Every NHL Team's Best Trade Asset in 2015-16
It's a leap year trade deadline this season, with the NHL's big day looming on Feb. 29.
Less than two months from the deadline, general managers are already active on the trade market, and there should be plenty more to come as they assess their needs and figure out what they have to part with in order to get what they want.
It's not easy to wheel and deal in the salary-cap world the NHL lives in, but that's why they get paid the big bucks.
Some teams are looking for depth, scoring punch or a specific need on the blue line. Others might seek out some goaltending help or injury replacements as a last resort.
This slideshow goes through every NHL team and offers a single name as the best asset it has available, what makes him the best candidate and what he might fetch in return.
Click ahead to see who your team may offer up.
Anaheim Ducks: Cam Fowler
1 of 30
By the numbers: 34 games, three goals, nine assists, 12 points, minus-11, 59 shots.
Why he's their best asset: The back end is a position of strength for the Anaheim Ducks, and Cam Fowler has grown into a top-notch puck-mover. He has a couple of more years of term left on a reasonable contract worth $4 million per season, and the Ducks could afford to let him go for the right return without feeling much of a loss defensively.
What return can be expected: Offense is the Ducks' big problem this year, so Fowler won't be going anywhere without a winger capable of playing top-line minutes with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry coming back in return.
Arizona Coyotes: Shane Doan
2 of 30
By the numbers: 31 games, 15 goals, six assists, 21 points, minus-two, 79 shots.
Why he's their best asset: The Phoenix Coyotes may be unwilling or unable to sign captain Shane Doan again this summer as an unrestricted free agent. He would garner a great deal of interest on the trade market because of his leadership skills and goal scoring—especially since he's on pace for 30 goals for what would be just the third time in his career.
What return can be expected: Think Jarome Iginla value—a first-round pick and a prospect or two.
Boston Bruins: Loui Eriksson
3 of 30
By the numbers: 38 games, 14 goals, 20 assists, 34 points, plus-nine, 75 shots.
Why he's their best asset: Loui Eriksson is having arguably the best first half of his career. The versatile winger is on pace for 30 goals and 73 points this season. His value is high, and he's set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer—with a market price higher than the Bruins can likely afford. When healthy, the Bruins probably have enough forward depth to let Eriksson go and not suffer too much in the scoring department.
What return can be expected: The Bruins are in need of some defensive help to ease the burden on big captain Zdeno Chara. If they could get a No. 2 blueliner straight up for Eriksson, they'd jump at it. But not many teams will be willing to part with a top-pairing guy for a 30-year-old rental.
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Buffalo Sabres: Jamie McGinn
4 of 30
By the numbers: 40 games, eight goals, 10 assists, 18 points, minus-three, 66 shots.
Why he's their best asset: The Buffalo Sabres are rebuilding and won't want to give up too much in terms of young prospects and roster players, so their best bargaining chip may be winger Jamie McGinn—who was part of the Ryan O'Reilly trade with the Colorado Avalanche. McGinn is a pending free agent who is flirting with 20 goals and 40 points, and he has shown in the past he can be a decent secondary contributor of offense for a team that is looking for depth.
What return can be expected: You won't get much more than a mid-round pick for McGinn given his contract status. But at 27, his playing days are not yet numbered, and a team that is looking to make a run might be intrigued by his decent season with the lowly Sabres.
Calgary Flames: Jiri Hudler
5 of 30
By the numbers: 35 games, five goals, 15 assists, 20 points, minus-10, 52 shots.
Why he's their best asset: The Flames aren't about to part with their young studs, but like they did with Curtis Glencross a year ago, they will look to shed some pending UFA baggage. Defenseman Kris Russell will garner a lot of interest as a guy who can play top-four minutes, block shots and contribute around 30 points per season, but Jiri Hudler's offensive potential might be just a little more attractive to a contender. He did score 30 goals and 76 points last season.
