Updated NHL Trade Block Big Board 1 Month from the 2024 Trade Deadline

It didn't take long for our February NHL Trade Block Big Board to change. On Feb. 2, the top player on the board was on the move as the Montreal Canadiens traded Sean Monahan to the Winnipeg Jets for two draft picks.

It was another indication that business in the NHL trade market is picking up. Just two days prior, the Calgary Flames shipped center Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks for winger Andrei Kuzmenko, two defense prospects and two draft picks.

With a month to go until the NHL trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET on March 8, it's worth revisiting and revising our February trade board.

The Monahan trade has resulted in a shift upward for some of the players on this list. There are also some new additions, while others have dropped off. Those who are absent from this updated ranking include David Savard. According to The Athletic's Arpon Basu, the Canadiens are not actively shopping the defenseman.

As with our previous trade board, we've listed the top 20 players most likely to be moved based on skill level, contracts, experience and how often they've appeared in media trade rumors. We've also included a short list of honorable mentions.

If you agree or disagree with our rankings or feel we've overlooked a player you can let us know in the app comments section.

Jakob Chychrun, Ottawa Senators

The recent trade speculation about the defenseman has dried up since Senators general manager Steve Staios last month indicated his intention to sign him to a contract extension. The 25-year-old is signed through next season, so Staios isn't facing pressure to move him by the trade deadline.

Marc-André Fleury, Minnesota Wild

Wild general manager Bill Guerin said last month that his club hasn't given up on reaching the playoffs and he hasn't spoken to Fleury about waiving his no-movement clause. So far, there's been nothing new about the 39-year-old goaltender, but that could change if Minnesota fails to gain ground in the postseason race.

John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks

Gibson's name hasn't surfaced much in the rumor mill in recent weeks. That's likely due to the netminder's contract. He's got three years left with an average annual value of $6.4 million. While the 30-year-old could be moved by the trade deadline, the Ducks might have to wait until the offseason to get serious offers.

Elvis Merzļikins, Columbus Blue Jackets

Like Gibson, Merzļikins has three years left on a contract that could be difficult to move despite his trade request last month. His annual cap hit is $5.4 million along with a 10-team no-trade list. Combine that with his inconsistent play, and it's looking unlikely that the 29-year-old will get traded by the deadline.

Ivan Provorov, Columbus Blue Jackets

We noted in our previous trade block big board that the Blue Jackets were willing to entertain offers on several players, including Provorov. So far, though, there's no indication the 27-year-old defenseman will become a trade candidate.

Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators

Reports out of Toronto last month indicated the Predators were at least willing to listen to offers for Saros. However, The Tennessean's Paul Skrbina remains skeptical that they'll move their 28-year-old starting goalie while in the thick of the chase for a Western Conference wild-card berth.

Frank Vatrano, Anaheim Ducks

On Feb. 5, The Athletic's Arthur Staple and Eric Stephens reported the New York Rangers had an interest in the Vatrano. The Ducks winger has another year on his contract and is on pace for a career-high 30 goals. Anaheim GM Pat Verbeek could attempt to move the 29-year-old while his value is high.

Trevor Zegras, Anaheim Ducks

There's been nothing of late in the rumor mill to suggest the Ducks could move Zegras, who is recovering from a fractured ankle. That doesn't mean it's not a possibility but it appears unlikely he'll be available. It could take a significant offer to tempt the Ducks into moving the 22-year-old.

Playoff contenders such as the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings could use some help with their goaltending. They might look into the cost of acquiring Jacob Markström from the Calgary Flames.

The 34-year-old was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in the 2021-22 season and is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $6 million. He also carries a full no-movement clause giving him complete control over any attempt to trade him.

During a Feb. 4 appearance on the NHL Network, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said Markström doesn't like his name being out there in the trade market. He felt the Flames would have to be blown away by a significant offer for them to approach their starting goalie about waiving his no-movement clause.

Despite Markström's contract, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun wondered what effect the Flames trading his best friend, Elias Lindholm, to the Canucks might have on the goaltender's willingness to remain in Calgary. He believes the Flames have received a few calls but nothing serious.

On Jan. 30, Colorado Hockey Now's Evan Rawal listed several potential trade options for the Avalanche to address their need for a second-line center. Among those on his list was Casey Mittelstadt of the Buffalo Sabres.

