I have updated the End to End Hockey’s trade bait list from a week and a half ago, as guys like Tarasenko and O’Reilly have moved on, so I have now added 20 players to my list, improving the list up to 50 players and with the trade deadline only a couple days away, it’s fair to say we will probably start seeing a flurry of trades soon.
The End to end hockey’s top 50 trade bait list.
Note: list as of Saturday FEB 25th night
1 Jacob Chychrun (ARI)
Previous ranking: 1
Contract status: 2 more years after this one at $4.6 Million
Stats: 7-21-28 in 36 games played
Position: LD/RD
Age: 24
Potential landing spots: Los Angeles, St.Louis, Winnipeg
Quick Analysis: even though we have discussed a Chychrun deal since last year, it seems like he doesn’t want to be with Arizona anymore, and he has been scratched the last handful of games due to ‘Trade Related Reasons’, we still don’t have a trade for Chychrun. I know the Yotes want to get the best package they can and would really like to hit a home run deal, but I think if Chychrun is not dealt by the deadline there will be a lot of angry people, so if I am Arizona I would lower the asking price a tad and see if they can get something worked out, as I think a trade before the deadline would help everyone involved and I still feel he will get dealt before the deadline.
2 Timo Meier (SJ)
Previous ranking: 2
Contract status: Pending RFA with a $6 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 31-21-52 in 57 games played
Position: LW/RW
Age: 26
Potential landing spots: New Jersey, Carolina, Vegas
Quick Analysis: thing seem to be picking up on Meier as it seems like teams are starting to have serious talks with the Sharks, and Meier being scratched is also significant (even though given the fact he is coming off of a injury I think it is the smart move). Meier would be a good addition to a number of teams, and while some would like to acquire him with a extension like New Jersey or Winnipeg, others would be okay with no extension like Vegas or Carolina, so it is definitely going to be interesting to see where he winds up but it sounds like a Meier deal is nearing right now.
3 Patrick Kane (CHI)
Previous ranking: 4
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $10.5 Million dollar cap hit (NMC)
Stats: 16-29-45 in 54 games played
Position: RW
Age: 34
Potential landing spots: New York R, Vegas, Dallas
Quick Analysis: it is starting to sound like the Kane saga could come to an end soon, as it seems like the Hawks and Kane would like to have this finished prior to trade deadline day, and even though it would be extremely difficult to do cap wise, it still sounds like the Rangers are the front runners for him and it does seem like Kane really wants to go there, and given he has a NMC and he calls the shots on a trade that may mean that he probably will go there, but not a guarantee as other teams like Vegas and Dallas are also showing interest, but with Kane really wanting to go to NYR and the Rangers still wanting to improve their roster, I think it is most likely he ends up in NYR and a deal could come in the next few days.
4 Ivan Barbashev (ST.L)
Previous ranking: 10
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $2.25 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 10-19-29 in 58 games played
Position: C,LW,RW
Age: 27
Potential landing spots: Vegas, Tampa Bay, Minnesota
Quick Analysis: Barbashev is another very likely guy to get moved by the deadline as we have seen the Blues aggressively try to move players in the final year of their deals (O’Reilly and Tarasenko), and it seems with the amount of teams who have interest in him they could get quite a return for him. As Barbashev showed last year that he can be a productive middle six forward and he has almost hit the 30 point mark for the second time in his career this season, so I would think there is a lot of interest and the asking price of a 2nd and prospect would probably be met in my opinion, and I would be extremely shocked if Barbashev remained on the Blues post trade deadline.
5 Brock Boeser (VAN)
Previous ranking: 3
Contract status: 2 more years after this one at $6.65 Million
Stats: 10-27-37 in 50 games played
Position: RW
Age: 25
Potential landing spots: Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Calgary
Quick Analysis: now it seems like after on and off trade discussions over the past year, Boeser’s time in Vancouver may finally be coming to a end, as it seems like he is one of the Canucks that will be dealt by the deadline. He is a good top 6 forward who has one heck of a shot but hasn’t done too well in Vancouver over the past few years, but a change of scenery could benefit Boeser and maybe he can find the scoring touch he had in his rookie year, I know it seems like he really wants to go to his hometown of Minnesota, but the Wild are going to have a lot of cap struggles next year and Boeser is signed for this year plus 2 more, so I would definitely think it isn’t a guarantee he goes there, but there are other options as teams who could miss on Meier could have interest in him, so I think he would have a ton of interest and probably bring Vancouver a nice return in a trade that I expect to happen prior to the deadline.
6 Vladislav Gavrikov (COLU)
Previous ranking: 6
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $2.8 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 3-7-10 in 52 games played
Position: LD
Age: 27
Potential landing spots: Edmonton, Los Angeles, Seattle
Quick Analysis: Gavrikov is now a interesting situation to watch, as he was scratched due to trade reasons and it sounded like a deal was nearing, then it sounded like the acquiring team was going to be the Bruins, but they pulled out of a possible deal and went after Orlov, so it sounds like Gavrikov will probably still be scratched before the deadline, and it also sounds like there could now be some other teams involved. Could Edmonton or Seattle have interest, we know the Leafs want a defensive upgrade, and if they can’t get Chychrun could LA have some interest too, so lots of teams to keep an eye on as it seems like even though he won’t go to Boston, a deal for Gavrikov is probably going to happen before the deadline.
