Trade Deadline Preview

The NHL trade deadline is difficult to predict. Even with all the speculation and sources in high places a great deal of action occurs behind the scenes that we don't know about. I'm not an insider. All of these rumors have been reported by beat writers and well-respected experts in the industry. I have added some of my thoughts on what could happen, but as I pointed out above anything is possible.

So take everything with a grain of salt and enjoy the trade frenzy on Monday. Be sure to tune into Rotoworld's live coverage of the deadline, as we will bring you all the updates as they happen.

Note: Last Updated 8:28 p.m. ET March 1.

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Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim isn't far behind Nashville for the most points in the league and an inspired win over Los Angeles on Friday could help them put behind a fairly lackluster month, where they posted a 7-5-1 record. The return of Frederik Andersen from injury could help. The Ducks sent Devante Smith-Pelly to Montreal for Jiri Sekac, but as exepected they weren't done looking for depth forwards. Tomas Fleischmann was acquired from Florida in exchange for Dany Heatley and third-round pick in 2015. Most rumors involving the Ducks surround defensemen, but they have been tied to some of the popular trade bait options as well. Matt Beleskey is playing on an expiring contract and Cam Fowler could be dealt because of the emergence of Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen. Anaheim also has Shea Theodore waiting in the pipeline.

Trade candidates: Matt Beleskey, Emerson Etem, Cam Fowler

Trade targets: Braydon Coburn, James Wisniewski, Nicklas Grossmann, Chris Stewart, Daniel Briere

Arizona Coyotes

The Coyotes have already made their intentions known that they will be sellers come Monday. Antoine Vermette has already been moved to Chicago and Keith Yandle has been dealt to the New York Rangers. The Coyotes received a first-round pick in 2015 (Chicago) and a first-round pick in 2016 (New York Rangers) in the moves. The club also obtained prospect Anthony Duclair, as well as blueliner John Moore, from the Rangers and Klas Dahlbeck from the Blackhawks. Mike Smith and Martin Hanzal have been mentioned in trade talks as well. Hanzal is done for the year with back surgery and Zbynek Michalek is dealing with a concussion. However, Michalek is still generating plenty of interest. Finding a taker for Smith could be difficult. Martin Erat is a pending unrestricted free agent who will probably be on the move. There will be plenty of interest in Oliver Ekman-Larsson, but he will probably cost more to acquire than Yandle, who Arizona is looking to deal for two players and a pick. Shane Doan isn't going anywhere according to GM Don Maloney and Mikkel Boedker is unlikely to be traded because Arizona would like to sign him to a new contract if the off-season.

Trade candidates: Martin Erat, Zbynek Michalek

Trade targets: N/A - Coyotes will be looking for picks and/or prospects

Boston Bruins

Boston is hanging onto the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Florida trails them by just four points and Philadelphia is six points back. GM Peter Chiarelli and coach Claude Julien could be working for their jobs. Chiarelli is expected to be active on the phones on deadline day as a result. Boston placed David Krejci (knee) and Kevan Miller (shoulder) on long-term injured reserve to provide some cap flexibility. According to several reports, the Bruins will be in the hunt for Chris Stewart, who they have been after since the start of the year.

Trade candidates: Dennis Seidenberg, Loui Eriksson, Chris Kelly

Trade targets: Chris Stewart, Cam Atkinson, Michael Ryder

Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo wants to lock up the best odds of owning the first overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. Picking Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel would certainly speed up their rebuild. The team will be looking to sell off more players at the deadline, but they got the ball rolling early. The Sabres acquired Evander Kane, Zach Bogosian and Jason Kasdorf in a blockbuster trade with Winnipeg in exchange for Tyler Myers, Drew Stafford, Joel Armia, Brendan Lemieux and a first-round pick. The main roster players involved were in need of fresh starts. Kane was the central player in the deal, but he hasn't played since Feb. 2 and he won't play until next year because of shoulder surgery. Buffalo also shipped Jhonas Enroth, who was the club's top goalie at the time, to Dallas for Anders Lindback and a conditional third rounder. Chris Stewart and Torrey Mitchell will likely be moved, while the Sabres will attempt to find a landing spot for defenseman Andrej Meszaros as well. Buffalo will probably be looking to stockpile picks, but Pierre LeBrun linked them to Ryan O'Reilly in one rumor, saying GM Tim Murray would give up a first-round pick in a package for the Colorado forward.

