Updated NHL Trade Block Big Board 2 Weeks from the Trade Deadline
The NHL's March 8 trade deadline is drawing closer. With just two weeks remaining, however, the trade market has remained unusually quiet since the Winnipeg Jets acquired Sean Monahan from the Montreal Canadiens on Feb. 2.
As we noted in our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board, some teams are waiting to find out what happens to Calgary Flames defensemen Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin, Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel and Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique.
Another factor could be the high asking prices being set for those players and others considered to be the top trade candidates as deadline day draws near. The high number of potential buyers with limited salary-cap space also complicates things.
Business could soon pick up with the trade deadline drawing nearer, perhaps involving players like Tanev, Hanifin, Guentzel, Henrique and others on our latest trade board.
As with our previous trade block big boards, we've listed the top 20 players that we consider the most likely to be moved based on skill, experience, contract status and frequency of appearance in media trade rumors over the past week. We've also compiled a brief list of honorable mentions.
Do you agree or disagree with our updated listing? Is there a player you believe we've missed or one who doesn't belong here in your estimation? Tell us why in the app comments below.
Honorable Mention
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Anthony Duclair, San Jose Sharks
A recent spate of rumors had Duclair among our top 20 candidates in our previous trade block big board. He remains a trade candidate for the rebuilding Sharks, but speculation about the 28-year-old winger has once again subsided.
Jordan Eberle, Seattle Kraken
There was talk of Eberle getting moved by the deadline if the Kraken struggled to stay in the Western Conference playoff race. That could still happen, but there's no indication that they're getting ready to sell.
Joel Edmundson, Washington Capitals
Like teammates Nic Dowd and Anthony Mantha, Edmundson remains a likely trade candidate as the Capitals' playoff hopes fade. He hasn't surfaced as much in recent media speculation, but his playoff experience should make him enticing to contenders seeking a veteran shutdown defenseman.
Kaapo Kähkönen, San Jose Sharks
Kähkönen sat among the top 20 trade candidates in our previous three trade block big boards. However, there's been an ongoing decline in media trade chatter involving the 29-year-old goaltender. He remains a trade candidate.
Kevin Labanc, San Jose Sharks
The Hockey News' Max Miller reported on Feb. 14 that Labanc's agent is working with Sharks management to find a new opportunity for his client. The 28-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and carries a $4.7 million cap hit.
David Perron, Detroit Red Wings
Perron made our previous trade block big board as a trade candidate if the Red Wings became sellers by the trade deadline. That seems less likely to happen as they continue to battle for a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference
Ivan Provorov, Columbus Blue Jackets
This is the second time this month that Provorov has slipped out of the top 20 trade candidates into honorable mention status. The Blue Jackets' firing of general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen last week raises uncertainty over Provorov's trade status.
Alex Wennberg, Seattle Kraken
On Feb. 21, the New York Post's Larry Brooks reported the Rangers were looking at the 29-year-old Wennberg to fill their third-line center position. However, he might not be available with the Kraken still jockeying for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
20. Tony DeAngelo, Carolina Hurricanes
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In his eight-season NHL career, Tony DeAngelo has played for four teams, including his current second tour with the Carolina Hurricanes. However, the 28-year-old defenseman could soon be joining his fifth club.
On Feb. 15, The Athletic's Cory Lavalette reported DeAngelo has been the subject of trade rumors as the Hurricanes are shopping him. He's on a one-year contract with an affordable $1.7 million cap hit and lacks a no-trade clause. DeAngelo has also been a frequent healthy scratch this season and is often employed as a seventh defenseman.
DeAngelo is a skilled puck-moving defenseman with two 50-plus-point seasons on his resume. However, his defensive game leaves something to be desired. He also admitted to Lavalette that his reputation for clashing with coaches and teammates in the past could hurt his trade value and that he takes the blame for those indiscretions.
Despite his past behavior, DeAngelo could draw attention from contenders seeking a blueliner with offensive skills as a power-play specialist. That makes him a player worth watching in the rumor mill.
19. Anthony Mantha, Washington Capitals
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As the Washington Capitals struggle to remain in the Eastern Conference playoff race, they could become sellers by the trade deadline. Pending unrestricted free agents such as Anthony Mantha could be shopped leading up to March.
In our previous Trade Block Big Boards in recent weeks, Mantha has bounced back and forth from being among the top 20 candidates to an honorable mention. That's because of the 29-year-old winger's $5.7 million cap hit, which could be difficult for most clubs to take on.
