Final NHL Trade Block Big Board 1 Day From the Trade Deadline
The NHL's trade deadline is nearly upon us. As the time ticks toward 3 p.m. ET on Friday, activity in the trade market has picked up. Buyers are trying to find suitable players to add depth to their rosters for the playoffs. Sellers are attempting to ship out those who no longer fit into their future for draft picks and young players.
There was a significant increase in player movement on Wednesday following several quiet days in the trade market. While several players came off the trade block, some notable candidates remain available.
They include Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel and St. Louis Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich. Meanwhile, Boston Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark and New Jersey Devils winger Tyler Toffoli are among several new players to appear in recent media trade chatter.
Here is our final NHL Trade Block Big Board before the deadline. It features the 20 players we consider the most likely trade candidates based on skill, experience, contracts and how often they appeared in media-generated rumors in the week leading up to the deadline.
Do you agree or disagree with our list? Let us know in our app comments below.
20. Jordan Kyrou, St. Louis Blues
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Signed to an eight-year, $65 million contract in Sept. 2022, Jordan Kyrou was expected to be part of a young core of talent for the St. Louis Blues to build around. After a 75-point performance in 2021-22 and 73 points in 2022-23, the 25-year-old winger is well off that pace this season with 48 points in 60 games.
Despite Kyrou's lengthy contract, he's become the subject of recent speculation over his future with the Blues. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman noted "almost nonstop noise" around the speedy winger. The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford believes there's a 50-50 chance he gets traded before his no-trade clause begins on July 1, 2025
It's doubtful that Kyrou will be moved before the deadline. That sort of deal seems more likely to occur in the offseason when teams have more cap space to acquire such expensive contracts.
Still, those recent reports and his offensive skills make him a player of interest heading toward the deadline. He could interest teams with cap room looking to add a scorer with term remaining on his contract.
19. Jordan Eberle, Seattle Kraken
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As the Seattle Kraken lose ground in the hunt for a Western Conference wild-card berth, there is anticipation among NHL pundits that general manager Ron Francis will be a seller leading up to the trade deadline. Jordan Eberle could be one of his players on the move by Friday.
Eberle, 33, is among the original players selected by the Kraken in the 2021 expansion draft. He's eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1, carrying a $5.5 million cap hit and a 16-team no-trade list. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports there's been contract extension talk. Still, Francis might be tempted by a suitable trade offer.
An eight-time 20-plus goal scorer who's also netted 40 or more points nine times, Eberle has 14 goals and 37 points in 58 games this season with the low-scoring Kraken. A move to a deeper, experienced playoff contender could boost his production while benefiting his new club.
The Kraken already made one significant move by shipping center Alex Wennberg to the New York Rangers. Eberle could be next if contract talks fall through before the deadline.
18. Jake DeBrusk, Boston Bruins
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The Boston Bruins are jockeying for first place in the overall standings. However, there are concerns over the depth at center and on defense. General manager Don Sweeney has a well-earned reputation for making major moves at the trade deadline, and there's a feeling he could make another this year.
That's generated speculation that Jake DeBrusk could become a trade chip by Friday's deadline. The 27-year-old winger will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and he carries a $4 million cap hit and lacks no-trade protection. On Feb. 28, he told reporters that contract extension talks had stalled and admitted that it's in the back of his mind that he could be moved by Friday.
DeBrusk debuted at No. 9 on our March 1 NHL Trade Block Big Board. Rumors linked the Alberta native to the Calgary Flames or Edmonton Oilers.
Things have since grown quiet in the rumor mill regarding DeBrusk. The Bruins could retain him if there are no suitable trade offers or if they decide to move another roster player to free up cap space for other moves. Nevertheless, we won't rule out the possibility that he gets moved by Friday's deadline.
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17. David Savard, Montreal Canadiens
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Contenders in the market for an experienced shutdown defenseman could set their sights on David Savard as the trade deadline approaches. The 33-year-old Montreal Canadiens blueliner has surfaced of late in the rumor mill.
