NHL Trade Block Big Board 1 Week From the Trade Deadline

The NHL's March 7 trade deadline (3 p.m. ET) is quickly approaching. With the league's regular-season schedule having resumed following the 4 Nations Face-Off, it's time to update and expand on our previous Trade Block Big Board.

Trade activity has slowed since we published our previous board on Feb. 7, with only four trades involving minor league players. There was no roster freeze during the 4 Nations Face-Off break (Feb. 10-21), but NHL general managers didn't want to shift the spotlight away from the tournament.

With the tournament over, business should pick up in the trade market leading up to the deadline. As with our previous trade boards, factors like skill, experience, contract status, and frequency of appearance in media-generated speculation through February went into the compilation of this list.

We've added five more players to our updated list while dropping centers Ryan O'Reilly of the Nashville Predators and Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks. Speculation about O'Reilly dropped off throughout February while the Canucks appear intent on retaining Pettersson after trading J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers.

Notable players like New York Islanders center Brock Nelson and Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones remain from our previous listing. St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn and Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen are among the newest trade candidates.

Read on to find out where they place among our top 20 NHL trade candidates.

We had Seth Jones of the Chicago Blackhawks sitting at the bottom of our previous trade board. It had been reported that teams were calling about the 30-year-old defenseman, but we felt a move by the trade deadline was a long shot because of his expensive contract.

On Feb. 19, Jones told Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times that he had discussed the possibility of a trade with general manager Kyle Davidson. He didn't formally ask to be moved but indicated he'd like a chance to play for a winner.

Jones is signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $9.5 million. He also carries a full no-movement clause, giving him complete control over any potential movement. Jones admitted his contract was a sticking point but appears open to a trade to a contender if the opportunity arises.

TSN's Chris Johnston suggested the Dallas Stars as a fit if Chicago retained salary. However, The Athletic's Mark Lazerus reported Davidson has no interest in doing that, making this seem more like an offseason move when teams have more salary cap space.

Sweden failed to qualify for the championship game at the 4 Nations Face-Off, but Erik Karlsson garnered praise for his performance during the tournament. The 34-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman led his Swedish teammates in scoring with three points in as many games.

On Feb. 14, The Athletic's Josh Yohe stated the blueliner's 4 Nations' play could make it easier for Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas to trade Karlsson. Two weeks later, Yohe reported a team source claimed Dubas would move him if he could, citing the blueliner's hefty contract as the sticking point.

Karlsson turns 35 on May 31, the Penguins are carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million annual salary-cap hit through 2026-27, and he still has a full no-movement clause. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman suggested the Dallas Stars as a great fit, but he's not sure that it can happen.

Dubas might have to wait until the summer, when teams have more cap space to shop Karlsson if the latter is willing to waive his no-movement clause. Nevertheless, we can't discount the possibility of a move by the March trade deadline.

We had Brad Marchand at No. 14 on our previous 15-player trade board. The 36-year-old Boston Bruins captain is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He's completing an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $6.13 million and an eight-team no-trade list.

Marchand was so low on that list because it seemed unlikely that the Bruins captain would depart Boston after 16 seasons. Nevertheless, his name still surfaced in the rumor mill throughout February.

On Feb. 11, RG.org's James Murphy reported the Bruins were receiving calls from clubs interested in Marchand. He believed management hadn't yet made its decision but felt the fact they were listening to offers suggested the possibility of a trade taking place.

Marchand dismissed the speculation, telling NHL.com's Amalie Benjamin he didn't expect to be traded. He cited his close relationship with general manager Don Sweeney and believed Sweeney wouldn't do it on a whim. Those comments suggest they could work toward a new contract after the trade deadline.

Detroit Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko is no stranger to getting moved near the trade deadline. Two years ago, he was traded by the St. Louis Blues to the New York Rangers. Last year, the Ottawa Senators sent him to the Florida Panthers, helping them win the Stanley Cup.

On Feb. 8, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that Tarasenko popped up again in the trade market. While the Red Wings are playing well, the 33-year-old winger has struggled with eight goals and 24 points in 56 games, well below his 50-point output of the past two seasons.

Six days later, MLive.com's Ansar Khan suggested that moving Tarasenko could benefit the Red Wings if he could be moved for a player who can help them now. The Wings are currently jockeying for an Eastern Conference wild-card berth, so they're not expected to be sellers.

Tarasenko wouldn't be a rental player. He has a year remaining on his contract with an annual cap hit of $4.8 million plus a full no-trade clause this season. The Red Wings could find it tough to move him unless they retain some of his salary. Failing that, they could keep him and buy out his final season in June.

The St. Louis Blues are still within striking distance of a wild-card berth in the Western Conference. They're also one slump away from tumbling further out of contention and missing the postseason for the third straight season.