7 Sam Lafferty (CHI)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: 1 more year after this one at $1.15 Million.
Stats: 10-11-21 in 51 games played
Position: RW,C,LW
Age: 27
Potential landing spots: Tampa Bay, Edmonton, Calgary
Quick Analysis: another player from the Blackhawks organization who is getting a lot of interest and is also going to be scratched in todays game for Chicago would be Sam Lafferty. Not a big name by any means, but Lafferty is a good bottom six forward who is having a career season this year, is also signed for next year at a affordable cap hit, so I think there would be a ton of interest by some contenders to acquire this young forward, especially since it a team would get him for two playoff runs, he can put up points on a fourth line, and I think I’m somewhat similar fashion to last year with Hagel, teams would definitely have interest in prying him away, and while it may take a second to acquire him, I think a contender or two would pay that asking price to acquire Lafferty.
8 Luke Schenn (VAN)
Previous ranking: 21
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $.850 Thousand dollar Cap hit
Stats: 3-18 21 in 55 games played
Position: RD
Age: 33
Potential landing spots: Pittsburgh, Boston, Calgary
Quick Analysis: here is another Canuck who seems very likely to get moved prior to the deadline, as Luke Schenn is another player drawing interest from around the league. Now he has done very well in a top 4 role with the Canucks over the past couple seasons, and would fit nicely on a contenders 3rd pair, as a good physical defensemen who can put up some points, and the asking price isn’t to much as it sounds like the return will involve at least a 3rd round pick, so I think there would definitely be some teams interested and even though Schenn likes it in Vancouver, and the Canucks like Schenn, I think the return Vancouver could get for Schenn will lead them to trade him prior to the deadline.
9 James Van Riemsdyk (PHI)
Previous ranking: 14
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $7 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 9-14-23 in 40 games played
Position: LW/RW
Age: 33
Potential landing spots: Winnipeg, Minnesota, Vegas
Quick Analysis: now another possible backup option for teams who miss out on Meier and are looking to upgrade their forward group would be JVR in Philly. Now JVR is a experienced player who has some elite level goal scoring talents and has cooled down since a very hot start this season, but I would think that interest in him is at a very high level right now, as he is in the final year of his deal, the Flyers are willing to eat half of his salary (something the Flyers weren’t willing to do in the offseason), and he would immediately improve a teams top 9 so watch out for JVR to be dealt.
10 Shayne Gostisbehere (ARI)
Previous ranking: 7
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $4.5 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 9-20-29 in 50 games played
Position: LD/RD
Age: 29
Potential landing spots: Edmonton, Los Angeles, Boston
Quick Analysis: now Gostisbehere seems to be one of the top defensemen who are expected to be moved by the deadline, as he has just come off a injury and there is definitely interest in him, as since getting in Arizona last year, Gostisbehere has played fantastically, showing just how good of a offensive defensemen he can be and he has almost broke the 30 point mark this year, so I would expect teams who could use a puck moving defensemen in the playoffs to have interest in him, and even though he is just coming off of a injury, expect the Yotes to get a pretty nice package back for the top 4 defensemen who can quarterback a power play.
11 John Klingberg (ANA)
Previous ranking: 5
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $7 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 7-15-22 in 48 games played
Position: RD
Age: 30
Potential landing spots: Edmonton, Seattle, Pittsburgh
Quick Analysis: now Klingberg is another pending UFA defensemen i expect to be dealt before the deadline. Now Klingberg signed a 1 year deal in the offseason and bet on himself so he could play well and get a long term deal next offseason, but he hasn’t played as well as last year this season, and he has been in and out of the lineup due to injuries, but with his potential of being a elite level top end defensemen I think he would get some interest, Anaheim would have to retain 50% of his contract and I don’t think they would get the 1RD pick they originally wanted, but I definitely think they could get something for a top 4 offensive defensemen and I think that he should be dealt by the deadline.
12 Dante Fabbro (NAS)
Previous ranking: 35
Contract status: Pending RFA with a $2.4 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 1-7-8 in 53 games played
Position: RD
Age: 24
Potential landing spots: San Jose, Seattle, Ottawa
Quick Analysis: now Fabbro has not done well and has definitely not lived up to the hype around him in college a couple of seasons ago, but I still think he could be a good top 4 defensemen in a different situation then Nashville, and I think with Nashville shaping up to be sellers, maybe moving the young forward to give him a fresh start will happen. Now I am not quite sure how big of a return they could get for him, I wouldn’t think much more then a 2nd round pick, but for a team looking for a young top 4 defensemen who can grow with their team, I think they would definitely have interest in Fabbro and I for one would not be surprised if he is moved prior to the deadline.
13 DAL/NYR and/or TOR 2023 1RD picks (ST.L)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: NA
Stats: NA
Position: NA
Age: NA
Potential landing spots: Arizona, San Jose, Anaheim
Quick Analysis: now too much to discuss here, but after acquiring two 1RD picks over the past couple weeks (NYR/DAL from NYR for Tarasenko, TOR from TOR for O’Reilly), there is some talk that with the Blues wanting a quick rebuild, that they made flip one or both of those picks to a teams to get a big name player who can help their quick retool. They have been mentioned to possibly be going after big names such as Meier or Chychrun, and would be willing to part with one or both of the picks if they were able to get a guy like one of these two, so no guarantee but look out for St.Louis to possibly flip a 1RD pick for a good young player.