What return can be expected: Unfortunately for the Flames, Hudler's play has dropped significantly this season as he's been moved around the lineup with the team looking for balanced lines over the first half of the year. He hasn't captured the same magic with youngsters Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. Still, he could fetch a couple of early-round picks. Maybe a pair of seconds or a second and third like the Capitals gave up for Glencross last March.
Carolina Hurricanes: Eric Staal
6 of 30
By the numbers: 41 games, eight goals, 16 assists, 24 points, plus-two, 98 shots.
Why he's their best asset: There is no shortage of assets on the Carolina Hurricanes roster, with veterans Kris Versteeg, John-Michael Liles and Cam Ward all set to become free agents in July. But the big fish is captain Eric Staal, whose time with the team may finally be numbered. Teams would line up for the 31-year-old center despite the fact his numbers have dipped the past couple of seasons with the struggling club.
What return can be expected: A 35-year-old Jarome Iginla netted a pair of mid-level prospects from the NCAA ranks and a first-round pick when the Calgary Flames traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins a few years ago. Staal is younger and slightly less productive than Iginla at the time of his deal, so the return should be similar.
Chicago Blackhawks: Andrew Shaw
7 of 30
By the numbers: 42 games, six goals, 10 assists, 16 points, plus-four, 74 shots.
Why he's their best asset: Andrew Shaw is a feisty playoff competitor who would be attractive to most playoff teams. That also makes it hard for the Chicago Blackhawks to deal him away—but if they're looking to make a move, they'll have to dump some salary in return, and it's unlikely they'd move a guy like Marian Hossa. Shaw is a pending restricted free agent who will be seeking a raise from his $2 million annual salary.
What return can be expected: Shaw is only 24, and although he's on pace for just 30 points, he possesses the physical edge that teams covet for the tough games come spring. He could be part of a package for a top prospect like Jonathan Drouin or a couple of second-round picks.
Colorado Avalanche: Jarome Iginla
8 of 30
By the numbers: 41 games, 11 goals, 11 assists, 22 points, minus-13, 100 shots.
Why he's their best asset: Jarome Iginla is still productive at age 38, as he's on pace to hit the 20-goal mark for the 16th straight 82-game season. But he has another year on a contract worth more than $5 million per season, and it's unlikely the Colorado Avalanche are going to be Stanley Cup contenders by then. He has a no-movement clause in his contract but may waive it for a shot at a Cup.
What return can be expected: A first-round pick or project prospect is possible given Iginla's propensity to add offense to a team that needs a boost on the second line.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Jack Johnson
9 of 30
By the numbers: 39 games, five goals, six assists, minus-16, 70 shots.
Why he's their best asset: Now that the Columbus Blue Jackets made a big move in dealing for Seth Jones, they may not be interested in doing much more this season aside from dumping pending unrestricted free agent Rene Bourque on someone. But if they want to move the often frustrating but undeniably talented Jack Johnson, now may be the time. The Jackets have some good young defensemen on the roster and what looks like a solid No. 1 guy in Jones.
What return can be expected: A hard-hitting, heavy shooting defenseman under 30 with term left on his contract would be an attractive addition at the deadline. An equally intriguing young forward from a team with depth might be enough to get talks started.
Dallas Stars: Jason Demers
10 of 30
By the numbers: 37 games, four goals, 10 assists, 14 points, plus-15, 58 shots.
Why he's their best asset: Jason Demers has been a solid top-four defenseman but is a pending unrestricted free agent. He is expendable as long as the Dallas Stars are seeking out a top defenseman in return. It's too early to give up on Valeri Nichushkin.
What return can be expected: If he isn't part of a package for a guy like Dustin Byfuglien or Brent Burns, the Stars won't bother to move him and give up depth.
Detroit Red Wings: Jimmy Howard
11 of 30
By the numbers: 17 games, 7-5-4 record, .910 save percentage, 2.66 goals-against average.