On Feb. 14, The Hockey News' Sammi Silber reported that Mantha's improved goal production this season could boost his value as a trade chip. She cited TSN's Darren Dreger, who noted that Capitals management is remaining patient to see what the market will bear, pointing out that there aren't many quality forwards available.
With 17 goals in 50 games, Mantha is on pace to exceed his career best of 25 goals set in 2018-19 with the Detroit Red Wings. That could make him attractive to contenders in need of a scoring winger, especially if the Capitals agree to retain half of his cap hit.
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18. Matt Dumba, Arizona Coyotes
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During his final season with the Minnesota Wild, defenseman Matt Dumba was the subject of media speculation leading up to the March 2023 trade deadline. He wound up finishing the season with the Wild and signed a one-year, $3.9 million contract last August as a free agent with the Arizona Coyotes.
With the Coyotes tumbling down the Western Conference standings in recent weeks, they'll likely become sellers by the March 8 trade deadline. Dumba, 29, lacks no-trade protection and could be moved to a new club.
Dumba isn't the 50-point blueliner that he was with the Wild six seasons ago. Nevertheless, the 6'0", 181-pounder is a right-hand shot who logs 20 minutes of ice time per game and plays a physical defensive style that could be enticing to teams seeking an affordable second-pairing rearguard.
The Ottawa Senators aren't a playoff contender, but the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch (h/t to freelancer Graeme Nichols) reports they're interested in Dumba. They're seeking veterans who can help their younger stars and could be willing to sign him to a contract extension.
17. Jakob Chychrun, Ottawa Senators
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Appearing at No. 17 on our Feb. 1 NHL Trade Block Big Board, Jakob Chychrun is no stranger to being moved before the trade deadline. He was a fixture in the rumor mill last season before the Arizona Coyotes shipped him to the Ottawa Senators on March 1.
On Jan. 25, the trade chatter about Chychrun dissipated after Senators general manager Steve Staios expressed disappointment over seeing the 25-year-old defenseman's name appearing in the rumor mill. He praised Chychrun's play and his desire to remain in Ottawa, adding that his club would attempt to sign him to a contract extension.
Chychrun dropped out of our previous two Trade Block Big Boards. However, he returns to the top 20 after the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reported teams are interested in the Senators defenseman as more than a rental player. That's because he's signed through next season with an average annual value of $4.6 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.
Garrioch believes the Senators have set a high asking price for Chychrun. If no one meets it by March 8, they're content to wait until the offseason to entertain offers. That's assuming they're unable to sign him to a contract extension.
16. Marc-André Fleury, Minnesota Wild
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The Minnesota Wild haven't given up on their chase for a playoff berth, sitting within three points of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, goaltender Marc-André Fleury hasn't given up on his club.
Fleury, 39, is in the final season of a two-year deal with an average annual value of $3.5 million and a full no-movement clause. This could be his final NHL season, prompting some pundits to wonder if he might accept a trade to a playoff club if the Wild dropped out of contention.
LeBrun reported Fleury recently met with his agent to discuss the upcoming trade deadline. He doesn't want to go anywhere right now because he doesn't want to bail on the Wild while they're still in the hunt for a playoff spot.
However, LeBrun also believes Fleury could favor the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche or Toronto Maple Leafs if the Wild are out of contention by the deadline. That's why we're keeping him among our top 20 trade candidates.
15. Elvis Merzļikins, Columbus Blue Jackets
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The Columbus Blue Jackets shook up their front office last week by firing general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen. While most of the media was focused on his potential replacement, ESPN's Kevin Weekes pointed out that Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzļikins drew interest from the New Jersey Devils.
Merzļikins, 29, appeared at No. 18 on our Feb. 1 NHL Trade Block Big Board following reports that he would be interested in a trade. However, his inconsistent play and $5.4 million average annual value through 2026-27 (along with a 10-team no-trade clause) hurt his value in the trade market and his name faded from the rumor mill.
Weekes' report, however, earned Merzļikins a return to our list. The Devils have been searching for experienced goaltending depth, expressing interest in Calgary Flames netminder Jacob Markström. They were also linked to Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators.
Merzļikins' inconsistency may be due in part to the poor play of the Blue Jackets over the last couple of seasons. A move to a better club could see his performance improve, though his contract remains a sticking point.
14. Rasmus Andersson, Calgary Flames
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The Calgary Flames have dominated our NHL Trade Block Big Boards throughout this season. They've already shipped out Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks. Meanwhile, goaltender Jacob Markström and defensemen Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin remain the subject of media trade chatter.
Rasmus Andersson has also recently surfaced as a trade candidate. On Feb. 16, ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported teams were expressing interest in the 27-year-old defenseman. He's signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $4.6 million and lacks no-trade protection until 2024-25 when he submits a six-team no-trade list.
Weekes pointed out that Andersson's age and affordable contract make him attractive to potential suitors. However, there is no indication the Flames have put him on the trade block. They might be open to trade offers, but that doesn't mean they're peddling Anderson, especially with their defense expected to be depleted once Tanev and Hanifin are moved.
It would take a substantial offer to convince Flames general manager Craig Conroy to part with Andersson. He's also in no rush to move the blueliner given the two years remaining on his deal. While it's unlikely Andersson will be moved by the deadline, he merits inclusion among our top 20 trade candidates.
13. Jake Allen, Montreal Canadiens
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A frequent subject of trade rumors for most of this season, Jake Allen has been part of a three-goaltender rotation with the Montreal Canadiens. It hasn't helped his stats as he has just five wins in 19 games with a 3.66 goals-against average and an .894 save percentage.
As we noted in our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes reportedly won't deviate from his asking price for the 34-year-old Allen, which is believed to involve a draft pick. If no one meets it, Hughes has said he has no problem finishing the season with three goalies on his roster.
It appeared Allen was close to being traded last week as an unsubstantiated rumor on social media had him heading to the Colorado Avalanche. However, TSN's Darren Dreger shot that down, pointing out the two clubs hadn't spoken in recent days and there was nothing close at this stage.
Things could change if a contender in need of a reliable veteran backup (like the Avalanche) finds itself in a pressing need for depth between the pipes. For now, however, it's starting to look like Allen could finish the season in Montreal, which drops him out of the top 10 on this listing.
12. Nic Dowd, Washington Capitals
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A thin trade market for centers grew thinner with the Vancouver Canucks acquiring Elias Lindholm and the Winnipeg Jets landing Sean Monahan. That's boosted the value of checking-line center Nic Dowd, who could become available if the Washington Capitals become sellers by the deadline. He's currently listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
Dowd, 33, is signed through next season with a cost-effective annual cap hit of $1.3 million. That could also make him a valuable trade chip for the Capitals. He originally debuted at No. 6 on our Feb. 8 NHL Trade Block Big Board but slipped to No. 11 the following week as he didn't appear in media trade chatter as often as he had earlier in the month.
On Feb. 12, The Hockey News' Sammi Silber speculated the New York Rangers could come calling about Dowd. She noted that he played well for former Capitals coach Peter Laviolette, who is now the Rangers' head coach.
Citing the Rangers' need for a high-quality defensive center, Silber believes Dowd could fit the bill. However, they could balk at the asking price, which might be a first-round draft pick.
11. Alexandre Carrier, Nashville Predators
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The Nashville Predators remain in contention for a Western Conference wild-card berth. However, they've struggled since mid-January, winning five of their last 12 games, putting them at risk of falling out of the playoff race.
That has some pundits speculating that general manager Barry Trotz could become a seller by the March 8 deadline if his club fails to improve. It's one reason Alexandre Carrier has surfaced in the rumor mill as a trade candidate, checking in at No. 15 on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board.
On Feb. 15, TSN's Chris Johnston reported that Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving was looking for defensemen in the trade market. The 27-year-old Carrier was among those linked to the Leafs, including the Calgary Flames' Chris Tanev and the Philadelphia Flyers' Sean Walker.
Carrier was also mentioned as a trade option for the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks in our previous trade board. Slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and carrying a $2.5 million cap hit, he remains an affordable option for cap-strapped teams in the market for blue-line depth.
10. Sean Walker, Philadelphia Flyers
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Despite the Philadelphia Flyers' hold on third place in the Metropolitan Division, speculation persists that they could be sellers by the trade deadline. That's kept Sean Walker as a fixture on our NHL Trade Block Big Boards.
Slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, the 30-year-old Walker carries a $2.7 million cap hit and lacks no-trade protection. That makes him enticing for contenders in need of an affordable second-pairing defenseman. We recently listed five potential destinations for Walker if the Flyers should trade him.
Flyers management maintains they'll listen to offers on their veterans despite their position in the standings. Sportsnet's Jeff Marek believes they're hoping Walker will fetch a first- or second-round pick. However, he also thinks they could hang onto him for a run at the playoffs if no one meets their asking price.
