The NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching.
So far, forwards Bo Horvat (New York Islanders), Vladimir Tarasenko (New York Rangers), Ryan O’Reilly (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Dmitry Orlov (Boston Bruins) are the biggest names who have moved, but there are plenty of other candidates who could be dealt.
Some are pending free agents (both unrestricted and restricted) while others have value because they have term beyond this season. Some are already sitting out as a precaution. But a lot of the top contenders have little cap space, so third teams might need to get involved to absorb some salary cap hits as the Minnesota Wild did during the O’Reilly trade and the Orlov trade.
Here are some of the players who draw interest before the 3 p.m. ET March 3 trade deadline.
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Winger Timo Meier, San Jose Sharks
The three-time 30-goal scorer (including this season) has a $6 million cap hit but is making $10 million and the pending RFA would have to get a qualifying offer in that amount. The Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights need help on the wing after respective injuries to Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone. Meier’s name has also been linked to the New Jersey Devils, though they also have to re-sign Jesper Bratt in the offseason. Meier is out with an upper-body injury, but coach David Quinn says it’s ‘nothing major.’
Winger Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
The pending UFA is a three-time Stanley Cup winner and nine-time All-Star who would boost any contender’s top six. But he has a full no-movement clause and controls where and if he goes. He had indicated that the Rangers would have been a potential destination, but New York acquired Vladimir Tarasenko. The New York Post reported that the Rangers are still interested, and the team did sit out Vitali Kravtsov and Jake Leschyshyn on Thursday night. Kane would fetch the Blackhawks a strong return, important to the team since captain Jonathan Toews’ health issues likely will prevent him from being moved. Kanes numbers are down with the team rebuilding, but he has seven goals in his last four games.
Defenseman Jakob Chychrun, Arizona Coyotes
The Coyotes have been sitting him out since Feb. 11. The left-shot defenseman has 28 points in 36 games. He would fetch a good return because he has two seasons beyond this one for a reasonable $4.6 million salary cap hit, but Arizona could revisit a trade in the offseason, too, if it doesn’t get what it wants. Chychrun has a modified no-trade clause starting next season.
Defenseman Erik Karlsson, Sharks
There’s no guarantee he moves, especially since the right-shot defenseman is signed through 2026-27, but he’s on pace for 100 points in a resurgent season and his trade value would be high. The 2022-23 All-Star has a no-movement clause and an $11.5 million cap hit, but getting a strong return for Karlsson could help first-year GM Mike Grier put his imprint on the team..
Defenseman Luke Schenn, Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks are sitting out the pending UFA. The right-shot defenseman is known for his rugged play (a league-high 258 hits), but his 21 points are one shy of his career best.
Defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, Columbus Blue Jackets
The pending UFA is also sitting out and had 33 points last season. The steady left-shot defenseman could potentially fetch a high draft pick if a team comes up short in the bid for Chychrun.
Defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, Coyotes
The pending UFA left-shot defenseman would add offense to a team’s blue line. But the Coyotes also have to keep an eye on the salary cap floor when making a move. They already picked up Shea Weber’s contract to help.
Forward Max Domi, Blackhawks
He was dealt at last season’s deadline and is on a one-year deal. He leads the Blackhawks with 17 goals and 46 points, better numbers than he had when the Blue Jackets moved him in 2022.
Defenseman John Klingberg, Anaheim Ducks
GM Pat Verbeek moved pending UFA defensemen Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson at last season’s deadline. He could do the same with Klingberg, who’s on a one-year deal. The right-shot defenseman’s numbers are down on the struggling team, but he can help a contender’s power play.
Forward Ivan Barbashev, St. Louis Blues
The Blues are in a full sell-off mode after moving Tarasenko, O’Reilly and Noel Acciari. Barbashev is their biggest remaining pending UFA. His numbers are down, but he had 60 points last season and was part of the 2019 Stanley Cup team.
Others to watch
Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser. Arizona forward Nick Bjugstad. Minnesota defenseman Matt Dumba and forward Jordan Greenway. Montreal Canadiens forward Sean Monahan. Philadelphia Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk. Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm.