NHL Trade Deadline Deals That Could Help Stanley Cup Contenders

NHL teams are just hours away from the Feb. 29 trade deadline. Several big names are already off the board, and there are negotiations going on at the eleventh hour in order to extend players with high value.

Among the group that are moving on, there is a mixed bag of talent. Some of the veterans available—such as Eric Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes—could help any contender and represent a major upgrade. Others are able to help in specific areas but are not considered complete players.

Here are nine deadline deals that could bolster Stanley Cup contenders in a big way.

Arizona Coyotes' Mikkel Boedker Traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning

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What Does He Bring? Mikkel Boedker of the Arizona Coyotes is an effective veteran with solid offense and two-way ability. One of his greatest assets is good foot speed, which he uses to his advantage on offense and defense.

Where Would He Fit Best? The Tampa Bay Lightning made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final last season and will be looking to do the same in 2016. The team has an impending free agent of its own—Steven Stamkos—so this might be the year to go for it. 

What Is the Potential Cost? The Coyotes are once again in rebuild mode, and the Lightning have a holdout entry-level deal in Jonathan Drouin. Tampa Bay would want some kind of protection in case they are unable to sign Boedker—perhaps a conditional draft pick—but the deal does make some sense for both teams.

Boston Bruins Trade Loui Eriksson to the Los Angeles Kings

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What Does He Bring? Loui Eriksson is an effective scoring winger for the Boston Bruins. He has averaged close to 24 goals per 82 games as an NHL player. 

Where Would He Fit Best? The Los Angeles Kings are attempting to keep up with the arms race in the Western Conference. Marian Gaborik is having injury issues—Lisa Dillman of the Los Angeles Times reported he would be out for an extended period—and Los Angeles needs to address the position.

What Is the Potential Cost? The Kings do not have their 2016 first-round selection, having sent it away last year in the Andrej Sekera trade. They do have a plethora of young prospects but may also be able to offer young NHL players under control—including Tanner Pearson, who has had some NHL success. A package including one or more from their group of picks, prospects and young NHL players may get it done.

Calgary Flames Trade Kris Russell to the Dallas Stars

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

What Does He Bring? Kris Russell of the Calgary Flames is a solid defensive defender most famous for his shot-blocking prowess. 

Where Would He Fit Best? The NHL has valued stay-at-home defensemen for a century, but the specific skill set has less value now than at any time in the league's history. That said, Russell's defensive acumen and shot blocking give him high value even in this difficult era for a player of his type. 

What Is the Potential Cost? The deadline cost for Russell may be as high as a first-round pick, so teams that still have their early picks are most likely to land the veteran. The Dallas Stars need defensive help for their high-octane offense and possess their first-round selection. A prospect such as Jamie Oleksiak may also cover the cost. 

Carolina Hurricanes Trade John-Michael Liles to the Washington Capitals

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

What Does He Bring? John-Michael Liles of the Carolina Hurricanes is a savvy veteran defender with a range of skills. Although the offense he delivered a decade ago is no longer part of his game—he put up 49 points for the Colorado Avalanche in 2005-06—he is a reliable player with the puck and defensively.

Where Would He Fit Best? The Washington Capitals looked set until an injury hit John Carlson, meaning they are likely in the market for an NHL defenseman for the stretch run. Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post reported on the injury and procedure—and the fact Carlson will be out for as much as four weeks.

What Is the Potential Cost? The Hurricanes are in sell mode, so a mid-level prospect or mid-round draft pick should get it done. A young prospect such as Connor Carrick might be enough to cover the acquisition cost.

Carolina Hurricanes' Eric Staal Traded to the New York Rangers

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

What Does He Bring? Eric Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes is an effective veteran with a wide range of skills. He is a strong possession player, as shown by HockeyAnalysis.com, and he can help in all areas.

Where Would He Fit Best? The New York Rangers have a veteran team and recently made a run to the Stanley Cup Final. Adding Eric Staal to its roster—which includes Eric's brother Marc—might be enough to push the team into the semifinals.

What Is the Potential Cost? The Rangers have cap issues, so would need the Hurricanes to retain some salary. They could offer prospects such as Pavel Buchnevich or draft picks—paying a premium for the player and salary retention in Carolina.

Edmonton Oilers Trade Nail Yakupov to the Montreal Canadiens

Tim Sharp/Associated Press

What Does He Bring? Nail Yakupov of the Edmonton Oilers is a struggling winger who has never been able to get established as an NHL scorer. 

Where Would He Fit Best? The Montreal Canadiens are badly in need of scoring, and Yakupov has some history with Alex Galchenyuk. It'd be a stretch to call Montreal a strong contender—they are miles from the playoffs—but with Carey Price making progress, the club may make a smaller bet. The Canadian Press reported recently on Price's situation (via CBC Sports).

What Is the Potential Cost? Yakupov was the No. 1 overall selection in 2012, but the ask from Edmonton will not be reflective of his draft position. Montreal might be able to build a deal around Lars Eller or Nathan Beaulieu.

New Jersey Devils Trade Lee Stempniak to the St. Louis Blues

Paul Vernon/Associated Press

What Does He Bring? Lee Stempniak of the New Jersey Devils is an effective scoring winger. His value at the deadline is high, as he has proved over and over he is an effective plug-and-play acquisition. 

Where Would He Fit Best? Stempniak could fit onto almost any NHL roster and certainly any team needing offense while also having an open spot on one of the top three lines. The St. Louis Blues are a solid candidate, as they need some offensive punch in their efforts to drive deep into the playoffs.

What Is the Potential Cost? Since he often gets traded in March, Stempniak's past informs his value today. He could probably be acquired for a second- or third-round pick or a player like Magnus Paajarvi of the Blues.

Toronto Maple Leafs Trade P.A. Parenteau to the Anaheim Ducks

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What Does He Bring? P.A. Parenteau of the Toronto Maple Leafs is a proven offensive player who brings consistency to the game.

Where Would He Fit Best? The Anaheim Ducks are a strong team and have been rolling since Christmas. They could use a veteran scorer, although David Perron has helped in that area since his acquisition in January.

What Is the Potential Cost? Anaheim is loaded with prospects and should have no trouble satisfying a trade of this type. The Ducks should not have to give up any of their top-end prospects who are playing for the San Diego Gulls of the AHL.

Vancouver Canucks Trade Dan Hamhuis to the Boston Bruins

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What Does He Bring? Dan Hamhuis of the Vancouver Canucks is a reliable and effective veteran. Best known for his defensive value, he can also move the puck efficiently. 

Where Would He Fit Best? The Boston Bruins are an unusual team in that they are going through a small rebuild while also being loaded with veterans. Adding Hamhuis at the deadline gives another veteran defender to play with Zdeno Chara, Dennis Seidenberg and Torey Krug—a substantial top four.

What Is the Potential Cost? Boston has several interesting assets, including young defender Colin Miller, who has played in the NHL for much of this season. A draft pick may also cover the ask from Vancouver.