Why he's their best asset: The Detroit Red Wings have a cheaper starting goaltender in Petr Mrazek and are paying Jimmy Howard more than $5 million per season. Howard has three more seasons on his current deal and could return to the starting ranks to help out a team that is dealing with goalie injuries at the deadline.
What return can be expected: A second-round pick might be the best offer, but the Wings might have to settle on a third or stand pat with their overpriced netminder.
Edmonton Oilers: Jordan Eberle
12 of 30
By the numbers: 28 games, 10 goals, seven assists, 17 points, minus-11, 64 shots.
Why he's their best asset: Jordan Eberle is a top offensive weapon who would get a lot of play on the trade market. After an injury limited him early this season, he's put together a nice campaign so far with double-digit goals. The Edmonton Oilers have a ton of scoring depth—especially when rookie Connor McDavid comes back—and would be dealing from a position of strength with the 25-year-old who is locked up for another three seasons.
What return can be expected: Similar to the Ryan Johansen/Seth Jones deal, Eberle could net a top defenseman in return in any deal.
Florida Panthers: Brandon Pirri
13 of 30
By the numbers: 41 games, nine goals, 12 assists, 21 points, minus-two, 96 shots.
Why he's their best asset: The Florida Panthers have done a great job of rebuilding and have a glut of young forwards who are capable of playing center. Brandon Pirri is one of a handful of Panthers who are set to become restricted free agents, and the team may not be able to afford them all. Pirri is only 6'0" and 183 pounds but plays with enthusiasm and an edge.
What return can be expected: Pirri is 24 and has a lot of upside. He could demand a solid prospect or a high draft pick.
Los Angeles Kings: Anze Kopitar
14 of 30
By the numbers: 40 games, 10 goals, 20 assists, 30 points, plus-15, 81 shots.
Why he's their best asset: This is one of those situations where the team would prefer the player to sign a long-term deal than become a true trade possibility, but as it stands now, Anze Kopitar is without a contract for next season and could test the free-agent market. If things go that direction, the team may want to see what it could get for one of the best two-way players in the game.
What return can be expected: If the Kings were to deal Kopitar, he would garner a massive return of first-round picks and top prospects.
Minnesota Wild: Darcy Kuemper
15 of 30
By the numbers: Nine games, 4-0-4 record, .926 save percentage, 2.13 goals-against average.
Why he's their best asset: Darcy Kuemper is a solid goaltender but won't take over the top role as long as Devan Dubnyk is in town. And Dubnyk has another five seasons on his new contract. The 25-year-old Kuemper would be an intriguing prospect for other teams to consider if they need goaltending help.
What return can be expected: Kuemper won't get a return like the Cam Talbot or Martin Jones deal from the offseason, but a third-round pick or prospect at another position could be worth making the move.
Montreal Canadiens: Andrei Markov
16 of 30
By the numbers: 42 games, two goals, 19 assists, 21 points, plus-four, 58 shots.
Why he's their best asset: Andrei Markov has another year on his contract and is performing well again this season as a 37-year-old defenseman. The Montreal Canadiens have some decent defensive depth when healthy, but it doesn't matter when Carey Price is healthy anyway. To add more firepower up front, the team will have to part with a roster player with substance.
What return can be expected: Markov could bring in a solid NHL forward in return.
Nashville Predators: Craig Smith
17 of 30
By the numbers: 40 games, nine goals, five assists, 14 points, plus-one, 108 shots.
Why he's their best asset: With the deal for Ryan Johansen (which already snatched up the Nashville Predators' top asset in Seth Jones), the Preds have less need for Craig Smith, who is playing third-line minutes as a winger rather than his natural center position. He still has a great deal of potential coming off a 44-point season and would be a good pickup for a team that is looking for some secondary scoring.
What return can be expected: Smith could pick up a decent defenseman in return, which the Preds could use after dealing away Jones.
New Jersey Devils: Patrik Elias
18 of 30
By the numbers: 13 games, one goal, four assists, five points, plus-three, 17 shots.
