Trade tiers: Best players available at each position
The 2022 NHL trade deadline is scheduled for Monday, March 21, at 3 p.m. ET. It’s an annual event shrouded in uncertainty, whose preceding hype rarely matches its actual action. But there are a few teams and individuals that could really start the party this season.
Are the Dallas Stars playoff contenders, or willing to trade away big-name pending free agents? Where will Philadelphia Flyers star Claude Giroux and Chicago Blackhawks goalie Marc-Andre Fleury accept as their next destinations, if they decide to move at all? How deep will the roster reconstruction for the Arizona Coyotes and Montreal Canadiens go at the deadline, or will that process get rolling in earnest in the offseason? And, above all else, which Stanley Cup contender is willing to go all-in for what they believe could be the final piece of a championship puzzle?
Here is a tier-by-tier look at the rentals, the investments and the wild-card stars whose availability could turn this deadline on its collective head.
All salary and contract information comes from our friends at CapFriendly unless otherwise noted. Stats are collected from sites such as Natural Stat Trick, Hockey Reference and Evolving Hockey, and are as of the games of Feb. 20.
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Rentals: Center | Wing | Defense
With term: Center | Wing | Defense
Goalies
CENTERS FOR RENT
Age: 28 | Stats: 42 GP | 10 G | 13 A | 23 P
Contract: $750,000 AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
The Coyotes have already begun making deals (hello, Nick Ritchie; goodbye, Ilya Lyubushkin and Ryan Dzingel), and Boyd could be a desirable target for contending teams in need of bottom-six center depth. Boyd is having a solid season — he’s the Coyotes’ fifth-leading scorer — and comes with some special teams experience on the penalty kill.
A real asset of Boyd’s is that he’s used to coming in and out of a lineup and can perform well accordingly without being an everyday guy. When the Maple Leafs lost him on waivers last season, coach Sheldon Keefe lamented the loss of Boyd’s adaptability. That sort of versatility makes a difference for teams that might need to change things up during a playoff run.
Age: 34 | Stats: 45 GP | 4 G | 9 A | 13 P
Contract: $1 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
San Jose shouldn’t expect much of a return in trading Cogliano. Most clubs looking for forward depth target players who are having decent seasons offensively — which Cogliano has not — or else toughness, grit and physicality to help them weather the storms of a playoff push. That’s not really Cogliano’s game, either. What he does bring is leadership, speed, reliable play in his own end and strong penalty killing. Is that enough for the Sharks to just keep him around?
Age: 26 | Stats: 39 GP | 9 G | 15 A | 24 P
Contract: $5.3 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
The way Domi started this season — nine points in eight games — it looked like he’d finally found a groove in Columbus. Then the injuries piled up, he was sidelined by COVID-19, and he became a second- or third-line guy trying to keep the flagging Blue Jackets’ offense afloat.
Still, Domi has good potential as a middle-six forward and can score in bunches. It’s the size of his contract that could be the issue. Unless Columbus retains something, most contenders — already up against the cap — won’t be able to take Domi on in full. Could the Rangers or Bruins use a player like Domi for some depth scoring in the postseason? Under the right circumstances, both could be a good fit.
Age: 24 | Stats: 42 GP | 3 G | 5 A | 8 P
Contract: $1 million AAV, RFA in summer, no trade protection
We know Arizona is motivated to sell. And unfortunately for the Coyotes, Fischer has never become the top-line player they’d hoped he would after a promising start to his career.
It’s easy to categorize him as another middle- or bottom-six depth guy, appealing to a team like the Penguins, perhaps. What’s intriguing about Fischer is that he’s young, he’s motivated to turn around his own game, and there was that early potential that perhaps has remained untapped. A trade now could pay dividends in the short and long term for a team interested in finding out what a change of scenery could do.
Age: 34 | Stats: 48 GP | 16 G | 22 A | 38 P
Contract: $8.275 million AAV, UFA in summer, no-movement clause
Giroux will be traded only if he wants to be. And there have been multiple rumblings that the Avalanche are Giroux’s preferred destination if he is to be moved. It would be no easy task for Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher to make the math work there with Colorado, pressed against the salary cap as the Avs are. Or else they would be sending back a comparable contract to Philadelphia.
Wherever Giroux lands — Minnesota and St. Louis are also of interest — he’ll be riding in amid one of his best offensive seasons in years. Through 48 games, Giroux already had 16 goals and 38 points, proving that even at 34 years old, he can still be a top-six stalwart. At this stage of his career, though, and playing as well as he is, it would be hard to think Giroux doesn’t want to chase a Cup somewhere as soon as possible.