14 Jesse Puljujarvi (EDM)
Previous ranking: 13
Contract status: Pending RFA with a $3 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 5-9-14 in 56 games played
Position: RW
Age: 24
Potential landing spots: Anaheim, Montreal, Arizona.
Quick Analysis: now it seems that Puljujarvi has probably suffered enough in Edmonton and I think the Oilers should do the kid a real favour and move him before the deadline. After a few good seasons with Edmonton following him coming back from overseas, he hasn’t been able to play as well this year as he has gotten bottom six minutes this year whereas in the past he had consistent top 6 minutes, and his production has definitely gone down and he just doesn’t look happy with Edmonton, so given that fact as well as the fact that Edmonton will need cap space to make a splash at the deadline, I think it is extremely likely that whether via trade or the waiver wire, Puljujarvi is not with Edmonton after the deadline.
15 Dmitry Kulikov (ANA)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $2.25 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 3-12-15 in 59 games played
Position: LD/RD
Age: 32
Potential landing spots: Carolina, Toronto, Edmonton
Quick Analysis: next we have another Ducks defender, as another pending UFA guy who could be moved as more of a depth option for a contender who missed out bigger name would be Kulikov. Kulikov came over in the offseason for future considerations to Anaheim, and has actually done quite well, he doesn’t have as many points as he did last year with the Wild, but he has been a valuable defensemen for the Ducks this year and has been able to play up and down the lineup for Anaheim depending on injuries, so while I don’t think they will get much for him, I do expect him to be dealt before the deadline.
David Banks USA Today Sports
16 Jake McCabe (CHI)
Previous ranking: 18
Contract status: 2 more years after this one at $4 Million
Stats: 2-17-19 in 54 games played
Position: LD/RD
Age: 29
Potential landing spots: Los Angeles, Seattle, Washington
Quick Analysis: next we have yet another Blackhawk, and one that is drawing a ton of interest from around the NHL, and that is McCabe, as McCabe seems to be a player that teams have serious interest in. Now McCabe is in the 2nd year of a 4 year deal he signed with Chicago and although he hasn’t been a very offensive player this season, he is still a good and valuable defender that a lot of teams would like to have for a couple playoff runs, and given he is still signed for a couple of seasons he doesn’t have to be moved, so if he will be moved before the deadline then a team may have to overpay to get him, so the Hawks could get a nice return for him and I would guess he is probably moved prior to the deadline.
17 Trevor Van Riemsdyk (WAS)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $.950 Thousand dollar cap hit
Stats: 6-10-16 in 60 games played
Position: RD
Age: 31
Potential landing spots: Carolina, Toronto, Buffalo
Quick Analysis: next we have another depth defender who seems to be on the block for Washington and that is Trevor Van Riemsdyk. Just like his brother James, Trevor seems very likely to be dealt by the deadline, as with the Caps falling out of the playoff race right now it seems like most players who are on expiring deals are at least being considered to be moved by Washington, so it would not surprise me one bit if he is dealt, and he is a really good 3rd pair defensemen, who is on a cheap contract and could help out a ton of contenders bluelines, so expect the Caps to move the other Van Riemsdyk before the deadline.
18 Max Domi (CHI)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $3 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 17-29-46 in 57 games played
Position: C,LW
Age: 27
Potential landing spots: Seattle, Carolina, Colorado
Quick Analysis: now earlier in the season it seemed like Domi wanted to remain with the Blackhawks, as after signing with them in the offseason, he has had fun in Chicago and seems to be playing a lot better then in Columbus, but given how well he has played this year with Chicago, while there might be mutual interest in a extension, I think the return the Hawks could get for Domi might make Chicago lean towards trading him. Now the Center market is a bit dry and with how well Domi has played, I think the Hawks could get multiple assets for Domi, so maybe they would work out a extension in the offseason for Domi to return to Chicago, but for now it seems extremely likely that he is dealt prior to the deadline.
19 Kevin Shattenkirk (ANA)
Previous ranking: 19
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $3.9 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 2-15-17 in 52 games played
Position: RD
Age: 33
Potential landing spots: Carolina, Dallas, Seattle
Quick Analysis: another Ducks defensemen on my list, as the third Duck is Shattenkirk, who is a great 3rd pair defensemen and should be a useful piece for any team who is acquiring him. Now Shattenkirk has spent the past couple of seasons in Anaheim and has done quite well, and although he hasn’t done very well offensively this season, he should a couple of years ago with Tampa how big of a playoff guy he can be, and he does have high offensive upside, so while I think guys like Klingberg and Kulikov may be more likely to be dealt then Shattenkirk before the deadline, I would be extremely shocked if he was still on the Ducks roster after the deadline.
