As the NHL trade deadline approaches on Friday at 3 p.m. ET, general managers are feeling the pressure. With over two-thirds of teams still firmly in playoff contention, the urgency to make impactful trades is palpable. Each of the league's 32 teams is currently evaluating their roster and determining whether they will be buyers or sellers this season. Here's what we know about the strategies being employed by various teams ahead of the deadline.
The Anaheim Ducks are currently lingering in the distant playoff race within the Western Conference. After six consecutive seasons away from the postseason, there are signs that the Ducks may finally be turning a corner. General Manager Pat Verbeek is considering moving veteran defenseman Brian Dumoulin, but he doesn't plan to fully embrace a selling strategy as he has in previous years. The Ducks are also open to trading goaltender John Gibson, who is willing to waive his no-trade clause for a move to Edmonton. However, the Oilers have publicly stated they are not in the market for a goalie. As conversations with Carolina have cooled, it appears the Ducks may experience a quiet deadline period.
In an unusual twist, the Boston Bruins are contemplating a selling strategy after being perennial buyers in previous seasons. An injury to Trent Frederic has complicated matters, yet there is a belief that he and other rental players like Justin Brazeau may be dealt soon. Negotiations with captain Brad Marchand are ongoing, with both parties eager to reach an agreement, although the term remains a significant sticking point. It seems unlikely that the Bruins would part ways with their heart-and-soul player.
The Buffalo Sabres find themselves on the path to a 14th consecutive year outside of the playoffs and are officially categorized as sellers. However, they are cautious about selling distressed assets below market value. While there has been interest in players like Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram, the Sabres have not yet found a suitor willing to make an attractive player-for-player deal. Most likely, Buffalo will move out some rentals, with Jordan Greenway and Henri Jokiharju being potential candidates.
Currently clinging to a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, the Calgary Flames have two games left on a challenging road trip before the deadline. General Manager Craig Conroy is unlikely to make any moves that could jeopardize the team's chances of making the playoffs. While teams are inquiring about right-shot defenseman Rasmus Andersson, any potential deal would need to be overwhelmingly beneficial for the Flames. Conroy is also looking to add a young center, potentially targeting players like Dylan Cozens.
Unless a can't-miss offer comes in for Mikko Rantanen, the Carolina Hurricanes may have already made their most significant moves. They remain open to discussions regarding Rantanen, who is a pending unrestricted free agent. However, the likelihood is that they will retain him for a playoff push and revisit contract talks after the season. Additionally, the Hurricanes recently acquired veteran Taylor Hall, which could be a precursor to further roster adjustments.
After trading Seth Jones, the Chicago Blackhawks are now focusing on potential moves involving rental players like Ryan Donato, who is experiencing a career year. With ample cap space available, Chicago could potentially absorb another team's cap casualty, although they currently lack salary retention spots for this season.
The Colorado Avalanche have already made a pre-deadline move by acquiring Ryan Lindgren from the Rangers, enhancing their defensive depth. With that acquisition complete, the Avalanche now aim to improve their forward lineup ahead of the deadline.
Initially viewed as sellers, the Columbus Blue Jackets are now operating like buyers after unexpected success in the playoff race. With aspirations to bolster their forward group, they are shifting focus toward acquiring players with term remaining on their contracts.
The Dallas Stars are optimistic about the return of Tyler Seguin and Miro Heiskanen to their lineup. While they have encountered injuries, the Stars don't anticipate needing to place them on long-term injured reserve. Recent acquisitions like Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci have already proven effective, providing a solid foundation for the team's playoff ambitions.
With a playoff spot within reach, the Detroit Red Wings are well-positioned to make a strategic move at the deadline. Despite Andrew Copp's season-ending injury, GM Steve Yzerman has the cap space and motivation to enhance the team's depth.
The Edmonton Oilers are focusing on reinforcing their blue line after a series of inconsistent performances. GM Stan Bowman is exploring the market for forwards and may consider trading Evander Kane, who recently had his no-movement clause modified.