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong could consider shaking up his roster core leading up to the March 7 trade deadline or during the offseason. It's possible winger Jordan Kyrou will become one of the trade candidates.

Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos included Kyrou, Pavel Buchnevich and Brayden Schenn on his trade list. He claimed Armstrong was looking to shed $8 million from his salary-cap payroll. The 26-year-old Kyrou carries an annual cap hit of $8.13 million and lacks trade protection this season.

Moving a young scoring winger in his prime like Kyrou would be a bold move by Armstrong, but it's possible if a rival club steps up with an attractive trade offer. We recently listed five potential landing spots for Kyrou if the Blues were to move him at the trade deadline.

We'd dropped John Gibson from our previous trade board due to a lack of trade rumors about the Anaheim Ducks goaltender through January. However, he has returned amid recent media conjecture.

Gibson has frequently appeared on our trade boards over the past two seasons. His contract, which has a $6.4 million average annual value through 2026-27 and a 10-team no-trade list, has been the primary sticking point.

On Feb. 10, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported hearing the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes were two of Gibson's preferred trade destinations. He indicated the veteran netminder wanted to go to a team where he'd be a starter but didn't know if partnering with the Oilers' Stuart Skinner would work for him.

Two weeks later, TSN's Pierre LeBrun indicated that the Oilers don't see Gibson as an upgrade over Skinner and aren't in the market for a goalie. It's unlikely he'll be heading to Edmonton or Carolina, but perhaps another contender seeking an experienced starter might step up and make a pitch before the trade deadline.

Sitting well outside the Western Conference playoff picture, the Seattle Kraken are expected to be sellers by the March 7 trade deadline. They'll likely peddle UFA-eligible players like Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde.

On Feb. 11, Sportsnet's Jacob Stoller reported hearing the Kraken could make Jared McCann available. The 28-year-old winger has two more years left on his contract with an annual average value of $5 million. He's their all-time scoring leader and leads them this season with 43 points in 60 games.

Stoller cited McCann's versatility and penalty-killing ability, suggesting he'd be a good fit with the Winnipeg Jets. Ben Kuzma of The Vancouver Province suggested the Canucks should look into bringing McCann back. Meanwhile, The Hockey News' Sammi Silber felt he'd be a good addition to the Washington Capitals.

On Feb. 14, Stoller's colleague Elliotte Friedman clarified things by indicating the Kraken were getting calls about McCann but hadn't informed teams that he was available. He believes it would take a significant offer to land him.

The New York Rangers' blockbuster acquistion of J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks prompted speculation suggesting general manager Chris Drury has more deals in store. It was assumed that defenseman Ryan Lindgren could be on the move before the March 7 trade deadline.

Lindgren, 26, carries a one-year, $4.5 million contract and is UFA-eligible on July 1. He'd risen to No. 10 on our previous trade board as speculation throughout January suggested he was a trade candidate. He stated his preference was to remain with the Rangers.

ESPN.com's Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton have Lindgren on their list of Rangers in play as the deadline approaches. Vincent Z. Mercogliano of the Rockland/Westchester Journal News cited sources suggesting the veteran blueliner might fetch a second or third-rounder.

Lindgren should still attract interest in the trade market if Drury becomes a seller before the deadline. However, the lack of media chatter about him throughout February suggests his stock isn't as high as others on this board.

Brandon Tanev sat at No. 9 on our previous NHL trade board. He's dropped down in our current board, but the Seattle Kraken winger remains among this season's notable trade candidates.

Selected by the Kraken in their 2021 expansion draft, the 33-year-old Tanev is a hardworking two-way winger. Eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1, he might not fit into their long-term plans as management attempts to add younger talent on more affordable contracts.

On Feb. 14, Kate Shefte of The Seattle Times had Tanev atop her list of Kraken trade candidates. She noted his name had been tossed around in the rumor mill since last summer. The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch claimed the Senators were interested in him.

Tanev won't fetch a big return for the Kraken, perhaps a third-round pick. However, it could become a second-rounder if there is growing interest in his services leading up to the deadline.

On Feb. 22, Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney told reporters he intends to be cautious leading up to this year's trade deadline. Sweeney is usually an aggressive buyer, but his club's struggles to remain in the Eastern Conference playoff picture have forced him to change tactics this year.

NBC Sports Boston's Nick Goss believes Sweeney will entertain offers for his pending UFAs. Captain Brad Marchand is among them, but the most likely trade candidate is Trent Frederic, who sat at No. 7 on our previous trade board. He's completing a two-year contract with a cost-effective cap hit of $2.3 million.