20 Karel Vejmelka (ARI)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: 1 more year after this one at $2.73 Million
Stats: 3.38 GAA and a .903 SV% in 40 games played
Position: G
Age: 26
Potential landing spots: Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Buffalo
Quick Analysis: now we have the first goalie on the trade list, as it seems like although they are not in a hurry to move him, the Coyotes would be open to moving starting goaltender Vejmelka for the right price. Now Vejmelka only has a year and a half under his belt of NHL action, but on a bad Coyotes team, he has actually been a extremely good goalie, and given he is cost controlled for the next two seasons, I think there would be a ton of interest in him, especially with teams like LA and Pittsburgh who have questions, but it would take a big package and it is no guarantee that he is moved as he could remain with Arizona, but look out as I do think there is a possibility that Vejmelka is dealt before the deadline.
21 Sean Monahan (MON)
Previous ranking: 11
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $6.38 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 6-11-17 in 25 games played
Position: C,LW,RW
Age: 28
Potential landing spots: Colorado, Carolina, Edmonton
Quick Analysis: now Monahan is going to be a interesting case to watch out for over the next week. Now Monahan is currently injured for the Habs, and has been injured for the past few months and that has sort of stalled trade discussions around Monahan, and all indications point to Monahan having his injury status updated early this week, as if Monahan is relatively healthy I do think that teams will start engaging in discussions again with Montreal as Monahan may be one of the best Center’s out there right now, but if he is not ready to go and seems to still be injured then don’t expect him to be dealt by the Canadiens, but a interesting situation to watch nonetheless as it will be intriguing to see if Monahan does wind up being moved.
22 Nick Jensen (WAS)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $2.5 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 2-20-22 in 60 games played
Position: RD
Age: 32
Potential landing spots: Seattle, Toronto, Florida
Quick Analysis: with the Caps seemingly interested in moving out pending UFA’s, there have been a couple Caps names added to the trade list, and one of them is top 4 defensemen Nick Jensen. Now Jensen, sort of like Orlov has been a consistent top 4 defensemen this year for the Caps and has been a real stabilizing piece back there while he has put up a good point total getting over 20, and there would definitely be a few teams interested in putting him on their 3rd pair. Now it’s not a guarantee he is moved as the Caps do like him and it does sound like they are talking contract with him, but if he isn’t signed around the trade deadline and the Caps get a package that they like, I wouldn’t be overly surprised to see the Caps ship Jensen out and I do think this one will be decided closer to the deadline.
23 Carson Soucy (SEA)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $2.75 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 2-8-10 in 57 games played
Position: LD/RD
Age: 28
Potential landing spots: Edmonton, Toronto, New Jersey
Quick Analysis: the Kraken could possibly have Soucy on the trade block leading up to the deadline. Now we know the Kraken are in a playoff spot and don’t really want to be subtracting from their team, but based on what I have heard, it sounds like they are more willing to trade him then possibly lose him for nothing in the offseason. Now I think they could get a pretty good haul for Soucy, maybe a 3rd and a prospect, and they would have to have a plan to replace him before the deadline as their defensive group is not too deep, but I think it is possible he is moved by the deadline and a team in need of a left side defensemen should have some serious interest.
24 Nick Ritchie (ARI)
Previous ranking: 26
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $2.5 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 9-12-21 in 55 games played
Position: LW
Age: 27
Potential landing spots: Minnesota, Winnipeg, Pittsburgh
Quick Analysis: a very interesting name who i think is almost a given to get moved before the deadline as another Coyote player is on the trade list in Nick Ritchie who I think would be a perfect bottom six forward for a contending team. Now Ritchie started the season very well but has since slowed down a bit, but even then he is on pace for one of his better seasons in the last couple of years, and has been a force on the power play this year with Arizona and given he is a Pending UFA on a bad Coyotes team, I expect him to absolutely be moved before the deadline and I don’t think Arizona would get too much for him, maybe a 3RD pick and decent prospect but I still feel that the Coyotes will wind up moving him before the deadline.
25 Andreas Athanasiou (CHI)
Previous ranking: 16
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $3 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 12-8-20 in 56 games played
Position: LW/RW
Age: 28
Potential landing spots: Carolina, Vegas, Minnesota
Quick Analysis: another Blackhawk on the list as Athanasiou hasn’t been the most productive of the Blackhawks players this season, but is a good middle six forward on a not too expensive deal, and I think for a contender looking for some more depth scoring he could be of great interest. Now Athanasiou had a injury riddled last year with LA but when he was healthy he played well and was able to earn a 1 year contract with the lowly Blackhawks, and while he hasn’t been as productive as he was with LA last year he has still done quite well and is showing he can still be a solid middle six forward in the NHL and while he probably won’t bring in the best of a return for the Hawks, I definitely think Chicago could get a decent package for Athanasiou and I would say he is very likely to be dealt.
26 Sean Walker (LA)
Previous ranking: 22
Contract status: 1 more year after this one at $2.65 Million
Stats: 3-7-10 in 53 games played
Position: RD
Age: 28
Potential landing spots: Washington, Buffalo, Seattle
Quick Analysis: the Kings look really good this year and seem to want to upgrade at a couple of positions, but don’t have the cap space so with LA having a ton of good and capable right side defensemen, they may be willing to move Walker so they can get a upgrade. Now Walker had a injury riddled season last year and didn’t play much, but has played pretty well this year in a 3rd pair role and they lack a good top 4 defensemen who can play on the left side and with guys like Clarke who is a righty who should play full time NHL minutes next year coming in and grabbing spots, it seems like Walker’s future won’t be with LA, so I expect him to definitely by moved before the deadline, especially if they are one of the teams in on Chychrun.
