The NHL's March 7 trade deadline is only a month away. Nevertheless, some teams have opted to avoid the rush by making significant moves ahead of time, using the upcoming break for the 4 Nations Face-Off (Feb. 10-21) as an early trade deadline.

Eleven trades occurred since January 1, including the blockbuster on Jan. 24 when the Colorado Avalanche shipped superstar Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-team deal that included the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Vancouver Canucks were among the busiest teams in recent weeks. On Jan. 31, they made a five-player trade with the New York Rangers with center J.T. Miller as the centerpiece heading to the Big Apple. The following morning, they made a four-player deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins, acquiring defenseman Marcus Pettersson and forward Drew O'Connor.

Miller was among the notable players on our January NHL Trade Block Big Board. With the trade deadline approaching, it's time to revise our list for February.

We've dropped Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett, Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson, Anaheim Ducks blueliner Jacob Trouba and goalie John Gibson, and New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider.

Those players didn't appear as frequently in the rumor mill as they once did. Brandon Saad was dropped following his contract termination with the St. Louis Blues, allowing him to sign with the Vegas Golden Knights. Taylor Hall was traded by Chicago to the Hurricanes in the Rantanen deal.

The following is an updated list of 15 players worth watching in the trade market in February. They include those from our previous list like New York Islanders center Brock Nelson and Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens and several additions who surfaced in the rumor mill since Jan. 1.

Do you agree or disagree with our list? Is there a player you think belongs here more than others? Let us know in the app comments below.

15. Seth Jones, Chicago Blackhawks

It's been another difficult season for the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks. Despite the presence of rising star Connor Bedard and promising players like Frank Nazar and Nolan Allan, they're stuck again near the bottom of the standings.

Some teams are wondering if Seth Jones could be available. On Jan. 16, TSN's Darren Dreger reported Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson was getting calls about the 30-year-old defenseman. Dreger said Davidson isn't shopping Jones but that hasn't stopped the inquiries into his availability.

Jones is a skillful puck-moving defenseman who logs big minutes for Chicago. He's signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $9.5 million and a full no-movement clause. It hasn't been reported that he's asked to be moved or that Davidson has asked him to waive his clause.

With the salary cap projected to rise significantly over the next three seasons, rival clubs could be willing to take on Jones' big contract but they'd likely prefer Chicago retain part of his cap hit. We recently looked at five potential trade destinations for Jones. A trade seems unlikely, but it's something worth monitoring.

14. Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins

From 2017-18 to 2023-24, the Boston Bruins were among the NHL's top teams. They finished first or second in the Eastern Conference four times, including an NHL-record 65-win, 135-point performance in 2022-23.

Those days could be over. The Bruins are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16. On Jan. 15, team president Cam Neely admitted his club could end up "retooling a bit" if they're out of playoff contention by the March 7 trade deadline.

That could include peddling away Bruins captain Brad Marchand. The 36-year-old winger is in the final season of his eight-year contract with an AAV of $6.13 million and an eight-team no-trade list. On Jan. 24, The Athletic's Fluto Shinzawa cited an NHL executive who suggested Marchand could be moved if they get a return that helps the team.

Much will depend on the Bruins' position in the standings as the calendar flips to March and the status of Marchand's contract talks. It seems unlikely at this stage but this situation could be worth watching as the deadline draws near.

13. Ryan O'Reilly, Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly knows what it's like to be moved before a trade deadline. On Feb. 17, 2023, he was shipped to the Toronto Maple Leafs from the St. Louis Blues in a three-team deal involving the Minnesota Wild. O'Reilly finished the season with the Leafs and signed a four-year contract with the Nashville Predators.

Two years later, the 33-year-old O'Reilly has surfaced again in the rumor mill. With the Predators floundering near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, some observers wondered if the Maple Leafs might try to reacquire him.

On Jan. 7, TSN's Darren Dreger wondered if O'Reilly might be reunited with the Leafs, citing his lack of no-trade protection in his contract. Four days later, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported teams were calling the Predators about the two-way center. However, he indicated they're treating O'Reilly like he has a full no-movement clause.

O'Reilly won't be traded unless he agrees to the new destination. While it appears unlikely that he'll be moved, he's another player on a struggling team whose status could be worth watching over the next several weeks.

12. Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks

A rift between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller led to the two Vancouver Canucks centers sitting among the top five players on our January NHL Trade Block Big Board. On Jan. 31, the issue was resolved when the Canucks traded Miller to the New York Rangers.

Pettersson, 26, is in the first season of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $11.6 million. Following the Miller trade, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Canucks wanted the dust to settle and see if Pettersson's performance improved.

The Athletic's Thomas Drance considered Petterson off the trade block but speculated they could attempt to trade him at the trade deadline or the offseason if he continued to struggle. The Buffalo News' Mike Harrington felt the Canucks were hanging onto Pettersson for a postseason push but could move him at the trade deadline if he didn't improve.

For now, the Canucks seem unlikely to move Petterson, hoping he'll regain the form that saw him tally 102 points in 2022-23 and 89 points last season. Nevertheless, we'll keep him on our February trade board as his name could resurface in the rumor mill by the end of the month.

11. Scott Laughton, Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers recently traded Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee to the Calgary Flames. They might not be the only forwards on this club who end up skating elsewhere by the March 7 trade deadline.

On Jan. 11, The Athletic's James Mirtle observed that Flyers center Scott Laughton was mentioned as a player the Toronto Maple Leafs should target in the trade market. He examined the pros and cons of acquiring the 30-year-old forward, suggesting he might be a better option next year when he's a pending free agent.

Laughton has a year remaining on his contract with an affordable annual cap hit of $3 million. He also lacks no-trade protection. On Jan. 28, Mirtle's colleague Kevin Kurz pointed out that the Flyers value and respect his leadership, noting they've set a high asking price.

A playoff contender desperate for depth at center could meet that price, which could include a first-round pick and a young NHL-ready player. Flyers general manager Daniel Briere has already moved out two players and could do the same with Laughton by March 7.

10. Ryan Lindgren, New York Rangers

The New York Rangers have been among the busiest teams in this season's trade market. Since December, they shipped Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, sent Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken for defenseman Will Borgen, and recently acquired J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks in a multi-player deal.

Following the Miller trade, Larry Brooks of the New York Post speculated Rangers general manager Chris Drury might have more deals up his sleeve before the March 7 trade deadline. He speculated the Ranger could make short-term moves based on their performance in the coming weeks.

Ryan Lindgren could be part of those moves. The 26-year-old defenseman is on a one-year, $4.5 million contract and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He sat at No. 13 on our January Trade Block Big Board among speculation he was a trade candidate.

On Jan. 20, The Athletic reported Lindgren was part of the Rangers failed first attempt to land Miller. A week later, he told Brooks he hoped he wouldn't be traded. Nevertheless, we can't rule out the possibility that he'll be part of a possible move by the trade deadline.

9. Brandon Tanev, Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken made several moves during the offseason to improve their chances of returning to postseason contention, signing free agents Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour and hiring Dan Bylsma as head coach. However, they will probably be trade deadline sellers, sitting nine points back in the Western Conference wild-card race.

Pending free-agent center Yanni Gourde was the subject of growing trade speculation until sidelined for five-to-seven weeks by sports hernia surgery. That's shifted the focus onto winger Brandon Tanev.

An original member of the Kraken, Tanev is in the final season of his six-year contract and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 33-year-old winger has an affordable cap hit of $3.5 million but also carries a 10-team no-trade list.

An energetic, pesky two-way forward, Tanev could be enticing for contenders seeking experienced checking-line depth for the long postseason slog. On Feb. 1, the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reported the Senators could be interested.

8. Ryan Donato, Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago traded winger Taylor Hall to the Carolina Hurricanes as part of the three-team deal in which the Colorado Avalanche sent Mikko Rantanen to the Hurricanes. Eyebrows were also raised around the league in January when reports emerged claiming teams were calling them about defenseman Seth Jones.

Ryan Donato seems more likely to follow Hall out of Chicago than Jones, who carries an expensive contract with no-trade protection. Donato lacks that clause in his contract. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July.

Donato, 28, is an energetic two-way checking-line forward who can play center or wing. He has 16 goals and 32 points this season, breaking his career-best performance of 31 points in 2021-22. He also carries an affordable $2 million cap hit.

The Athletic's Scott Powers believes Donato could fetch the same return as Hall (third-round pick) for Chicago. Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun mentioned him as a potential trade target for the Ottawa Senators.

7. Trent Frederic, Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins could become trade-deadline sellers for the first time in nine years. A perennial playoff club since 2016-17, they are in a tough fight for a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference.

Bruins captain Brad Marchand will be the subject of growing attention because of his eligibility for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. However, Trent Frederic could also become a valuable bargaining chip by the March 7 trade deadline.

Like Marchand, Frederic is UFA-eligible this summer. A big, fast physical checking forward with a decent scoring touch, the 6'3", 221-pound center would draw plenty of attention from contenders seeking size and grit in the postseason. He was No. 12 on our January NHL Trade Block Big Board.

Frederic's $2.3 million cap hit would make him an affordable target for playoff-bound clubs with limited cap space. On Jan. 9 TSN's Darren Dreger reported he was among the players the Bruins were willing to entertain offers. NBC Sports Boston's Nick Goss cited recent speculation claiming they were getting plenty of calls about him.

6. Jake Evans, Montréal Canadiens

The rebuilding Montréal Canadiens are jockeying for a wild-card berth with several clubs in the Eastern Conference standings. However, they could become sellers if they don't gain ground before the March 7 trade deadline.

General manager Kent Hughes could entertain trade offers for pending unrestricted free agents like defenseman David Savard and forwards Joel Armia and Christan Dvorak. However, Jake Evans could prove to be his most valuable trade chip.

Evans, 28, is a speedy two-way center completing a three-year contract with an affordable cap hit of $1.7 million. With 11 goals and 27 points in 54 games, he's on pace to exceed his career highs of 13 goals and 29 points in 2021-22.

On Jan. 29, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli suggested Evans could be the missing piece that boosts a Stanley Cup contender's bottom-six forward lines. He reported the Washington Capitals tried to acquire him last summer. Seravalli also suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Calgary Flames, and Columbus Blue Jackets as ideal suitors.

5. Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks made two big trades since Jan. 31, shipping J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers and acquiring defenseman Marcus Pettersson and winger Drew O'Connor from the Pittsburgh Penguins. General manager Patrik Allvin could have other moves in store as they struggle to remain in the playoff race.

With the March 7 trade deadline on the horizon, Brock Boeser could become the subject of growing trade speculation. The 27-year-old right winger is in the final season of his three-year contract with an annual cap hit of $6.7 million with a 10-team no-trade list. He's eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

On Jan. 17, Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre speculated Boeser could be traded if the Canucks hadn't reversed their fortunes by the trade deadline. Two weeks later, Patrick Johnston of The Vancouver Province suggested the projected rise in next season's salary cap to $95.5 million could prompt Boeser to stand firm on seeking a substantial raise.

Boeser's production has been inconsistent this season with 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points in 46 games. However, he tallied a career-best 40 goals and 73 points in 2023-24. He'll draw plenty of attention if the Canucks make him available in the trade market.

4. Ivan Provorov, Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets endured an offseason of management and coaching changes and the tragic death of star forward Johnny Gaudreau. Meanwhile, injuries have sidelined key forwards Boone Jenner, Sean Monahan, and Kirill Marchenko. Nevertheless, they've rallied to become a wild-card contender in the Eastern Conference.

Ivan Provorov has played a key part as one of the Blue Jackets' top-four defensemen. He was also frequently the subject of trade rumors, sitting at No. 2 on our January Trade Block Big Board. Provorov is UFA-eligible this summer as he completes a six-year contract with an annual cap hit of $6.8 million, with the Jackets carrying $4.8 million.

On Jan. 21, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported mutual interest in a contract extension between Provorov and the Blue Jackets. However, LeBrun was skeptical that the two sides would reach an agreement, speculating the Jackets could peddle the 28-year-old defenseman.

Provorov would be a certain trade candidate if the Jackets were near the bottom of the standings. However, their current position as a potential wild-card team could entice them to keep him as an "own rental" even at the risk of his departure as a free agent on July 1. That's why he's slipped a bit down our rankings.

3. Rasmus Ristolainen, Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers remain in the chase for an Eastern Conference wild-card berth, but that didn't stop general manager Daniel Briere from shaking up his roster. On Jan. 31, he shipped forwards Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee to the Calgary Flames for forwards Andrei Kuzmenko and Jakob Pelletier and two draft picks.

Following that trade, The Athletic's Kevin Kurz speculated Briere might not be done dealing in this season's trade market. He thinks the Flyers GM could package some of his seven picks in the first two rounds of this year's draft for a high-end asset. Kurz also thinks the bar is higher now for the Flyers' younger players if they wish to stay in Philadelphia.

That could also raise questions about Rasmus Ristolainen's future with the Flyers. The 30-year-old defenseman appear on our December NHL Trade Block Big Board as his improved play this season drew the attention of other clubs. He has two years left on his contract with an annual cap hit of $5.1 million. Ristolainen also lacks no-trade protection.

On Jan. 21, Briere told reporters he's not shopping Ristolainen, citing his importance to the Flyers' defense corps. However, Kurz believes the lanky blueliner could be peddled at the trade deadline or the offseason to free up more salary-cap space.

2. Dylan Cozens, Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Barring a dramatic late-season turnaround, they're poised to extend their NHL-record playoff drought to 14 seasons, which could lead to some late-season roster shakeups ahead of a possible offseason of change.

Dylan Cozens could be part of that change. A frequent subject of trade speculation this season, the 23-year-old center was ninth on our January NHL Trade Block Big Board.

Cozens' production is down from his career-high performance of 31 goals and 37 assists for 68 points in 2022-23, earning him a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.1 million. On Jan. 16, we looked at five potential trade destinations for Cozens, citing reports linking him to the Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks.

On Jan. 9, The Buffalo News' Lance Lysowski acknowledged teams were calling about Cozens but cited a team source saying they weren't shopping him. However, it's worth recalling that Sabres GM Kevyn Adams made similar comments last February about center Casey Mittelstadt, then traded him to the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Bowen Byram.

1. Brock Nelson, New York Islanders

The New York Islanders' recent win streak propelled them into striking distance of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. However, it did little to silence the trade speculation around Brock Nelson, who remains in the top spot on our trade board for the second straight month.

Nelson's eligibility for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1 makes him a prime trade candidate despite the Islanders' recent improvement. General manager Lou Lamoriello may be focused on his team's pursuit of a playoff berth but it's reaching the point where the approaching deadline cannot be ignored much longer.

The 33-year-old Nelson is a three-time 30-goal scorer who can play center or wing and has plenty of postseason experience. Those factors should draw plenty of interest from playoff contenders looking to bolster their rosters for a deep playoff run.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars were among the candidates on our recent list of trade destinations for Nelson. We based that listing on recent rumors linking them to the veteran Isles center. He has a $6 million cap hit and a 16-team no-trade list, but those factors shouldn't impede a trade.

The Islanders may stick with Nelson and clinch a playoff berth but the outcome could be another first-round exit. They're overdue to retool their roster with young talent. Moving Nelson now while his value is high could fetch the type of return that accelerates that retooling process.

Stats and standings (as of Feb. 6, 2025) via NHL.com. Salary info via PuckPedia.