Boston Hockey Now's Andrew Fantucchio pointed out that Frederic has struggled offensively this season. However, he believes the big-bodied physical checking forward will draw plenty of interest in the trade market.

Frederic's low production has lowered his stock on our trade board. Nevertheless, cap-strapped playoff contenders looking for affordable checking-line depth, like the Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals, could be drawn to the big Bruins forward.

We had Rasmus Ristolainen sitting at No. 3 on our previous trade board. However, rumors regarding the 30-year-old Philadelphia Flyers defenseman faded throughout February, dropping him down on our current list.

As we noted in our previous board, it was assumed Flyers general manager Daniel Briere could have other moves up his sleeve after shipping Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee to the Calgary Flames on Jan. 31. Ristolainen was mentioned as a possible cost-cutting candidate.

On Feb. 26, NBC Sports Philadelphia's Jordan Hall speculated that Ristolainen could be coveted by other clubs for his size, skill and right-hand shot. However, The Athletic's Kevin Kurz cited a team source claiming they haven't received many calls for the big blueliner, though that could change before March 7.

Ristolainen wouldn't be a rental player as he's signed through 2026-27 with an annual cap hit of $5.1 million. The Flyers are also believed to have set a high asking price for him. Clubs could be more willing to pursue him during the offseason when they have more cap space.

Sitting at No. 2 on our previous trade board, Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres has frequently appeared in trade rumors throughout this season. Teammates Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch have also surfaced in the rumor mill, but the 23-year-old center remained the focus of media chatter throughout February.

Following a career-high 31-goal, 68-point performance in 2022-23, Cozen's production has suffered, partly because of the club's struggles amid a coaching change last year. Nevertheless, some observers believe a change of scenery could help the two-way center regain his scoring touch.

On Feb. 16, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News suggested the Sabres only trade Cozens if they get a significant return. His colleague Mike Harrington believes they should retain him, pointing out that the high number of calls they're getting about Cozens indicates how much value other clubs have placed on him.

Cozens is signed through 2029-30 with an annual cap hit of $7.1 million and lacks no-trade protection until 2027-28. On Feb. 5, ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported the Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings were among the clubs inquiring into Cozens' availability.

The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to defy expectations by remaining in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. That would explain why Ivan Provorov didn't surface in media trade chatter throughout February.

Provorov was at No. 4 on our previous trade board, but the lack of trade rumors about the 28-year-old defenseman has him sitting much lower on this list. He's completing a six-year contract with an annual cap hit of $6 million, with the Blue Jackets carrying $4.8 million.

The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported on Feb. 26 that the Jackets and Provorov aren't any closer to agreeing to a new contract. With the Blue Jackets jockeying for a playoff berth, LeBrun speculated they could be reluctant to move Provorov and risk disrupting team chemistry.

LeBrun believes the Jackets' remaining games before the trade deadline could determine whether Provorov finishes the season in Columbus. They could retain him as an “own rental” for the rest of the season if they're in a playoff berth by March 7.

Sitting outside the Western Conference playoff picture, the St. Louis Blues appear poised to miss the postseason for the third straight season. On Feb. 8, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported they were open to talking about their players with other teams, including team captain Brayden Schenn.

Schenn has three seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million. He also has a full no-trade clause that becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. Friedman claimed the Blues were setting a high asking price for the 33-year-old two-way center.

On Feb. 18, The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford indicated Blues general manager Doug Armstrong had sent out feelers to gauge Schenn's value in the trade market. The Hockey News' Lou Korac reported Schenn hadn't been approached by management about waiving his no-trade clause and there was no indication he would be.

TSN's Darren Dreger suggested that Schenn could be a good fit with the Toronto Maple Leafs, believing they have tradeable assets to make a suitable offer. However, that will depend on whether it's enough to prompt Armstrong to ask Schenn if he's willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to Toronto.

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere made a significant move on Jan. 31, shipping forwards Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee to the Calgary Flames for forwards Andrei Kuzmenko, Jakob Pelletier and two draft picks. He might not be done making deals before the March 7 deadline.

Scott Laughton has been a fixture in the rumor mill for weeks, sitting 11th on our previous trade board. A versatile two-way forward, the 30-year-old Laughton is signed through next season with an affordable annual cap hit of $3 million, making him an attractive trade target for cap-strapped playoff contenders.

On Feb. 8, Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco reported trade talks were heating up involving Laughton. He claimed the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets were among several teams in the mix. Ten days later, The Athletic's Kevin Kurz indicated the Flyers set a high asking price for Laughton.

The Flyers are reluctant to move him because of the value his experience, work ethic and leadership bring to this rebuilding club. Despite Laughton's lack of no-trade protection, Kurz believes the Flyers would let him decide if he wants to be moved and where.