Age: 28 | Stats: 49 GP | 22 G | 18 A | 40 P
Contract: $5.625 AAV, UFA in summer, modified no-trade clause (player submits a three-team trade list)
San Jose is at a crossroads with Hertl. He’s a pending UFA who, while complimentary of the organization, doesn’t sound inclined to take a hometown discount. The Sharks, meanwhile, are in a cap-space crunch, hampered by other long-term contracts and the still unresolved issue of Evander Kane‘s grievance.
Hertl understandably wants a fair deal, and there are teams that will line up to pay a true top-line center like him on the open market. It would be tough for San Jose to add another big-time contract, but can it really afford not to retain a player of Hertl’s caliber?
It’s a serious question to consider. The return for Hertl now on a trade could be substantial — think first-round pick or potential top prospect, and then some — from a team that’s ready to go all-in on a Stanley Cup run. He’s a terrific two-way player who could elevate the Rangers or Avalanche during the next few months. It just comes down to whether San Jose believes the dollars and cents can work on a long-term deal. Because losing Hertl for nothing — when it’s unlikely the Sharks have a playoff run of their own upcoming — would sting.
Age: 30 | Stats: 39 GP | 10 G | 10 A | 20 P
Contract: $2 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Seattle is nowhere near the playoffs and, like Arizona, is expected to be trading multiple players away in March. Jarnkrok has the potential to draw serious interest. He can play all three forward positions, is reliable defensively and provides consistent secondary scoring. He’s the ideal rental.
Now, would a reunion with the Predators be out of the question? Before being selected from Nashville by Seattle in the expansion draft, Jarnkrok had played all 508 of his NHL games with the Predators. This season in particular, Nashville looks poised to make some postseason noise. Jarnkrok could help the Predators do it.
Age: 31 | Stats: 39 GP | 6 G | 11 A | 17 P
Contract: $1.5 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Like teammate Jarnkrok, Johansson is the perfect rental candidate. Reasonable cap hit, low-maintenance veteran presence, solid secondary scoring option and a regular role as a power-play contributor. Johansson could slide into a third-line role on just about any playoff-bound team and have an impact.
And hey, Johansson left Washington the season before it won the Stanley Cup. If there’s a fit between team and player, it would be a great story for Johansson to help the Capitals chase another Cup this spring.
Age: 29 | Stats: 29 GP | 6 G | 9 A | 15 P
Contract: $1.4 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Another inexpensive depth center for Arizona to dangle. Larsson is an average faceoff man (46% this season, 49.5% in his career) who can play big minutes on the penalty kill and is good for a few goals. The 29-year-old has historically tracked as a trustworthy defensive forward with potential to provide secondary scoring, which sounds exactly like what Darryl Sutter and the Flames might be interested in adding.
Age: 37 | Stats: 49 GP | 21 G | 32 A | 53 P
Contract: $7 million AAV, UFA in summer, modified no-trade clause (player submits a three-team trade list)
At this moment, the Stars are still in the playoff hunt. How much would their chances have to deteriorate for general manager Jim Nill to trade his team’s leading scorer? The 37-year-old Pavelski is having a career year as it is, and while a number of contending teams could be making calls on Pavelski, the Stars wouldn’t get far without him.
Before any serious consideration of assessing Pavelski’s trade value, Dallas needs to play out its schedule for the next couple of weeks. Because if Pavelski does wind up on the move (and make no mistake, the return would be large), something will have had to go off the rails in Big D.
Age: 27 | Stats: 49 GP | 8 G | 7 A | 15 P
Contract: $2 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
The trade market is usually packed with finesse, scoring wingers. Sanford is a little rougher around the edges. The 27-year-old hasn’t done much in Ottawa since being acquired from St. Louis in September, but he’s physically imposing (at 6-foot-4 and 206 pounds) and excels on the penalty kill. Not a bad combination for the Wild or Flames to consider.
Age: 30 | Stats: 38 GP | 1 G | 6 A | 7 P
Contract: $850,000 AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Sheahan’s role in Seattle this season has been small, but he has made the most of it. Averaging just over 11 minutes of ice time per game, the center has improved all season in the faceoff circle, and he’s really shown a defensive edge to his game that playoff-bound teams should like. Sheahan’s underlying numbers also show he’s effective at creating chances on 5-on-5 even in a limited role, something that appeals in a rental player who projects to be a fourth-line pickup.
Age: 36 | Stats: 38 GP | 12 G | 10 A | 22 P
Contract: $3.75 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Stastny is a safe bet. He has a more expensive contract than some other potential targets, which will deter some teams. But at 36, Stastny is the wily veteran choice who can fill in where needed, add pop to special teams, win critical faceoffs and be a voice of calm in the dressing room and on the bench. The only question is whether Winnipeg, having not given up hope of its own playoff berth, sees Stastny as too valuable.
However, would a Rangers team that not only needs some depth scoring but could also use Stastny’s leadership qualities as well be a good landing spot?
