Abdelrahman
What Will Your NHL Team Bid Farewell To Before the March 7 Trade Deadline?
As the NHL approaches the crucial trade deadline on March 7, teams are faced with the prospect of letting go of key players. This week, The Athletic consulted its expert NHL writers for insights on which assets from all 32 teams might be on the move.
The predictions included various veteran role players, expiring contracts, as well as promising draft picks and prospects.
Here’s a compilation of our writers’ top selections for players who are likely to be traded.
Anaheim Ducks
Brian Dumoulin, LHD
The recent performance surge has seen the Ducks inch closer to a playoff spot in the Western Conference, with Dumoulin being a critical veteran presence on defense. However, given his impending unrestricted free agency, the Ducks should consider the long-term view. A proven defenseman like Dumoulin could fetch a good return just before the deadline, while also allowing younger talents like Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger more consistent playtime. — Eric Stephens
Boston Bruins
Trent Frederic, LW
Frederic is on an expiring contract, and there are indications that the Bruins may not match his anticipated market value this offseason. Currently sidelined with a lower-body injury, his gritty style of play could bolster a contender’s third line upon his return. — Fluto Shinzawa
Buffalo Sabres
Henri Jokiharju, RHD
A pending unrestricted free agent, Jokiharju carries a cap hit of $3.1 million. After scoring during the 4 Nations Face-Off, he has rekindled offensive production, making him appealing for teams seeking depth on defense. Given his inconsistent role recently, a change could benefit both the Sabres and Jokiharju. — Matthew Fairburn
Calgary Flames
2026 Third-Round Pick
With two third-round picks available in 2026, the Flames could leverage one of these if they choose to make strategic trades leading up to the deadline. — Julian McKenzie
Carolina Hurricanes
Jack Roslovic, RW
Positioned to make minor roster improvements, the Hurricanes might consider moving Roslovic, who has been a source of secondary scoring this season. If managing salary space becomes essential for a major addition, his $2.8 million cap hit could be the first to go. — Cory Lavalette
Chicago Blackhawks
Ryan Donato, RW
As one of the likely trade candidates following Taylor Hall’s departure, Donato’s future is uncertain. While he may not extend his contract with the Blackhawks, management’s decision will largely be influenced by incoming offers. — Scott Powers
Colorado Avalanche
Casey Mittelstadt, C
For the Avalanche to make a significant acquisition, clearing cap space may be necessary. Mittelstadt, with a $5.75 million cap hit, could be a candidate for such a move despite showing flashes of impressive play this season. — Jesse Granger
Columbus Blue Jackets
2025 Fourth-Round Pick or 2026 Third-Round Pick
While it’s possible for the Blue Jackets to trade players like Ivan Provorov or Mathieu Olivier for a substantial offer, mid-round picks seem more likely to be on the table, given the current season’s challenges. — Aaron Portzline
Dallas Stars
2026 First-Round Pick
With limited prospects due to prior trades, a future first-round pick stands as one of the Stars’ most viable bargaining chips, especially as they look to enhance their roster. — Mark Lazerus
Detroit Red Wings
2025 Third-Round Pick
The extent of the Red Wings’ aggression at the trade deadline remains uncertain. However, the 2025 third-round pick, acquired from the Rangers, provides them with additional draft leverage should they decide to seek a depth player. — Max Bultman
Edmonton Oilers
2025 Second-Round Pick
The Oilers lack tradeable roster assets unless they make drastic moves, potentially involving a goalie exit. Thus, their most promising chip might be the second-round pick obtained through a previous trade arrangement with St. Louis. — Daniel Nugent-Bowman
Florida Panthers
2026 Second-Round Pick
Slated to pick only in the fourth round of the upcoming draft, the Panthers may consider leveraging their 2026 second-round pick to facilitate transactions that enhance their current lineup. — Sean Gentille
Los Angeles Kings
2025 First-Round Pick
The Kings may need to consider trading their 2025 first-round pick, especially as they aim to acquire an offensive asset. Given the strength of this draft class expected to be lower, this pick could be pivotal for a strategic trade. — Eric Stephens