Trade candidates: Chris Stewart, Torrey Mitchell, Andrej Meszaros, Andre Benoit

Trade targets: Ryan O'Reilly

Calgary Flames

Calgary has held a playoff spot for most of the year, but the hard charging Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings have pushed them out for the time being. It will be an intense battle down the stretch to qualify for the playoffs. The Flames sent Curtis Glencross to the Washington Capitals for a second- and a third-round pick in the 2015 draft, so another trade could be coming from them before Monday's deadline to make up for his vacant roster spot. Calgary would also like to shore up their blueline because Ladislav Smid hasn't played since Jan. 19. It appears as though the Flames will try to buy at the deadline.

Trade candidates: David Jones, Mason Raymond, Sven Baertschi

Trade targets: Jeff Petry, Chris Stewart, Cam Atkinson

Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina GM Ron Francis doesn't intend to deal Jordan Staal or Eric Staal, but he does appear to be willing to listen. The Hurricanes sent Andrej Sekera to Los Angeles on Thursday for a first-round pick and Roland McKeown. Jiri Tlusty was dealt to Winnipeg the day before for a couple of draft selections. Jay McClement was projected to be traded, but he has signed a two-year extension with the Hurricanes. Tim Gleason has been shipped to Washington for Jack Hillen and a fourth rounder in this year's draft. Cam Ward has been rumored to be on the move since the beginning of the season and Carolina would love to send Alexander Semin somewhere else, but their contracts will make them difficult to trade.

Trade candidates: Cam Ward, Alexander Semin

Trade targets: N/A - picks and prospects appear to what the Canes are looking for their rentals

Chicago Blackhawks

Losing Patrick Kane for approximately 12 weeks due to a fractured clavicle leaves a gaping hole in Chicago's lineup. Obviously, he is irreplaceable but the Blackhawks will attempt to acquire someone at the trade deadline after placing Kane on long-term injured reserve. Antoine Vermette was a highly sought-after player and the Blackhawks landed him for a 2015 first-round selection and defenseman Klas Dahlbeck. Chicago was reportedly looking at Zbynek Michalek as well, but that probably isn't necessary now that they brought in Kimmo Timonen from Philadelphia for second rounder in 2015 and a conditional choice in 2016. Cam Atkinson has reportedly drawn interest as other options, but Chicago is probably finished with roster adjustments now.

Trade candidates: Bryan Bickell, Johnny Oduya

Trade targets: Cam Atkinson

Colorado Avalanche

Colorado's playoff hopes are becoming slimmer, so the club is likely to sell off some players at Monday's trade deadline. Pending UFA defender Jan Hejda and forward Daniel Briere will probably be shipped out. Hejda would be a solid rental for any playoff-bound team seeking depth, while Briere has an uncanny ability to produce whenever he's in the postseason. Ryan O'Reilly has come up in trade rumors frequently this season, but the Avs won't be in any rush to send him elsewhere unless an offer completely blows them away. He could be traded in the off-season, though. Colorado has reportedly shown some interest in Toronto center Tyler Bozak.

Trade candidates: Jan Hejda, Daniel Briere

Trade targets: Tyler Bozak

Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus shocked the hockey world when they acquired David Clarkson from Toronto for injured winger Nathan Horton. Both players have been disappointments since signing seven-year contracts, but the Jackets will get to put their acquisition to use immediately. Injuries have sidetracked the club all season and the playoffs are out of reach, but Columbus won't be in any hurry to sell players. James Wisniewski and Cam Atkinson have been receiving interest from other teams. There's no defined asking price for Wisniewski, but Atkinson would probably fetch a young player or a pair of picks. It will be tough to trade the offensive defenseman because he has a list of 10 clubs where he can't be dealt and it wouldn't be surprising if Atkinson stayed put as well.

Trade candidates: Cam Atkinson, James Wisniewski

Trade targets: N/A - likely to get picks and/or prospects

Dallas Stars

Since Tyler Seguin was injured against Florida on Feb. 13, the Stars have posted one victory in seven games (1-4-2). Their odds of reaching the playoffs are shrinking quickly, so the team could move a couple of players bound for unrestricted free agency. Erik Cole has been playing well of late, which has piqued the interest of other clubs. The pending UFA has been shipped to Detroit, along with a third rounder, for Mattias Backman, Mattias Janmark and a second-round choice. Shawn Horcoff can serve as a decent bottom-six forward and he was productive for Dallas in the playoffs last year.