27 Thatcher Demko (VAN)
Previous ranking: 20
Contract status: 3 more years after this one at $5 Million
Stats: 3.93 GAA and .883 SV% in 15 games played
Position: G
Age: 27
Potential landing spots: Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Buffalo
Quick Analysis: next we have the second goalie on the list and their has definitely been speculation around him to as it is Canucks goalie Demko. Now Demko is a great starting goalie who prior to this year has put up some fantastic numbers, but he did have a pretty bad start to the season and he has been on IR for a while now, so I definitely don’t think it is a given he is moved as i am not sure many teams would acquire Demko when he hasn’t played in moths, but their is still a chance. Now Demko is the Canucks goalie for now and if they do trade him they don’t really have a starter in their system so they would need to find a solution before trading him, so due to that and the injury it is far from a guarantee that he is dealt, but he will be a interesting name to watch over the next few days.
28 Anthony Duclair (FLO)
Previous ranking: 23
Contract statuts: 1 more year after this one at $3 Million
Stats: 0-1-1 in 1 games played
Position: LW/RW
Age: 27
Potential landing spots: Calgary, Minnesota, Carolina
Quick Analysis: with the Panthers needing to clear cap space when they get back to being healthy, Florida will have a tough decision to make as to who they might need to trade away to keep themselves under the cap and a very likely possibility would be Duclair. Now over the past few seasons Duclair has showed he is a very good and speedy middle six forward in Florida and has produced well especially with the Panthers, but a injury has kept him out all season long until there most recent game, and they are still pressed up against the cap (especially if Hornqvist comes back) and with them on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs, I could definitely see them move Duclair, especially if they can get some blueline help.
29 Kevin Hayes (PHI)
Previous ranking: 40
Contract status: 3 more years after this one at $7.14 Million
Stats: 17-31-48 in 59 games played
Position: C
Age: 30
Potential landing spots: Boston, Carolina, Colorado
Quick Analysis: now Hayes has started to draw interest from teams around the league, as with Center coming off the market, he could be one of the better Center’s available at the deadline. Now his contract does make him a bit difficult to move, but I think if the Flyers were to retain at least a bit of salary on Hayes, then he would be a lot easier to move, and he is having a career year while the Flyers are open to trading him, so with the depleted Center market and teams like Colorado and Carolina still looking for Center’s, I think it is really possible Hayes is dealt and although I don’t know why the Flyers are asking for in a Hayes deal, I seriously do feel like Hayes is a possibility to be moved by the deadline.
30 Alexander Holtz (NJ)
Previous ranking: 25
Contract status: 2 more years after this one at $.894 Thousand
Stats: 3-1-4 in 19 games played
Position: RW,LW
Age: 21
Potential landing spots: San Jose, Chicago, St.Louis
Quick Analysis: now the New Jersey Devils have showed this year that they are taking strides, but with the team doing so well this year, a lot of people see them trying to upgrade the team prior to the deadline and some do believe that with Holtz not getting much opportunity with Jersey right now, that he may wind up being a trade chip for Jersey. Now Holtz was supposed to be a top 6 forward last year and this year but he is still not getting a opportunity, so it seems like Holtz isn’t going to get a top six role so maybe the Devils move him. He is probably going to be a top 6 forward in some team whether it is with jersey or not, and I think if he were to be moved in a package to upgrade the Devils forward group, they would be willing to do that. So while it isn’t a guarantee he is moved, if the Devils go after big name expect him to be involved.
31 Cam Talbot (OTT)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $3.66 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 2.90 GAA and a .905 SV% in 28 games played
Position: G
Age: 35
Potential landing spots: Vegas, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh
Quick Analysis: Talbot is another goalie who is seemingly on the trade block, bye whereas Vejmelka and Demko have a lot of term on their deals, Talbot is in the final year of his contract, and could be a good short term option for any team with goalie issues right now. Now with the Senators most likely trying to move as many pending UFA’s as they can before the deadline as they are not in a good spot in the Standings, Talbot seems like a likely candidate to get moved, now he probably won’t bring much of a return in a trade as goalie usually bring in less, but I could see Ottawa get a decent return for him, and for a team like LA who has goalie issues, or the Pens, Devils or Canes who have had goalies be injured on multiple occasions, Talbot would be a good short term solution for a playoff run, so while he is lower on the list, I think he is more likely to get loved then a Vejmelka or Demko.
32 Mattias Ekholm (NAS)
Previous ranking: 28
Contract status: 3 more years after this one at $6.25 Million
Stats: 5-13-18 in 56 games played
Position: LD/RD
Age: 32
Potential landing spots: Edmonton, Los Angeles, Washington
Quick Analysis: a big time name in Nashville who could maybe be moved, as we learned earlier in the year that the Predators were willing to listen on top 4 defensemen Mattias Ekholm and possibly move him for the right price. Now the Predators had a rough start and some people thought that the Preds may consider a defensive shakeup as there were names like Fabbro and Carrier out there as well, and after the recent bad stretch of games, I think they will start selling players before the deadline and Ekholm could be one. Now I think Ekholm would draw a lot of interest but his contract would make a move tough, so there is now guarantee he moves, but if they can make the cap work and get a package that works for them, I would expect Ekholm to get moved.
