With the NHL Trade Deadline set for Friday, March 6 at 3 p.m. EST, here are five key players that have a high chance of being moved around before then.
Brayden Schenn, C, St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues captain has had quite the underwhelming season. With just 24 points so far this season, Schenn has struggled to generate offense for his squad. Last season, the center was at talks of being traded prior to the Blues’ 12-game winning streak, which earned them a spot in the playoffs. Currently sitting in last place in the Central Division, the Blues should consider trading Schenn, who still has two years left of his 6.5-million cap hit contract. The Blues would likely seek out a first-round draft pick along with a defenseman to help their struggling blue line.
Nazem Kadri, C, Calgary Flames
Despite saying in past months that he wanted to stay a Flame, it seems Kadri is ready to be traded according to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger. Kadri, who has 10 goals and 39 points in 56 games so far this season, is a pending unrestricted free agent, carrying a cap hit of $7 million. The former Stanley Cup winner with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022 is rumored to be reunited with his old team. The Avalanche, who have close to $8 million in cap space, should look to bring in another strong forward, such as Kadri, who has been on the Avalanche before. Should they add Kadri, he will be a strong asset to their already strong offensive lines.
Evander Kane, RW, Vancouver Canucks
Kane is a pending UFA with a cap hit of $5.125 million on his expiring deal with the Canucks. The Vancouver native missed all of last season due to multiple injuries but currently has 26 points this season. There is a possibility that the Canucks would retain half of his salary, which would allow a team eyeing Kane to avoid spending a lot for the veteran player. Kane has playoff experience, having reached the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers, making him a good option for teams that are likely to advance to the playoffs.
Zach Whitecloud, D, Calgary Flames
Despite being recently acquired in January, Whitecloud could be a good player for the Flames to trade. The defenseman has gained significant ice time since joining the Flames from the Las Vegas Knights. Also in that trade was Rasmus Andersson, who was sent to Vegas. The Boston Bruins were linked to Andersson but ultimately lost out. Whitecloud could be a strong option for Boston to acquire as the defenseman could add serious depth towards their defense.
Connor Murphy, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Murphy’s name has been mentioned across past years to be traded, but Chicago has yet to make it happen. This year, he is an unrestricted free agent, so if there is any time to trade him, it would be now. The veteran is a strong defenseman for the team among a number of younger players making up Chicago’s defense. Murphy leads Chicago in blocked shots and would be impactful for teams struggling to keep the puck out of their net.
These are just a few of the many players that have a chance of switching jerseys this season. NHL Network will provide all day coverage on Friday, with live updates available on the NHL App as well.