Panthers
Maintain | Usually, I might encourage a workforce like this to purchase aggressively, however that is not the case with the 2023-24 Panthers. Frankly, I am undecided this workforce wants any main upgrades, and Florida is and not using a first-round choose till 2026. The Panthers are already a Cup contender as it’s, and I doubt that can change anytime quickly since Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov are locked in for the lengthy haul. Florida could also be higher served swinging an enormous commerce within the offseason, when it would have extra monetary flexibility, to assist maintain that Cup window open. — 39-16-4
2

Rangers
Purchase | Nearly as good because the Rangers have been, they do have some gaps to fill in the event that they need to get essentially the most out of this group. With Filip Chytil out long-term, New York has a necessity on the middle place, and that’s the place GM Chris Drury ought to focus his consideration. Tommy Novak, a talented ahead for the Predators, has been linked to the Rangers and can be match within the void left by Chytil. — 40-17-3
3

Jets
Purchase | The Jets have numerous key gamers who’re at or approaching 30, they usually do not get any youthful. Two of these gamers, Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck, have large extensions that kick in subsequent season. Winnipeg must strike whereas the iron is sizzling and make a run on the Cup this season. Regardless of including Sean Monahan already, the Jets might use one other playmaker up entrance and one other difference-maker on the blue line in the event that they need to get previous the Stars and Avalanche within the West. 6 37-15-5
4

Maple Leafs
Purchase | The Maple Leafs will as soon as once more be consumers on the commerce deadline as they hope to strike whereas Auston Matthews is within the prime of his profession. As has been the case lately, Toronto might be seeking to improve its blue line. Assuming that’s the case, GM Brad Treliving ought to be calling his former workforce, the Flames, regularly. Touchdown Chris Tanev or Noah Hanifin would symbolize a step in the correct route for the Leafs. 4 33-17-8
5

Hurricanes
Purchase | Carolina is firmly in its Stanley Cup window, it has a bit cap house, and it has draft capital. Put these three issues collectively, and that could be a recipe for the Hurricanes to be aggressive consumers on the commerce deadline. I do know they do not normally fork over premium property for leases, however the East is extensive open, and Carolina has pretty much as good a shot as any workforce to get to the Stanley Cup Ultimate. 1 35-18-6
6

Oilers
Purchase | Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are within the prime of their careers. That ought to be sufficient for any GM, particularly Ken Holland, to throw warning to the wind. Including to that urgency is the truth that Leon Draisaitl is due a fairly giant elevate in 2025. I’ve thought the Oilers could possibly be touchdown spot for Jake Guentzel, a transfer that might create a terrifying top-six for opposing groups, however they may have to take a second take a look at the goaltending market given Stuart Skinner’s latest struggles. 3 35-20-2
7

Crimson Wings
Maintain | Steve Yzerman should be a contented man nowadays. The Crimson Wings are rolling, and the Yzerplan is coming is beginning to yield outcomes. Nonetheless, that does not imply Detroit ought to make any form of main additions on the commerce deadline. The Wings aren’t fairly able to be a real Cup contender but, so Yzerman might need to maintain onto these future property so as to add within the offseason, when acquisition prices could be a bit decrease. That could be higher for the workforce’s long-term outlook. 5 33-20-6
8

Avalanche
Purchase | It isn’t a secret that the Avalanche have been looking for that elusive second-line middle since Nazem Kadri left after the Stanley Cup run in 2022. Sadly for Colorado, it misplaced the Elias Lindholm sweepstakes just a few weeks in the past, however the workforce ought to be out there for middle depth. If the Avs can get a middle with some time period left on his contract, all the higher. 2 36-19-5
9

Stars
Purchase | The Stars are one of many NHL’s elite groups this season, and they need to conduct themselves in that method on the commerce deadline. GM Jim Nill ought to depart no stone unturned in his pursuit of a Stanley Cup, particularly in relation to getting assistance on protection. The Stars are as loaded at ahead as any workforce, and Jake Oettinger can steal a playoff collection when he is at his greatest. If Dallas can get one other stable top-four defenseman, be careful. 5 35-17-9
10

Canucks
Purchase | There could be fairly just a few adjustments to this Canucks roster in 2024-25, so they may as nicely go forward and attempt to win all of it with this group, particularly if there may be any inkling that Elias Pettersson could be hesitant to signal a long-term deal. Vancouver has already made a splash by including Elias Lindholm, however getting one other dynamic defenseman might put this workforce excessive within the West. 5 38-16-7
11