Age: 24 | Stats: 39 GP | 9 G | 12 A | 21 P
Contract: $3 million AAV, RFA in summer, no trade protection
It’s the cap hit that might ultimately turn contending general managers off Strome. Because lately, Chicago’s winger has been showcasing assets on the ice that GMs would otherwise covet. Strome barreled into 2022 with six goals and 14 points in 19 games, finally locked in to a top-six role along with power-play time.
Can Strome bring the same qualities to a playoff club that won’t need him in that position? Maybe not. But a team building for the future, like Ottawa, might be smart to grab Strome now and watch him flourish in a prominent spot for years to come.
Age: 27 | Stats: 49 GP | 6 G | 8 A | 14 P
Contract: $3.5 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Tierney would likely benefit from a change of scenery, especially at this time of the season. Ottawa isn’t making the playoffs, and could retain part of Tierney’s cap hit — and get a potentially solid return — to exchange for a center who would elevate a contender’s third or fourth line.
Tierney plays a good two-way game; he’s experienced and could thrive in a more stable situation. In Minnesota’s lineup, Tierney could not only be a viable depth scoring threat but would also help keeps pucks out of the net, an area in which the Wild have struggled more of late.
Age: 24 | Stats: 47 GP | 12 G | 11 A | 23 P
Contract: $2.25 million AAV, RFA in summer, no trade protection
Here’s a trade that could pay off now and in the future — for the player, and the team. Zacha might not be a bona fide top-line skater, but he’s 24 years old, plays with speed, has a sensational shot, and has the potential to be a 20-goal scorer. Zacha has things to fine-tune in his game, and doing that in the right environment this spring could bring out the best in him — and maybe a longer-term partnership with a team willing to find a permanent place for him.
CENTERS WITH TERM
Age: 28 | Stats: 49 GP | 18 G | 33 A | 51 P
Contract: $5.25 million AAV, UFA 2023, no trade protection
The will-they-or-won’t-they debate has been swirling around Miller and Vancouver for weeks. When the Canucks were struggling, teams made all sorts of inquiries, and perhaps a trade would be more likely if Vancouver hadn’t improved so rapidly under Bruce Boudreau, Jim Rutherford & Co.
The playoffs might still be a long shot for Vancouver, but regardless, the Canucks like Miller and could demand a high trade price. Would the Hurricanes, who are poised to be major players this spring, find the 28-year-old Miller most appealing? Or the Bruins, who could use some levelling up offensively (particularly if Jake DeBrusk is eventually moved as requested)? No doubt Miller has generated interest. It’s now up to the Canucks to weigh their options.
WINGERS FOR RENT
Age: 24 | Stats: 45 GP | 15 G | 13 A | 28 P
Contract: $5.875 million AAV, RFA in summer, no trade protection
What will Brock Boeser’s next contract look like? Inquiring minds — and potential trade partners — need to know. Jim Rutherford has spoken publicly about Vancouver’s desire to create cap flexibility. Meanwhile, Boeser’s early-season play before Bruce Boudreau took over was subpar, yet it has improved dramatically under Boudreau’s leadership. So where does that leave the Canucks? Willing to bet on Boeser with a large qualifying offer and a new deal and hope for the best? Or do they take what Boeser can fetch in trade now and cut their losses?
The roadblock is that teams could undersell Vancouver on Boeser given the uncertainty of his next deal. The Canucks will have to be calculating in how they proceed.
Age: 34 | Stats: 45 GP | 5 G | 6 A | 11 P
Contract: $3.5 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
For years, Clutterbuck has been part of the Islanders’ identity line, and for good reason. He’s a strong forechecker, plays well defensively and is great along the boards. Clutterbuck can pull his team into the fight, adding energy and spark that can change momentum. There are several playoff teams that could use Clutterbuck’s contributions, and Calgary and Pittsburgh track as particularly good fits (with the right exchange, and possible salary retention by the Isles).
Age: 27 | Stats: 47 GP | 12 G | 16 A | 28 P
Contract: $3.640 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
It doesn’t seem likely Copp will re-sign in Winnipeg. And the Jets aren’t on track to make the postseason this season. If that holds true, the 27-year-old Copp could bring a tidy return in Winnipeg.
For a club like the Bruins that is actively looking for a second-line skater, Copp would fit the bill nicely. Prior to suffering an upper-body injury in mid-February, Copp was on pace for a career year, with 12 goals and 28 points in 47 games. Once he’s healthy, Copp could do a lot for a team already stacked with talent that needs more of a boost.
Age: 25 | Stats: 44 GP | 8 G | 8 A | 16 P
Contract: $3.675 million AAV, RFA in summer, no trade protection
DeBrusk’s agent made it known in November his client was looking to be traded. While waiting for that to happen, DeBrusk has kept his play engaged and competitive. That bodes well for potential suitors. DeBrusk can be dynamic, with good speed and a physical punch that shows up when he’s forechecking well. As Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy often points out, it’s DeBrusk’s legs that are his biggest asset, and Boston will look to maximize any return it can get for a player with an open request.