The 25-year-old has become a key figure for the Sabres. After four seasons of development, he enjoyed a breakout performance in 2022-23 with 59 points in 82 games. While Buffalo is struggling through another disappointing season, he's its leading scorer with 42 points in 50 games and on pace to exceed last year's stats.

ESPN's Kevin Weekes suggested on the Jan. 19 edition of News of the Weekes (h/t Jason Moser of Buffalo Hockey Now) that Mittlestadt could be a trade candidate. He noted that the Sabres have all their young players signed to long-term deals but not the forward, who's a restricted free agent this summer earning an annual cap hit of $2.5 million on his current contract.

On Jan. 22, Mittelstadt told Lance Lysowski of the Buffalo News the trade rumors were news to him, adding his desire to re-sign with the Sabres. A week later, Michael Augello of The Hockey News suggested trading him could be a move Sabres GM Kevyn Adams holds off until the summer.

Nevertheless, we're including him on this list as a player worth watching.

Overshadowed by teammate Vladimir Tarasenko in the rumor mill, Dominik Kubalik is likely to be shopped by the Ottawa Senators before deadline day.

Like Tarasenko, the winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He carries a cap hit of $2.5 million and lacks a no-trade clause.

On Jan. 28, Daily Faceoff's Naftali Clinton included Kubalik on a list of five potential unsung heroes of the upcoming trade deadline. While the 28-year-old has struggled this season with the Senators, he's on pace for 18 goals. He could fit within the budget of a cap-strapped contender if Ottawa retains half of his cap hit.

The Czech is a streaky scorer, but he has put up decent numbers throughout his five NHL seasons. He tallied 30 as a rookie with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2019-20 along with 46 points, and he had 20 goals and 45 points last season with the Detroit Red Wings.

Teams in need of some affordable scoring depth could kick the tires on Kubalik in the coming weeks. As a result, he makes his debut on our NHL Trade Block Big Board.

Sitting at No. 2 on our January NHL Trade Block Big Board, Tyson Barrie slipped to No. 12 earlier this month. He drops further on this update as media trade chatter about the Nashville Predators defenseman has quieted of late.

The 32-year-old would slip into our Honorable Mention list if it wasn't for his trade request in early December. It's believed the Predators have spoken to some clubs about the veteran blueliner, but there's no indication he's any closer to being moved.

Slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, the Canadian carries a cap hit of $4.5 million. A reduction in his playing time combined with a recent injury has limited the puck-moving rearguard to 11 points in 32 games.

An improved effort by Barrie during February could help to improve his trade value, but the Predators could be forced to retain some salary to move him.

We had Anthony Mantha among the honorable mentions in our initial February Trade Block Big Board, but he could end up drawing some interest as the March 8 trade deadline approaches.

The winger is no stranger to getting moved in a deadline deal. The Washington Capitals acquired him almost at the last minute from the Detroit Red Wings before the Apr. 12, 2021 deadline. He was made available last summer, but his struggles last season dampened his trade value.

Under first-year Washington head coach Spencer Carbery, Mantha has had a better effort this year. With 15 goals in 44 games, he's on pace to reach a career-high 27. He's eligible for unrestricted free-agent status in July and carries a $5.7 million cap hit. The Capitals might have to retain part of it to facilitate a trade.

A solid performance by Mantha over the next four weeks could improve his value in the trade market. Perhaps a club in need of scoring depth like the New York Islanders, Seattle Kraken or Los Angeles Kings will give him some consideration.

The rebuilding San Jose Sharks have players such as Anthony Duclair, Alexander Barabanov and Kevin Labanc as potential trade bait given their unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. But goaltender Kaapo Kähkönen could draw the most attention leading up to March 8.

We had the 27-year-old at No. 10 on our previous Big Board. He carries a reasonable $2.8 million cap hit for this season, and we also noted that he's put up decent goaltending stats backstopping a porous Sharks team.

The Finn has been linked to the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers in the rumor mill. On Jan. 30, Colorado Hockey Now's Evan Rawal had him listed as a possible backup goalie option for the Avalanche.

Trade rumors regarding Kähkönen have faded somewhat since our previous February trade board, but he remains among our top 20 for now due to the demand for goaltenders in this year's market.

