NHL Trade Deadline 2015: Options for Playoff-Bound Teams to Get Even Better

NHL teams are making their lists and in some cases pulling the trigger on deals in an effort to get ready for the long playoff season. The recent trade between the Nashville Predators and Toronto Maple Leafs is an example of teams finding the right fit. That deal may inspire more movement in the days before the deadline.

This season, the playoffs are wide open because of the struggles of last year's champion, the Los Angeles Kings. The top of the standings shows Nashville, the New York Islanders and others along with the usual suspects.

For teams with a real chance to win the Stanley Cup, this is a vital point in the season. Making the right decision is paramount, and addressing the need with a perfect fit is the goal. Here are eight trade deadline options for playoff-bound teams that could put them over the top.

Anaheim Ducks: Better Depth on Defense

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

The Issue: The Anaheim Ducks are struggling down the stretch, partly because of a rash of injuries. As this article by Josh Gold-Smith of the Score indicates, there are problems everywhere for the Ducks. 

The Opportunity: The Philadelphia Flyers are setting up their defense for next season with the signing on Nick Schultz, as described by the Associated Press via CBC.ca. That may mean there's an opportunity to acquire a veteran like Braydon Coburn in order to ease cap worries for next season. Coburn has one year remaining on his contract. 

The Cost: The Ducks have substantial prospect depth in goal, defense and at forward. They could easily cover the trade cost with any number of emerging players playing on the farm for the Norfolk Admirals this season.

Boston Bruins: Where to Begin?

Gary Wiepert/Associated Press

The Issue: The Boston Bruins need a big right winger to replace Jarome Iginla and have been on the lookout since training camp. They also need a veteran defenseman to help a crumbling defense that is suddenly slow and ineffective.

The Opportunity: Chris Stewart of the Buffalo Sabres might solve the problem up front, and he fits the Bruins style of play. Jeff Petry of the Edmonton Oilers may also shake loose and could help Boston defensively.

The Cost: In both cases, the price would involve picks and prospects, something the Bruins could provide to complete a trade. The issue for Boston management: The roster as is may not be good enough to win a playoff round. Is it wise for the team to invest short term? It's unlikely top prospect Malcolm Subban is dealt, but a lesser prospect may be available.

Chicago Blackhawks: Scoring Depth

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

The Issue: The Chicago Blackhawks are always a strong contender for the Stanley Cup, and one of the main reasons is tremendous depth. One area that could impact the team during this year's playoffs is scoring depth at forward. 

The Opportunity: Jim Matheson of The Edmonton Journal tweeted on Feb. 15 on the Blackhawks, suggesting Antoine Vermette of the Arizona Coyotes is someone the 'Hawks are looking at as the deadline approaches. 

The Cost: Arizona will have many teams calling after Vermette, who may be the most capable offensive player available. It may cost a valuable draft pick and a quality prospect, but Chicago is in the window to win championships now. Trading for Vermette makes a lot of sense for the Blackhawks.

Detroit Red Wings: Right-Handed Defender

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

The Issue: The Detroit Red Wings defense is entirely left handed. The crew is effective, but a right-handed option would help, and the team could use added overall depth on defense.

The Opportunity: Jeff Petry of the Edmonton Oilers is a rare right-handed defenseman who is under 30 and on the open market. If Detroit can add him for the stretch run and have success, there's a chance the player signs long-term with the club.

The Cost: Petry is an UFA this summer and may require a significant draft pick and or prospect. Detroit owns their second-round pick and several interesting prospects, so they should be able to complete a trade if they decide Petry is worth acquiring for the stretch drive.

Los Angeles Kings: Find a Good Defenseman

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

The Issue: The Los Angeles Kings are trying to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions, something no one has done since the Detroit Red Wings turned the trick in 1997 and 1998, however, they are having a tough time cobbling together a healthy and effective defensive group. 

The Opportunity: The Carolina Hurricanes have an exceptional defenseman with an expiring contract in Andrej Sekera. He's an ideal fit for the Kings and could end up being this year's Marian Gaborik—a rental player Los Angeles acquired and then signed long-term. 

The Cost: The Hurricanes will want young assets, and the Kings have a large group of prospects at both pro and amateur levels. They could also satisfy the trade requirement with a combination of prospects and draft picks.

New York Islanders: Grab a Goalie

George Nikitin/Associated Press

The Issue: The New York Islanders are enjoying a wonderful season and are a lock for the playoffs. The addition of Jaroslav Halak was a solid move, but his workload is heavy. His save percentage has him tied for No. 28 overall, and backup Chad Johnson is struggling. 

The Opportunity: The San Jose Sharks are in a transitional period and that could mean Antti Niemi is available. The Islanders could help their situation in a big way by adding another solid veteran at the position.

The Cost: The Sharks are going to be asking for significant return, but the Islanders are motivated, and Niemi might be a better long-term option than Halak. If the team is interested in maximizing their chances this spring, a better goaltending tandem is a good idea. New York has the cap space to make this trade happen.

Tampa Bay Lightning: A Little More Defense

Tom Mihalek/Associated Press

The Issue: The Tampa Bay Lightning are building a quality team that should compete for years to come. Among their current problems is a lack of veteran defensemen, and the deadline price could be dear. The club's top four defenders are all 20-minute performers, but the depth at the position is thin. 

The Opportunity: Zbynek Michalek is a veteran defender for the Arizona Coyotes enjoying a strong season. He is in his free-agent year, and Arizona is a motivated seller.

The Cost: The Lightning will be competing with other NHL teams for a player like Michalek, but they have several interesting options available. If they target Michalek and decide to secure him, there are very few NHL teams who could offer a better package. A prospect like Vladislav Namestnikov is an interesting option.

Washington Capitals: Acquire Matt Moulson for the Skill Lines

Adam Wiepert/Associated Press

The Issue: The Washington Capitals are enjoying a strong season and will definitely be buyers at the deadline. Among the issues facing them is the lack of depth up front, reflected in the quality of forwards who spend time with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom.

The Opportunity: Matt Moulson is a quality offensive winger who may be available at the deadline. He is signed to a significant long-term deal, so this wouldn't be a rental situation. 

The Cost: The Buffalo Sabres are looking at a rebuild and would be looking for high-end prospects and quality draft picks. Washington has a strong team this season and would be getting a quality solution with a signed contract in Moulson. This is a trade that makes sense for both sides.