Age: 34 | Stats: 50 GP | 6 G | 27 A | 33 P
Contract: $8 million AAV, UFA in summer, no-movement clause ($1,000,000 base salary)
Kessel doesn’t project to be part of Arizona’s future. Trading him could help the Coyotes build for it, though. Kessel’s production has been low this season, with only six goals in his first 50 games, but moving on to a contender could perk Kessel’s game up. He’s an expensive rental, though only $1 million of his cap hit is base salary, and Arizona will probably have to hold on to some salary.
Kessel has the championship pedigree and scoring history to be of real value to a team on the cusp, though, and he could pull some intriguing assets back for the Coyotes in turn.
Age: 22 | Stats: 19 GP | 6 G | 7 A | 13 P (KHL)
Contract: $925,000 AAV, RFA this summer, no trade protection
This is an interesting case. Kravtsov failed to make New York’s roster out of training camp, refused an assignment to the AHL and asked for a trade prior to heading to the KHL. The team’s ninth overall pick in 2018 has been waiting it out with the Chelyabinsk Traktor, recording six goals and 13 points in 19 games.
Clearly the Rangers have been in no rush to move Kravtsov, but this is when the right deal might materialize. Montreal is looking for prospects and has players to move; New York could use depth scoring. Is there a match?
Age: 26 | Stats: 52 GP | 10 G | 9 A | 19 P
Contract: $3.7 million AAV, RFA this summer, no trade protection
This isn’t the contract year Kubalik was hoping to have. Through 52 games, the winger produced just 19 points and has raised questions about where he’ll excel in the future. Is he a middle-six forward or a top-line guy? Is this season an enigma, or is the 26-year-old as good now as he’s going to become?
Chicago’s dearth of prospects in the system is well-documented. If trading Kubalik now, while his identity is still being sorted, can stock the Blackhawks’ cupboards with something of value, Kubalik could well be worth moving.
Age: 26 | Stats: 47 GP | 7 G | 13 A | 20 P
Contract: $2.3 million AAV, RFA this summer, no trade protection
In an unexpected turn of events, Lehkonen is having one of his better offensive campaigns in one of the worst Canadiens seasons ever. Lehkonen’s calling card has rarely been that element, though. The veteran is Montreal’s most consistent defensive forward, limiting chances against, even in a bad season, and with versatility that makes him unflappable throughout the lineup.
Lehkonen brings responsibility, durability and likely a great deal of motivation to perform on another good team, so perhaps Washington or Minnesota steps up with an offer.
Age: 26 | Stats: 36 GP | 5 G | 6 A | 11 P
Contract: $1.225 million AAV, UFA this summer, no trade protection
After years of being a third- and fourth-line stalwart in Vancouver, Motte has generated some serious buzz ahead of the trade deadline. He’s an energy guy, a grind-it-out-in-the-corner type who never gives up on an assignment and can succeed in just about any role (including as a penalty killer). Add to that his reasonable cap hit and Pittsburgh or even Toronto could benefit from locking him in for a few months.
Age: 29 | Stats: 49 GP | 13 G | 10 A | 23 P
Contract: $2 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
All the hype over Detroit’s freshman class has allowed Namestnikov to fly under the radar. Contending teams should know all about him, though. Namestnikov is a secondary scoring asset, popping in 13 goals over 49 games for some of his best output in years. A team like the Rangers would be wise to look closely, given the attractive contract and offensive upside Namestnikov presents.
Age: 30 | Stats: 49 GP | 14 G | 19 A | 33 P
Contract: $5 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Vegas has already performed some salary-cap gymnastics this season, moving Mark Stone to long-term injured reserve right when Jack Eichel was set to return. It would be a boost for the Golden Knights to get Smith’s cap hit off the books in March, too, and open the door for Stone to potentially play again before the postseason if he’s ready.
Plus, Smith would help plenty of contending teams, having already put up 14 goals and 33 points in 49 games and on track to continue producing at a good clip. The return for Vegas could go beyond just more salary-cap breathing room.
Age: 23 | Stats: 50 GP | 10 G | 9 A | 19 P
Contract: $1.175 million AAV, RFA in summer, no trade protection
Yamamoto’s name comes up often in trade discussions. How likely is it to happen now that Dave Tippett is gone, and Jay Woodcroft has Edmonton (seemingly) on the right track? That’s the question. It’s been a down season offensively for Yamamoto (he had just 13 points through 35 games), but given he’s just 23 years old, would the Oilers really give up on another high draft choice?
The return would have to be substantial, from a team that could see Yamamoto playing a significant role for it in the future.