Trade candidates: Shawn Horcoff

Trade targets: N/A - Stars won't be looking for much more than picks for their rentals

Detroit Red Wings

Detroit has been in the market for defensemen for most of the season. The Wings would prefer a right-handed rearguard, but that hasn't stopped speculation that Dion Phaneuf could be in their crosshairs. Zbynek Michalek, Jeff Petry or Marek Zidlicky would be less expensive options. Detroit has been adamant that they won't trade top prospects Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha, but if they want to acquire one of the higher profile defenders then someone like Gustav Nyquist or Tomas Tatar could be the asking price. It's doubtful that the Wings would move on something like that, but Tomas Jurco or Teemu Pulkkinen could be used as trade bait. The Wings have picked up Erik Cole and a third rounder from Dallas for a pair of prospects and a second-round selection.

Trade candidates: Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pulkkinen

Trade targets: Zbynek Michalek, Jeff Petry, Marek Zidlicky

Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers will finish at or close to the bottom of the league standings again and there's speculation that changes could be coming. Jordan Eberle is being mentioned as a trade candidate and he would have plenty of suitors. If he does leave then the deal may be more likely to occur at the NHL Draft. Edmonton has been shopping pending UFA Jeff Petry and he'll likely be moved prior to Monday's deadline. The Oilers want to re-sign Derek Roy, so that removes him from trade speculation.

Trade candidates: Jeff Petry, Jordan Eberle

Trade targets: N/A - if Eberle is moved then the Oilers will probably be seeking a center or a defenseman to use on their top pairing

Florida Panthers

Florida made a splash Thursday when a couple of draft picks were sent to New Jersey in exchange for future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr. The Panthers have had difficulties scoring this season and the hope is that Jagr can help. He could be interesting to watch alongside Nick Bjugstad. Florida also sent disgruntled winger Sean Bergenheim to Minnesota. Florida has a battle on their hands for the last Wild Card position in the East, but didn't prevent Tomas Fleischmann, Scottie Upshall and Tomas Kopecky from going on the trade market. Fleischmann has been traded to Anaheim for Heatley and a pick, but Florida might make more deals for wingers who can chip in offensively.

Trade candidates: Scottie Upshall, Tomas Kopecky

Trade targets: Michael Ryder

Los Angeles Kings

With Slava Voynov suspended innulldefinitely and Alec Martinez out with a concussion, the Kings decided to acquire Andrej Sekera from Carolina to take some pressure and minutes away from workhorse Drew Doughty. The Kings have climbed back into the playoff picture and it's hard to see them making other trades leading into the deadline. Los Angeles has plenty of free agents to sign in the off-season and that doesn't even include Sekera, who is eligible to be a UFA.

Trade candidates: N/A

Trade targets: N/A

Minnesota Wild

The Wild made a savvy pickup when they landed Bergenheim from Florida. He can play up and down the lineup and skated with Mikko Koivu and Thomas Vanek in his debut. Minnesota's best acquisition came back in January when they got Devan Dubnyk from Arizona. He's backstopped the Wild to 14 wins in 19 of his appearances to bring them back into the playoff hunt. GM Chuck Fletcher could very well be done tinkering with his roster following the Bergenheim deal unless he wants to add another winger like Chris Stewart to the mix. If that's the case then Kyle Brodziak, who is a pending UFA, may be expendable.

Trade candidates: Kyle Brodziak

Trade targets: Chris Stewart

Montreal Canadiens

Montreal moved rookie Jiri Sekac to Anaheim for Devante Smith-Pelly earlier this week. Smith-Pelly played on two different lines in his Canadiens debut, including the second unit. The Habs rank second in the league, but they are looking for more. Montreal has been scouting Maple Leafs games heavily and Joffrey Lupul is rumored to be someone they are looking hard at. The Canadiens would like to add a defenseman as well, especially after Alexei Emelin was injured. Sticking with Toronto, Roman Polak might be a good option. Jeff Petry is believed to be another who has crossed onto Montreal's radar. Lars Eller has reportedly been drawing some interest and he could be moved.

Trade candidates: Lars Eller, Jarred Tinordi

Trade targets: Joffrey Lupul, Roman Polak, Jeff Petry

Nashville Predators

Nashville might have filled their shopping list when Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli were obtained from Toronto for Olli Jokinen, Brendan Leipsic and a first-round pick. The Predators wanted some depth at forward and defense and that has already been accomplished. It's unlikely that more alterations will be made to a roster that has posted the best record in the NHL.

Trade candidates: N/A

Trade targets: N/A

New Jersey Devils

New Jersey sent Jaromir Jagr to Florida, but GM Lou Lamoriello isn't ready to start wheeling and dealing. The Devils have several pending UFAs who could attract some interest. Michael Ryder has sat often as a healthy scratch and Martin Havlat has been in and out of the lineup. Scott Gomez has been fairly productive and Jordin Tootoo's impressive play of late might find them new places to play. The most attractive of the bunch is probably Marek Zidlicky, but he has a full no-trade clause and he hasn't been approached about waiving it yet.