Savard is a mentor and leader for the Canadiens' young defensemen. He has another season left on his contract with an average annual value of $3.5 million and lacks no-trade protection.
On March 4, The Athletic's Arpon Basu reported Canadiens management isn't eager to move Savard, who's also stated that he wants to stay in Montreal. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman noted that other clubs like what Savard brings to the table, but the Canadiens are in a position where those teams would have to make it worthwhile.
Cap-strapped suitors could also request the Canadiens retain part of Savard's cap hit. If so, Basu believes the asking price would start with a first-round pick. A contender seeking someone with Savard's skills and Stanley Cup experience might step up and pay it.
16. Alex Nedeljkovic, Pittsburgh Penguins
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The Pittsburgh Penguins appear to be gearing up as trade deadline sellers as their playoff hopes fade. Alex Nedeljkovic could be among their trade candidates.
A Calder Memorial Trophy finalist with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021, Nedeljkovic has struggled to regain his once-promising form. Over the next two seasons, his inconsistent play saw him bounce between the Detroit Red Wings and their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids.
Signed as a free agent by the Penguins to a one-year, $1.5 million contract, the 28-year-old Nedeljkovic settled in as a backup for Tristan Jarry. He has nine wins, five losses, and four overtime losses with a 2.85 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports that Nedeljkovic has garnered some interest in the trade market. He could be an affordable option for contenders trying to shore up their goalie depth for the playoffs.
15. Matt Dumba, Arizona Coyotes
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The recent trades of defensemen Chris Tanev and Ilya Lyubushkin could improve Matt Dumba's value in the trade market leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. The 29-year-old Arizona Coyotes blueliner debuted among the top 20 players on our Feb. 23 NHL Trade Block Big Board but slipped to honorable mention status the following week.
Having tumbled out of playoff contention in the Western Conference, the Coyotes are expected to be trade-deadline sellers. General manager Bill Armstrong will be peddling his pending unrestricted free agents. That includes Dumba, a right-shot defenseman who logs 20:04 of ice time per game and plays a physical game.
The Toronto Sun's Terry Koshan reported Dumba was among the defensemen linked to the Maple Leafs in the rumor mill. However, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman is skeptical that he'll end up in Toronto by the deadline.
Dumba is on a one-year contract with a $3.9 million cap hit and lacks no-trade protection. The Coyotes could be willing to retain part of his salary for the right offer.
14. Erik Johnson, Buffalo Sabres
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A lack of recent media trade speculation sent Erik Johnson sliding down our NHL Trade Block Big Boards throughout February. Nevertheless, he remains a player of interest as the deadline approaches.
The Buffalo News' Lance Lysowski reported Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams admitted receiving more calls about Johnson from rival GMs in recent days than he did leading up to that point. That's because the market for experienced defensemen thinned out after Chris Tanev and Ilya Lyubushkin were traded last week.
Johnson is on a one-year, $3.3 million contract and lacks no-trade protection. He previously expressed his wish to finish the season with the Sabres. However, he told Lysowski that he wouldn't have an issue about getting traded if that's what Adams decides to do.
The 35-year-old Johnson has struggled at 5-on-5 play this season but remains an effective penalty-killing, shot-blocking defenseman. He's also just two years removed from winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche. Those skills and championship experience could see him end up with a playoff contender by March 8.
13. Nic Dowd, Washington Capitals
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A shortage of skilled centers in the trade market occurred after Adam Henrique was traded to the Edmonton Oilers and Alex Wennberg was shipped to the New York Rangers. Some teams could turn to the Washington Capitals to inquire into the availability of Nic Dowd. He's been sidelined by an upper-body injury but is expected to return following the deadline.
A fixture on our NHL Trade Block Big Boards throughout February, the 33-year-old Dowd carries an affordable $1.3 million annual average value through 2024-25. Combined with his solid two-way style of play, he could be enticing for contenders seeking depth at center on their checking lines.
The Capitals are struggling to remain in the playoff chase and aren't under any pressure to move Dowd by the trade deadline. Still, they could part with him if a rival club offered up a second-round pick. On the March 4 episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman indicated there were teams with a lot of interest in the Capitals center.