33 Kevin Labanc (SJ)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: 1 more year after this one at $4.73 Million
Stats: 10-15-25 in 50 games played
Position: RW,LW
Age: 27
Potential landing spots: Calgary, Vegas, Carolina
Quick Analysis: so another Sharks forward who could be on the move prior to the deadline would be Kevin Labanc. Now over the past few seasons, ever since he signed his extension, Labanc hasn’t put up too many points, as after he had 56 a few seasons ago, he hasn’t been able to hit 35, but he is actually having a decent season this year with 25 points but a couple of times he has been a healthy scratch, so it does seem like his time is coming to a end and I think a change of scenery for the young forward may get him back to that 50 point pace and a team who needs some middle six forward help could definitely use Labanc, so not a for sure thing that he is moved, but there is a good chance he is.
34 Colton Parayko (ST.L)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: 7 more years after this one at $6.5 Million
Stats: 3-16-19 in 55 games played
Position: RD
Age: 29
Potential landing spots: Ottawa, Edmonton, Washington
Quick Analysis: now with the Blues in sell mode right now, there are some out there who think that the Blues may move one of their top 4 defensemen to free up cap space and a roster spot in their top 4 and the one garnering the most attention is Colton Parayko. Now Parayko is signed very long term as a team would have to be prepared to keep him for the next couple of seasons, and Parayko calls the shots due to his NTC, but I think with his upside their would definitely be some teams interested. Now the acquiring team would most likely have to take on the full salary, and I don’t know what St.Louis would want in a deal but my guess is it wouldn’t be cheap so a trade is definitely not guaranteed to happen, but he is a good top 4 defensemen with offensive upside and he is also big, so I could see D needy teams look and try to acquire Parayko, so I do think it is possible he is moved before the deadline.
35 Nick Bjugstad (ARI)
Previous ranking: 24
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $.900 Thousand dollar cap hit
Stats: 13-10-23 in 58 games played
Position: C,RW
Age: 30
Potential landing spots: Edmonton, Toronto, Dallas
Quick Analysis: Bjugstad is a very good bottom six forward who is having one of his best seasons in the last few years, and with Arizona being a seller as well as Bjugstad being in the final year of his deal, it seems like he will most likely be moved before the deadline. Now Bjugstad has hit 20 points for the first time in the last few years and has showed he is a really good penalty killer with Arizona which I think a lot of teams would like, and Bjugstad is also on a very cheap deal, only making $.950 Thousand dollars for the rest of this year and even though he has played top six minutes with Arizona this year, he would make a good 3rd/4th line forward for a contender, so in my eyes Bjugstad is another good Arizona player who will most likely be moved prior to the deadline.
36 Mike Hoffman (MON)
Previous ranking: 32
Contract status: 1 more year after this one at $4.5 Million
Stats: 9-16-25 in 44 games played
Position: LW,RW
Age: 33
Potential landing spots: Calgary, Edmonton, Nashville
Quick Analysis: now the Canadiens have a deep forward group and even though they are banged up right now there is a high probability they move 1 or 2 forwards before the deadline and I think the most likely of the handful of players in Montreal to get moved will probably be Mike Hoffman. Now Hoffman has done okay since coming over to Montreal and between him and Drouin and Dadonov he has probably been the most productive this year and I think that even though his cap hit isn’t all too appealing and he has next year on his contract as well, I think that there would definitely be a team or two who would love to have Hoffman on their 3rd line and be a good sniper and depth scorer for them, and I wouldn’t be half surprised if Hoffman was one of the players moved.
37 Lars Eller (WAS)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $3.5 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 9-9-18 in 37 games played
Position: C
Age: 33
Potential landing spots: Seattle, Calgary, Minnesota
Quick Analysis: we have yet another Capitals player who has been added to the list, as 3rd line center Eller is another player in the final year of his contract that could possibly be moved by the Caps before the deadline. Now Eller has been with the Caps for a pretty long time now, and has usually been very productive as 3C behind Backstrom and Kuznetsov, but this could be the first year with Washington he doesn’t hit the 20 point mark, and given the Caps are looking to get assets for Pending UFA’s, I think Eller could be one who is on the block, and I think there would be a lot of teams interested in a veteran bottom six Center, so don’t be too shocked if he is dealt before the deadline.
38 Sam Bennett (FLO)
Previous ranking: 29
Contract status: 2 more years after this one at $4.43 Million
Stats: 14-21-35 in 56 games played
Position: C
Age: 26
Potential landing spots: Colorado, Minnesota, Seattle
Quick Analysis: another Panther on the list as some have said that if the Panthers wanted to free up some money and maybe go out and acquire a defensemen before the deadline, then maybe moving Bennett would be the right play. Now since arriving in Florida, Bennett has done fantastic job as 2nd line Center and really did good last year and has even done pretty well this year, but I think one of the reasons Bennett might be moved would be because they have a player who is their long term 2nd line Center in Lundell, so I could see them move Bennett as they could also get a nice return for the good middle six winger, and maybe improve their draft capital a bit as it does look pretty bleak right now and some team who may need a 2nd line Center for the next couple of years would surely be interested in Bennett so while it is no guarantee, I could see Bennett wind up being dealt by Florida.
