However, the 29-year-old defenseman returned to the Arizona Coyotes lineup on Feb. 19, giving the club enough of a window to showcase him for a trade.
Overshadowed by the trade speculation dogging teammate Jakob Chychrun, Gostisbehere lacks Chychrun's defensive skills. Nevertheless, he plays a good offensive game, sitting fourth among Coyotes scorers with 29 points in 50 contests this season.
As noted in our previous big board, Gostisbehere is on an expiring contract with a $4.5 million cap hit, though in actual salary he's earning $1 million. That could make him enticing for teams in need of offense from their blue line.
On Feb. 11 Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Gostisbehere could be the Edmonton Oilers' fallback option if efforts to land San Jose Sharks blueliner Erik Karlsson prove fruitless. Other clubs could also look at the Coyotes' puck-moving rearguard.
10. Joonas Korpisalo, Columbus Blue Jackets
11 of 20
An injury-ravaged roster contributed to the Columbus Blue Jackets' sink toward the bottom of the standings. Among the few bright spots is the play of goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, who could draw some interest in the trade market from postseason contenders seeking depth between the pipes.
Korpisalo is on a one-year contract worth $1.3 million, lacks a no-trade clause and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 28-year-old Finn has a record of 10 wins, 10 losses and three overtime losses with a 3.14 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.
On Feb. 16, The Athletic's Aaron Portzline wrote that Korpisalo could be an affordable option in this year's thin goalie market. He noted the Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings and Seattle Kraken could be in the market for a goalie.
Two days later, Sportsnet's Jeff Marek observed that Korpisalo had an adjusted save percentage going back to early December of 1.9 percent saves above expected. That put him above such notables as the New York Islanders' Ilya Sorokin, the Dallas Stars' Jake Oettinger and the New York Rangers' Igor Shesterkin over the same period.
9. Jake McCabe, Chicago Blackhawks
12 of 20
All eyes are on the Chicago Blackhawks with next week's trade deadline approaching. Mired near the bottom of the NHL standings, they're expected to peddle some of their veteran players for draft picks and prospects.
Jake McCabe debuted at No. 14 on our previous big board. A physical penalty-killing defenseman, the 29-year-old is under contract through 2024-25 with an average annual value of $4 million. He also carries a seven-team no-trade clause that reportedly includes every Canadian team except the Toronto Maple Leafs, per Seravalli.
TSN's Pierre LeBrun tweeted on Feb. 11 that McCabe was drawing interest from playoff contenders. He cited sources claiming the asking price was a first-round pick, but that price could increase if interested clubs want Chicago to pick up half his salary-cap hit.
Two days later, LeBrun wondered if the Maple Leafs might attempt to acquire McCabe. However, his colleague, Jonas Siegel, isn't convinced that McCabe would be the upgrade the Leafs require on their blue line.
8. James van Riemsdyk, Philadelphia Flyers
13 of 20
The Philadelphia Flyers could become sellers if they can't gain ground in their chase for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. James van Riemsdyk remains their most likely trade candidate. He was ranked No. 11 on our previous big board.
In his Feb. 16 "32 Thoughts" column, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported van Riemsdyk had drawn interest from the Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and Winnipeg Jets. Two days later, the Philadelphia Inquirer's Giana Han speculated the 33-year-old winger could fetch a second-rounder or a combination of lower draft picks.
Han and her colleague, Olivia Reiner, believe the Flyers will have to absorb part of van Riemsdyk's $7 million cap hit to facilitate a deal. Reiner believes how much they're willing to retain (up to the league maximum of 50 percent) could determine the return, suggesting the veteran winger could bring the Flyers a "high mid-round pick."
While he lacks no-trade protection, the Wild could be van Riemsdyk's preferred destination. On Feb. 17, Philly Hockey Now's Sam Carchidi reported he makes his offseason home in Minnesota.
7. Luke Schenn, Vancouver Canucks
14 of 20
Making his debut at No. 17 on our February big board, Luke Schenn continued to surface frequently in trade rumors in recent weeks. The 33-year-old Vancouver Canucks defenseman is garnering interest thanks to his cheap one-year, $850,000 contract, his playoff experience and physical style of play.
On Feb. 15, the Province's Patrick Johnston reported Schenn was considered the leading Canucks trade candidate. The blueliner said he didn't expect the team to sit him to ensure he doesn't get injured. Roughly a week later, however, the Canucks announced Schenn would be withheld from the lineup until he's traded.
Schenn would be enticing to playoff contenders with limited cap space in need of a skilled shutdown defenseman. Johnston's colleague, Ben Kuzma, anticipated that Schenn could bring the Canucks a second- or third-round pick.
Kuzma wrote that the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs were believed among the interested clubs. There could be other cap-strapped playoff contenders vying for Schenn's services as the trade deadline approaches.
6. Ivan Barbashev, St. Louis Blues
15 of 20
The St. Louis Blues wasted little time in getting active in the trade market this month, shipping Tarasenko to the New York Rangers and O'Reilly to the Toronto Maple Leafs. That's turned Ivan Barbashev into their next most likely trade candidate.
Barbashev, 27, debuted at No. 13 on our last big board. A skillful two-way forward who can play center or either wing, he's slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He carries a cost-effective $2.3 million cap hit and lacks no-trade protection.
Those factors explain why Barbashev continues to feature in recent trade rumors. On Feb. 14, ESPN.com's Kevin Weekes reported he was drawing interest from "multiple teams." Four days later, The Athletic's Fluto Shinzawa believed the Boston Bruins could have some interest in the Blues forward.