It seems that Walker isn't as likely to be moved as he was earlier in the month. Nevertheless, he remains among our top 10 trade candidates.
9. Erik Johnson, Buffalo Sabres
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Despite publicly stating that he wants to stay with the Buffalo Sabres, Erik Johnson remains a player of interest in the NHL rumor mill. The 35-year-old defenseman sat eighth on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board.
Johnson is on a one-year contract with a $3.3 million cap hit and lacking no-trade protection. He remains an enticing trade target for playoff contenders seeking an experienced penalty-killing defenseman.
On Feb. 13, The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn suggested Johnson and forward Zemgus Girgensons could be the Sabres' most attractive trade assets among their pending unrestricted free agents. He singled out Johnson's penalty-killing skills as well as his playoff experience, which includes winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.
Nine days later, The Hockey News' Michael Augello observed that several clubs scouted the Sabres during their recent homestand. He speculated the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas Golden Knights and Avalanche could be focusing on Johnson.
8. Vladimir Tarasenko, Ottawa Senators
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Sitting at No. 6 on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board, Vladimir Tarasenko appears to be the player most likely to be moved by the Ottawa Senators before March 8. With the deadline two weeks away, the 32-year-old right wing remains the subject of frequent media speculation.
On Feb. 18, the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reported teams have been calling the Senators about Tarasenko, who's on a one-year contract worth $5 million. He also carries a full no-trade clause, but that's unlikely to impede shipping him to a playoff contender.
Garrioch pointed out that Tarasenko recently changed agents to help him facilitate a contract extension if he gets traded. He also believes the Senators could get a better return if they retained part of the winger's salary. A six-time 30-plus goal scorer, he has 15 goals and 37 points in 51 games with the Senators.
The Athletic's Ian Mendes and Shayna Goldman believe Senators general manager Steve Staios will do well if he can land a second-round pick and another asset for Tarasenko given his contract. They suggested the Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins as potential trade partners.
7. Scott Laughton, Philadelphia Flyers
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Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Sean Walker and center Scott Laughton have frequently been mentioned as trade candidates in recent weeks, earning regular spots on our recent NHL Trade Block Big Boards. While Walker has been mentioned more often given his unrestricted free-agent status in July, Laughton has garnered his share of rumors.
Sitting at No. 9 on our previous trade board, Laughton is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $3 million. That makes the 29-year-old two-way forward an affordable trade target for clubs seeking depth at center. While the Flyers sit third in the Metropolitan Division, management is willing to entertain trade offers for their veterans.
During the Feb. 16 episode of Sportsnet's 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman wondered if the New York Rangers might have an interest in Laughton. Meanwhile, The Athletic's Arthur Staple and Kevin Kurz speculated it could cost the Rangers a first-round pick and perhaps more to acquire Laughton given the Flyers' status as a division rival.
The remaining term on Laughton's contract means the Flyers aren't under pressure to move him by the March 8 trade deadline. If they don't receive suitable trade offers, they will be comfortable hanging onto him for the rest of the season. Nevertheless, he'll likely remain a focus of trade speculation leading up to March 8.
6. Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators
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Sitting at No. 20 on our Feb. 1 NHL Trade Block Big Board, Juuse Saros dropped off our following two boards due to a lack of substantive trade rumors regarding the Nashville Predators goaltender. However, that recently changed when Predators general manager Barry Trotz indicated he was open to trading Saros.
Speaking with Nashville's 102.5 The Game on Feb. 13, Trotz said he'd consider moving Saros for the right offer, adding he'd told the 28-year-old goaltender the same thing. Nashville Hockey Now's Michael Gallagher noted that the Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils had been linked to Saros.
Trotz confirmed that he'd spoken with Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald but it would take a massive offer to tempt him into parting with Saros. NJ.com's Ryan Novozinsky speculated it could cost the Devils a young forward such as Dawson Mercer or Alexander Holtz, a first-round draft pick and top prospect Seamus Casey.
Saros has a year remaining on his contract with an annual average value of $5 million. According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the Predators may be listening to offers but aren't committed to trading their starting goalie. Nevertheless, the possibility of a club meeting Trotz's asking price lands Saros back on our board.
5. Jake Guentzel, Pittsburgh Penguins
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During a 5-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Feb. 14, Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel suffered an upper-body injury. Sidelined for four weeks, the Penguins placed him on long-term injury reserve, meaning the 29-year-old won't return to action until after the March 8 trade deadline.
