With the NHL’s March 7 trade deadline rapidly approaching, contending teams are closely evaluating their prospect pools to determine which rising stars they’re willing to part with in exchange for playoff-proven talent. In the high-stakes chess match of deadline dealing, correctly identifying untouchable prospects and prime trade chips is critical. Let’s take an in-depth look at 13 top contenders and analyze which of their prized prospects could be wearing different jerseys by spring.
Eastern Conference Contenders
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes boast one of the deepest pipelines in hockey, headlined by Alexander Nikishin, widely regarded as the best defenseman not yet in the NHL. The big Russian is viewed as untouchable by Carolina brass. However, if they opt to swing for the fences, blue-chippers like Scott Morrow or Aleksi Heimosalmi could fetch a difference-maker up front.
Forward prospects Bradly Nadeau, Felix Unger Sorum and Nikita Artamonov are also highly coveted, but the Canes seem unwilling to move their future core pieces. Noel Gunler, Ryan Suzuki and Justin Robidas are skilled 20-somethings who could tempt teams seeking young, NHL-ready scoring depth.
New Jersey Devils
Thanks to recent high draft picks, the Devils are loaded on the blue line. While Seamus Casey and Simon Nemec are likely off-limits, their surfeit of defensive riches means one of Nemec, Anton Silayev, or Dominik Badinka could be expendable in the right blockbuster deal – perhaps for a top-line winger like Brock Boeser or J.T. Miller.
Devils forwards Arseni Gritsyuk, Cam Squires, Max Graham and Lenni Hameenaho are also drawing interest around the league. The red-hot Gritsyuk could be an immediate impact addition for a contender, if the Devils can coax him across the Atlantic.
Toronto Maple Leafs
With the Leafs in perennial “win now” mode, GM Brad Treliving isn’t afraid to leverage futures for playoff-ready assets. While blue-chip prospects Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten are very unlikely to move in a rental deal, the Leafs could dangle one of them as the centerpiece for a hockey trade involving a player with term, like Yanni Gourde.
Highly-touted defense prospect Ville Niemelä appears not to fit the Leafs’ archetype under current management, and may be their most intriguing trade chip despite clear NHL potential. If Toronto wants to fortify their forward depth, B-level prospects like Ben Danford, Topi Niemelä, or the mysterious Koehn Zimmer could grease the skids on a smaller deal.
Washington Capitals
After several disappointing playoff exits, the resurgent Capitals have re-established themselves as Metro Division favorites. NCAA standout Ryan Leonard is considered untouchable, and could provide a homegrown boost for their stretch run. Fellow collegian Andrew Christall and dynamic OHL forward Tavrik Parascak are also held in extremely high regard.
If the Caps want to add, dealing from their impressive blue line depth is the most likely avenue. While Cole Hutson is firmly off the table after starring at the World Juniors, Washington could entertain moving one of Ryan Chesley, Leon Muggli or Vincent Iorio as part of a package for veteran forward help.
Western Conference Contenders
Colorado Avalanche
It’s “Last Dance” time in Denver, as the Avalanche mount what could be a final Cup push with their current core. Top prospects Cal Ritchie and Ivan Ivan have attracted suitors, but are viewed as key long-term building blocks. The Avs also seem unwilling to part with KHL standout defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev unless a top-line player with term is coming back the other way.
More likely deadline fodder are second-tier forward prospects like Maximillian Curran, William Zellers, Oskar Olausson, Sampo Ranta, and Jean-Luc Foudy. One of them could headline a depth deal, but would be unlikely to bring back an impact player on their own.
Dallas Stars
Holding down a Central Division playoff spot, the Stars may be tempted to further bolster their imposing defense corps. While potential future stalwart Lian Bichsel is a total non-starter in trade talks, Dallas has enough young blue line depth to consider moving one of Christian Kyrou or Aram Minnentian in the right deal for a top-four upgrade.
The Stars’ collection of forward prospects, led by Emil Hemming, Antonio Stranges, Ayrton Martino and Matthew Seminoff, could also come into play if they want to add offensive firepower. Stranges in particular seems on the outs, and could benefit from a change of scenery.
Vegas Golden Knights
As per usual, the Cup-chasing Golden Knights are in full “no prospect left behind” mode. While they’d surely love to keep intriguing forwards like Brenden Brisson, Mathieu Cataford and Matyas Sapovaliv in the fold, all would likely be on the table for the right return. Brisson in particular seems ready for a fresh start to unlock his full potential.
On the flip side, Vegas’ 2024 first-rounder Trevor Connelly remains persona non grata for many teams due to off-ice concerns. Blueliners Tuomas Uronen and Lukas Cormier would likely draw more interest from teams seeking defense prospects, and moving one could allow the Golden Knights to hang onto their high-ceiling forwards.
Winnipeg Jets
With Connor Hellebuyck’s Vezina-caliber goaltending fueling a surprising rise up the standings, the Jets could be poised to deal from their deep forward prospect pool to reinforce their Cup-contending roster. While 2024 first-rounder Brayden Yager likely isn’t going anywhere, high-scoring CHL forwards Kieran Walton, Kevin He, and Colby Barlow would all have significant value on the trade market.
Older forward prospects Brad Lambert and Chaz Lucius could also be attractive to sellers, with Lambert in particular believed to be available for the right price. On the back end, the Jets would love to keep both Alfons Freij and Elias Solomonsson, but may need to part with Ville Heinola or Simon Lundmark to bring in an impact veteran.
While it takes years to fairly judge any deadline deal, the decisions these contenders make on which prospects to keep and which to trade will have a major impact on both their short-term Cup chances and long-term organizational health. By identifying true untouchables and smartly leveraging expendable depth, savvy GMs can thread the needle to boost their playoff fortunes without mortgaging the future. Buckle up, hockey fans – with this many future stars potentially on the move, it’s shaping up to be a deadline for the ages.
