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The 2024 NHL trade deadline passes on Friday, and the league is wide open.
With no runaway favorite in either conference, the NHL is flush with potential buyers as the trade deadline approaches. There are also teams like the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers that could be buying or selling. But this article will focus on the teams clearly expected to either buy or sell.
Here are 10 teams to watch – five buyers and five sellers – ahead of the trade deadline:
Buying: Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche should be an active team at the NHL trade deadline. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Avalanche are well-positioned to make a run at the Stanley Cup with Nathan MacKinnon putting together a Hart Trophy-caliber season. But they could use another center to park behind their franchise guy.
They should be in play for potential trade candidates at the position, like the Ducks’ Adam Henrique. Adding a solid piece at that second center spot would make the Avs significantly more formidable than they already are.
Selling: Pittsburgh Penguins
ELMONT, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 27: Jake Guentzel #59 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on December 27, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh has one of the top potential trade prizes on the market in left-shot winger Jake Guentzel. The 29-year-old has 22 goals and 52 points in 50 games this season.
MORE: Sports Hub Underground Trade Deadline Preview
Reilly Smith is another intriguing trade chip as a top-6-caliber left-shot wing. As the Penguins languish in seventh place in the Metropolitan division, both Smith and Guentzel are prime candidates to head to contenders.
Buying: New York Rangers
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – FEBRUARY 18: The New York Rangers celebrate their 6-5 overtime win against the New York Islanders during the 2024 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium on February 18, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The class of the Metropolitan division, the Rangers are officially in “win now” mode. That said, they could still use top-6 help on the wing and bottom-six help at center.
Expect them to be in on the aforementioned Penguins wingers, the Senators’ Vladimir Tarasenko, and others. Another top-six forward, especially, would make the Rangers arguably the top contender in the Eastern Conference.
Selling: Calgary Flames
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 20: Noah Hanifin #55 of the Calgary Flames shoots against the Seattle Kraken during the first period at Climate Pledge Arena on November 20, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
If you were to rank teams by their best two trade chips, the Flames have arguably the best pair in defenseman Noah Hanifin and goaltender Jacob Markstrom. The former is on track for free agency, and the Flames simply need to get something for him before he walks.
Markstrom, meanwhile, is under contract through 2026. So, he’d make for an attractive starting goaltender option for a team in need of solidifying the net.
Buying: Vegas Golden Knights
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 11: Alex Pietrangelo #7 and Jack Eichel #9 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrate Pietrangelo’s overtime goal against the Boston Bruins during their game at T-Mobile Arena on January 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Bruins 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
It really wouldn’t be the NHL trade deadline without the Golden Knights at least being rumored to do something big. The reason to watch them now is that captain Mark Stone could be placed on long-term injured reserve, which would free up cap space.
On top of that, they could stand to try and replace Stone, whose importance to the team can’t be overstated. It wouldn’t be surprising if they made a move for Tarasenko, or another impact right wing.
Selling: Anaheim Ducks
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 23: Adam Henrique #14 of the Anaheim Ducks during warm up before the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Honda Center on January 23, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Ducks have already sold off one piece, shipping defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin to the Toronto Maple Leafs. But they still have Henrique, who is possibly the best center available on the trade block.
Anaheim has a chance to get a great return on Henrique in a well-timed deadline situation. The aforementioned Avalanche make a lot of sense as a destination.
Buying: Tampa Bay Lightning
RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 25: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning scores a goal during the second period of the game against the Arizona Coyotes at Amalie Arena on January 25, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
Tampa’s always buying. Considering there’s no clear frontrunner in the Eastern Conference, these proven winners could storm past the pack if they make a big addition at the deadline.
Depth has become an issue at both forward and defense for the Lightning in recent years. So, they could feasibly be in on any number of additions at either position. At the very least, they should target a bottom-six forward or top-4 defenseman.
Selling: Ottawa Senators
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 21: Vladimir Tarasenko #91 of the Ottawa Senators reacts after scoring during the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 21, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Ottawa has Tarasenko on the block, as previously mentioned. But Jakob Chychrun is once again a name that’s come up, because he’s only signed for two more seasons.
Additionally, teams have reportedly called on winger Dominik Kubalik. He would make for a solid depth addition for a contender.
Buying: Florida Panthers
SUNRISE, FL – FEBRUARY 20: Teammates congratulate Brandon Montour #62 of the Florida Panthers after he scored a second period goal against the Ottawa Senators at the Amerant Bank Arena on February 20, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
If Florida wants to take that next step forward and actually win the Stanley Cup, it may need to add depth at forward and/or defense. Veteran Jason Zucker of the Coyotes may make sense as an addition for them.
The Panthers have been neck-and-neck with the Bruins atop the Atlantic Division. With the B’s struggling, Florida could blow by them with a significant deadline addition.
Selling: Columbus Blue Jackets
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 28: Yegor Chinakhov #59 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates his goal during the third period against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on January 28, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The name to watch on the trade block for the Blue Jackets is their captain, Boone Jenner. Multiple teams have reportedly called on the veteran center.
The problem with Jenner is that he’s signed through 2027 at an extremely reasonable $3.75 million, and he’s a beloved figure in Columbus. So, it may take a massive overpay for another team to get him. However, you should also watch for goaltender Elvis Merzlikins.
