The Player Most Likely to Be Traded Before the Deadline on Every NHL Team
The NHL's trade deadline is like Christmas. Unless you consider free agency Christmas. Or maybe the draft.
Wherever you rank the Feb. 29 trade deadline, it's one of the three big days of the season that isn't directly related to a game. And it's just days away.
Teams are working the phones as buyers and sellers, with some straddling the line in between as they wait until the final hours to see where they stand before making any major moves.
There are a number of solid players believed to be available and plenty of teams still in the playoff race in need of upgrading, so it's a good time to take a look at the player most likely to be traded for all 30 NHL teams.
Expiring contracts are one of the top criteria in these cases, but more and more we're seeing evidence of deals favoring term remaining over rental contracts. And the price from last season isn't necessarily what you'll see exchanged this year.
So whether it's because of a looming free-agent status, a burdensome salary or a rebuilding plan that doesn't include them, these players look like their respective teams' best bets to be on the move on Leap Day 2016.
Click ahead for the full list, and feel free to debate in the comments section below.
Anaheim Ducks: Cam Fowler, D
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It may sound crazy that the Anaheim Ducks would be prepared to part with Cam Fowler, a 24-year-old defenseman who has become a solid two-way defender capable of putting up 35 to 40 points in a healthy season. But the Ducks have a tremendous pool of talent on the back end and may look to upgarde the forward group by sacrificing one of the talented young blueliners on the roster.
Fowler has two more seasons at $4 million on his contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. The Ducks need to re-sign both Sami Vatanen and Hampus Lindholm this summer, and both restricted free agents will be looking at big raises. Therefore, parting with Fowler makes sense in order to help fit the new deals under the salary cap while bringing in a solid return that could help in the short and perhaps long term.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman suggested in a recent interview, transcribed by Chris Nichols, that the Ducks could unload one of the impeding RFAs. However, Fowler may be more of a proven commodity with a known term and dollar amount that could cause a contender to part with a forward if that's a position of strength for them.
Arizona Coyotes: Mikkel Boedker, LW
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Mikkel Boedker is an impending unrestricted free agent, and given the uncertain future of the Arizona Coyotes, no one would blame the 26-year-old Dane for testing the waters come summer. He'll certainly be in line for a big payday as a young winger in his prime. He has decent stats on a dreadful team so far this season, with 13 goals and 38 points in 57 games.
Luke Fox of Sportsnet suggested Boedker is one of the most tantalizing names on the trade market at the moment and may be one of the only commodities worthy of a first-round pick in return, much like Antoine Vermette was a year ago.
The two sides narrowly avoided arbitration in the summer, which may have left a bad taste in the player's mouth. If Boedker can't be signed—and the longer it takes, the less likely it is to happen—then you can be sure Coyotes GM Don Maloney will get value for him in return.
Boston Bruins: Loui Eriksson, LW
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It's going to be difficult for the Boston Bruins to part ways with impending free agent Loui Eriksson at the trade deadline thanks to his heroics this season. Eriksson has scored 20 goals and is having his best offensive year since 2012 while helping the Bruins contend for the Atlantic Division title.
Although the team is just a couple of points ahead of the wild-card spots, it is within striking distance of the Florida Panthers too.
The fact the solid two-way forward has been hot as of late only clouds the issue of whether to peddle him for other assets—such as a top-four defenseman—or keep him because of his importance to the potential playoff run the team may not be able to make without him.
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Buffalo Sabres: Josh Gorges, D
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Defensemen who are not rentals and come at a reasonable price typically fetch a nice return at the trade deadline, and the Buffalo Sabres could part ways with the 31-year-old Josh Gorges after purging so much of the roster around this time last year.
Gorges could have been part of that exodus, but an injury prevented anything from materializing. This year, he's healthy. And with depth on defense so valuable in the playoffs, his $3.9 million salary for the next two seasons may not scare away some of the NHL's contenders.
Calgary Flames: Jiri Hudler, C/RW
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With nine goals and 32 points, Jiri Hudler is nowhere near his pace from last season, during which he set personal highs offensively (76 points) and won the Lady Byng Trophy to cap off his campaign. But the Calgary Flames' numbers have been strong lately, and his hot streak has come at the perfect time to drive up his value.