During his Feb. 21 press conference, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas suggested the possibility of trading Guentzel depending on where the club sits leading up to the trade deadline. He didn't mention any contract extension talks regarding the high-scoring winger, who's eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Sitting at No. 4 on our previous NHL Trade Block Big Board, Guentzel would become the best forward in the market if the Penguins decide to move him. However, Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review speculated that his injury could affect his trade value.
Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli doesn't believe it'll be a factor and expects Guentzel will remain in demand as he'll be returning by mid-March. Nevertheless, some interested clubs could insist on conditions being attached to any return to the Penguins in case of complications during his recovery.
4. Chris Tanev, Calgary Flames
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After spending two weeks atop our early February Trade Block Big Boards, Chris Tanev slipped to No. 3 on our previous board as speculation about the 34-year-old Calgary Flames defenseman quieted down. That's not because teams are losing interest but rather they're waiting to see if they can pressure Flames management into lowering their asking price
As we noted in our last update, the Flames seek a first-round pick for Tanev, but interested clubs are offering up second-rounders for the shutdown blueliner. Like most on this board, he's due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Tanev carries a cap hit of $4.5 million along with a 10-team no-trade clause.
On Feb. 14, The Vancouver Province's Patrick Johnston reported the Canucks would love to add Tanev, who spent the first 10 seasons of his 14-year NHL career with Vancouver. Given their limited cap space, however, he believes they'll pursue more affordable options.
3. Adam Henrique, Anaheim Ducks
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After the Vancouver Canucks acquired Elias Lindholm and the Winnipeg Jets traded for Sean Monahan, Adam Henrique became the top center in the NHL trade market. That had the versatile 33-year-old center sitting no lower than third in each of our previous three NHL Trade Block Big Boards.
The lack of depth among skilled centers in this year's market ensures Henrique, who also plays at left wing, remains among the top players on our updated big board. While he hasn't been mentioned that much in recent speculation, he remains among the top three trade candidates in our current ranking
On Feb. 15, Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin suggested the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs as possible destinations for Henrique. Five days later, TSN's Darren Dreger reported the Edmonton Oilers were looking at Henrique as a third-line center.
Henrique carries a $5.8 million cap hit for this season. Most of the aforementioned teams have limited cap space and would likely want the Ducks to retain half of his cap hit. That could make him more expensive to acquire as it could drive up the asking price.
2. Jacob Markström, Calgary Flames
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Jacob Markström jumped to No. 1 in our previous Trade Block Big Board following reports last week indicating the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils had engaged in serious discussions regarding the 34-year-old goaltender. Those talks reportedly fell through over salary retention, but he remains a hot topic in the rumor mill.
On Feb. 15, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported the Devils remain interested in acquiring Markström. Noting the salary retention issue, LeBrun said that there was a disagreement over what asset would go to the Flames if they agreed to absorb part of Markström's $6 million average annual value through 2025-26.
Three days later, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman expressed his belief that Markström's position had reached the point where he'd told management to let him know when they get a trade offer and he'd decide if he would accept it. Meanwhile, his colleague Eric Francis suggested this situation could linger into the summer before it gets resolved.
It's possible the Flames could find a suitable offer that meets Markström's approval by the trade deadline. For now, however, it appears as though that's not as close as it seemed a week ago.
1. Noah Hanifin, Calgary Flames
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On our previous Trade Block Big Board, we were still awaiting word on whether Noah Hanifin's representatives had spoken yet with Calgary Flames management regarding his future. Perched at No. 5 on that ranking, the 27-year-old defenseman had on-again, off-again contract extension talks with the club.
On Feb. 14, TSN's Darren Dreger reported the Flames were still awaiting Hanifin's decision. He indicated that there were teams interested in the puck-moving blueliner. While the Flames want to re-sign Hanifin, Dreger believed they would trade him before the deadline if he wasn't interested in an extension.
Three days later, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said that it appeared Hanifin was heading to the free-agent market this summer. Friedman admitted he had no confirmation of this from the Flames or the Hanifin camp but felt it was "pretty clear" that he intended to test the market.
On Feb. 20, TSN's Chris Johnston reported that the blueliner is most likely headed for an American-based team. Johnston mentioned the Tampa Bay Lightning as a possible suitor.
If Hanifin isn't interested in a contract extension, Flames general manager Craig Conroy has no choice but to trade him for the best possible return by March 8. He would become the top defenseman in the trade market, which puts him atop this edition of our NHL Trade Block Big Board.
Stats (as of Feb. 22, 2024) via NHL.com with salary info via Cap Friendly.
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