Minnesota Wild
Liam Ohgren, LW
With their first-round pick already traded, the Wild might look to move from their deep prospect pool. Ohgren, showcasing his goal-scoring ability in the AHL, offers significant potential for a trade. — Joe Smith
Montreal Canadiens
Jake Evans, C
As Evans’ contract negotiations are stalled, he is highly sought after by various teams. With his solid two-way game and penalty-killing prowess, he could fetch a beneficial return if the Canadiens choose to make a deal. — Arpon Basu
Nashville Predators
Gustav Nyquist, LW
In the last year of his contract, Nyquist presents a prime rental opportunity for teams needing additional offensive support as playoff contention looms. Despite a dip in production, his experience and skill hold great appeal. — Joe Rexrode
New Jersey Devils
2025 Second-Round Pick
The Devils have multiple second-round picks this summer, and using one could help acquire a much-needed asset to enhance their playoff roster. — Peter Baugh
New York Islanders
Brock Nelson, C
As an effective center under a reasonable expiring contract, Nelson represents an ideal trade piece for the Islanders at this deadline, potentially yielding a substantial return if moved. — Arthur Staple
New York Rangers
Reilly Smith, RW
Though not the top standout, Smith could serve as a valuable depth addition for a playoff team, possibly netting a mid-round pick in return. — Peter Baugh
Ottawa Senators
Jacob Bernard-Docker, RHD
As the Senators consider trades, Bernard-Docker may be discussed, especially with other defensemen stepping up. If Ottawa seeks help elsewhere, he could be a trade chip. — Julian McKenzie
Philadelphia Flyers
Rasmus Ristolainen, RHD
Ristolainen’s blend of size, improved skating, and contract continuity makes him a desirable target for teams in need of defensive depth. — Kevin Kurz
Pittsburgh Penguins
Anthony Beauvillier, LW
Beauvillier provides speed and playoff experience, making him an attractive depth forward. His expiring contract could make him a valuable asset for a playoff-bound team. — Rob Rossi
San Jose Sharks
Nico Sturm, C
After trading away various players, Sturm remains a strong candidate for a trade, offering physicality and experience that could benefit a competing team. — Eric Stephens
Seattle Kraken
Brandon Tanev, LW/RW
Tanev, with his speed and skill, is positioned as an attractive prospect for playoff-bound teams looking to bolster their roster. — Thomas Drance
St. Louis Blues
Zack Bolduc, RW
While it’s unlikely Bolduc will be traded, his name might come up as trade discussions heat up, especially given the Blues’ limited draft capital. — Jeremy Rutherford
Tampa Bay Lightning
2025 Second-Round Pick
With limited prospects available, the Lightning’s second-round pick becomes a critical asset in potential trade negotiations at the deadline. — Shayna Goldman
Toronto Maple Leafs
2026 First-Round Pick
Making a significant trade may require the Leafs to part with their 2026 first-round pick, allowing them to retain their emerging prospects while still improving their roster for a playoff push. — Jonas Siegel
Utah Hockey Club
2025 First-Round Pick
Given the current draft class’s quality and the team’s playoff aspirations, Utah may view draft picks as flexible assets for acquiring experienced players. — Shayna Goldman
Vancouver Canucks
Brock Boeser, RW
With contract negotiations stalled amid the Canucks’ fight for a playoff spot, a trade involving Boeser seems plausible as both sides realize a potential change may be necessary. — Thomas Drance
Vegas Golden Knights
2025 Second-Round Pick
The Golden Knights, already lacking a first-round pick this year, will likely use their second-round pick as a trade asset to bolster their depth. — Jesse Granger
Washington Capitals
2025 Second-Round Pick
The Capitals possess ample draft capital, including multiple second-round picks, which could facilitate a trade for a player to enhance their roster for the stretch run. — Sean Gentille
Winnipeg Jets
Colby Barlow, LW
As the Jets prioritize retaining their first-round pick, Barlow stands out as a potential asset for trade, especially given Winnipeg’s desire to remain competitive while building for the future. — Murat Ates
(Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; Photos: Mike Stobe / NHLI via Getty Images, Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images, Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
