The official NHL trade deadline is March 7, but an early one seems to be Monday’s break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
A flurry of trades has taken some expected names off the target list. Vancouver’s J.T. Miller was dealt to the New York Rangers. Pittsburgh pending unrestricted free agents Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor were dealt to the Canucks the same night.
Expected seller Philadelphia moved Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost, and bottom-dwelling San Jose (Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci) and Chicago (Taylor Hall) have made moves.
Add in improved play by Detroit, the Rangers and New York Islanders, plus better-than-expected performances by Columbus (which expects to add to address injuries), Montreal and Calgary, and the list gets slim.
Who could be potential trade targets with one month to go until the deadline?
Forward Trent Frederic, Boston Bruins
After two consecutive seasons with 17 or more goals, he’s at eight this season. But his gritty play is a plus in the playoffs.
Forward Brock Nelson, New York Islanders
The Islanders have surged close to a playoff spot, but now must deal with an injury to Mathew Barzal after he blocked a shot. He’s one of seven Islanders out with injuries, and the team is 1-1 without him. If the team drops in the standings before the deadline, Nelson and fellow pending UFA Kyle Palmieri would get good returns.
Seattle Kraken players
Forward Yanni Gourde will be out past the trade deadline after sports hernia surgery but he’s a two-time Stanley Cup winner. The Kraken have other potential trade targets if general manager Ron Francis goes that route. Penalty killer Brandon Tanev is a pending UFA who’s popular with fans.
Montreal Canadiens players
Right-shot and shot-blocking defenseman David Savard moved at the 2021 deadline, winning a Cup with the Lightning. The Canadiens’ acquisition of Alexandre Carrier makes Savard available. Canadiens forward Jake Evans also is a pending UFA.
Anaheim Ducks players
Goalie John Gibson always seems to be on trade lists but never moves. His numbers have improved this season, albeit as a backup to Lukas Dostal. Gibson has two seasons left on his contract at a $6.4 million cap hit, plus he has a modified no-trade clause. Another Ducks player to watch is Trevor Zegras, who probably could use a change of scenery. Defenseman Brian Dumoulin is a pending UFA. You can always count on general manager Pat Verbeek moving someone at the deadline.
Nashville Predators players
The Predators are the NHL’s most disappointing team, sitting near the bottom of the league despite aggressive offseason moves. It’s hard to believe that general manager Barry Trotz would overreact and sell off after one poor season by a perennial playoff team. But Gustav Nyquist (75 points last season) is a pending UFA and Ryan O’Reilly is a former playoff MVP. Both have had a big dropoff in points this season.
Buffalo Sabres players
The Sabres’ playoff drought looks like it will hit 14 seasons. Dylan Cozens, who plays a physical game and is signed through 2027-28, has drawn interest, according to NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes. Forwards Jason Zucker and Jordan Greenway are pending UFAs. Defenseman Bowen Byram is a pending RFA.
Chicago Blackhawks players
They’re heading for another high lottery pick. Their pending UFAs include Ryan Donato and three-time Cup winner Pat Maroon. Some insider trade boards include right-shot defenseman Seth Jones. He’s signed through 2027-28 at a cap hit of $9.5 million and has a no-movement clause.