NHL Trade Deadline Deals That Could Help Stanley Cup Contenders

NHL teams have been working hard to stay in playoff contention since opening night, and now comes the moment when buyers and sellers part—and the sellers send away useful players for picks and prospects. There are some surprising teams on the selling side (e.g. the Detroit Red Wings), and the Edmonton Oilers as buyers will take some getting used to for NHL fans.

It took a long time for many teams to decide they were sellers, and the result is a narrow time frame in which to get deals done. The vagueness of the standings has created what may end up being a shocking trade deadline.

Here are eight deadline deals that could bolster Stanley Cup contenders in big ways.

Anaheim Ducks Acquire Kyle Quincey from New Jersey Devils

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What Does He Bring? Kyle Quincey of the New Jersey Devils is a reliable and steady NHL defender.

Where Would He Fit Best? The Anaheim Ducks have a young and mobile defense group, but they have also experienced injury at the position this year. A veteran like Quincey would be a good fit for a team likely heading deep into the playoffs.

What Is the Potential Cost? New Jersey would probably be looking for a mid-level pick or a prospect. Anaheim has a plethora of solid defensive prospects and should be able to satisfy the asking price for Quincey without much trouble.

Chicago Blackhawks Acquire Patrick Sharp from Dallas Stars

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What Does He Bring? Patrick Sharp of the Dallas Stars is a wily veteran who can help his team. He is still a good skater and possesses a strong shot, meaning he can help a team offensively. He did have concussion problems earlier in the year, but he is back and productive at this time.

Where Would He Fit Best? The Chicago Blackhawks know Sharp and what he brings, and more importantly, he should have instant chemistry with his former linemates. It is possible Sharp heads elsewhere, but this deal makes a lot of sense and could benefit Chicago in a big way.

What Is the Potential Cost? Dallas is unlikely to be outside the playoffs next spring, so a draft pick may have less appeal than a productive minor league player who could help. Mark McNeill is a young center in the Chicago system who might be of interest to the Stars.

Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire Riley Sheahan from Detroit Red Wings

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What Does He Bring? Riley Sheahan of the Detroit Red Wings is a quality checking center. Although his offense is way off this year—he has zero goals—Sheahan has value as a shutdown forward.

Where Would He Fit Best? The Columbus Blue Jackets are rolling offensively this season and appear to be a contender for the Stanley Cup. Adding a checking forward who can shadow the opposition may be a worthwhile investment.

What Is the Potential Cost? Detroit is in an unusual position, a seller for the first time in a generation. The asking price could be anywhere from picks to young prospects, and the Blue Jackets should be able to cobble together a package. Something less than a second-round pick would seem to be reasonable, given Sheahan's sputtering offense.

Edmonton Oilers Acquire Radim Vrbata from Arizona Coyotes

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What Does He Bring? Radim Vrbata of the Arizona Coyotes is one of the highest-scoring free agents available at this year's deadline. Although his shooting percentage has been heading downward over the last two seasons, he is still a strong candidate for a 20-goal season.

Where Would He Fit Best? The Edmonton Oilers look like a good bet to make the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Although Connor McDavid is the league's leading scorer, the club is badly in need of complementary offense. Adding Vrbata might allow Edmonton to move Leon Draisaitl to center and give the team a larger arsenal.

What Is the Potential Cost? Edmonton has no second-round pick of its own and may be forced to trade defenseman Brandon Davidson or one of its better prospects like Caleb Jones. For a team that has waited a decade, the Oilers will probably pull the trigger on a rental deal.

Nashville Predators Acquire Johnny Oduya from Dallas Stars

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What Does He Bring? Johnny Oduya is a reliable, veteran defender for the Dallas Stars. He is a two-time Stanley Cup winner, both times with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Where Would He Fit Best? The Nashville Predators have a tremendous top four in terms of defensemen. Roman Josi, P.K. Subban, Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis offer the Predators the complete range of skill and substantial offense. However, the club could use third-pairing depth, and Oduya would be an ideal fit for the job.

What Is the Potential Cost? Dallas is unloading veterans for picks, and Oduya will likely fetch a third- or fourth-round selection. Nashville should have no trouble covering the price, and the addition could prove valuable during the long playoff season.

New York Rangers Acquire Kevin Shattenkirk from St. Louis Blues

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What Does He Bring? Kevin Shattenkirk of the St. Louis Blues brings the complete package. He is a capable defender but makes headlines with his offense. He is great on the power play, can play 20 minutes a night and is a terrific passer and possession player.

Where Would He Fit Best? The New York Rangers are a substantial offensive team this year, and Shattenkirk would add to their arsenal. The team also needs defensive help, and given Shattenkirk's range of skills, he would make an outstanding addition.

What Is the Potential Cost? The Rangers would be acquiring a rental player, although the club might be able to sign him before July 1 and free agency. The cost would be dear—perhaps a package of picks and prospects—but the Rangers would probably stop short of trading a good, young NHL player under control like J.T. Miller.

San Jose Sharks Acquire Thomas Vanek from Detroit Red Wings

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What Does He Bring? Thomas Vanek of the Detroit Red Wings is a veteran, scoring winger and a valuable addition for any team at this time of year. His 15 goals and 38 points make him one of the highest-scoring forwards available at the deadline.

Where Would He Fit Best? The San Jose Sharks are a veteran team with a real chance of returning to the Stanley Cup Final. Although the team depth is impressive, any contender has to prepare for the long road ahead and possible injuries and slumps. Vanek would represent a luxury addition for any team.

What Is the Potential Cost? Detroit is in the position of being a seller for the first time in decades. Adding draft picks and prospects will be the plan for the first time in a long time, with a second-round pick and a prospect probably getting a deal done.

San Jose Sharks Acquire Jannik Hansen from Vancouver Canucks

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What Does He Bring? Jannik Hansen of the Vancouver Canucks is a fine checker who can offer complementary offense. He also carries a reasonable $2.5 million contract with him and has one more year on the deal, per CapFriendly. 

Where Would He Fit Best? The San Jose Sharks look ready for a deep run again this season, but one of their issues last season was depth scoring. Adding a player like Hansen could pay off in a big way.

What Is the Potential Cost? The Sharks are close to the cap and would probably need to move some salary or have Vancouver retain. San Jose could provide a solid prospect in return, but the money issue is a real one and would need to be addressed.