The NHL trade deadline is just over a month away and some notable names could be on the move this season, as players like Steven Stamkos, Patrick Marleau, Jonathan Drouin, Travis Hamonic, Kyle Okposo, Jordan Eberle and Keith Yandle could be potential targets. Vincent Lecavalier, Seth Jones and Ryan Johansen have already been moved this season and more deals could be on the way.
The trading deadline is on February 29 and that gives teams some time to identify targets and weak spots to try and fill on rosters heading into the second half of the season. According to NHL.com senior writer Dan Rosen, some notable names could be prime options for teams at the deadline, including players like Steven Stamkos, Patrick Marleau, Jonathan Drouin, Travis Hamonic, Kyle Okposo, Jordan Eberle, Keith Yandle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Stamkos is heading towards free agency and that could put him in position to get traded.
Marleau is one player to watch as the deadline gets closer, as he has been mentioned in trade rumors since early in the season. The Sharks are out of the playoff picture currently and Marleau could be a target for teams heading to the postseason. Marleau has played in 38 games and has 14 goals and 15 assists this season for the Sharks. According to CSN Bay Area, Marleau would accept a trade to three teams if he is dealt: the New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings.
Drouin has continued to generate interest on the trade market and it comes after Drouin's agent requested a trade from the Lighting earlier in the season. Drouin and Stamkos both could be potential options to get moved, as Stamkos is going to be an unrestricted free agent and could be traded if the Lighting feel they can't re-sign him. Drouin is a young player and has dealt with some inconsistency since being drafted number three overall a couple years ago. Drouin was demoted at one point by Tampa to the AHL and has also dealt with injuries.
Bob McKenzie of TSN writes that Drouin could be an option for the Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins if the Lighting opts to trade the young player. Sportsnet writes that Drouin could be a potential target for the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks.
Okposo can be an unrestricted free agent after the season and that could push the Islanders to check out deals, while Hamonic previously requested a trade for family reasons. While a deal hasn't happened yet for Hamonic, there is a chance it could happen at the deadline. Eberle has a decent salary cap hit and that could put him on the trading block, while Yandle is heading towards free agency and could be moved by the Rangers for some younger talent.
