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Players Most Likely to Be Moved at the NHL Trade Deadline

Lyle Richardson

On Jan. 7, we looked at the NHL players most likely to be moved before the March 1 trade deadline. Since then, however, some new players (such as St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk) rose to prominence in the trade-rumor mill. With the deadline less than two weeks away, it's worthwhile revisiting and updating that list. 

Many of the players, such as Shattenkirk and Detroit Red Wings forward Thomas Vanek, are eligible for unrestricted free agency in July. Others, such as Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog, could prove enticing to clubs seeking long-term additions. 

Here's an updated look at the players most likely to be dealt by the trade deadline. We'll examine their strengths, weaknesses and potential suitors for their services. 

Notable Changes from the Previous List

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins

Fleury topped our previous list of most likely candidates to be moved at the trade deadline. On Feb. 2, however, Jonathan Bombulie of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford's preference is keeping his goalie tandem of Fleury and Matt Murray intact. Unless Fleury requests to be moved, he'll likely finish this season in Pittsburgh. 

Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche

Duchene was second on our previous list. He remains a hot topic of trade speculation, but most of the attention lately has shifted to teammate Gabriel Landeskog. The Avalanche could wait until this summer to find a trade partner willing to pay a high return for his services. 

Jarome Iginla, Colorado Avalanche

Iginla was ranked fifth on our old listing. The once-dominant power forward is a shell of his former greatness, with only 16 points in 56 games. It's no longer a certainty that a playoff contender will take a chance on the 39-year-old. 

Radim Vrbata, Arizona Coyotes

Ranked seventh on our previous list, the Coyotes' leading scorer might not be as enticing as originally believed. On Jan. 25, Arizona Sports' Craig Morgan reported Vrbata's bonus clauses could become a significant sticking point. 

Dennis Seidenberg, New York Islanders

The Islanders' recent improvement under interim head coach Doug Weight vaulted them back into the Eastern Conference playoff race. That could move the Isles from sellers into buyers. Seidenberg, ranked eighth on our previous listing, might stay put. 

Ryan Miller, Vancouver Canucks

Despite the Canucks' recent struggles, they remain in the Western Conference playoff race. Unless Miller (ninth on our former ranking) asks for a trade and waives his no-movement clause. the Canucks could hang on to him in hopes of bouncing back in the standings. 

10. Dmitry Kulikov, Buffalo Sabres

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Why he could be traded

The Buffalo Sabres could go into sell mode if they fail to gain ground in the Eastern Conference playoff chase. Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov could be among several of the Sabres' unrestricted free agents to hit the trade market before March 1. 

Strengths

Kulikov is a good mobile blueliner with solid offensive skills. The 26-year-old has exceeded 20 points three times in his eight-year career. He can log big minutes and is averaging 22 minutes and 38 seconds of time on ice per game this season.  

Weaknesses

Consistency is an issue for Kulikov at both ends of the ice. Injuries has limited him to just 32 games this season, which could affect his trade value. He's a left-handed shot in a market where right-shooting defensemen are prized. 

Possible suitors

Playoff contenders seeking an affordable playoff rental could include the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs.  

9. Brian Boyle, Tampa Bay Lightning

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Why he could be traded

The Tampa Bay Lightning are closer to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings than they are to a playoff berth. With younger forward such as Tyler Johnson, Jonathan Drouin and Ondrej Palat to re-sign this summer, management could peddle unrestricted free agents like center Brian Boyle

Strengths

At 6'6" and 244 pounds, Boyle is a big-bodied physical checking-line forward. He can play all three forward positions and is solid in the faceoff circle. He also has considerable playoff experience, having played in the 2014 Stanley Cup Final with the New York Rangers and in the 2015 Cup Final with the Lightning. 

Weaknesses

With 13 goals in 50 games, Boyle's on pace for 20 goals this season. However, he's not a consistent scorer.  He's best suited for third-line duty and doesn't skate big minutes, averaging just 13:44 this season.  

Possible suitors

Playoff contenders seeking size, experience and versatility on their checking lines could be interested in Boyle. The Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs could be among them. 

