The NHL trade deadline is coming up and players like Phil Kessel, Dion Phaneuf, Keith Yandle, Jordan Eberle, Jonathan Bernier, Mike Green, Jaromir Jagr and Eric Staal could be potential options for teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, LA Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins.
The deadline is Monday, March 2 and that means teams will be working the phones hard now and the Blackhawks could look at making some moves after losing star Patrick Kane. The injury came the other night and now ESPN.com reports that Kane could be out into the playoffs and that is the earliest he will be able to return. According to My NHL Trade Rumors, there are some big names that could get attention on the market, including Phaneuf, Kessel, Yandle and Staal, while Jaromir Jagr also could be a target.
Luke Fox of Sportsnet writes that Staal is "stuck" in Carolina and could look at getting out. Kessel has been looked at as a target with the Maple Leafs having a disappointing season, while Phaneuf has had his issues with the team and fans this season. Fox writes that Kessel and Staal could be in line for a swap, as both players are in need of a change of scenery. Fox writes that the Maple Leafs need to change something or risk losing their fans for the long term.
Larry Brooks at the Daily News writes that the NY Rangers could be looking at Tyler Bozak, as they have some issues with defensive depth heading into the back stretch. The Rangers have been one of the best teams in the east over the second half of the season and now they have the chance to add more at the deadline. Mats Zuccarello could be a target, but all reports have him staying with the team through this season. Last year the Rangers got rid of Ryan Callahan and brought in Martin St. Louis and rode him to the Stanley Cup finals.
According to David Pagnotta, the Kings looked at a deal for Phaneuf, but the team couldn't get it done, instead going for Andrej Sekera, who was called the best rental D man on the market. Yandle is another target for teams, including the Bruins, Kings, Red Wings and Canucks, according to Dan Rosen at NHL.com. Yandle is coming in with one year left on his deal and has a cap hit of $5.5 million.
Kessel was also mentioned on the list at NHL.com and teams like the Jackets, Sharks and Canucks along with the Hurricanes were added as potential suitors. Kessel would be a serious move, as he has seven years remaining on his contract and costs $8 million on the cap. Eberle is also a target and could be an option for the Bruins, Canadiens and Caps and he comes in with a four year deal and $6 million cap hit this season. The Leafs could go all in with Kessel and Phaneuf along with Bernier, who could be a target for the Sharks, Oilers and Flames.
