Final Predictions Ahead of the 2017 NHL Trade Deadline

The NHL's March 1 trade deadline is only days away. Predictions over where notable stars such as Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene could end up will increase as the deadline approaches. 

Duchene isn't the only noteworthy NHL star who could be moved. Prime trade candidates include St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop, Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal and Detroit Red Wings left wing Thomas Vanek. 

Predicting which teams could pursue some talent in the trade market could also become a hot topic. A Stanley Cup contender such as the Chicago Blackhawks could make a splash on deadline day. So could a team on the playoff bubble such as the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Here's our final predictions for the 2017 NHL trade deadline. 

10. No Major Moves for the Maple Leafs

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On Feb. 16, Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reported the Maple Leafs quietly placed sidelined players Nathan Horton, Joffrey Lupul and Stephane Robidas on long-term injured reserve. This allows the Leafs the flexibility to spend above the $73 million salary cap by over $17 million on deadline day. 

This news suggests the Leafs could be major players in the trade market. While they have the room to bring in some high-salaried help before the deadline, that doesn't mean they intend to use it. 

It could be tempting for the Leafs to pursue a rental such as Shattenkirk. However, the Blues will likely seek a good young player and a top prospect in return. That could prove too costly for Toronto management.

That doesn't mean the Leafs won't get into the trade market to bolster their defense and improve their playoff chances. They could consider more cost-effective rental options for their blueline such as Buffalo Sabres defenseman Dmitry Kulikov or New Jersey Devils rearguard Kyle Quincey.

9. Brian Boyle to the Edmonton Oilers

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For the first time in 11 years, the Edmonton Oilers are poised to reach the playoffs. Lightning center Brian Boyle could help them secure a berth.  

The Oilers need an experienced checking-line center for their third line. On Feb. 12, the Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson reported Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli was scouting the Feb. 10 game between the Lightning and Minnesota Wild. 

At 6'6" and 244 pounds, Boyle would bring size and considerable playoff experience to the Oilers. He reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2014 with the New York Rangers and the 2015 Final with the Lightning. The 32-year-old also has 13 goals this season and a solid faceoff win percentage (53.0). 

The Lightning could be reluctant to part with Boyle. However, if they fail to gain ground in the standings by the deadline, they could listen to offers. The Oilers should be at the head of the pack. 

8. Blackhawks Won't Make a Big Splash at the Trade Deadline.

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Leading up to the last two NHL trade deadlines, the Blackhawks made notable moves to bolster their roster. Last season, they acquired Andrew Ladd from the Winnipeg Jets in a multiple-player move. In 2015, they brought in center Antoine Vermette from the Coyotes. 

This year, however, could be a different story. On Feb. 24, the Chicago Sun-Times' Mark Lazerus reported Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman doesn't expect to make a big splash in the trade pool. He's pleased with the development of his rookies and believes the current roster can stage another run for the Stanley Cup.

Bowman isn't facing pressure to make a big trade. The Blackhawks sit near the top of the Western Conference standings. Veteran stars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews are playing well, and rookie forwards Ryan Hartman and Nick Schmaltz are steadily improving. 

On Feb. 24, Bowman made a minor move by acquiring left wing Tomas Jurco from the Red Wings for a third-round draft pick in the 2017 NHL draft. Given his comments, it could be the only move he makes. 

7. Radim Vrbata to the Ottawa Senators

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On Feb. 24, the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reported Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion was looking for a forward for the right price. Garrioch, citing a league executive, noted the Senators were among several teams interested in Coyotes center Martin Hanzal. A better fit could be Hanzal's teammate, right wing Radim Vrbata.

Of the Eastern Conference clubs holding playoff berths, the Senators score the fewest goals per game (2.61). With right wing Bobby Ryan sidelined for a month with a broken finger, the Sens must improve their scoring depth on the right side. 

With 44 points in 60 games, the 35-year-old Vrbata is the Coyotes' leading scorer. An unrestricted free agent this summer, the Coyotes could peddle him for a draft pick or promising prospect. He could address the Sens' offensive needs at right wing, and he would be more affordable to acquire than Hanzal. 

While Vrbata has an affordable $1 million base salary, his bonuses could garner him an additional $2.25 million. That could put him out of range for most playoff contenders, but the Senators have sufficient projected cap room (over $22 million by the trade deadline) to take him on. 

6. No Takers for Pittsburgh Penguins Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury

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On Feb. 24, Sportsnet's David Singh reported Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said that goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury hasn't asked to be traded. However, Rutherford suggested things could change leading up to the deadline. 

Fleury, 32, lost his starter's job to Matt Murray during the 2016 playoffs. With teams allowed to protect only one goalie in the June expansion draft, the Penguins could trade him in order to protect Murray in the draft. 

Carrying a no-movement clause and a modified no-trade clause, Fleury must approve a deal to another team. However, there isn't much of a market for goalies at this time. On Feb. 16, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos reported the Calgary Flames were "kicking tires" on Fleury. However, there's no guarantee they'll pursue him. 