Trade candidates: Michael Ryder, Scott Gomez, Jordin Tootoo, Marek Zidlicky

Trade targets: N/A - Devils won't get much from their UFAs, but Zidlicky would bring in the best return if he agrees to be moved

New York Islanders

The Islanders have reportedly been searching for defensemen. New York acquired Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy before the start of the season. Both of them have worked out nicely on a much-improved team that ranks fourth overall in the NHL standings. Another forward, possibly a veteran, shouldn't be ruled out for some depth. Kyle Okposo could be back in the lineup in late March, which would arguably be one of the better post-deadline arrivals in the league.

Trade candidates: Lubomir Visnovsky

Trade targets: Jeff Petry, Braydon Coburn, Nicklas Grossmann, Daniel Briere

New York Rangers

The Rangers have been linked to several players in trade rumors, which isn't out of the ordinary. New York were reportedly interested in adding a depth defenseman, so Zbynek Michalek, Jan Hejda, Andrej Meszaros and others were mentioned. However, the team made a splash when they acquired Keith Yandle from Arziona and Coyotes retained 50% of his salary. The Blueshirts were reportedly looking at Daniel Winnik and Sean Bergenheim and Curtis Glencross and Antoine Vermette, but they were moved elsewhere. Lee Stempniak, who can become an unrestricted free agent this summer, was traded to Winnipeg for Carl Klingberg and the Rangers acquired James Sheppard from San Jose for a fourth rounder in 2016. Are the Rangers done? It seems like they could be. New York was listening to offers for pending UFA Mats Zuccarello, but there have been reports that the team is close to signing him to an extension.

Trade candidates: Mats Zuccarello

Trade targets: Tyler Bozak, Zbynek Michalek, Jan Hejda, Andrej Meszaros

Ottawa Senators

Ottawa has won four straight games, which has kept their slight playoff hopes alive. The club may be quiet on deadline day. The Senators approached Chris Neil about being moved before he suffered a broken thumb, but he wants to stay. Chris Phillips or Patrick Wiercioch could be dealt because the Sens have a surplus of blueliners. Marc Methot would've been a hotly-pursued player at the deadline, but he was removed from the market when Ottawa signed him to a four-year extension.

Trade candidates: Chris Phillips, Patrick Wiercioch, Erik Condra, Colin Greening

Trade targets: N/A - Unloading these players wouldn't bring much back aside from late draft picks

Philadelphia Flyers

Philadelphia remains in the playoff picture despite their recent struggles, so it's surprising that most of their defense corps is on the trade block. Kimmo Timonen, who still hasn't played this season because of blood clots, was traded to Chicago on Friday for a pair of draft picks. The Flyers would have to retain salary to trade Vincent Lecavalier, but there hasn't been any takers for him. Keith Yandle is a player they would have love to add, but he was dealt to the Rangers.

Trade candidates: Braydon Coburn, Nicklas Grossmann, Luke Schenn, Michael Del Zotto, Vincent Lecavalier

Trade targets: Jeff Petry

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh traded a couple of draft picks to Toronto for Daniel Winnik, who will probably skate with Brandon Sutter on the third line. The Penguins might still toss their hat in the ring on Chris Stewart, but landing David Perron and Winnik may take them out of the equation. Pittsburgh reportedly isn't a fan of the prices going for rental defensemen, but Jan Hejda could be someone they look at.

Trade candidates: Christian Ehrhoff

Trade targets: Jan Hejda, Jeff Petry, Chris Stewart

San Jose Sharks

San Jose trade rumors have indicated that bottom-six forwards Tyler Kennedy, Andrew Desjardins, James Sheppard and Tye McGinn are available. Sheppard has been sent to the Rangers for a fourth-round pick in 2016. There's still a chance that Antti Niemi, who is eligible for unrestricted free agency, could be moved. However, for that to happen the Sharks would have to get a goalie of equal value back to replace him. San Jose is still in the playoff race, so dealing their starting netminder wouldn't go over well with the coach or the other players. A report had the odds of a Niemi trade at a little over 50 percent. The Sharks have been talked about as a possible destination for Phil Kessel, which would electrify deadline day. A move like that may have to wait for the off-season if it were to happen, though. Martin Erat or Daniel Briere could be options for Monday.