As an impending unrestricted free agent, Hudler will definitely find himself wearing a new sweater come March. Bleacher Report colleague Lyle Richardson put the 32-year-old on his list of those set to cash in big this summer for good reason. Hudler has the kind of vision and puck-handling skills that would complement any team's top line.
Other Flames who could move include defenseman and shot-blocker extraordinaire Kris Russell, but Hudler will command the biggest return because of his rare gifts.
Carolina Hurricanes: Eric Staal, C
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The Carolina Hurricanes are at a crossroads, both in their season and development strategy. Because the team is in the playoff hunt—albeit unexpectedly—there could be a temptation to hang onto captain Eric Staal for the stretch run. But the next couple of weeks could paint a different picture for the Eastern Conference underdog, making the idea of selling more attractive.
The 31-year-old Staal's skills have been in decline for a few years, and the team may finally part ways and officially turn the leadership over to a younger core that includes Jeff Skinner, Elias Lindholm and even Staal's younger brother Jordan.
From what Eric Staal told the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch recently, it sounds like he half expects to be moving on and that he may even be a little excited about the opportunity to win another Stanley Cup.
Chicago Blackhawks: Bryan Bickell, LW
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There are some teams on this list that have few reasons to shake anything up. The Chicago Blackhawks are one of them. The defending Stanley Cup champions may be looking for some top-line support in order to defend their title but aren't likely going to be able to part with much more than prospects or draft picks to make their run.
Of course, in that scenario, the team will probably have to dump a bad contract for salary-cap relief as well.
Enter Bryan Bickell, the 29-year-old winger who is buried in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs and, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, eager to have new life in the NHL. His $4 million salary is steep, but for the right assets, another NHL team may be willing to gobble it for one more season or even buy him out.
Colorado Avalanche: Alex Tanguay, LW
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Sniper Jarome Iginla would have some value at the deadline, but as Bleacher Report's Adrian Dater said earlier in the season, it's unlikely the veteran with the no-movement clause would accept a deal to move away from Denver.
Fellow Colorado Avalanche veteran Alex Tanguay's no-trade clause isn't as restrictive, and he may be a value add for a contender looking for depth and skill upside at the deadline. While it's true the 36-year-old has been awful for the Avs this season, he did put up 55 points a year ago. The cost to add him may be as low as a mid-round pick.
He's a low-risk player to add for a contender, and the change of scenery might motivate Tanguay for one last crack at the Cup.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Scott Hartnell, LW
9 of 30
There have been many disappointments in Ohio this year, and the Columbus Blue Jackets' Scott Hartnell is included in that definition. He's been a healthy scratch at times, and his anchor of a contract—$4.75 million for three more seasons after this one—is burdensome for many cap-strapped teams.
Yet there's a market for the 33-year-old, who is a gritty presence perfect for the intensities of spring hockey. And his offensive numbers aren't bad despite his occasional sits as a coach's decision. With 18 goals and 37 points in 56 games, Hartnell is tied for the team lead in scoring.
The Fourth Period suggested the Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators are among the teams interested in Hartnell's services.
Dallas Stars: Valeri Nichushkin, RW
10 of 30
The Dallas Stars have been incredible this season, and as relayed by the Dallas Morning News, general manager Jim Nill is leery of making major moves for veteran additions.
Considering the success the team has had despite some holes on the defensive side of the game, it's unlikely Nill will part with any of his top prospects or roster players unless the return is massive.
But dangling the likes of Valeri Nichushkin could result in exactly the kind of return needed. The 20-year-old is still young, and a new opportunity could lead to the breakout that hasn't yet come in the Big D. In return, the team could receive a solid top-four defenseman or even another similarly skilled forward like Jonathan Drouin.
Detroit Red Wings: Jimmy Howard, G
11 of 30
Given the comments from general manager Ken Holland earlier in February, reported by Ansar Khan of MLive.com, it doesn't seem likely the Detroit Red Wings will be much for wheeling and dealing at the deadline.
But the crease is crowded, with Petr Mrazek taking over top spot and the Wings' big-money goaltender Jimmy Howard relegated and unhappy in the role of backup. So it stands to reason that if the Wings could move Howard and his $4.75 million contract (for the next three years), it would free them up to make additions.
