As the NHL's Olympic freeze ends on February 22, several teams are poised to make trades in the lead-up to the March 6 deadline. Analysts highlight four buyers and three sellers with urgent needs, including the St. Louis Blues considering sales of key players. This activity could reshape playoff races amid injuries and roster gaps.
The NHL trade deadline on March 6 follows a temporary freeze until 11:59 p.m. Eastern on February 22, imposed due to the Olympics. Pre-freeze deals were limited, with only the Artemi Panarin trade standing out, as teams await potential injury impacts from the international tournament.
Among sellers, the St. Louis Blues, sitting 31st in standings, have yet to move core players unlike Vancouver, New York, and Calgary. Potential trade candidates include Justin Faulk ($6.5 million AAV, one year left), Brayden Schenn (turns 35 this summer, two years left at $6.5 million), Robert Thomas (26, full no-trade clause), Jordan Binnington ($6 million, one year left), and Jordan Kyrou (full no-trade clause). Analysts suggest trading Faulk now due to market shortages for top-four defensemen and retaining salary to boost value. Schenn's leadership is valued, but his age and decline make him a depreciating asset. Thomas and Kyrou are seen as long-term keepers unless overpaid.
The Calgary Flames, in rebuild mode after trading Noah Hanifin, Elias Lindholm, Jacob Markstrom, Tyler Toffoli, Chris Tanev, and Rasmus Andersson, should target moving Nazem Kadri (35, three years left at $7 million AAV, on pace for 15 goals). Blake Coleman ($4.9 million through 2026-27) and Zach Whitecloud ($2.75 million through 2027-28) are other chips. Kadri's value could mirror Elias Lindholm's return: a first-round pick and prospects.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, six points from a wild card despite a recent three-game win streak, should sell to restock after years of asset depletion. Targets include pending UFA Bobby McMann (on pace for 28 goals) and blue-liners Brandon Carlo (one year left) and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (turns 35 this summer).
Buyers include the Carolina Hurricanes, needing a second-line center behind Sebastian Aho, with ample cap space and future picks. The Dallas Stars seek a middle-six forward amid Tyler Seguin's ACL injury and a top-four right-shot defender to pair with Thomas Harley. Minnesota Wild, boosted by Quinn Hughes' arrival (34 points in 26 games), aim for another top-six center. Edmonton Oilers need a top-nine forward to deepen beyond Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Other teams like the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres are urged to add right-shot or "beefier" defensemen, with candidates including Faulk, Zach Whitecloud, and Connor Murphy.