Previously, we noted rumors suggesting Arthur Kaliyev could become a trade candidate for the Los Angeles King, which earned him the No. 11 spot on our board.

The 22-year-old is in the final season of his entry-level contract earning a cap hit of $894,167. He was struggling this season with just 14 points in 38 games and could be an affordable reclamation project for clubs in the market for a promising young forward.

On Feb. 2, The Hockey News' Steve Warne wondered if the Ottawa Senators might target Kaliyev. He played his minor hockey with the OHL's Hamilton Bulldogs, who were owned by Michael Andlauer until he purchased the Senators last year. The Bulldogs were also managed by Steve Staios, who is now Ottawa's general manager.

The Kings fired head coach Todd McLellan last Friday, replacing him with former assistant coach Jim Hiller. That could affect Kaliyev's availability as management may prefer to assess his performance under a new bench boss.

After nearly 13 seasons with the Colorado Avalanche (including a Stanley Cup run in 2022), Erik Johnson signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract last summer with the Buffalo Sabres.

However, the defenseman could be skating with a new club by the March 8 trade deadline.

On Jan. 26, Buffalo Hockey Now's Jason Moser cited Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman saying he'd heard the 35-year-old's name come up in the rumor mill.

The veteran blueliner might prefer a trade to a possible Stanley Cup contender. The Hockey News' Michael DeRosa suggested the Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils and Edmonton Oilers as possible destinations.

TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported on Feb. 6 that there's a chance the Sabres trade Johnson. However, they haven't yet committed to that and intend to speak with him and his agent before making that decision.

Johnson has the experience, skills and leadership to entice a contender. The Sabres could ship him to any playoff club given his lack of no-trade protection. They likely won't get much of a return unless a team wants them to retain part of his salary.

Slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July, Nick Seeler has regularly surfaced as a trade candidate for the Philadelphia Flyers. We had the defenseman at No. 8 on our initial February Trade Block Big Board.

The 30-year-old and defense partner (and fellow trade candidate) Sean Walker have formed a solid second-pairing blue-line tandem for the Flyers. We noted in our previous trade block big board that one team reportedly attempted to acquire both rearguards.

Flyers general manager Daniel Brière hasn't ruled out trading Seeler and Walker before the deadline but indicated that would depend on the trade market. He doesn't intend to trade them just for the sake of doing so.

The recent addition of Jamie Drysdale from Anaheim could make it more likely that Walker moves on, but Seeler could remain in Philadelphia beyond this season.

On Jan. 29, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Flyers want to keep him (h/t The Fourth Period's Anthony Di Marco). However, the two sides have not yet engaged in serious contract talks.

The Buffalo Sabres entered this season with hopes of ending their 12-year playoff drought following a promising 2022-23 performance.

Instead, they return from the recent All-Star break with 48 points, putting them 10 points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot and prompting speculation they could become sellers by the deadline.

We recently named Victor Olofsson as the Sabres' top bargaining chip. The winger carries a cap hit of $4.8 million and is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He also lacks a no-trade clause. He's seen limited playing time this season and has been a frequent healthy scratch, limiting him to 12 points in 33 games.

Given the Sabres' growing depth in young forwards, the 28-year-old doesn't appear to figure into their long-term plans. Now in his sixth NHL season, he's reached or exceeded 20 goals and 40 points three times, including in each of the last two seasons.

Olofsson could regain his scoring touch going to a team where he can play top-six minutes. On Jan. 31, Pittsburgh Hockey Now's Dan Kingerski included him on his list of potential trade targets for the Penguins.

Eyebrows were raised when reports emerged at the end of January indicating the New York Rangers were taking calls on Kaapo Kaako.

The winger was chosen second overall by the Rangers in the 2019 NHL draft. That speculation landed him on our previous Big Board at No. 13.

Philly Hockey Now's Jonathan Bailey believes Kakko would be a good fit for the rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers. Nate Brown of Chicago Hockey Now asked whether it would be worthwhile for the Blackhawks to make enquiries, noting his ongoing struggles to play up to expectations.

Rangers general manager Chris Drury might be merely gauging the 22-year-old's value before the March 8 deadline. He could become a key part of a trade offer for an established second-line center or scoring right wing if the Blueshirts go all-in for the Cup this season.