Bruins
Purchase | I virtually went “Maintain” right here as a result of the Bruins have not precisely been enjoying inspiring hockey recently. That mentioned, I need to see what this workforce seems to be like when David Pastrnak has a bit extra assist up entrance. Boston’s offense has been considerably anemic this month, and it desperately wants one other playmaker within the top-six if it may escape the gauntlet that could be a deep Japanese Convention. 4 34-12-14
12

Golden Knights
Purchase | The harm bug has as soon as once more bitten the Golden Knights, however that additionally may create some monetary flexibility forward of the commerce deadline. If Mark Stone does hit LTIR, that can create some cap house forward of the deadline, and Vegas will be extra aggressive in relation to shopping for. That is what the Golden Knights did final season, and it wound up understanding fairly nicely for them. They’re nonetheless firmly of their Cup window. 1 33-19-7
13

Lightning
Purchase | Lightning GM Julien Brisebois does not want me to inform him to be aggressive on the NHL commerce deadline. He is achieved that persistently all through his tenure. I am certain Tampa might be working the telephones once more at this deadline, maybe much more than regular. Steven Stamkos is a pending UFA, and if the Bolts do need to make one other run at it with this core, they’ll in all probability have to bolster their blue line. — 32-24-5
14

Predators
Promote | Nashville has rattled off six straight street wins, and it’s again in a playoff spot. That apart, GM Barry Trotz cannot lose sight of the bigger image. The Predators aren’t going to win the Stanley Cup in 2024, they usually have gamers that might be very interesting to contending groups. Juuse Saros can be the big-ticket merchandise, however Tommy Novak might fetch a good return too. Nashville must maintain its long-term plan in thoughts and promote at this deadline. 4 33-25-2
15

Flames
Promote | The Flames have achieved nicely to hold round within the Western Convention playoff race, however it could be an enormous mistake to not maintain promoting earlier than this commerce deadline. Calgary already obtained some good items in return for Elias Lindholm, however the trio of Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev and Jacob Markstrom might actually set the workforce up for a supercharged rebuild. The Flames may wind up as one of many massive winners from this commerce deadline. 2 29-25-5
16

Flyers
Maintain | That is in all probability not essentially the most prudent resolution for a Flyers workforce that simply began a rebuild, however I believe the human facet of issues can get misplaced in commerce deadline discussions. This workforce was anticipated to be one of many worst within the league, however the entire roster has purchased into John Tortorella’s imaginative and prescient, labored its tail off, and put itself in place to achieve the playoffs. There’s an argument that the gamers ought to be rewarded with the chance to see what they’ll do within the postseason. 2 31-22-7
17

Kings
Purchase | I nonetheless assume the Kings have what it takes to compete for a Stanley Cup this season, however they will want some assist. Their offense has lagged behind expectations by a large margin this yr, they usually want one other stable finisher within the lineup (good day, Jake Guentzel). The opposite query dealing with Los Angeles is how a lot it trusts the goaltending duo of Cam Talbot and David Rittich to carry up within the postseason. 2 29-19-10
18

Devils
Purchase | This “Purchase” tag comes with an asterisk. Anybody the Devils may add at this commerce deadline wants to come back with time period left on his contract or an extension. It is simply not value it for New Jersey so as to add a rental proper now as a result of there may be greater than a good probability the workforce misses the playoffs fully. Clearly, goaltending is a serious place of want for the Devils, and a few choices are on the market. Jacob Markstrom and Juuse Saros would each be clear upgrades, and their contracts run past this season. 2 30-25-4
19

Wild
Maintain | The Wild appear to have actually discovered a groove underneath John Hynes, and that has them battling for the second wild card spot within the Western Convention. Consequently, I am undecided Minnesota must do something main on the commerce deadline, a method or one other. Perhaps the Wild discover a dance companion for Marc-Andre Fleury, however aside from that, they’ve some fascinating items and ought to be positioned for a step ahead when the buyout penalties of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter come off the books. 1 28-25-6
20

Capitals
Promote | Washington has truly performed fairly nicely recently, Tuesday night time’s blowout loss apart. Though the Capitals’ latest play has been spectacular, it is arduous to think about them occurring a deep run even when they do get into the postseason. Washington may be capable of flip Anthony Mantha and/or Max Pacioretty hoping so as to add some ahead depth. That might give a franchise in transition extra firepower to work with on the draft. 3 27-22-9
21

