We examine some of the top sellers and buyers in the league in part three of our trade deadline preview.
Nashville Predators
The Preds are all in. Fewer teams are more likely to make a deadline splash, considering they're linked to Rick Nash, Evander Kane, Mike Hoffman, Michael Grabner, Mike Green, Patrick Maroon, Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist. They won't get them all, but they might try.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils have surprised pundits and are right in the thick of the playoff mix. They made a splash earlier in the year by acquiring Sami Vatanen, but they'll look for a boost up front at the deadline. Brock Nelson and Alex Galchenyuk are two rumoured possibilities.
New York Islanders
The Isles are in a dogfight to make the playoffs, and in all likelihood will look all the help they can get at the deadline. Evander Kane, Alex Galchenyuk, Tyson Barrie and Robin Lehner are rumoured trade targets, while Brock Nelson, Michael Dal Colle and Calvin de Haan could be available. And no, they're not trading pending UFA forward John Tavares before the deadline.
New York Rangers
The Rangers are blowing it up. Whether the teardown all gets done before the trade deadline remains to be seen, but Rick Nash, Nick Holden and Michael Grabner are probably all heading out the door. The team is listening on Ryan McDonagh Mats Zuccarello, Kevin Hayes, Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller and, well, pretty much everyone else. They've been linked to Cam Atkinson and Alex Galchenyuk in the past, but it's not clear if those are still targets for the rebuilding franchise.
Ottawa Senators
Another team in turmoil, the Sens began reshaping their roster earlier this month by trading Dion Phaneuf and (most of) his massive contract to the Kings. Mike Hoffman and Derick Brassard are generating a ton of interest from teams like the Blues and Penguins, but Johnny Oduya, Cody Ceci, Zack Smith and Jean-Gabriel Pageau could be in play as well. Erik Karlsson will be the subject of intense trade speculation leading up to the deadline, but it seems more likely that a trade would occur in the summer, if at all.
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers are scouring the goalie market following an injury to starter Brian Elliott. Robin Lehner, Petr Mrazek and Antti Niemi are rumoured options. Jori Lehtera is rumoured to be available. Otherwise, the Flyers haven't been linked to too many big name players.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pens are going for the threepeat, and will look to stock up at center and on the wing. They don't have a ton of cap space to work with, so defenseman Matt Hunwick is rumoured to be available. Max Pacioretty, Matt Cullen, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Mike Hoffman, Evander Kane, Mark Letestu, Patrick Maroon, Derick Brassard, Tomas Plekanec, Alex Galchenyuk, Antoine Vermette and JT Miller have all been linked to Pittsburgh. Ian Cole and Kris Letang have seen their names in the rumour mill, but both are likely staying put for another Cup run.
San Jose Sharks
The Sharks are in the thick of a crowded playoff picture out West, and may look to add a player or two to give them a push. There doesn't seem to be the same urgency to add this year, but they've got their eyes on players such as Max Pacioretty. Moving Paul Martin would be ideal, and while teams continue to inquire on backup Aaron Dell, there isn't a ton of movement expected in San Jose.
Check out parts one and two of our trade deadline preview if you haven't already.
Follow NHL Rumour Report on Facebook for the latest rumour updates!