In our Feb. 7 profile of Kakko, we listed Chicago along with the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and Ottawa Senators as possible trade destinations. We also believe the Rangers could retain him given he's a restricted free agent this summer, plus he posts consistently strong possession stats. His trade value is also at an all-time low right now.

Scott Laughton has spent his entire 11-season NHL career with the Philadelphia Flyers, but there's talk in the media that he is drawing interest in the trade market.

On Feb. 1, TSN's Darren Dreger reported the Flyers were taking calls on the 29-year-old, citing the lack of depth in skilled centers in the trade market. He added that Flyers general manager Daniel Brière wasn't keen on moving him but was "gauging the interest."

That prompted The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun to question whether Brière might be more inclined to listen if the Flyers slip out of playoff contention leading up to the trade deadline. Though sitting third in the Metropolitan Division at the recent All-Star break, they had lost five straight games before their 2-1 win over the Florida Panthers on Feb. 6.

Laughton is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $3 million. He told Kevin Kurz of The Athletic that he's used to hearing his name surface in trade rumors but he wants to remain a Flyer.

However, he could get moved if Brière gets a tempting offer before March 8.

Appearing at No. 9 on our previous Big Board, Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel is the most talented forward being discussed in media trade chatter.

He's second among Penguins scorers with 50 points in 47 games and could exceed his previous career high of 84 points in 2021-22.

Guentzel is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He's earning an annual cap hit of $6 million on his current contract and could land a lucrative long-term deal worth between $9 million and $10 million annually on the open market this summer.

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas continues to play his cards close to the vest regarding Guentzel's future in Pittsburgh. On Feb. 1, The Athletic's Josh Yohe speculated that he wants to re-sign the 29-year-old but that depends on whether the latter will accept a team-friendly contract.

On Feb. 3, Pittsburgh Hockey Now's Dan Kingerski cited Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos offhandedly claiming he'd heard the Penguins sent the Guentzel camp a six-year, $50 million offer but no contract had been signed yet.

If there's no agreement in place soon, Dubas might have little choice but to try to trade him before March 8.

Sitting at No. 6 on our previous Big Board, Vladimir Tarasenko is no stranger to being moved leading up to the trade deadline. Last February, the six-time 30-goal scorer was shipped out to the New York Rangers by the St. Louis Blues.

The Rangers were among eight destinations in our Jan. 3 profile of potential landing spots for the 32-year-old. We also included the New York Islanders, Washington Capitals, Nashville Predators, Seattle Kraken, Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers among the possible suitors for him if they became buyers.

We could also add the Pittsburgh Penguins to that list. On Jan. 31, Pittsburgh Hockey Now's Dan Kingerski included the winger on his list of scoring options for the Penguins if they should consider adding a scorer for a playoff run.

An unrestricted free agent at season's end, Tarasenko carries a $5 million cap hit along with a no-trade clause. With many contenders carrying limited salary-cap space, the Senators might have to retain a portion of that to make him a more enticing target.

Some NHL playoff contenders will be in the market for affordable checking-line depth before the trade deadline, and they could cast their sights toward Nic Dowd of the Washington Capitals.

On Feb. 1, The Hockey News' Sammi Silber cited Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli claiming the Capitals could receive lots of calls about Dowd if they become sellers before deadline day. The center is under contract through 2024-25 with an affordable $1.3 million salary-cap hit.

Silber noted the 33-year-old's work ethic and production could make him a hot target in the trade market. Given the lack of depth in quality defensive centers this year, he could fetch a good return for the Capitals.

Cap-strapped clubs that could be drawn to Dowd include the Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers. As for what the Capitals might get in return, the Edmonton Journal's David Staples cited Servalli and fellow insider Bob Stauffer suggesting a first-round pick isn't out of the question.

Sitting at No. 5 on our previous board, defenseman Sean Walker of the Philadelphia Flyers has formed a solid second-pairing blue-line tandem with Nick Seeler.

However, general manager Daniel Brière has indicated he's open to trade offers for the duo leading up to the March 8 deadline.