8. Evander Kane, Buffalo Sabres

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Why he could be traded

Buffalo Sabres left wing Evander Kane's performance has improved over the last two months. With 19 goals and 29 points in 46 games, he's close to a 30-goal pace. That production could make the 25-year-old easier to move for the rebuilding Sabres, who need to improve their defensive depth. 

Strengths

Kane has the skills to be an effective power forward. He's already exceeded 20 goals twice in his eight-year NHL career, including a 30-goal campaign in 2011-12. Kane also brings an aggressive edge to his game and has sufficient upside to become a late-blooming star.  

Weaknesses

An inconsistent performer, Kane tends to be a streaky scorer. His physical style has taken its toll on his body. The last time he played over 65 games was in 2011-12 (74 games). Kane's also had several off-ice incidents with the law. His $5.25 million annual salary-cap hit could prove difficult to move. 

Possible suitors

If the Sabres are willing to pick up part of Kane's annual cap hit, he could be trade bait to land a top-four defenseman. Teams lacking offensive depth at left wing with depth in young blueliners include the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes and Vancouver Canucks. 

7. Michael Stone, Arizona Coyotes

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Why he could be traded

The Arizona Coyotes are out of playoff contention and could ship out some pending unrestricted free agents, such as defenseman Michael Stone, at the deadline. On Feb. 14, Arizona Sports' Craig Morgan reported the Coyotes haven't held substantive contract talks with Stone and fellow free agent Martin Hanzal.

Strengths

At 6'3" and 210 pounds, Stone has good size for an NHL defenseman. He plays a solid all-around game, logs 20:17 of time on ice per game and has a strong right-handed shot.  He reached a career-best 36 points in 2015-16.

Weaknesses

Consistency remains an issue for Stone. Offseason knee surgery and an upper-body injury in November has affected his play this season. 

Possible suitors

The New York Rangers need a top-four, right-sided blueliner. Stone could be an affordable rental fit there. The Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs could also make inquiries. 

6. Patrick Eaves, Dallas Stars

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Why he could be traded

The Dallas Stars are losing ground in the Western Conference playoff race. Should they fall further behind, management might ship out their pending unrestricted free agents for draft picks and prospects. Right wing Patrick Eaves could be among those on the move. 

Strengths

Eaves, 32, has reached career highs in goals (21) and points (36) in 58 games this season. He's on pace for close to 30 goals and 50 points. A versatile two-way forward, he can skate on either wing. He also carries a very affordable $1 million salary-cap hit this season. 

Weaknesses

Despite Eaves' production this season, he's not a consistent scorer and could struggle with new teammates. He also has a long history of injuries. The last time he played over 70 games was a 74-game season in 2008-09 with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Possible suitors

Given his versatility, Eaves could be useful to clubs seeking scoring punch or help on the penalty kill. The Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and Ottawa Senators are among the playoff contenders lacking scoring depth on the wing. The Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins could use help killing penalties

5. Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Why he could be traded

The Avalanche are mired at the bottom of the NHL standings and will miss the playoffs for the third straight year. The roster needs a shakeup, and core players such as Landeskog and center Matt Duchene could be moved by the trade deadline. 

Strengths

Landeskog, 24, is an offensive forward with leadership skills. In his six NHL seasons, the Avalanche captain exceeded 20 goals and 50 points four times. He doesn't shy away from physical play or the heavy traffic areas. He's under contract through 2020-21, which could make him enticing to teams seeking long-term help at left wing. 

Weaknesses

With only 23 points in 46 games, Landeskog is not on pace to reach 20 goals or 50 points this season. He can be a streaky scorer and has a temper, with two suspensions totaling five games on his resume. His $5.571 million annual salary-cap hit could be difficult to move during the season. 

Possible suitors

Duchene has received most of the focus in recent trade rumors, but Landeskog appears to be attracting serious interest. Teams lacking scoring depth at left wing could make Landeskog a trade target. On Feb. 3, ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun reported the Los Angeles Kings had brief contact with the Avs. On Feb. 12, Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe reported the Boston Bruins could be looking at Landeskog. 