Senators
Maintain | There has already been fairly a little bit of chatter round Jakob Chychrun forward of this yr’s commerce deadline, however I do assume the Senators ought to let him stick round. For the second season in a row, I could be getting fooled by a late-season push from Ottawa, however it’s arduous to disclaim the workforce has some talent. I say maintain this group collectively, tweak some issues within the offseason, and make one other run at it in 2024-25. — 25-29-3
22

Sabres
Promote | It has been one other disappointing season in Buffalo, and it is time for the workforce to start out promoting off a few of its pending free brokers. Probably the most fascinating potential commerce chip for the Sabres is Casey Mittelstadt, a pending restricted free agent within the midst of a powerful season. Mittelstadt would have a ton of worth on the commerce market, between his low wage and RFA standing. The Sabres may be capable of get a haul for him. 2 27-28-4
23

Blues
Promote | The Blues are yet one more a type of groups that remained within the playoff hunt for whereas, however actuality is beginning to set in with 5 losses of their final seven video games. If St. Louis goes to promote, it must transfer Pavel Buchnevich, arms down essentially the most interesting choice for playoff groups across the league. Shifting Buchnevich would assist the Blues restock draft capital and their prospect pool in a rush. 4 30-26-3
24

Penguins
Promote | The Penguins have held on for so long as they’ll, however it’s time to surrender the ghost. Pittsburgh is not going to the playoffs, and Jake Guentzel can be essentially the most wanted participant on the commerce market. On high of that, the Pens may be capable of transfer out Reilly Smith and considered one of their goalies. I am not suggesting a full rebuild must occur, however they want some ammo to reload within the offseason for Sidney Crosby to have one or two extra swings at a Stanley Cup. 2 27-21-8
25

Kraken
Purchase | Hear me out on this one. No, the Kraken aren’t more likely to make the playoffs this yr, however they’ve monetary flexibility past this season, they usually have a good stockpile of future property. I believe it could be enjoyable to see whether or not Seattle can weaponize these issues and add gamers who could be round for some time. If they do not do it forward of this deadline, I’ve to assume the Kraken would begin that course of over the summer season. 3 25-22-11
26

Islanders
Maintain | I wished to say “Promote” for the Islanders, however they may have painted themselves right into a nook with their contract state of affairs. GM Lou Lamoriello has handed out fairly just a few long-term contracts to gamers approaching the age of 30 recently, and that can make them arduous to maneuver, even when they’ve been productive. Perhaps the Isles might deal Brock Nelson, who has only one yr left after this season, however even which may show troublesome. 1 24-20-14
27

Blue Jackets
Maintain | The Blue Jackets only in the near past fired GM Jarmo Kekalainen, and John Davidson is at the moment serving because the interim. That being the case, I am undecided Columbus ought to make any massive strikes till the subsequent full-time GM is in place. In addition to, it is not like they’ve a ton of choices on the deadline. Jack Roslovic may deliver again a return, however I am undecided the Jackets totally lean into the function of vendor right here. 1 19-29-10
28

Geese
Promote | Merely put, the Geese have one of many extra intriguing facilities in the marketplace in Adam Henrique. He has 16 objectives and 22 assists this season, and he can be a pleasant middle-six middle for a workforce missing in that space. Perhaps a workforce just like the Avalanche can be keen to half with a pleasant assortment of future property in change for Henrique. 1 20-35-3
29

Canadiens
Maintain | The Canadiens have already made their massive transfer by getting a pleasant return for veteran middle Sean Monahan. Because the deadline approaches, they is probably not fairly as aggressive. As a substitute of promoting off any extra vital items, Montreal could need to let head coach Martin St. Louis maintain molding this younger core. 1 23-28-8
30

Sharks
Promote | San Jose might not have a ton of high-end choices accessible on the deadline, however the workforce is usually a quantity shooter. Anthony Duclair, Mikael Granlund, Luke Kunin and Mario Ferraro ought to all fetch modest returns. That might solely give GM Mike Grier much more ammo as he orchestrates an enormous rebuild for the Sharks. 1 15-37-5
31

Blackhawks
Maintain | How dangerous can one workforce probably get? Do the Blackhawks actually need to do away with anybody else? Who would they even commerce? Simply let Connor Bedard maintain what little assist he has round him proper now in order that he can end his rookie marketing campaign sturdy and win the Calder Trophy. 1 15-39-5
32

Coyotes
Promote | Can they promote the workforce? Kidding (probably not). The Coyotes haven’t received a hockey sport since Jan. 22. That is 13 straight losses, and I’ve to think about solely a handful of gamers are untouchable. Arizona wants some draft capital that it will possibly use — both by drafting prospects or buying and selling them for established gamers — so as to add to its younger core. 1 23-30-5