Despite acquiring Seth Jones, the Florida Panthers still have significant cap flexibility due to Matthew Tkachuk's placement on LTIR. GM Bill Zito is in an advantageous position to add a forward and a third-string goaltender to support the team's pursuit of another Stanley Cup Final appearance.
The Los Angeles Kings are reportedly interested in a middle-six winger but are not pursuing high-profile players like Mikko Rantanen. Their focus appears to be on making smaller, strategic additions to enhance their roster.
With the anticipated returns of injured forwards Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek, the Minnesota Wild are unlikely to make significant moves at the deadline. They recently traded for Gustav Nyquist and will likely need to navigate any further transactions carefully.
The Montreal Canadiens are preparing to be modest sellers despite a recent winning streak. They are open to trading players like Jake Evans and Joel Armia, focusing on maximizing their return on expiring contracts.
In a challenging season, the Nashville Predators are navigating the deadline with caution. GM Barry Trotz is listening to offers for veteran center Ryan O'Reilly but is seeking a young player in return. A complete fire sale is not on the agenda.
The status of star player Jack Hughes will significantly influence the New Jersey Devils' trade approach. If Hughes' injury proves serious, the team may pivot to seek additional help down the middle.
The New York Islanders are facing uncertainty as they weigh the future of forwards Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. GM Lou Lamoriello could choose to hold onto these players rather than risk disrupting team chemistry.
With a disappointing season unfolding, the New York Rangers are shifting their focus toward player transactions rather than playoff aspirations. They are expected to continue moving players out, including potential trades involving Reilly Smith.
As the Ottawa Senators aim to return to the playoffs, GM Steve Staios is looking to add a winger, although cap limitations may restrict their ability to make significant moves.
The Philadelphia Flyers are in a wait-and-see mode as GM Daniel Briere gauges interest in players like Scott Laughton and Rasmus Ristolainen. The team's strategy remains unclear, with a focus on maintaining options for future trades.
For the Pittsburgh Penguins, the trade deadline represents a chance to reshape their roster. GM Kyle Dubas is interested in youthful assets and is determined not to part with franchise cornerstones like Sidney Crosby.
As a rebuilding franchise, the San Jose Sharks are focused on acquiring draft picks and prospects. With several rental players available, GM Mike Grier will aim to bolster the team's future.
The Seattle Kraken are likely to make moves during the deadline, especially with players like Yanni Gourde and Brandon Tanev available. Despite their struggles, the team is not keen on disrupting their playoff chase.
The St. Louis Blues are in transition and are open to offers on veteran players like captain Brayden Schenn. While they remain in the playoff hunt, their posture suggests a more seller-oriented approach.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have shifted their focus from defensemen to seeking forward additions. They may explore a reunion with Yanni Gourde and are always a wildcard in trade discussions.
With a pressing need for a third-line center, the Toronto Maple Leafs are weighing their options carefully. GM Brad Treliving faces challenges due to a tight cap situation and is likely to pursue salary retention to facilitate any trades.
Despite having several pending unrestricted free agents, the Utah Hockey Club is not expected to be active sellers. With recent wins boosting morale, management is inclined to maintain momentum rather than disrupt the playoff chase.
The Vancouver Canucks are in a precarious position as they consider the future of winger Brock Boeser. The team's management is also looking to bolster their forward group while navigating contract negotiations for key players.
Though the Vegas Golden Knights have a strong lineup, GM Kelly McCrimmon is still exploring options to enhance their roster, indicating that the team may not sit idly by as the deadline approaches.
With a successful season thus far, the Washington Capitals are likely to take a conservative approach at the deadline. They are monitoring the market for depth forwards but have little incentive to make drastic changes.
The Winnipeg Jets are interested in adding depth to their roster without making major changes. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is exploring options for a depth defenseman and a versatile forward.
The trade deadline promises to be a dynamic period for all 32 NHL teams, with strategies evolving as the clock ticks down. As general managers navigate negotiations, fans are eagerly anticipating the moves that will shape the remainder of the season.
