What to Watch For Ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline

With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, teams across the league have already started making deals in order to bolster their rosters ahead of the Stanley Cup playoffs. While Stanley Cup contenders are busy separating themselves from the rest of the pack, those sitting outside the playoff picture are actively seeking to pawn off their assets for the highest bidder.

Notable Trades So Far

The Rangers have been active in the trade market, acquiring Tyler Motte from the Ottawa Senators for the second season in a row in exchange for forward Julien Gauthier and a conditional seventh-round pick in 2023. The Senators also sent a conditional sixth-round pick if the Rangers advance past the first round of the playoffs.

The St. Louis Blues also made a big splash, trading Ryan O’Reilly and Noel Acciari to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for 2023 first- and third-round picks, a 2024 second-round pick, along with minor-league forwards Mikhail Abramov and Adam Gaudette. St. Louis retained 50 percent of O’Reilly’s salary in the deal. The Minnesota Wild also retained 25 percent of O’Reilly’s salary in exchange for Toronto 2025 fourth-round pick, while also sending forward prospect Josh Pillar to the Maple Leafs.

The Washington Capitals signed forward Sonny Milano to a three-year, $5.7-million contract extension and agreed to a five-year, $25-million contract extension with forward Dylan Strome. The Vancouver Canucks also traded captain Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders for forward Anthony Beauvillier, prospect Aatu Raty, and a protected 2023 first-round pick.

Players to Watch

The biggest prize to be won ahead of the deadline is Sharks star forward Timo Meier, who has collected 48 points in 51 games. Coyotes defenseman Jacob Chychrun is also likely to be moved and has drawn significant interest from teams around the league.

Two-time Stanley Cup champions Ryan O’Reilly and Vladimir Tarasenko are likely to be on the move as the Blues retool in a lost season. Blackhawks forwards Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews may also be packing their bags to leave Chicago, but any potential moves will depend on whether they feel comfortable with a trade.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov will also be one of the most coveted players come trade deadline day, with a number of championship contenders eager to add his solid defensive presence to their backend.

When is the NHL Trade Deadline?

The NHL trade deadline is at 3PM EST on March 3.

Conclusion

The NHL trade deadline is quickly approaching and teams across the league are already making deals in order to bolster their rosters for a potential Stanley Cup run. With Timo Meier, Jacob Chychrun, Ryan O’Reilly, Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Vladislav Gavrikov as some of the most coveted players available, the coming weeks are sure to bring plenty of excitement and drama. The NHL trade deadline is set for 3PM EST on March 3.