WINGERS WITH TERM
Age: 29 | Stats: 50 GP | 1 G | 14 A | 15 P
Contract: $3.9 million AAV, UFA in 2023, no trade protection
We don’t want to say it’s been a challenge for Donskoi in Seattle, but he had one goal in his past 22 games entering Sunday’s action. That lack of production and some ordinary advanced stats are a stunning downgrade for the winger, who was long considered one of the NHL’s most underrated talents. The Kraken plucked him from the Avalanche in the expansion draft. They could still flip him for a decent return from a contender looking for forward depth, provided the cap math works.
Age: 29 | Stats: 32 GP | 4 G | 6 A | 10 P
Contract: $6.5 million AAV, UFA in 2026, no-move clause
The Canadians know that Gallagher’s win-at-all-costs style can be a boon to a contender. The question is when they’ll be one again, and whether it would be better for the team and the player to deal him to a current one.
Gallagher said “it’s hard for me to imagine not being in Montreal” last week. He seemed committed to seeing through the team’s rebuild, provided that “you’re not waiting around four to five seasons to turn this around.” The 29-year-old is in the first year of a six-year deal — thanks, former GM Marc Bergevin! — that carries a $6.5 million annual cap hit.
Age: 23 | Stats: 46 GP | 14 G | 13 A | 27 P
Contract: $1.5 million AAV, RFA in 2024, no trade protection
Hagel has had an outstanding second full NHL season, with 14 goals in 46 games. He leads the Blackhawks with 12.7 goals scored above average. Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported that Chicago would demand a first-round pick and a high-end prospect for the 23-year-old winger, likening him to what Blake Coleman was at the 2020 trade deadline.
Age: 27 | Stats: 46 GP | 11 G | 15 A | 26 P
Contract: $3.4 million AAV, UFA in 2023, no trade protection (player lists a 10-team no-trade list, starting next season)
Johnsson has been a productive winger (26 points in 46 games) for the Devils, but we could see him included in a deal that enables them to reel in a bigger fish for their forward group. There could be some strategy in dealing him now, as his trade protection kicks in next season, with Johnsson then holding a 10-team no-trade list.
Age: 24 | Stats: 47 GP | 8 G | 21 A | 29 P
Contract: $5.5 million AAV, UFA in 2025, no trade protection
Konecny’s name has come up in conversations more recently. He’s in his second straight season of statistical decline, with 29 points in 47 games and only eight goals — a far cry from when you could pencil him in for 24 goals every season. Changes obviously need to be made for the struggling Flyers, and it’s easy to see what other teams might like in the tenacious winger. He’s in the third year of a six-year deal that progressively gets richer as far as actual dollars.
Age: 29 | Stats: 47 GP | 8 G | 13 A | 21 P
Contract: $3.25 million AAV, UFA in 2024, no-trade clause
Pearson is in Vancouver because Jim Rutherford traded him there while general manager of the Penguins, in a 2019 trade for Erik Gudbranson. Rutherford is now the president of hockey operations for the Canucks, and Pearson could be on the block again as the Canucks look to reshape their roster under the new regime. Pearson is a great depth addition with solid postseason experience.
Age: 31 | Stats: 47 GP | 9 G | 11 A | 20 P
Contract: $4.5 million AAV, UFA in 2023, no trade protection
Tatar has given the Devils what they expected from a goal-scoring perspective, although his 11 assists in 47 games is a tick down from his previous production. His AAV is a shade high given other options at the trade deadline. He could be more valuable to the Devils as a part of their top nine next season than as someone to trade this season.
Age: 30 | Stats: 44 GP | 18 G | 27 A | 45 P
Contract: $7.5 million AAV, UFA in 2023, no-trade clause
Tarasenko has had an emphatic “show me” season, quieting skeptics about his health and production with 45 points in 44 games. His trade request from the Blues remains, and could be easier to fulfill with his stock this high. But every indication we’ve gotten is that a Tarasenko trade wouldn’t happen until the offseason, if it happens at all.
DEFENSEMEN FOR RENT
Age: 35 | Stats: 49 GP | 4 G | 9 A | 13 P
Contract: $1.8 million AAV, UFA this summer, no trade protection
It’s like Braun was created in a lab as a “trade deadline defenseman.” He’s 35 years old, has 100 games of playoff experience, has an expiring contract with a very manageable cap hit and can play 20 minutes per game as a details-oriented defensive defenseman.
Age: 30 | Stats: 45 GP | 5 G | 4 A | 9 P
Contract: $3.5 million AAV, UFA this summer, modified no-trade clause (player submits a 10-team no-trade list)
Every trade deadline, there’s a player whose general public perception sharply diverges with his underlying numbers. Chiarot has a number of suitors because he’s a physical, rugged defenseman who plays 23:18 per game on average. But the numbers tell us that he’s been a defensive liability this season (2.99 expected goals per 60 minutes), playing without the sheltering of Shea Weber and a defenseman who takes way more penalties than he draws. However, teams like the Flames, Leafs, Bruins and Blues have all been linked to him.