Walker, 29, carries an affordable $2.7 million salary-cap hit for this season and lacks a no-trade clause. Like most on this list, he's slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. His hard-working style and puck-moving skills make him a cost-effective option for cap-strapped clubs seeking a second-pairing rearguard.

He hasn't appeared much in the rumor mill since we published our previous trade big board. On Feb. 1, The Fourth Period's Anthony Di Marco indicated that could depend on what happens with Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev, who could set the market for defensemen once he's moved before the trade deadline.

Brière could peddle Walker if the Flyers slide out of playoff contention this month. The veteran rearguard could draw the attention of contenders such as the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs.

On Jan. 31, The Athletic's Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance included Walker on a list of trade targets for the Vancouver Canucks.

On Feb. 2, the Montreal Canadiens made a significant trade by shipping center Sean Monahan to the Winnipeg Jets. That prompted speculation over whether Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes might move on other players such as Jake Allen

A regular fixture in our previous trade block big boards this season, Allen sat at No. 7 on our initial February board. The 34-year-old goaltender has one season remaining on his contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $3.9 million plus a seven-team no-trade clause.

Allen featured as high as he did on that listing because several playoff contenders need goaltending depth. On Feb. 5, Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin listed the Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings as potential suitors.

During a Feb. 4 appearance on the NHL Network, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said the Canadiens have not stepped away from their asking price for Allen. He suggested a club could step up and pay it if it's unable to land other trade options.

A skilled puck-moving defenseman who logs big minutes in every game for the Calgary Flames, Noah Hanifin is in the prime of his playing career at age 27. The best all-around blueliner on our trade board, he moves up from No. 4 in our previous listing.

He should draw plenty of interest if the Flames decide to put him on the trade block. Our profile of him on Dec. 3 listed the Washington Capitals, Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Minnesota Wild, and Tampa Bay Lightning as clubs that either expressed an interest in him or would be worthwhile trade destinations.

On Feb. 1, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic suggested the Flames have decisions to make regarding Hanifin and Chris Tanev. Both defensemen are eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. LeBrun reported the Flames would like to sign Hanifin to a contract extension and are still attempting to do so.

Five days later, Chris Johnston told TSN that Hanifin's agents would meet soon with Flames management. He'll seek a significant raise over his current average annual value of $4.9 million.

If the two sides cannot reach an agreement, Johnston believes he could be traded before the March 8 deadline.

With Elias Lindholm now with the Vancouver Canucks and Sean Monahan with the Winnipeg Jets, Adam Henrique becomes the top center potentially available in the NHL trade market.

The 34-year-old Anaheim Ducks veteran moves up from No. 3 in our original February ranking.

Slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, Henrique is a solid, versatile two-way forward capable of playing center or left wing. He still has a decent scoring touch and is a good faceoff man. His contract could be a hindrance, though, as he carries a $5.9 million cap hit along with a 10-team no-trade list.

Interested clubs could ask the Ducks to retain half of his cap hit to facilitate a trade, but that could raise their asking price. Based on what the Canadiens received for Monahan (a 2024 first-round pick and a 2027 conditional third-rounder), Anaheim could seek a similar return.

On Jan. 31, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli listed the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs as potential suitors for Henrique.

The Athletic's Arthur Staple and Eric Stephens reported the Rangers are interested in Henrique and Frank Vatrano.

Ranked at No. 2 on our previous board, Chris Tanev has moved up to the top spot after the Montreal Canadiens traded Sean Monahan last week to the Winnipeg Jets.

The 34-year-old Calgary Flames defenseman continues to feature prominently in media trade chatter.

Following the Flames trading Elias Lindholm to Vancouver, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun felt they had decisions to make regarding Tanev and fellow blueliner Noah Hanifin. The pair are slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

As noted in the Hanifin slide, LeBrun believed the Flames still intend to sign him to a contract extension. Tanev, however, remains the more likely of the duo to be traded. LeBrun reported the asking price to be a second-round pick plus another asset, though a club could probably get him right away if they offered up a first-rounder.

On Feb. 5, Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun reported the New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks could be suitors for Tanev. The Leafs and Canucks have limited salary-cap space to absorb his $4.5 million cap hit. That's assuming those teams aren't on his 10-team no-trade list.

Stats (as of Feb. 7, 2024) via NHL.com. Salary info via Cap Friendly.