The Montréal Canadiens are five points outside the Eastern Conference wild-card spot. They could become sellers by the trade deadline, moving out UFA-eligible players like Jake Evans, David Savard, Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak.

Evans could draw the most interest in the trade market. The 28-year-old two-way center sat at No. 6 on our previous trade board. His speed and two-way skills make him an affordable option for teams seeking checking-line depth. He carries a salary-cap hit of $1.7 million.

On Feb. 7, The Athletic's Arpon Basu wondered what type of return the Canadiens could get by packaging linemates Evans and Armia. He pointed out that they're considered the best penalty-killing duo in the league.

The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported on Feb. 26 that Evans and the Canadiens were far apart in contract talks. He believes it's likely that he's moved, adding that management has spoken to some teams about an Evans-Armia deal.

Most of the recent Chicago Blackhawks speculation has focused on defenseman Seth Jones, especially after he'd spoken with management about the possibility of a trade. However, Ryan Donato remains their most likely trade candidate. He was sitting at No. 8 on our previous trade board.

A versatile two-way checking forward, Donato is in the final season of his contract with an affordable $2 million cap hit. He's having a career-best performance in his contract year with 19 goals and 19 assists for 38 points in 55 games.

On Feb. 9, The Associated Press cited Donato's versatility, relentless style, and the positive example he set for Chicago's rookies this season. He could fetch a couple of draft picks, with one of them perhaps a second-rounder.

Donato's affordable cap hit could draw the interest of teams seeking an affordable middle-six forward. On Feb. 10, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said the Oilers could've been among the teams looking at Donato. Other suitors could include the Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets.

Vancouver Canucks fans are still adjusting to the two major trades recently made by their club. On Jan. 31, they shipped center J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers, followed by the acquisition of Marcus Pettersson and Drew O'Connor from the Pittsburgh Penguins the next day.

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin could be planning another move depending on his contract negotiations with Brock Boeser. The 28-year-old winger sat at No. 5 on our previous trade board. He's completing a three-year deal with an annual cap hit of $6.7 million with a 10-team no-trade list.

On Feb. 20, Boeser told TSN that he hadn't received an update from management regarding his future. He said he hadn't spoken yet to his agent and was focusing on helping the Canucks win. Boeser has 18 goals in 50 games this season but enjoyed a career-high 40-goal performance in 2023-24.

Patrick Johnston of The Vancouver Province suggested talks were at an impasse. The Athletic's Thomas Drance reported the Canucks were leaning toward keeping Boeser as an “own rental”, but he speculated that could change if they stumble in the standings leading up to the deadline.

Topping our previous two trade boards, Brock Nelson seemed certain to be moved by the deadline. However, speculation over the 33-year-old center faded in February as the New York Islanders remained in the hunt for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

Nelson has a $6 million annual cap hit with a 16-team no-trade list. On Feb. 8, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported teams were waiting to see if Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello re-signs the veteran center or puts him on the trade block before the deadline.

Two days later, The Hockey News' Stefen Rosner reported the Islanders are trying to retain Nelson, hoping to avoid repeating the saga that saw them lose John Tavares to free agency in 2018. The uncertainty over his trade status knocks Nelson out of the top spot on this list.

Nevertheless, Nelson remains a prime trade candidate. The Athletic's Michael Russo listed the Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche as potential suitors for Nelson. He felt the Minnesota Wild would probably like to acquire the Minnesota native but lack sufficient cap space.

The Carolina Hurricanes acquired Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche in a blockbuster three-team trade on Jan. 14. However, some observers suggest the Hurricanes could put the 28-year-old winger back on the trade block if they're unable to re-sign him by March 7.

Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos first raised that scenario. He speculated the Hurricanes wouldn't want to risk losing Rantanen to free agency after giving up Martin Nečas, Jack Drury and two draft picks to acquire him from Colorado.

On Feb. 21, Kypreos' colleague Elliotte Friedman reported the Hurricanes made a nine-figure offer to Rantanen's representatives. He indicated the winger hasn't decided yet as he's still processing his move from Colorado and whether he's willing to make a long-term commitment to his new team.

If the Hurricanes try to trade Rantanen, Friedman speculated they could retain half of their share of his cap hit ($4.625 million). However, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun is skeptical they'll peddle Rantanen. He claimed there's no indication they're shopping him and could retain him as an “own rental” for the playoffs.

Rantanen would become the top player in the trade market if the Hurricanes decided to shop him. The opportunity to land a proven playoff scorer with a Stanley Cup ring could be too tempting for this season's Cup hopefuls, garnering him the top spot on our trade list.

Stats and standings (as of Feb. 26, 2025) via NHL.com. Salary cap info via PuckPedia. Line combinations via Daily Faceoff.