Taylor Hall, LW, Buffalo Sabres
One of the biggest free agent signings of the offseason was Taylor Hall signing with the Buffalo Sabres. The Hall signing was going to either be a huge success or failure for the Sabres. And now it is safe to say that the signing was a huge failure. The Sabres sit dead last in the league with a record of 8-22-6 with Hall having an underwhelming season. The former Hart Trophy winner currently has 2 goals and 19 points in 37 games. Hall is a pending UFA and it is almost certain that Hall will be traded to a different team by the April 12th deadline.
Teams interested: Maple Leafs, Oilers, Islanders
Value: 2nd round pick + prospect
Kyle Palmieri, RW, New Jersey Devils
Kyle Palmieri is regarded as one of the most consistent players in the league, putting up 20+ goals in each of the last 5 seasons on the Devils. This year, Palmieri is having a bit of a down year but has been picking his game up recently. Palmieri currently has 17 points in 34 games for the Devils. The Devils and Palmieri have had some contract negotiations in the last few days but it seems like both sides are far apart from a deal. It is expected that Palmieri will be traded by the deadline.
Teams interested: Bruins, Islanders, Penguins
Value: 1st round pick or 2nd round pick + prospectÂ
Chris Driedger, G, Florida Panthers
A surprising name on this list is goaltender Chris Driedger from the Florida Panthers. The Panthers are currently the best team in the league with a record of 26-9-4. However, the main reason Driedger is on this list is his contract. Driedger has one year left on his contract and it is very unlikely he stays in Florida. The Panthers want to get as much value from Driedger as possible so trading him would be the most likely scenario.
Teams interested: Maple Leafs, Oilers, Wild
Value: 1st round pick
Connor Garland, RW, Arizona Coyotes
Garland is another surprising player that could be traded by the deadline. Garland is having a career year with 27 points in 36 games. However, he is a pending RFA and is expecting a huge payday in the offseason. The Coyotes might not be able to afford Garland in the offseason so trading him right now would be the best option. Plus, the Coyotes need to regain draft picks they recently lost.
Teams interested: Maple Leafs, Bruins, Hurricanes
Value: 1st round pick + Good prospect
David Savard, D, Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets are expected to be big sellers at the deadline as they are on the outside of the playoff picture. The Blue Jackets have struggled as of late and it is expected that some of their older players on expiring deals will be dealt, one of which is David Savard. Savard has had an underwhelming year with 6 points in 38 games, but he is still a quality defensemen for a playoff team. Savard is currently the best defensemen on the market and many teams would be interested in his defensive game.
Teams interested: Maple Leafs, Jets, Avalanche
Value: 2nd round pick
Nick Foligno, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets
Just like Savard, Nick Foligno is another one of Blue Jackets pending UFAs that will likely be shipped off before the deadline. Foligno isn’t having the best year with only 15 points in 39 games. However, Foligno brings leadership and a physical playing style that would be beneficial in the playoffs. Foligno would be a great middle 6 winger for a playoff team.
Teams interested: Maple Leafs, Islanders, Oilers
Value: 2nd round pick
Johnathan Bernier, G, Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings are once again struggling and are looking to sell at the deadline once again. One of the few bright spots on the team is goaltender Johnathan Bernier who has been solid for the Red Wings this season. With the high demand of goaltenders, Bernier will draw interest from teams and most likely will be moved to a contending team in need of a goaltender.
Teams interested: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Hurricanes
Value: 2nd round pick
Linus Ullmark, G, Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are bad this year. They have only managed to win a total of 8 games so far and the main reason for those wins is Linus Ullmark. Ullmark has been amazing for the Sabres this year and is the only bright spot on the team. However, Ullmark has one year left and will become a UFA. There is doubt he will stay in Buffalo so the Sabres could look to trade him at the deadline for assets
Teams interested: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Hurricanes
Value: 1st round pick
Vitek Vanacek, G, Washington Capitals
Vanacek is one of the best young goalies in the NHL. The duo of Vanacek and Samsonov in Washington is one of the key reasons for the Capitals success. However, looking towards the offseason and the expansion draft, the Capitals can only protect one goalie. This means that one of Samsonov or Vanacek will almost certainly be taken in the expansion draft. The Capitals should be looking to sell high on Vanecek to avoid him being taken in the expansion draft.
Teams interested: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Wild
Value: 1st round pick
Dmitry Kulikov, D, New Jersey Devils
Another Devils player on this list is defensemen Dmitry Kulikov who is having an underrated season for the Devils, playing a great defensive game. Kulikov is known to be a stay-at-home defensemen with a big physical presence.The 30-year-old defensemen has one year left on his contract and will become a UFA. Kulikov would be a great addition for a playoff team.
Teams interested: Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Islanders
Value: 3rd round pick + prospect
