NHL Trade Deadline: 5 Teams That Should Not Make a Single Deal

As the trade deadline approaches, teams' expectations will start to be revealed.  

Some teams will look to pick up some help with expectations of a deep playoff run, while others will sell off their assets for picks and look to the future.  

A few teams, however, will be quiet at the deadline, either because they're confident in their current roster, or they're still right on the line between buying and selling or for some other unknown reason.  

The following list will explore five teams who likely won't make any deadline deals.  

Anaheim Ducks

Earlier this season, the Anaheim Ducks were expected to be major sellers, but their recent success suggests otherwise.  

The Anaheim Ducks are now an incredible 15-2-4 in the last 21 games and are just five points out of the playoffs. 

They've still got to beat the odds in order to reach the playoffs, but they've come too far to give up now and sell.

Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators are a team who are in the midst of a rebuild, entering this season with little expectations.  

With the offensive outbreak of Jason Spezza, the surprise Norris Trophy candidate Erik Karlsson and the new-found health of captain Daniel Alfredsson, the Senators actually find themselves in a playoff position today.  

If the team loses in the first round or even misses the playoffs altogether, this season is something to be proud of.  

With so many teams still in the playoff hunt, the sellers are in a position to ask for a lot in return for their assets. As Bryan Murray puts it, “Right now, some teams are looking for a top young prospect and a first-round pick in exchange for a (UFA). I'm not willing to do that."

If Bryan Murray holds out this deadline and elects to make no moves, the franchise could be greatly rewarded in the next few years.  

Phoenix Coyotes

Most teams make additions to show the league that they're serious about the postseason. In the Coyotes' case, showing they're serious would be just not selling. 

Despite sitting in seventh place in the West and being one of the best teams in the league as of late, the Phoenix Coyotes have plenty of rumors surrounding Shane Doan and Ray Whitney.  

Whether the rumors are sparked by a lack of expectations for the club or the financial issues the franchise is facing isn't exactly clear, but the team may not be in Phoenix for too much longer, and they owe it to their fans for one last playoff run. 

With an 8-1-1 record in the last 10, the Coyotes should hold on to Shane Doan and Ray Whitney and ride this Cinderella story out.  

Pittsburgh Penguins

Earlier this season, with Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, Jordan Staal and James Neal injured, the Penguins were slipping in the standings and a trade was expected to be imminent. 

As it turned out, James Neal had a bruised foot rather than a broken one, and under the leadership of Evgeni Malkin, the team survived the onslaught of injuries.  

Jordan Staal and Kris Letang have since returned, and the team's postseason looks positive.

Although sixth in the East is a lower than they'd like to be, the recent news regarding Sidney Crosby could be enough to make them dormant at the deadline.  

The Penguins have a young, successful team with a positive future. As Sidney Crosby remains confident that he'll return before the playoffs, it could be in their best interest to continue relying on James Neal and Evgeni Malkin to get them to the playoffs.  

With Crosby back, Pittsburgh will once again be among the favorites to win the Stanley Cup.  

St. Louis Blues

Since Ken Hitchcock took over as head coach, the St. Louis Blues have been amazing.  

As one of the best teams in the NHL, the Blues are in a position to be quiet at the Feb. 27 deadline and still be among the favorites to win it all.  

The St. Louis Blues have a plethora of young talent, but they are led by the great experience of Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner.  

If that's not worrisome enough, the team has the best goalie tandem in the NHL this season, one of whom (Jaroslav Halak) is responsible for one of the most heroic and spectacular playoff runs in recent memory.  

The Blues have the ability to do nothing at the deadline, while keeping the outcome positive for this season and for many to come.