The Blues stocked up on draft picks in their returns for Tarasenko and O'Reilly. They're likely to do the same with Barbashev. Weekes speculated their asking price could be a first- or second-rounder plus a prospect.
5. Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks
16 of 20
The Vancouver Canucks trading Bo Horvat on Jan. 30 to the New York Islanders raised speculation over Brock Boeser's future with the franchise. That put the soon-to-be 26-year-old winger at No. 7 on our last big board.
On Feb. 11, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman wondered if the Canucks winger would have to wait until San Jose Sharks forward Timo Meier was dealt. He believes clubs that lose out in the Meier sweepstakes could look at Boeser.
Five days later, the Toronto Star's Nick Kypreos wrote that the Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils had expressed interest in Boeser. Nevertheless, he believes the Canucks would have to retain 20 to 25 percent of his $6.7 million annual cap hit to make a deal happen.
However, The Athletic's Michael Russo and Joe Smith reported on Feb. 22 that Boeser's agent was working hard to facilitate a trade with the Wild, with the Canucks' consent. Boeser is a Minnesota native, but his annual cap hit will be difficult for the Wild to absorb because they're facing a salary-cap crunch after this season.
4. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
17 of 20
The subject of trade speculation throughout this season, Patrick Kane could soon be moving on after 15-plus years in Chicago. The 34-year-old winger moved up from No. 6 on our previous listing to No. 4 following the Blues' trades of Tarasenko and O'Reilly.
On Feb. 11, The Athletic's Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus reported hearing the Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights had "confirmed interest" in Kane. NBC Sports Chicago's Ryan Taylor reported on Feb. 21 that Chicago GM Kyle Davidson said he and Kane hadn't spoken yet about any specific trade destinations.
Kane had been linked to the New York Rangers, but they opted instead for Tarasenko. He didn't hide his displeasure over the move when speaking to reporters, indicating he'd been paying attention to the Rangers "for obvious reasons." However, the New York Post's Larry Brooks reported on Feb. 22 that the Rangers are still eyeing Kane.
An unrestricted free agent on July 1 with a $10.5 million salary-cap hit this season, Kane has a full no-movement clause that gives him complete control over this situation. He's expected to make his decision before next Friday's trade deadline.
3. Vladislav Gavrikov, Columbus Blue Jackets
18 of 20
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov was at No. 3 on our previous big board. He remains at this lofty position after the Blue Jackets announced on Feb. 14 that the 27-year-old blueliner was being held out of the lineup until deadline day for trade-related reasons.
That news is a clear indication that Gavrikov's days with the Blue Jackets are numbered. He's slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and lacks no-trade protection. His $2.8 million average annual value makes him an enticing trade target for cap-strapped playoff contenders.
On Feb. 14, The Athletic's Aaron Portzline listed the Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals as possible destinations. Two days later, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman suggested the Boston Bruins, Leafs and Oilers had shown some interest.
Portzline believed the Jackets had a deal in place for Gavrikov but were waiting for the other team to clear some cap room. Friedman reported the Bruins had looked at acquiring the Blue Jackets defenseman. However, they've since acquired defenseman Dmitry Orlov from the Washington Capitals.
2. Jakob Chychrun, Arizona Coyotes
19 of 20
After months of trade speculation stretching back to last season, Jakob Chychrun could soon be playing for another club. On Feb. 13, the Arizona Coyotes announced the 24-year-old defenseman would be held out of the lineup for trade-related reasons for at least a week. He has yet to return to their lineup.
That news, along with the Blues trading Tarasenko to the Rangers, moved Chychrun from No. 4 on our previous big board to No. 2. The puck-moving blueliner has 28 points in 36 games this season and carries a salary-cap hit of $4.6 million through 2024-25.
Media speculation frequently tied Chychrun to the Los Angeles Kings. In his Feb. 16 "32 Thoughts" column, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said one theory had the Kings making an offer the Coyotes considered insufficient. Another had the two clubs trying to make a larger deal involving more players, but they were unable to make the contracts work.
Friedman also speculated the Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets could be destinations for Chychrun, who lacks no-trade protection this season. He added the Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be out of the running.
1. Timo Meier, San Jose Sharks
20 of 20
The top player on our previous big board, San Jose Sharks winger Timo Meier retains that honor as the March 3 deadline approaches. Despite being listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury, the 26-year-old remains the hot topic of media trade chatter.
On Feb. 14, TSN's Pierre LeBrun said the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes had held discussions with the Sharks. The Devils were interested in signing Meier to a contract extension as part of a trade, but that's less of an issue for the Hurricanes. The Toronto Maple Leafs were also mentioned, but this was prior to their acquisition of Ryan O'Reilly.
A week later, LeBrun indicated the St. Louis Blues, Vegas Golden Knights and Winnipeg Jets had inquired about Meier. Blues general manager Doug Armstrong apparently seeks a quick retool of his roster. LeBrun said he could be willing to part with two of his three first-round picks in this year's draft as part of a package offer for Meier.
The Devils, Hurricanes and Jets don't have as many first-rounders as the Blues to offer the Sharks. However, they could draw upon their deep prospect pools to make competitive bids. That could leave the Golden Knights as long-shot candidates in the bidding for Meier despite their $8.8 million in projected trade-deadline cap space.
Stats (as of Thursday) via NHL.com, salary info via CapFriendly and prospect info via The Athletic.
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