39 Adam Henrique (ANA)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: 1 more year after this one at $5.83 Million
Stats: 19-14-33 in 57 games played
Position: LW,C
Age: 33
Potential landing spots: Carolina, Buffalo, Minnesota
Quick Analysis: now Henrique has had a great past two seasons for Anaheim and continues to put up really good 30-40 point seasons, and due to his good play this year, it seems like some teams are having interest in the veteran forward. Now even though he hasn’t played in the playoffs in the past couple of seasons, he does have a lot of playoff experience, and would be a nice guy for a contender to bring in, especially with Henrique already on pace to break 40 points again and having next year on his contract too. But it does sound like his high cap hit could cause trouble for him being traded, so while there could be some difficulty moving him, I think there is enough interested teams that he will be moved before the deadline.
40 Pierre Oliver Joseph (PIT)
Previous ranking: 33
Contract status: 1 more year after this one at $.825 Thousand
Stats: 4-13-17 in 53 games played
Position: LD
Age: 23
Potential landing spots: Ottawa, Los Angeles, Florida
Quick Analysis: the Penguins have been looking to possibly try and upgrade their blueline, and I think there is still a possibility that Joseph is moved by the Penguins to help get that defensive upgrade. Now Pittsburgh made some moves in the offseason and were able to play Joseph consistently on the 3rd pair but with Friedman still doing good and Smith showing he should be playing at the NHL level, I think the Penguins still have a pretty crowded blueline, and if the Pens want to upgrade on the blueline I think they could trade Joseph, as he is a good 3rd pair defensemen and I think if he was traded he could possibly get a bigger role, so I for one could definitely see Joseph on his way out of Pittsburgh before the deadline.
41 Nick Bonino (SJ)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $2.05 Million dollar cap hit.
Stats: 10-9-19 in 57 games played
Position: C,LW
Age: 34
Potential landing spots: Seattle, Buffalo, Detroit
Quick Analysis: next we have another Sharks forward, but this one is about to become a UFA, as Nick Bonino is another Shark player who seems to be on the block and could be dealt in the very near future. Now Bonino at this point in his career is a 3rd line forward who is really good in the faceoff dot, and has plenty of playoff experience with teams like Nashville and Pittsburgh, so as far as bottom six forwards with playoff experience goes, he is probably one of the best out there right now. Now I don’t expect him to bring in too much of a return, but I could see a couple of contenders possibly be willing to part with a bit to get him, so don’t be too shocked if Bonino is dealt before the deadline.
42 Cal Foote (TB)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: Pending RFA with a $.850 Thousand dollar cap hit
Stats: 1-2-3 in 26 games played
Position: RD
Age: 24
Potential landing spots: Chicago, Vancouver, Ottawa
Quick Analysis: now once again Cal Foote is a fringe NHL player for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and with the Bolts having other good defensemen ahead of him on the depth chart, I think the Bolts would be open to moving him and they could even use him to get a bottom six forward. Now Tampa Bay doesn’t have much trade chips, as they have very little draft capital and their prospect pool is lacking, but one player I think who could be moved would be Foote. Foote is still pretty young and could help out a team as a good 3rd pair defensemen, and if they can use him to possibly upgrade their forward group for the playoff run, I think they would do that, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Foote’s name was mentioned around the deadline.
43 Radek Faksa (DAL)
Previous ranking: 30
Contract status: 2 more years after this one at $3.25 Million
Stats: 7-5-12 in 59 games played
Position: C,LW
Age: 29
Potential landing spots: Vancouver, Carolina, Minnesota
Quick Analysis: now Faksa is one of the more unlikely candidates to be dealt before the deadline, but with the Stars pressed up against the cap and wanting to add before the deadline, Faksa’s name has been out there as possibly being moved to help the Stars gain cap space to go after a addition. Now Faksa has been a really good player for the Stars over the past few years, being a good bottom six forward for Dallas, and has consistently put up 20 points for the Stars, but he is making over $3 Million for this year and the next two seasons, and with young guys like Johnston and Stankoven being inserted into the lineup soon, Faksa’s Time with Dallas may be coming to a end, so if the Stars are to add and they need to clear cap space, watch out for Faksa being dealt.
44 Mike Reilly (BOS)
Previous ranking: 37
Contract status: 1 more year after this one at $3 Million
Stats: 0-1-1 in 10 games played
Position: LD
Age: 29
Potential landing spots: Anaheim, Florida, Washington
Quick Analysis: the Bruins have a healthy D-Corp now and while they started banged up, they are now fully healthy and with that in mind they don’t have a spot for Reilly on the roster, so to free up some cap space and get Reilly playing time elsewhere, I think Reilly could be moved before the deadline. Now Reilly started the season on the 3rd pair and looked pretty good but after the Bruins got healthy they didn’t have the room or space for Reilly so they sent him to the minors and with a lot of defensemen, so I think moving him before the deadline to clear some cap space would definitely help the Bruins and I think a team who could use a 3RD pair D-Men could use him and it wouldn’t take much at all to acquire him, so I definitely think Reilly will most likely be moved prior to the deadline.