Dowd could draw attention from cap-strapped contenders looking for more than just a playoff rental. Among them could be the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs.
12. Anthony Duclair, San Jose Sharks
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Mired near the bottom of the overall standings, the San Jose Sharks are believed to be peddling several of their pending unrestricted free agents. Among them is winger Anthony Duclair, who's been playing his best hockey of the season in recent weeks. The 28-year-old has 16 goals and 27 points in 56 games.
The Sharks' struggles this season ensured Duclair would become a fixture in our NHL Trade Block Big Boards. He was ranked 16th among our March 1 trade candidates.
Duclair carries a cap hit of $3 million but the Sharks could retain some of that to facilitate a trade. He scored a career-high 31 goals with the Florida Panthers in 2021-22 and helped them reach the Stanley Cup Final last season. On a deeper club with better linemates, Duclair's stats should improve.
The Hockey News' Max Miller cited Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reporting that several teams were interested in Duclair. He could become an affordable option for cap-strapped teams that lose out in the bidding for wingers such as Pittsburgh's Jake Guentzel or St. Louis' Pavel Buchnevich.
11. Elias Lindholm, Vancouver Canucks
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The Vancouver Canucks made the biggest splash in the trade market thus far by acquiring Elias Lindholm on Jan. 31. from the Calgary Flames. With the deadline looming, however, there's talk that the 29-year-old center could be on the move again.
On Tuesday, TSN's Chris Johnston reported the Canucks are interested in Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel. He claims they've had discussions with the Boston Bruins about potentially sending them Lindholm as part of a three-team trade.
The Bruins have lacked an established top-six two-way center since Patrice Bergeron and David Krejčí announced their retirements last summer. They were thought to be among the suitors for Lindholm before the Flames shipped him to Vancouver.
Johnston doesn't consider the Canucks among the front-runners for Guentzel because of the high asking price set by the Penguins. While this deal might not come off, this report has put Lindholm back among our top 20 trade candidates.
10. Jakob Chychrun, Ottawa Senators
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Shipped to the Ottawa Senators before last year's trade deadline, Jakob Chychrun continues to pop up in the rumor mill as March 8 draws near. The 25-year-old defenseman frequently appeared in our previous Trade Block Big Boards among the top-20 candidates or honorable mentions depending on the ebb and flow of speculation attached to him.
On March 4, TSN's Darren Dreger reported the trade conjecture surrounding the Senators rearguard has picked up as the trade market for defensemen quickly shrinks. Dreger doesn't anticipate a trade but clubs could be willing to pay the Senators' asking price.
The following day, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning could be among the suitors for Chychrun if they lose out in the bidding for Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. He's signed through 2024-25 with an annual cap hit of $4.6 million plus a 10-team no-trade clause.
Garrioch believes Senators general manager Steve Staios will only move Chychrun if he gets an offer too good to refuse, adding he's in no hurry to trade him. He cited an NHL executive suggesting Staios could seek a first-round pick and perhaps a player in return. The Senators GM has indicated his willingness to sign Chychrun to a contract extension this summer.
9. Martin Necas, Carolina Hurricanes
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Martin Necas appeared at No. 11 on our March 1 Trade Block Big Board after the New York Post reported the Carolina Hurricanes could entertain offers for the 25-year-old winger. He carries a $3 million cap hit and is scheduled to become a restricted free agent on July 1 with arbitration rights.
We noted that general manager Don Waddell was in the market for a top-six scorer. Necas sits third among Hurricanes scorers with 43 points in 56 games but he's considered a middle-six forward who skates on the second or third lines.
Given Necas' arbitration rights, Waddell might consider using the winger as trade bait in a larger deal for a more experienced scorer. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believes Necas' situation "definitely is coming to a head".
The Hockey News' Ryan Henkel wondered if Waddell might set his sights on Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel. He speculated the Penguins might want Necas as part of the return.
