NHL Trade Deadline Outlook: Buyers, Sellers, and the Teams in Between

Almost four months into the NHL season, the clock is ticking: only 39 days remain until the trade deadline on March 7. The recent blockbuster three-team trade underscores that front offices have had sufficient time to evaluate their teams. Whether it’s for short-term gains or long-term improvements, all 32 clubs are poised to make moves between now and the deadline.

To gain insight into the current NHL landscape, The Athletic asked its NHL staff to classify teams into three categories: buyers, sellers, and teams that could go either way. This categorization not only reflects the current state of each franchise but also provides a preview of the strategies they might adopt leading up to the deadline.

The Teams Seeking to Buy

Currently, 13 teams are deemed buyers, with key aspirations to strengthen their rosters. Let’s take a closer look at each of these teams.

Colorado Avalanche

Biggest Need: Secondary scoring

The Avalanche, following their recent trade that saw star winger Mikko Rantanen move to the Carolina Hurricanes, now find themselves in a different position. Despite losing Rantanen, the team’s budget has expanded, potentially allowing them to pursue additional scoring options. Martin Necas, who recently joined from the Hurricanes, can deepen the team’s top six.

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Analysis: Inside the Mikko Rantanen trade

Dallas Stars

Biggest Need: Top-six forward

With Tyler Seguin’s potential season-ending knee surgery, there’s a gaping void in the Stars’ top nine. They could look to add options such as Brock Nelson from the Islanders or Mikael Granlund from the Sharks, or even someone more significant like J.T. Miller.

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J.T. Miller trade watch: Potential destinations

Edmonton Oilers

Biggest Need: Possible No. 4-5 defenseman

The Oilers may find themselves needing to bolster their blue line, especially with John Klingberg set to return from surgery. If Klingberg returns to form, they might opt for a depth defenseman. Otherwise, a more significant addition could be necessary. Additionally, top-nine winger and No. 4 center roles remain possibilities.

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Oilers: How John Klingberg got ready to return

Florida Panthers

Biggest Need: Cheap blue-line depth

With limited cap space, the Panthers have been focusing on economical additions. Their third pairing lacks depth, and they may look for a cost-effective defenseman to complement Adam Boqvist, Uvis Balinskis, and Nate Schmidt.

Los Angeles Kings

Biggest Need: A scoring winger

The Kings have seen consistent play but acknowledge a need for additional scoring depth. Options like Marian Gaborik‘s production from 2014 could benefit the team.

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Kings’ Midseason Report Card

Minnesota Wild

Biggest Need: A top-six center/winger

The Wild have faced numerous injuries, which have drained their cap space. They may need to get creative with trading options to afford significant moves, focusing especially on enhancing their forward roles.

New Jersey Devils

Biggest Need: Added forward depth

The Devils have shown strong results so far. However, they aim to add depth at forward and potentially center positions to further solidify their lineup.

Ottawa Senators

Biggest Need: A right-shot defenseman or scoring winger

The Senators have managed with AHL reinforcements but recognize the need for additional depth on their defense and scoring lines.

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Senators GM Steve Staios on depth

Tampa Bay Lightning

Biggest Need: Depth scoring

The Lightning aims to address their scoring depth, prioritizing third-line forwards who can support their stars.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Biggest Need: A third-line center

The Maple Leafs focus on improving their third-line center role, looking for players who can contribute at both ends of the ice.

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Ranking potential trade fits for Toronto Maple Leafs

Vegas Golden Knights

Biggest Need: A scoring middle-six winger

The Golden Knights, despite their strong record, will likely look to add depth scoring in the middle of their lineup.

Washington Capitals

Biggest Need: Help down the middle

The Capitals seek to add a center behind Dylan Strome and Pierre-Luc Dubois.

Winnipeg Jets

Biggest Need: A second-line center

The Jets focus on adding a second-line center, especially with Adam Lowry’s injury complicating their center situation.

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Jets trade plans ahead of deadline

The Teams in Between

Several teams fall into the in-between category, with evolving strategies leading up to the deadline.

Buffalo Sabres

Biggest Need: A right-handed top-four defenseman

The Sabres, though unlikely to make a full fire sale, may consider trades to improve their defense.