Age: 30 | Stats: 48 GP | 1 G | 4 A | 5 P
Contract: $4.55 AAV, UFA this summer, no trade protection
A shot-blocking defenseman with 10 seasons of experience, de Haan’s had a very solid season in a contract year while playing with Seth Jones and Connor Murphy primarily. He’s also a solid player in the transition game. Someone’s going to add him to their blue line and look smart for doing so — as long as he stays healthy.
Age: 27 | Stats: 39 GP | 1 G | 5 A | 6 P
Contract: $1.6 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Hagg isn’t much more than a depth defenseman for a contender, and played at a sub-replacement level despite his highest career ice time (17:15) for the Sabres. He had better days with the Flyers in his previous four seasons, and if a team can tap into that he could be a good depth addition.
Age: 38 | Stats: 45 GP | 4 G | 17 A | 21 P
Contract: $6.75 million AAV, UFA this summer, modified no-trade clause (19 teams to which he can be traded)
The first Kraken captain has a no-trade list of around 10 teams, which is something Seattle knew when they selected him in the expansion draft for a potential deadline move. There are plenty of teams that would love to add a veteran puck-moving blueliner with Giordano’s intangibles. Keep an eye on the Panthers here.
Age: 28 | Stats: 50 GP | 5 G | 15 A | 20 P
Contract: $5,205,556 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
We knew where the previous regime stood on Lindholm, who has been the Ducks’ best defenseman for the most of the last four seasons. He was a foundational player. Does new GM Pat Verbeek feel the same way, or does he feel that giving Lindholm the long-term deal he’ll be seeking this summer — one that’ll take him into his mid-30s — isn’t part of the plan for the young Ducks?
The smart money’s on Lindholm re-upping with Anaheim, but if he’s available, the lines to acquire him would dwarf those at Disneyland.
Age: 29 | Stats: 42 GP | 1 G | 25 A | 26 P
Contract: $4.25 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
A complicated call for GM Jim Nill. The Stars currently have a 50% chance of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs, per Money Puck. There are some days they look like contenders and other days when they look like a team on the precipice of a significant offseason makeover, partially due to pending UFAs like Klingberg. They need him to contend, but what he could bring back as a deadline rental could bolster the next phase for the franchise.
The Hurricanes have been heavily linked to him, but watch the Maple Leafs and Panthers too.
Age: 30 | Stats: 46 GP | 1 G | 11 A | 12 P
Contract: $5.5 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Leddy plays 21:18 per game on average for the Red Wings, and has been a veteran steadying presence for defensemen like Filip Hronek and Moritz Seider. He’s only 30, so it’s feasible Detroit could continue using his services beyond this season. But presented with the right offer, GM Steve Yzerman probably makes the right move for the team’s future rather than its present.
Age: 28 | Stats: 44 GP | 2 G | 9 A | 11 P
Contract: $1.85 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
A big-bodied defenseman that can kill penalties. Frankly, he’s been a better defenseman than Chiarot this season and would be available at a fraction of the contractual and transactional cost.
Age: 30 | Stats: 43 GP | 3 G | 4 A | 7 P
Contract: $4.1 million AAV, UFA in summer, modified no-trade clause (player submits a 12-team no-trade list)
What the Ducks decide to do with Lindholm inevitably has an impact on what they do with Manson, who has seemingly been in trade conversations for the last three seasons. He can play in a team’s top four and averaged 19:44 for game for the Ducks. It’s pretty obvious that his 37-point breakout in 2017-18 was an anomaly, but he’s having a strong defensive season. Manson reportedly has a 12-team no-trade list. Toronto has been interested for some time.
Age: 29 | Stats: 32 GP | 2 G | 10 A | 12 P
Contract: $3.875 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Miller is currently out with an injury but he’s expected back for the Sabres before the trade deadline. A puck-moving defenseman with a booming shot, Miller hasn’t been able to recapture the magic of his performance in the Golden Knights’ inaugural season. Then again, neither have the Golden Knights.
Age: 27 | Stats: 42 GP | 2 G | 9 A | 11 P
Contract: $5.4 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
The Flyers acquired Ristolainen to add some physicality to the back end — and physicality he has provided, leading the Flyers with 148 hits while skating 21:05 per game. The goal here for Philly is to find someone willing to pony up a first-rounder for him, which was part of the package they sent to Buffalo to acquire him. They’ll have to retain some of that cap hit to get it.