Why he's their best asset: The New Jersey Devils are in a wild-card spot and have done well without Patrik Elias' presence for most of the year. He still has skills and could benefit from a slightly larger role with a new team if the Devils want to shore up their back end. He's a pending unrestricted free agent who could retire or move on after a career spent with the Devils.
What return can be expected: Elias' leadership skills and offensive abilities could lead to a couple of draft picks or a pick and a prospect.
New York Islanders: Kyle Okposo
19 of 30
By the numbers: 39 games, 10 goals, 21 assists, 31 points, minus-five, 92 shots.
Why he's their best asset: Kyle Okposo is a pending unrestricted free agent who leads the New York Islanders in scoring. As a team that could be a playoff dark horse, it will be tough to part with a top scorer even if New York feels it may not be able to sign him.
What return can be expected: A first-round pick and prospect would be the bare minimum for the 27-year-old potential rental.
New York Rangers: Keith Yandle
20 of 30
By the numbers: 40 games, two goals, 19 assists, 21 points, plus-three, 86 shots.
Why he's their best asset: The New York Rangers are not getting what they need from some of their forwards, and the blue line is solid enough to deal with the loss of gifted offensive defenseman Keith Yandle. The 29-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, so it's best the Rangers get what they can for his services before losing him for nothing.
What return can be expected: Even as a rental, Yandle cost the Rangers a conditional first-round pick, a second-rounder and a talented prospect in Anthony Duclair. They should be able to recoup one or both of those picks and still find a forward to help their lackluster group.
Ottawa Senators: Mike Hoffman
21 of 30
By the numbers: 37 games, 19 goals, 16 assists, 35 points, plus-10, 106 shots.
Why he's their best asset: Mike Hoffman is the league's seventh-best goal scorer so far this season and has the net presence that teams will want heading into the playoffs. The Ottawa Senators likely wouldn't peddle him without an equally exciting player coming back in return given their status as playoff hopefuls, but he's finishing out an arbitration contract and could be heading back in that direction as a restricted free agent again this summer.
What return can be expected: Think big, as in a swap for a player like the Tampa Bay Lightning's Jonathan Drouin. It's the only way it would make sense.
Philadelphia Flyers: Brayden Schenn
22 of 30
By the numbers: 37 games, nine goals, 12 assists, 21 points, minus-one, 85 shots.
Why he's their best asset: Brayden Schenn has been a hot player of late and is a physical presence down the middle. He just hasn't quite lived up to the expectations of the Philadelphia Flyers since becoming the fifth overall pick in 2009 and is a restricted free agent this summer. The team traded away his brother recently, and Brayden could use a change of scenery as well. A number of teams would be interested in adding a 24-year-old center with his potential.
What return can be expected: A first-round pick isn't too much to ask, but the Flyers could receive a couple of prospects and a lower-round selection if the bodies coming back were important to them. If they fall further from the playoff race, future assets will be all that matter.
Pittsburgh Penguins: David Perron
23 of 30
By the numbers: 40 games, four goals, 12 assists, 16 points, minus-11, 89 shots.
Why he's their best asset: David Perron has a history of scoring in the league but has been a disappointment during his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he's had the opportunity to play with both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. His past scoring touch and the fact he's still just 27 could make him an interesting trade-deadline name to watch. He's an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
What return can be expected: When the Edmonton Oilers dumped him on the Penguins, they received a first-round pick and a bottom-six roster player in Rob Klinkhammer. Perron may not garner more than a second-rounder and a similar depth player this time around. Maybe the Pens could wrench a rental top-four defenseman away from a team that is looking for Perron's abilities—perhaps a team such as the Calgary Flames and Kris Russell.
San Jose Sharks: Patrick Marleau
24 of 30
By the numbers: 38 games, 14 goals, 15 assists, 29 points, minus-14, 106 shots.
Why he's their best asset: Patrick Marleau may be 36, but he's still on pace for a 30-goal season and around 60 points. He can still play, and a change of scenery with a chance to win the Stanley Cup would do him well. His contract expires following next season.
