From Vinny Lecavalier to Ryan Johansen to Dion Phaneuf, a bunch of big names have already been involved in some major trades this season. All the wheeling and dealing is likely far from done, too. There’s still a lot of time from now till the NHL trade deadline on Feb. 29 to pull off a few more moves.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest names per position – we’ve broken it down to the top three forwards, defensemen and goalies and included their 2015-16 stats as well as their respective salary cap hits – who could eventually be on the move in the coming days.
Meanwhile, don’t forget to take check out our NHL power rankings for this week, as well as the most recent Stanley Cup odds update.
The Canes are still sniffing a potential wild card spot in the East, but dealing Staal remains a distinct possibility. Staal is on an expiring deal, so the Canes can get a nice asset for the future and still get him back in the summer. The 12-year veteran center can be an instant contributor as a rental for another aspiring playoff team. However, he’ll have to approve any move first due to his full no-trade clause.
If Staal isn’t available, there’s another former Stanley Cup winner with a no-trade clause and an expiring deal potentially on the market: the Jets’ Andrew Ladd. The big, physical winger offers experience and leadership even if his production has dipped this year, and would be a terrific addition to a cup contender.
Jonathan Drouin isn’t an instant impact player like Staal or Ladd, but the former No. 3 overall pick could be the most coveted player in the trade deadline. The talented winger has undoubted star potential and would be a great pickup for the future, although the Lightning have shown they’re willing to hold out for the best possible deal for the 20-year-old.
Defensemen
RANK
NAME
TEAM
2015-16 STATS
SALARY CAP HIT
1
Kevin Shattenkirk
St. Louis Blues
10 goals, 29 points
$4.25M
2
Keith Yandle
New York Rangers
4 goals, 31 points
$2.625
3
Sami Vatanen
Anaheim Ducks
7 goals, 28 points
$1.26M
With Dustin Byfuglien now re-signed by the Jets, Kevin Shattenkirk jumps up the line as the best blueliner available this trade deadline. Although the Blues are in no pressure to deal their defenseman, their need for a top-six forward could ultimately see them part with Shattenkirk.
Meanwhile, Keith Yandle could be on the move for the second-straight deadline. The Rangers – currently priced at +1,400 to win the cup – would love to keep their top-scoring defenseman for another playoff push, but cap restrictions might push their hand to trade Yandle, who would be an excellent weapon on any team’s power play unit.
The Ducks have risen to playoff contention in the West after a horrendous start, but they could look to dangle defenseman Sami Vatanen to lift an offense that’s still way down in 26th this season. Add the fact that Vatanen is a pending restricted free agent, and a deal to move him on makes that much more sense for Anaheim.
Goalies
RANK
NAME
TEAM
2015-16 STATS
SALARY CAP HIT
1
Frederik Andersen
Anaheim Ducks
14-8-6, 2.39 GAA, .917 SV%
$1.15M
2
James Reimer
Toronto Maple Leafs
11-11-6, 2.45 GAA, .920 SV%
$2.3M
3
Cam Ward
Carolina Hurricanes
16-11-7, 2.35 GAA, .909 SV%
$6.3M
Vatanen’s teammate, goalie Frederik Andersen, could also be dangled by the Ducks by the deadline as teams in need of a goalie get desperate. John Gibson (2.11 GAA) has been very impressive this season, which could make Andersen, an upcoming restricted free agent, expendable. Andersen, though, is a very dependable goalie and probably the best one available in this deadline.
Meanwhile in Toronto, James Reimer is one of the best players still available in the Maple Leafs’ year-long fire sale. Reimer, who has a career-best 2.45 GAA this season, has been one of the few bright spots in Toronto’s season, and would be a nice upgrade for most teams between the sticks.
Last but not least, there’s Cam Ward. The former Conn Smythe winner hasn’t quite been playing on that level for some time; he’s got a hefty salary; and he also has a full no-trade clause. But he’s an expiring, so you better believe there are still teams willing to gamble on him catching fire once more come playoff time.