Unfortunately, Howard has not won a game since Dec. 3, and his trade value has probably plummeted as a result.
Edmonton Oilers: Justin Schultz, D
12 of 30
A couple of names might have been ahead of Justin Schultz just a couple of months ago, including center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle. But Eberle has found a magic touch with rookie Connor McDavid by his side and Nugent-Hopkins out for six to eight weeks, so the Edmonton Oilers defenseman has shot to the top of the list of candidates.
Schultz hasn't worked out with the Oilers as a top-four defenseman, and as an impending restricted free agent who would need a substantial qualifying offer, the team looks like it will shop him, according to the Edmonton Journal's Cult of Hockey blog.
The 25-year-old is having the worst offensive season of his NHL career (three goals, 10 points) but has shown enough flash in the past to likely pique the interest of a team looking for a puck-moving blueliner at the deadline.
Florida Panthers: Brandon Pirri, C
13 of 30
As a division leader and soon-to-be playoff team, the Florida Panthers are in a position to buy. The biggest bargaining chip on the roster may be Brandon Pirri, who happens to be out with injury, creating an even bigger need for a top-nine forward in Florida.
The 24-year-old center scored 22 goals last season, and although he has just half that total this year, he has matched his point total with 24 in 52 games. He's also a bit of a shootout specialist.
Pirri has been an occasional scratch for the Panthers the past couple of seasons but has shown enough skill as a shooter to be part of a package for a top return in the rental area.
Los Angeles Kings: Christian Ehrhoff, D
14 of 30
The Los Angeles Kings are in a bit of a pickle at the deadline. The team has very little wiggle room under the cap, and that's with veteran blueliner Christian Ehrhoff buried in the minors.
An injury to winger Marian Gaborik has made adding a scoring forward a more pressing need, but the team would have to dump salary to take someone on, which could mean Ehrhoff would need to be part of any package sent out.
Future draft picks are about all the Kings can spare with the cupboard being pretty bare in the prospect department. And it's too early to give up on 23-year-old winger Tanner Pearson despite the fact he's been relegated to more of a third-line role and has been a healthy scratch this season after playing so well last year alongside Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli.
Minnesota Wild: Jonas Brodin, D
15 of 30
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Jonas Brodin was dangled in a pitch for Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen, so it stands to reason the 22-year-old defenseman would be on the block for the kind of impact player the Minnesota Wild need at the deadline in order to help push their way into the playoffs.
Mark Spector, also of Sportsnet, suggested the Wild still need a top center. Perhaps the team can pry someone away from one of the deadline sellers knowing the injured Brodin won't be able to return to the ice until after the deadline because of a broken foot.
This idea is based on the Wild remaining in the playoff hunt ahead of Feb. 29.
Montreal Canadiens: Dale Weise, RW
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The Montreal Canadiens are toast. The Eastern Conference playoff pack has pulled away from the Habs, a franchise that has been in disarray without top goaltender Carey Price since late November. So while normally they would be bulking up for a playoff run, the team is looking at selling pieces for assets.
One impending unrestricted free agent with some value this season is Dale Weise. The gritty 26-year-old has already set a career high with 13 goals and is on pace for more than 30 points in a versatile role that has seen him play top-line minutes at times.
He would be a great depth addition for a contender who could take advantage of matchups in a third-line role and likely has more value than fellow UFAs Tom Gilbert and Tomas Fleischmann.
Nashville Predators: Cody Hodgson, C
17 of 30
Teams looking to add potential value for little in return should take a look at the Nashville Predators' Cody Hodgson, who is buried in the minors but, as reported by RotoWire (h/t CBSSports.com), playing well for the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals.
The 26-year-old actually made great strides in his possession game with the Preds this season, and he was the NHL's most improved player in that category before he was sent down in January.
The Predators will be looking to load up for a stretch run but could parlay any return for Hodgson from a risk-reward motivated contender into part of a package for a piece they could use to improve.
New Jersey Devils: Lee Stempniak, RW
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Winger Lee Stempniak went from a professional tryout player in New Jersey Devils training camp to one if the team's most important players this season. He's on pace for a career high in points (52) and has helped the Devils stay in the playoff hunt this late in the season.