Age: 32 | Stats: 47 GP | 3 G | 14 A | 17 P
Contract: $9 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
It’s been a quietly good season for a player who is anything but quiet. Subban has scored 16 of his 17 points at 5-on-5, and is on the positive side of expected goals percentage (51.2%). He doesn’t have the wheels anymore but certainly has the shot.
The Devils would have to pick up half his salary to even start a conversation about a trade … but we’re intrigued to see what Subban looks like going from the also-ran Devils to a contender. That man loves a spotlight.
DEFENSEMEN WITH TERM
Age: 23 | Stats: 39 GP | 2 G | 9 A | 11 P
Contract: $4.6 million AAV, UFA in 2025, no trade protection
Chychrun clearly needs a change in scenery, and the Coyotes can clearly use the return they could collect by trading a 23-year-old, puck-moving defenseman who is locked into a favorable cap hit through 2025.
This dud of a season — 11 points in 39 games, minus-28 — isn’t going to torpedo his value, one year removed from 41 points in 56 games. A team like the Kings has the picks, prospects and the need for his services on the left side of its defense. But the Kings will be far from the only suitor if GM Bill Armstrong commits to dealing this potential game-changer at the deadline.
Age: 25 | Stats: 34 GP | 1 G | 3 A | 4 P
Contract: $1.5 million AAV, UFA in 2023, no trade protection
The Leafs are taking calls on Dermott, and it’s not out of the question he could be moved. He’s averaging 14:17 of ice time per game in 34 appearances this season, and could likely be had for a midlevel draft pick.
Age: 29 | Stats: 45 GP | 2 G | 11 A | 13 P
Contract: $1.45 million AAV, UFA in 2023, no trade protection
Mayfield is a sneaky total package player. He plays physically, throwing around his 6-foot-5 frame. He blocks a bunch of shots (5.06 per 60 minutes). He’s not exactly a point producer, but his passing has steadily improved while playing 20 minutes per game. The cap hit’s a beauty, too.
All of this might lead one to wonder why the Islanders would give him up in a trade, which is why we’ll remind you that interest from other teams doesn’t always equate to a player being aggressively presented by his team. Frankly, he’s exactly the kind of player Isles GM Lou Lamoriello would be looking to add.
Age: 27 | Stats: 49 GP | 7 G | 14 A | 21 P
Contract: $5.25 million AAV, UFA in 2024, modified no-trade clause (player submits a 10-team no-trade list)
Skjei has been a primary defenseman for the Hurricanes, skating 20:51 per game and partnering with Brett Pesce most of the season. His individual defensive play has been sub-replacement level, especially as a penalty killer, but he’s valuable to them. Hence, we’d expect Skjei to move if the Canes upgrade their defense corps with someone like Klingberg, for example. But that could be complicated by Skjei having a 10-team no-trade list.
Age: 34 | Stats: 43 GP | 3 G | 7 A | 10 P
Contract: $6.25 million AAV, UFA in 2025, no-movement clause
It’s always helpful when general managers drop the façade and cut to the chase. “Jeff Petry, if we can find a trade that works for us and another team, we’re going to do it. But it has to work,” said Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes last Wednesday.
In the span of a year, Petry went from the Norris Trophy radar to a blue-line pariah for the Canadiens. He has 10 points in 43 games for them this season, which would be his lowest points-per-game rate since 2013-14. Sportsnet’s Eric Engels has reported that the Stars and Red Wings have shown interest. At 34 years old, and with that contract looking elephantine based on recent output, the market for Petry’s services should be interesting.
Age: 27 | Stats: 48 GP | 6 G | 21 A | 27 P
Contract: $4,166,666 million AAV, UFA in 2023, no trade protection
Severson deserves a mention here if only because there so many teams have checked in on him over the past few mediocre Devils seasons. But he’s their leader in ice time (23:31) and is having the best offensive season of his career. At 27 years old, he could very much be a part of what they’re building vs. being someone they trade for more construction material. He has been fantasy-casted as a Toronto Maple Leaf for the better part of two years.
GOALTENDERS
Age: 37 | Stats: 38 GP | 16-18-4 | 0.912 SV% | 2.80 GAA
Contract: $7 million AAV, UFA in summer, modified no-trade clause
Fleury has started to address the potential of being traded at the deadline, knowing that he holds the cards. He has a 10-team no-trade list; and much like his decision to report to the Blackhawks after Vegas traded him there, he’s going to play only where he wants to play. “If I move, I would love a chance to win,” he told reporters on Feb. 16. “But it’s still a big ‘if’ at this point.”
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Capitals’ status as Fleury front-runners “has cooled somewhat,” but they remain the most logical choice. Every scenario imaginable has been thrown out there regarding Fleury — from Edmonton Oilers savior to reunions with either the Penguins or the Golden Knights. One team worth watching is the Minnesota Wild, who continue to defend better than the goaltending would indicate. He would be an upgrade over Cam Talbot, a boon to a burgeoning contender and GM Bill Guerin knows him well from their days in Pittsburgh.