Rutherford said he's comfortable keeping his goalie tandem intact. If there's a limited market for Fleury, expect the Penguins to retain him.

5. Martin Hanzal to the Montreal Canadiens

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An unrestricted free agent in July, Hanzal is expected to be dealt by the March 1 trade deadline. On Feb. 24, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported the Montreal Canadiens are among several teams with eyes on Hanzal. 

At 6'6" and 226 pounds, Hanzal is a big two-way center who plays an effective shutdown role. With 16 goals in 51 games, he will likely reach 20 goals for the first time in his NHL career. 

The slumping Canadiens need size and skilled depth at center. Alex Galchenyuk and Phillip Danault are struggling, and age is catching up with 34-year-old Tomas Plekanec. Without a boost at forward, the Habs risk tumbling out of the playoff picture. 

LeBrun said Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin isn't willing to overpay for a rental player. The Coyotes could seek a first-round pick and a top prospect, but perhaps that price will come down if Hanzal hasn't been moved when deadline day dawns. If so, expect Bergevin to snap him up.  

4. Lightning Will Retain Ben Bishop

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Bishop is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. That's made him a prime trade candidate, especially with the Lightning sitting outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture. However, they will likely retain the 6'7", 216-pound goaltender for the remainder of this season. 

Of late, Bishop and the Lightning have improved. After struggling with inconsistency and injury in the first half of this season, the 30-year-old goalie seems to be returning to his once-stellar form.

That's a contributing factor in the Bolts' recent improvement, putting them within striking distance of a playoff berth. If they trade Bishop, their postseason hopes would be all but dashed. 

Another factor is the poor market for goaltenders this season. Few playoff contenders are in need of starting netminders. If the Lightning can't find a decent return for Bishop, it's pointless to trade him simply for the sake of doing so. 

3. Thomas Vanek to the Los Angeles Kings

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For the first time since 1990, the Red Wings could miss the Stanley Cup playoffs. On Feb. 22, MLive.com's Brendan Savage speculated Wings general manager Ken Holland could start moving assets soon. One of them will likely be Vanek. 

After being bought out last summer by the Minnesota Wild, the 33-year-old Vanek is enjoying a strong bounce-back performance in 2016-17. With 15 goals and 38 points in 47 games, he could reach 20 goals and 50 points by season's end. He also carries an affordable $2.6 million salary. 

The Los Angeles Kings, meanwhile, lack scoring punch at left wing and could use an experienced forward such as Vanek. Their production drops beyond Tanner Pearson and his 34 points. The Wings need to improve their blue-line depth and rebuild for the future. A defensive prospect and a second-round pick could be the asking price. 

There could be some concern over Vanek adjusting to the Kings' defensive system. However, they took a chance on a similar winger in Marian Gaborik at the 2014 NHL trade deadline, and he helped them win the Stanley Cup that year. Vanek should at least help the Kings reach the playoffs this year. 

2. The Avalanche Won't Trade Matt Duchene or Gabriel Landeskog

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With the Avalanche floundering this season, Duchene and teammate Gabriel Landeskog frequently surfaced in trade rumors. While the idea of either player getting dealt could provide considerable excitement on deadline day, the Avalanche will likely wait until the offseason to move one of them. 

The asking prices for both are expensive. On Feb. 25, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Avs seek "three or four pieces, depending on age." One of those pieces is a young defenseman or a goalie. 

If interested clubs believe the approaching deadline could force the Avalanche to lower that price, they're kidding themselves. Friedman said the Avs are telling teams they won't accept lower bids. 

Salary is also a possible sticking point. Duchene is under contract through 2018-19 at an annual salary-cap hit of $6 million. Landeskog is signed through 2020-21, and his annual cap hit is $5.571 million. With most NHL clubs carrying limited cap space at this time of year, taking on either guy at the deadline is a costly undertaking.

1. Kevin Shattenkirk to the New York Rangers

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Shattenkirk is the top player available leading up to the NHL trade deadline. On Feb. 24, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Jeremy Rutherford reported the Blues were believed to be shopping the 28-year-old as a rental player. He could be a perfect fit for the New York Rangers.

The Rangers lack a skilled puck-moving defenseman with a right-handed shot on the right side of their blue line. Shattenkirk would address that need. A native of New Rochelle, New York, he could be open to re-signing with the Rangers. 

Landing Shattenkirk could cost the Rangers a first-round pick and a prospect. That could be worth it if they can re-sign him before his eligibility for unrestricted free agency in July. 

If the Rangers don't want to part with draft picks and prospects, they have the depth at forward to tempt the Blues. That could mean parting with Chris Kreider or Mika Zibanejad as part of the return. They could use the savings from trading one of them to put toward re-signing Shattenkirk. 

Player stats (as of Feb. 26) via NHL.com. Salary info via CapFriendly.