4. Ben Bishop, Tampa Bay Lightning

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Why he could be traded

The Tampa Bay Lightning are falling further out of playoff contention in the Eastern Conference. With over $59 million invested in 13 players next season and forwards Tyler Johnson, Jonathan Drouin and Ondrej Palat due for significant raises, the Lightning won't have enough to re-sign free-agent goalie Ben Bishop

Strengths

Despite his struggles this season, Bishop is only a year removed from being a Vezina Trophy finalist. His big frame (6'7", 216 lbs) covers a lot of net. He's also quite agile and positionally sound. He won 35 or more games in each of the previous three seasons. 

Weaknesses

Injuries remain a concern for Bishop, which could hurt his trade value. The cost of re-signing Bishop, whose salary-cap hit is $5.95 million this season, could also be a detriment. He's had difficulties with consistency this season. 

Possible suitors

On Sept. 2, Sportsnet's Scott Lewis cited Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reporting a potential deal that would've sent Bishop to the Calgary Flames almost taking place during the 2016 NHL draft in June. With the Flames' goaltending once again an issue, perhaps they'll revisit their interest in Bishop.  

3. Martin Hanzal, Arizona Coyotes

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Why he could be traded

With the Arizona Coyotes on the verge of once again missing the playoffs, they could start shopping some of their unrestricted free agents. Center Martin Hanzal could attract the best return. 

Strengths

The 29-year-old Hanzal is a skilled two-way center. He has a big frame (6'6", 226 lbs) and a long reach, which works well for him in the offensive and defensive zones. Hanzal is a good playmaker and has a solid faceoff win percentage (55.8) this season. 

Weaknesses

With only two 40-point campaigns in his 10 NHL seasons, Hanzal isn't a reliable offensive presence. He also has a long injury history. He last played over 65 games in a season back in 2009-10.  

Possible suitors

Hanzal's size and two-way skills should attract interest from clubs lacking those talents at center. Interested parties could include the Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens.

2. Thomas Vanek, Detroit Red Wings

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Why he could be traded

The Detroit Red Wings are poised to miss the playoffs for the first time in 27 years. Now in the midst of rebuilding its roster, management will be on the lookout for promising young players, draft picks or prospects. Their best trade chip is left wing Thomas Vanek.  

Strengths

With 14 goals and 36 points in 44 games, Vanek's on the verge of tallying 20 goals and 50 points for the 11th time in his NHL career. The 33-year-old is an experienced scorer who can also skate on either wing. Carrying a one-year contract worth $2.6 million, he's also an affordable rental player. 

Weaknesses

Despite his offensive accomplishments, Vanek can go into lengthy scoring droughts. While he has good size (6'2", 214 lbs), he's not a physical player. Backchecking isn't his strength.

Possible suitors

The Wings must bolster their blue line and could target playoff contenders carrying depth on defense. The Anaheim Ducks could be an option. They could also look at the Calgary Flames, Los Angeles Kings and Ottawa Senators. 

1. Kevin Shattenkirk, St. Louis Blues

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Why he could be traded

Despite their recent improvement, the Blues might move Shattenkirk at the trade deadline rather than risk losing him to unrestricted free agency in July. Given the Blues' depth on defense, they could shop the 28-year-old for a return that brings in immediate help and depth for the future. 

Strengths

A skilled puck-mover, Shattenkirk sits second among Blues scorers (42 points) and among the top five for NHL defensemen. He's strong on the power play and logs top-four D-men minutes. He's a right-handed shot, which could make him prized by clubs seeking offensive strength from the right side of the blue line.

Weaknesses

While Shattenkirk plays a decent defensive game, he is prone at times to mistakes in his own zone. The 6'0", 209-pounder isn't a physical blueliner and can lose puck battles to larger, more aggressive opponents. While he can skate on the top pairing, he's best suited in a second-pairing role.  

Possible suitors

Shattenkirk will attract interest from clubs in need of a mobile blueliner who can anchor a power play. The Blues could prefer shipping him to an Eastern Conference club, such as the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers.

Player stats (as of Feb. 17) via NHL.com. Salary and contract info via Cap Friendly

   

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