What return can be expected: A first-round pick and a prospect should still be in play for the veteran.
St. Louis Blues: Kevin Shattenkirk
25 of 30
By the numbers: 33 games, eight goals, 17 assists, 25 points, minus-12, 90 shots.
Why he's their best asset: Kevin Shattenkirk is someone all 29 other teams would covet. He's a right-handed puck-moving defenseman with spectacular offensive upside, especially on the power play. The St. Louis Blues have a great deal of depth on the back end when healthy, and if they want to be big players for a top-notch forward at the deadline, they could look to move Shattenkirk.
What return can be expected: The asking price would be sky-high. Say, for example, they wanted to pluck Jonathan Drouin out of Tampa. There would likely be another player, picks or a combination coming back, even though Drouin is a recent first-round draft pick.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Steven Stamkos
26 of 30
By the numbers: 40 games, 17 goals, 13 assists, 30 points, minus-nine, 113 shots.
Why he's their best asset: As attractive as young prospect Jonathan Drouin may be now that he's been demoted and has demanded a trade, Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is among the most elite scorers in the league and has yet to work out an extension with the team. If Bolts general manager Steve Yzerman feels he's going to lose the star for nothing, he'll make a move and add assets the way he did with Martin St. Louis.
What return can be expected: St. Louis landed a first-round pick, Ryan Callahan and a conditional second-round pick. Stamkos would net even more than that, even as a rental.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau
27 of 30
By the numbers: 39 games, 11 goals, 10 assists, 21 points, plus-three, 70 shots.
Why he's their best asset: The pending unrestricted free agent is on pace for a 20-goal, 45-point season, and even if the Toronto Maple Leafs like the idea of re-signing him next season, they can take a crack at him on the open market after acquiring assets at this year's deadline. He's a solid secondary scorer who is playing nearly as well as in his best years with the New York Islanders and Colorado Avalanche.
What return can be expected: A mid-round pick or a mid-level prospect could be the winner in these imaginary sweepstakes.
Vancouver Canucks: Radim Vrbata
28 of 30
By the numbers: 39 games, 10 goals, eight assists, 18 points, minus-14, 140 shots.
Why he's their best asset: Radim Vrbata has proved he can score. On pace for more than 20 goals despite being taken off the Sedin Twins' line, the 34-year-old winger ranks in the top 10 in the NHL in shots. His shooting percentage is low, which means there's more for him to offer a new team. He's an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the Vancouver Canucks have prospects who could take over the role next year or even in the playoffs if they qualify.
What return can be expected: A couple of second-round picks or a pick and a prospect would be a fair return for Vrbata's services.
Washington Capitals: Marcus Johansson
29 of 30
By the numbers: 39 games, 10 goals, 16 assists, 26 points, plus-11, 77 shots.
Why he's their best asset: The Washington Capitals added Mike Richards and likely don't need to do much more tinkering before the deadline, but if injuries to the back end force a move, they could look to deal pending restricted free agent Marcus Johansson—a 25-year-old who can play the wing or center and is on the third line in Washington. He's the team's fifth leading scorer so far.
What return can be expected: Johansson would command some attention at the deadline and bring in a solid top-pairing blueliner. If the team feels it needs to free up cap space and that he's expendable, he could bring in a top pick and a lower-end prospect.
Winnipeg Jets: Dustin Byfuglien
30 of 30
By the numbers: 41 games, nine goals, 14 assists, 23 points, plus-six, 129 points.
Why he's their best asset: Dustin Byfuglien is a pending free agent who will make a killing on the open market and may be impossible for the Winnipeg Jets to re-sign. Not only does he have offensive upside as one of the league's top 15 shooters, but he's a powerful hitter with a 6'5" frame.
What return can be expected: Byfuglien would instantly be one of the most coveted players on the rental market. The return could be as high as a first-round pick, top prospect and NHL roster player.
Stats courtesy of NHL.com. Contract information via GeneralFanager.com.
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