Age: 29 | Stats: 23 GP | 10-8-2 | 0.916 SV% | 2.78 GAA
Contract: $900,000 AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Forsberg has been good on a mediocre team, with a .916 save percentage and nine goals saved above average. There’s about an equal chance the Senators bring him back next season as there is that they flip him at the deadline. Combine his cap hit and expiring contract with the fact that there are so few options available among goalies, and that could equal a tidy return for GM Pierre Dorion.
Age: 26 | Stats: 20 GP | 7-7-2 | 0.898 SV% | 2.99 GAA
Contract: $2.425 million AAV, RFA in summer, no trade protection
Igor Shesterkin closed the road that Georgiev had been traveling toward becoming a starter for the Rangers. The New York Post reports that “given that the club will not be able to qualify him this summer when his contract expires, he will be on track to become a free agent.” One assumes this means he’ll be on the move before the trade deadline, even if the Rangers will be selling low during his barely above replacement level season (.898 save percentage).
Age: 36 | Stats: 18 GP | 8-7-1 | 0.902 SV% | 3.17 GAA
Contract: $3.6 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Greiss is having a sub-replacement season for the Red Wings (.902), but teams in the market for a veteran backup insurance policy could do a lot worse, especially since Greiss does have some playoff experience, too.
Age: 36 | Stats: 11 GP | 2-5-2 | 0.899 SV% | 2.93 GAA
Contract: $1.5 million AAV, UFA in summer, no-move clause
If Halak was available, contenders would be lining up for the veteran goaltender who has earned the reputation as a big-stage goalie in the playoffs and international play — especially at that cap hit on an expiring contract. But he has a full no-movement clause, and multiple reports have indicated that Halak doesn’t intend to waive it. The Canucks will certainly continue to pester him to do so as the deadline approaches.
Age: 32 | Stats: 23 GP | 9-10-1 | 0.912 SV% | 2.78 GAA
Contract: $2 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
Holtby signed a one-year deal with Dallas last offseason, seeking some image rehab after an abject disaster of a season with the Canucks. It worked, as Holtby has a .912 save percentage and six goals saved above average. Jake Oettinger is going to earn more and more starts down the stretch, but there’s a chance the Stars keep Holtby as they continue their playoff push. If they don’t … well, there are more than a few Washington Capitals fans voicing their desire to see a reunion with the goalie who brought them the franchise’s lone Stanley Cup in 2018.
Age: 32 | Stats: 18 GP | 6-9-2 | 0.898 SV% | 3.58 GAA
Contract: $2 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
The Oilers were one of the teams that checked in on Jones earlier this season and found the terms rather high for a sub-replacement goalie this season. But his experience as a regular-season and playoff starter means the Flyers can keep that price high if some of the bigger names on the goalie market never materialize as options.
Age: 35 | Stats: 9 GP | 3-4-1 | 0.879 SV% | 3.63 GAA
Contract: $3,333,333 million AAV, UFA in 2023, modified no-trade clause
Khudobin was sent to the AHL after clearing waivers earlier this season, and has remained there save for a brief return to the NHL on the Stars’ taxi squad. He has played a bit better with the Texas Stars, but that second contract year for a goalie whose numbers have cratered over the past two seasons isn’t one teams will want to swallow.
Age: 27 | Stats: 18 GP | 6-8-0 | 0.887 SV% | 3.82 GAA
Contract: $2.8 million AAV, UFA in summer, no trade protection
With Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov as the goalie tandem of the future, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario in which Korpisalo isn’t traded before the deadline. He hits UFA status in the offseason and has been available in trade talks for most of the season.
Age: 33 | Stats: 28 GP | 17-8-2 | 0.899 SV% | 3.13 GAA
Contract: $4.5 million AAV, UFA in summer, modified no-trade clause
If the Oilers are going to trade for a goalie, one assumes they’ll move out Koskinen and his cap hit to one of the 16 teams that aren’t covered by his no-trade clause. Money in, money out. And no one is taking Mike Smith off their hands, which means it’s Koskinen who likely goes.
Age: 33 | Stats: 14 GP | 3-9-1 | 0.916 SV% | 2.57 GAA
Contract: $5 million AAV, UFA in 2023, modified no-trade list
Two quick facts about the Islanders: They have a less-than-8% chance of making the playoffs, per Money Puck, and 26-year-old Ilya Sorokin is now their starting goaltender. Varlamov has played well when he has played (.916 save percentage and 5.1 goals saved above average), but it’s hard to imagine he’s in their plans beyond next season. Given the dearth of options at this trade deadline, the Islanders would be wise to field offers on the former Vezina Trophy finalist.