8. Jason Zucker, Arizona Coyotes
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The Arizona Coyotes' 14-game winless skid from Jan. 24 to Feb. 29 knocked them out of playoff contention. It's expected they'll be shopping pending free agents such as Jason Zucker at the deadline. The 32-year-old winger was ranked 13th on our March 1 Trade Block Big Board.
On March 5, GOPHNX.com's Craig Morgan tweeted that Zucker was held out of the Coyotes' game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday for trade-related reasons. That's a sure sign that he'll be on his way to another club by the deadline unless a deal falls through at the last minute.
A five-time 20-plus goal scorer with the Minnesota Wild and Pittsburgh Penguins, Zucker has just nine goals and 26 points in 51 games on a Coyotes roster that sits 25th in goals per game average (2.90) this season. Nevertheless, he has 46 games of postseason experience and could see his production improve on a contender.
Zucker carries a $5.3 million cap hit which the Coyotes might have to retain a portion of to facilitate a trade. The New York Rangers could be a trade partner as they're in the market for a top-six right winger.
7. Frank Vatrano, Anaheim Ducks
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Unlike most players on this list, Frank Vatrano is not slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The 29-year-old Anaheim Ducks winger has a year remaining on his contract with an annual average value of $3.7 million. He also lacks a no-trade clause and is poised to reach the 30-goal plateau for the first time in his NHL career.
Rumors linking Vatrano to the New York Rangers earned him a place among the top 20 players on our March 1 NHL Trade Block Big Board. He previously played for the Blueshirts late in the 2021-22 season and had a key role in their march to the 2022 Eastern Conference Final.
The Athletic's Eric Stephens noted that Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek recently scouted the Rangers and the Carolina Hurricanes. He could attempt to cash in on moving Vatrano while his value is high but is under no pressure to move him at the deadline because of the extra year on his contract.
Stephens' colleague Pierre LeBrun also linked Vatrano to the Rangers and Hurricanes. However, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believes the Ducks' high asking price could affect his value in the trade market.
6. Tyler Toffoli, New Jersey Devils
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Trade rumors recently surfaced about Tyler Toffoli as the Devils slipped in the standings. The 31-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Score's Josh Gold-Smith cited Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald saying he's not shopping Toffoli but didn't rule out the possibility.
The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported Fitzgerald remained in contract extension talks with the Toffoli camp. How long that new deal would be is believed to be an issue. LeBrun believes Fitzgerald doesn't want to trade Toffoli but might have to given the number of teams calling about the 31-year-old winger.
Toffoli lacks no-trade protection and carries a $4.3 million cap hit. He leads the Devils with 26 goals and is fourth in points with 44. He also has considerable playoff experience, winning a Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings in 2014 and helping the Montreal Canadiens reach the 2021 Cup Final.
LeBrun speculates contract talks could go down to the wire. If Fitzgerald decides to peddle Toffoli he won't just give him away. The asking price could start with a first-round pick or a good young NHL player as part of the return.
5. Linus Ullmark, Boston Bruins
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The Boston Bruins' need to address a couple of roster issues has given rise to speculation suggesting Linus Ullmark could be a trade candidate. Winner of the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender last season, the 30-year-old Swede has teamed with Jeremy Swayman to provide the Bruins with the league's best goalie tandems.
Team president Cam Neely last week indicated the Bruins could use "a stiff defender" and more help on offense. However, their lack of salary-cap space plus their limited number of tradeable draft picks and prospects would require moving a roster player to address one or both needs.
The Athletic's Fluto Shinzawa cited an NHL team executive suggesting it would be a gutsy move to trade Ullmark. It could address their roster issues but it would leave them seeking an experienced backup for Swayman as he takes over the starter's job. Ullmark's $5 million cap hit through next season and 16-team no-trade clause could also complicate things
Boston Hockey Now's Jimmy Murphy cited Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman speculating the Bruins have at least investigated trading Ullmark. The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun was told the New Jersey Devils have looked into acquiring the Bruins goalie. Whether a trade takes place remains to be seen but it earns Ullmark a place among our top trade candidates
4. Reilly Smith, Pittsburgh Penguins
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The increasing likelihood of the Pittsburgh Penguins becoming sellers at the trade deadline increased speculation that winger Reilly Smith could be on the move. Smith, 32, has a year left on his contract with an annual cap hit of $5 million and a 10-team no-trade clause. He was 10th on our March 1 NHL Trade Block Big Board.
Acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights last summer, Smith has been struggling to score this season with the Penguins. On March 1, Pittsburgh Hockey Now cited Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli claiming they were getting more interest in Smith from other clubs than in high-scoring winger Jake Guentzel.
That's probably due to Smith's cap hit being a little less expensive than Guentzel's $6 million. The extra year on his contract could entice contenders seeking players signed beyond this season.
3. Jacob Markström, Calgary Flames
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The New Jersey Devils' attempt to acquire Jacob Markström last month put the Calgary Flames goaltender atop our Feb. 16 NHL Trade Block Big Board. That effort reportedly fell through over the Flames' unwillingness to retain part of Markström's $6 million cap hit through 2025-26. As a result, he slid to No. 4 on our March 1 board.
However, Markström once again set the rumor mill abuzz following Pierre LeBrun's March 1 report in The Athletic indicating the Devils were willing to take on the entirety of his annual salary-cap hit. The same day, Markström told reporters he was unhappy over the Flames' handling of the situation, sparking speculation he could be moved after all by the deadline.
On March 2, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman indicated the Devils consider acquiring Markström their priority. If a deal can't be made by the deadline, it could be revisited during the offseason. LeBrun echoed Friedman's comments two days later, pointing out that Flames GM Craig Conroy is worried about tearing the heart out of his team.
Calgary Hockey Now's Trevor Neufeld cited Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli speculating Flames ownership nixed the deal with New Jersey. Regardless, the fact the Devils remain interested in Markström is reason enough to keep him among our top 20 trade candidates.
2. Pavel Buchnevich, St. Louis Blues
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Teams in the market for a top-six scoring winger with term remaining on his contract should look no further than Pavel Buchnevich. That's assuming a contender can convince St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong to part with him.
Buchnevich, 28, is signed through 2024-25 with an average annual value of $5.8 million and a 12-team no-trade list. He leads the Blues with 24 goals in 59 games and sits second in points with 48. TSN's Darren Dreger reported that Buchnevich could be among the forwards targeted by clubs like the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun cited his colleague Chris Johnston claiming the Blues asking price is similar to what the Calgary Flames received from the Vancouver Canucks in the Elias Lindholm trade. That would be a first-round pick, two prospects, and an NHL player.
LeBrun is skeptical that any contender would pay that price for Buchnevich when there are more affordable top-six forwards in the trade market. Nevertheless, we can't rule out a contender getting desperate enough to make that pitch.
1. Jake Guentzel, Pittsburgh Penguins
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The top player on our March 1 NHL Trade Block Big Board, Jake Guentzel is the most talented player available in this year's market. The two-time 40-goal scorer is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He carries a cap hit of $6 million along with a 12-team no-trade clause.
Guentzel is currently sidelined by an upper-body injury but is expected to return by mid-March. His talent makes him enticing for contenders in need of a top-line scorer. However, it also means the Penguins have set a high asking price for him. That, plus his cap hit, is difficult for most clubs to absorb.
On March 2, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Penguins are more interested in acquiring prospects than draft picks as part of the return for Guentzel. For example, they'd prefer two prospects over a prospect and a draft pick, the idea being that prospects can crack their lineup much sooner.
Two days later, Friedman wondered if the Detroit Red Wings and Carolina Hurricanes might kick tires on Guentzel. TSN's Pierre LeBrun felt the Vancouver Canucks could also be among the suitors.
On Tuesday, LeBrun's colleague Chris Johnston reported the Canucks could be looking into a three-way trade for Guentzel that would involve shipping Elias Lindholm to the Boston Bruins. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but it's an indicator of Guentzel's value as the top trade candidate heading toward the deadline.
Stats (as of March 6, 2024) via NHL.com. Salary-cap info via CapFriendly.
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