45 Austin Watson (OTT)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $1.5 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 5-2-7 in 54 games played
Position: RW,LW
Age: 31
Potential landing spots: Tampa Bay, Dallas, Los Angeles
Quick Analysis: now another Senators player is ho could be moved and one who would probably have serious interest from most of the contending teams would be Watson. Now Watson is a very good 4th line grinder for the Senators, and would bring the physicality in a playoff series for a contending team so it wouldn’t shock me at all if there were a lot of teams interested in him as guys like Watson, Reaves and Deslauriers are all good players too have in a playoff series, and while he probably won’t bring in more then a 4th round pick, I do think that with the Senators seeking off as many Pending UFA’s as they can before the deadline, Watson will probably wind up being moved before the deadline and once again, I would think tons of teams would have interest in him.
46 Nick Seeler (PHI)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: 1 more year after this one at $.775 Thousand
Stats: 3-7-10 in 58 games played
Position: LD/RD
Age: 29
Potential landing spots: Toronto, Carolina, Dallas
Quick Analysis: now another Flyer who could be moved for the right price and is someone who a lot of teams are drawing interest in would be Nick Seeler. Now Seeler is signed for this year and next at a very affordable cap hit and has done very well for the Flyers this season in a 3rd pair role for the stars. Now given the fact that he is a very useful defensemen and that he comes at a very cheap cap hit, I don’t think it is much of a surprise that other teams would have some serious interest in him, but given he is signed past this year, the Flyers are not forced to move him and a offer would have to knock their socks off, so I do think Seeler could be a guy who is dealt before the deadline.
47 Justin Holl (TOR)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $2 Million
Stats: 2-10-12 in 58 games played
Position: RD
Age: 31
Potential landing spots: Edmonton, Ottawa, Chicago
Quick Analysis: now the Leafs seem to be looking at the defensive market next and it does seem like in order for them to get a upgrade on the blueline, they may need to move someone out and all indications point to that being Holl. Now Holl has been a really good 3rd pair defender for the Maple Leafs over the past couple LD years, but he is more of a offensive defensemen and does have some defensive mishaps that lead to it sounding like he was going to be moved, but they kept him and he has played some really good games this year but I think he could be moved to get a upgrade, and I think some teams could have interest in a offensive defensemen who is only at a $2 Million dollar cap hit, so in my eyes it sounds to me like Holl is a name to watch out for over the next couple of days as he could be a player who does wind up getting dealt.
48 Jonathan Drouin (MON)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: Pending UFA with a $5.5 Million dollar cap hit
Stats: 0-18-18 in 36 games played
Position: C,LW
Age: 27
Potential landing spots: Minnesota, Buffalo, Carolina
Quick Analysis: now Drouin has never really had a great season with the Canadiens, but over the past 3-4 years, he just hasn’t been producing well and I think a change of scenery could do him good. Now Drouin is a very talented top 9 forward who has dealt with a ton of injuries over the past few seasons, including this year, but I still believe that he could be a great fit for a contending teams roster and I think if he can get out of Montreal and maybe into a smaller market with less of a spotlight on him, I think he could do well, so while I think some teams may not have interest in him given he hasn’t been productive these past few years, I still think that if the Canadiens retain half of his salary, there would be at least a few teams who has interest in him as a bottom six forward.
49 Mavrik Bourque (DAL)
Previous ranking: NR
Contract status: 2 more years after this one at $.894 Thousand
Stats: 10-20-30 in 50 games played (AHL stats)
Position: C
Age: 21
Potential landing spots: Chicago, St.Louis, Philadelphia
Quick Analysis: now the stars are rumoured to be looking to get a top six forward who can play on the second line with Tyler Seguin, and they may have to part with something good to make that happen, and one prospect who I don’t think they want to move and may not move, but I think would get teams interested would be Bourque. Now Bourque was a 1RD pick in the 2020 draft and had a couple of good seasons over in juniors before this year where he has had a very decent AHL season, and I think the Stars really do like him and probably view him as a top 9 Center of the future, but I think in order to get a good player they may have to move a significant piece and that could be Bourque, so not a guarantee but I would watch out for Bourque with the trade deadline coming.
50 Joel Edmundson (MON)
Previous ranking: 15
Contract status: 1 more year after this one at $3.5 Million
Stats: 1-5-6 in 39 games played
Position: LD/RD
Age: 29
Potential landing spots: Edmonton, Ottawa, Los Angeles
Quick Analysis: in Edmundson the Canadiens are not in a rush to move and it doesn’t sound like they will for sure move him at the deadline, but if they were it seems that there would have to be a hell of a package involved. Edmundson has had a up and down past few years dealing with injuries and is still dealing with them which makes a trade extremely unlikely, but he is still a good 2nd or 3rd pair defensemen who knows what it takes to win in the playoff, but Edmundson does have a extra year on his contract so if the Canadiens don’t move him before the deadline then they could move him next year, so given the fact he has dealt with a lot of injuries and he has the extra year, I don’t see the Canadiens trading him, but I guess there is a slim possibility that he will be moved.
Players who were taken off the End to End Hockey’s trade list:
Jonathan Toews 8
Vladimir Tarasenko 9
Ryan O’Reilly 12
DAL or NYR 2023 1RD 17
Noel Acciari 27
Damon Severson 31
Jiri Kulich, Isaak Rosen, Noah Ostlund 34
Tyler Bertuzzi 36
Frank Vatrano 38
Oskar Sundqvist 39
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