But is the impending UFA more valuable to the Devils as an asset who could help them get to the playoffs, or is his true worth as an asset at the trade deadline who could bring in some draft picks that will help the franchise build a better future?
The 32-year-old could always be brought back next summer, and the rebuilding Devils don't have the depth or talent pool to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup this spring, so it'd be better to get something in return for their savvy signing now.
New York Islanders: Kyle Okposo, RW
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The New York Islanders have some solid names set to become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, but unless they can get the same value for the roster in return, it will be tough to trade any of them given their position in the standings.
The team would likely love to re-sign burly winger Kyle Okposo, and if they keep him through the deadline, it could become a priority in the early offseason. But things have not been stellar for the Metropolitan Division squad in recent weeks, and a goaltending controversy—one debated online by ESPN writers recently—could put their playoff position in jeopardy down the stretch.
It's possible they will look to unload the 27-year-old knowing they are likely to lose him at the end of the year, especially if the team is performing below expectations in the days leading up to the deadline.
New York Rangers: Oscar Lindberg, C
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The New York Rangers defense has gone from a position of deadline strength to a potential weakness because of the uncertainty surrounding captain Ryan McDonagh, who missed games with a concussion early in February after a run-in with the Philadelphia Flyers' Wayne Simmonds and was then taken out of a recent contest because of an elbow from the Toronto Maple Leafs' Leo Komarov.
That means it's unlikely they will deal impending UFA Keith Yandle and more likely that a young roster player such as Oscar Lindberg or J.T. Miller could be used to strengthen the team for the playoffs. Rick Nash isn't being rushed back from a bone bruise, and the Rangers' window is only as wide as goalie Henrik Lundqvist's career is sharp.
The way they went all in for Yandle last year could mean Lindberg is available for the right return. Teams might be more interested in Miller, whose offense has kept the Rangers afloat in the absence of Nash, but they would likely settle for the 24-year-old freshman Lindberg.
Ottawa Senators: Alex Chiasson, LW
21 of 30
Alex Chiasson was one of the key pieces heading to the Ottawa Senators from the Dallas Stars in the Jason Spezza trade in 2014. But he has regressed in both his seasons with the Sens, and the 25-year-old could use a change of scenery to see whether he can live up to the tremendous potential he showed with the Stars.
If the Sens become sellers, as a recent edition of TSN's Trade Talk suggested is possible, the impending UFAs aren't all that attractive. And while the team will likely make re-signing RFA-to-be Mike Hoffman a priority, Chiasson—whose deal also takes him to RFA status after this season—won't get more than a qualifying offer.
A savvy team looking to make more of a hockey deal with a young player who isn't a total rental could benefit from taking a shot at Chiasson. If the Sens try to add for the playoff push, Chiasson may be the most attractive bait they have for a seller looking to add some experienced youth to the roster.
Philadelphia Flyers: Mark Streit, D
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The future of the Philadelphia Flyers blue line belongs to young players such as Shayne Gostisbehere, but Mark Streit has solid value even at 38. He has one more year at $5.25 million and could find himself playing for a contender after the deadline if the Flyers choose to become sellers.
He has struggled to find his offensive game since Christmas but still has four goals and 12 points in 37 games this season. Defensemen are hot commodities at the deadline, with most contenders looking to add depth.
The Flyers are six points out of a wild-card spot and have been active in early-season trading, having already parted ways with Vincent Lecavalier.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Ian Cole, D
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Ian Cole has been disappointing in Pittsburgh, where he finds himself a regular healthy scratch after starting the season on the top pairing with Kris Letang. The 26-year-old puck-moving defenseman is a reclamation project who could pan out for a team looking to add depth and could play him in more of a third-pairing role.
The Penguins appear willing to leave Cole on the bench, barring injury, but he did manage eight points in 20 games with the team after being traded to Pittsburgh from the St. Louis Blues for Robert Bortuzzo last year at the deadline. The potential to grow in the right environment might make Cole part of a package for the scoring forward the Pens need.
San Jose Sharks: Patrick Marleau, C/LW
24 of 30
Patrick Marleau's name has been in trade rumors all year, with TSN suggesting he was willing to waive his no-trade clause for a few other teams.