Trade candidates: Tyler Kennedy, Andrew Desjardins, Tye McGinn, Antti Niemi

Trade targets: Martin Erat, Daniel Briere, Phil Kessel

St. Louis Blues

Blues GM Doug Armstrong said this week that he's likely to stand pat on deadline day. He doesn't feel like he can improve his top-four defense with the current market and he won't meet the prices for rentals. St. Louis also doesn't have a first-round pick in the 2015 draft because they sent it to Buffalo in the Ryan Miller trade. The team reacquired rugged forward Adam Cracknell from Columbus for future considerations and that may be the only move Armstrong makes before Monday's deadline. The Blues will wait for Kevin Shattenkirk to return and that could come in early April.

Trade candidates: N/A

Trade targets: N/A

Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay has looking for help on the back end since Radko Gudas and Matt Carle were injured. The Bolts hope to get Gudas back for the playoffs and Carle might return in a couple of weeks. The Lightning have been discussed as possible destinations for Keith Yandle, Jeff Petry, Marek Zidlicky, Michael Del Zotto and Zbynek Michalek. The prices for Yandle, Petry and Zidlicky may be too rich, but landing Michalek, Del Zotto or Braydon Coburn wouldn't be as costly. Tampa Bay has a young core of talented players who won't be moved, but their inexperience on the blueline will probably be addressed.

Trade candidates: Brett Connolly

Trade targets: Jeff Petry, Marek Zidlicky, Michael Del Zotto, Zbynek Michalek, Braydon Coburn

Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto's rebuild effort has already seen pending unrestricted free agents Cody Franson, Mike Santorelli and Daniel Winnik shipped to other teams. The Leafs flexed their financial muscle when they acquired injured forward Nathan Horton from Columbus for David Clarkson, who was thought to have an untradeable contract. Just about everyone is available on the roster, with Tyler Bozak, Joffrey Lupul, Dion Phaneuf and Phil Kessel attracting most of the interest. Any trades involving Phaneuf or Kessel may have to wait until the off-season when teams have more salary cap flexibility, but it's still possible that something could happen on those fronts. Toronto is certainly never dull.

Trade candidates: Phil Kessel, Dion Phaneuf, Tyler Bozak, Joffrey Lupul, Roman Polak, Olli Jokinen, David Booth, Korbinian Holzer

Trade targets: N/A - Leafs will be looking to stockpile picks and/or prospects

Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver will have to hold off division rivals Los Angeles and Calgary to earn their playoff spot. The Canucks could stand pat come Monday because Alexander Edler, Chris Tanev and Brad Richardson are about a couple of weeks away from returning to the lineup from injury. GM Jim Benning said he doesn't want to trade his pending unrestricted free agents and he values his draft picks. Zack Kassian has been on the trade block for most of the season, but now he's playing with the Sedin twins and he's red hot, so he's unlikely to be traded. Vancouver is also confident that Eddie Lack and Jacob Markstrom can hold the fort until Ryan Miller returns from a knee injury.

Trade candidates: N/A

Trade targets: N/A

Washington Capitals

Washington has reportedly been seeking a winger to play alongside Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. According to reports, Chicago's Patrick Sharp and Toronto's Joffrey Lupul have been mentioned for the role. However, Sharp is probably staying in Chicago now that Kane is injured. The Capitals were interested in Curtis Glencross and they obtained him from Calgary for a pair of draft picks. The move could end their quest for forward depth. Mike Green can hit unrestricted free agency in the summer, but he's unlikely to be moved with the Capitals holding down a playoff spot. Still, he's an interesting chip that the Capitals could play.

Trade candidates: Mike Green

Trade targets: Joffrey Lupul

Winnipeg Jets

Winnipeg received very good value in return for Evander Kane and Zach Bogosian. Tyler Myers is already making an impact and Drew Stafford has been filling in on the top-two lines because of injuries. Mathieu Perreault isn't projected to return until April, so the Jets landed Jiri Tlusty from Carolina for a couple of draft picks. Lee Stempniak was also brought in from the Rangers for additional forward depth in exchange for Carl Klingberg, who has played two games with the Jets this year. The moves have also allowed Dustin Byfuglien to shift back to defense, where he has played much better this season. Prior to Tlusty's acquisition, there was chatter that the Jets were willing to deal Alexander Burmistrov, who is currently playing in the KHL, but it's unclear if that is still on the table. Unless Winnipeg wants to change up some players on their fourth line, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff could have an uneventful trade deadline.

Trade candidates:Alex Burmistrov

Trade targets: N/A