CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — With the NHL trade deadline set for 4 p.m. Atlantic on Monday, Feb. 25, here's a look at the notable potential buyers and their needs, as well as the sellers and the players they could move.
Buyer
Winnipeg Jets
Considered a Stanley Cup contender, the Jets reportedly seek a top-six forward. Their first-round pick in this year's draft is said to be in play but general manager Kevin Cheveldayof could be reluctant to part with any of his top prospects.
Seller
Ottawa Senators
Pending free agent centre Matt Duchene is being shopped while fellow free agents Mark Stone and Ryan Dzingel could hit the trade block if the Senators cannot re-sign them before the deadline. Defenceman Cody Ceci could also be available.
Buyer
Toronto Maple Leafs
GM Kyle Dubas already made a significant move by acquiring blue-liner Jake Muzzin in late-January but there's a sense he's not done making deals. The Leafs could use a gritty scoring winger or a top-four right-shot defenceman.
Seller
Columbus Blue Jackets
Leading scorer Artemi Panarin intends to test the free-agent market this summer. Trading him could hurt their playoff hopes but they can't risk losing him for nothing. The asking price is high and could include a scoring forward. They might also entertain offers for unhappy goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.
Buyer
Boston Bruins
Lacking scoring punch beyond their top line, the Bruins are said to be in the market for a second-line winger or a third-line centre. Young forwards such as Danton Heinen or Trent Frederic or promising defenceman Urho Vaakanainen could be dangled as trade bait.
Seller
Philadelphia Flyers
With his club making a late dash for a playoff berth, Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher considers himself a seller as well as a buyer. He's expected to part with pending free-agent winger Wayne Simmonds, considered among the notable names in the trade market.
Buyer
Calgary Flames
One of the top teams in the Western Conference, the Flames still need to shore up their scoring depth at right wing. The recent struggles of goaltender David Rittich has also sparked speculation they could seek some help between the pipes.
Seller
Detroit Red Wings
GM Ken Holland is open to re-signing goalie Jimmy Howard, winger Gustav Nyquist, and blue-liner Nick Jensen. However, if someone is willing to meet his asking price of a first-round pick, one of them could be dealt by deadline day.
Buyer
New York Islanders
Always-secretive GM Lou Lamoriello is renowned for never revealing his trade intentions. But with the Isles exceeding expectations by sitting atop the Metropolitan Division, Lamoriello could acquire a depth forward or defenceman.
Seller
New York Rangers
Still in the midst of rebuilding with youth, the Rangers could part ways with centre Kevin Hayes if he's unsigned before deadline day. Veteran winger Mats Zuccarello could also be peddled for a second-round draft pick.
Lyle Richardson is a freelance writer with the Sporting News and runs the website Spector’s Hockey. His column will appear in The Guardian throughout the NHL hockey season.