With the San Jose Sharks in a pretty good position to make the playoffs, the Sharks may not want to make any big waves, but there is the possibility of dealing away some term—Marleau has two years left on a deal that pays nearly $7 million a season—for a draft pick or prospect and rental player.
It could be a win-win situation for the Sharks, who could free up cap space by dealing with a team looking to add leadership that feels it's just a piece or two away from making a playoff run.
St. Louis Blues: Kevin Shattenkirk, D
25 of 30
The St. Louis Blues defense is one of the best in the NHL, and Kevin Shattenkirk is going to be an expensive player to re-sign after next season, when he hits the free-agent market. His value will likely never be higher than right now.
Dealing him would help the Blues bolster the forward ranks for what they hope will be a deep run in the playoffs. The catch is the injury to fellow defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, who is out until at least the deadline.
That makes dealing Shattenkirk a little risky. However, if the Blues know Pietrangelo will be returning soon, they could overcome a brief period without him for the long-term reward of a scoring boost.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Jonathan Drouin, LW
26 of 30
The headline in a Sportsnet article by Chris Johnston summed it up best: Jonathan Drouin's ugly situation is unlike any in history.
The Tampa Bay Lightning sophomore has had a disappointing start to his young NHL career. He asked for a trade months ago. That became public when he was sent to the AHL to get some game time after an injury. Things got more fraught between the two parties when Drouin refused to play for the Syracuse Crunch after a week in the minors.
The 20-year-old third overall draft pick in 2013 has tremendous upside, and the Bolts could cash in to strengthen their chances for a playoff run.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau, RW
27 of 30
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a lottery team and have plenty of assets to move at the deadline for whatever return they can get. They're the Buffalo Sabres of last season. Maybe they will even trade both their goaltenders as part of the tank job.
If you were to pick a name at the start of the season as a guess about which impending UFA would fetch the most in return at the trade deadline, Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau probably would not have been at the top of the list. However, the 32-year-old veteran has been a pleasant surprise this term, notching 15 goals and 30 points through 56 games.
Parenteau told Sportsnet's Chris Johnston it's the best he's felt in three seasons. It's been noticeable on the ice, and whichever team lands him will have a value addition for the playoff run.
Vancouver Canucks: Radim Vrbata, RW
28 of 30
The Vancouver Canucks are likely going to let Radim Vrbata go at the end of the season in order to continue rebuilding the team with youth. The only reason to hold onto the 34-year-old would be to bolster their chances for the playoffs.
But the playoffs are a long shot, with the Canucks eight points out of a wild-card spot. And even if they were closer to making the postseason, Vrbata's play this season has been disappointing enough to have him moved to the fourth line.
Daniel Wagner of the Vancouver Courier made a strong case for the Canucks to deal Vrbata now and not be any worse for wear.
Washington Capitals
29 of 30
Well, it finally happened. There's not a single player on the incredibly stacked Washington Capitals who might be traded.
They made their big moves in the summer, with T.J. Oshie and Justin Williams joining the fold. Then they added center Mike Richards earlier this season without parting with assets. Their depth is solid, and they don't have much salary-cap space to add more bodies.
A draft pick for an affordable depth player on the back end might be the best the fans can hope for. It'd tough to improve what's been the most dynamic roster in the NHL all season.
Winnipeg Jets: Andrew Ladd, LW
30 of 30
The Winnipeg Jets are out of the hunt for the playoffs in the Western Conference and are in the driver's seat in contract negotiations with captain Andrew Ladd, whose contract expires at the end of the season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
The team re-signed stud defenseman Dustin Byfuglien early in February to ensure he didn't leave as a UFA in July and won't pay too much for Ladd to keep him in the fold. If he's not willing to take less than he'd receive on the open market and gets to the deadline unsigned, he's as good as gone.
With the Tampa Bay Lightning stating Steven Stamkos won't be dealt, per Sportsnet, the 30-year-old Ladd leaped to the top of the trade list in terms of value. And Elliotte Friedman told Calgary's Sportsnet 960 radio on Friday morning (via Today's Slapshot) there are some big teams in talks about acquiring the Jets winger's services.
All stats via NHL.com and salaries from General Fanager.
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