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NHL trade deadline 2018: Keep an eye on these five teams

Jimmy Hascup
USA TODAY

The hot stove that fuels the NHL trade deadline continues to warm up as Feb. 26 (3 p.m. ET) approaches.  

Ottawa Senators defensemen Erik Karlsson could be a game-changer for a playoff contender.

Already, there’s been several notable moves, including a complex trade with Derick Brassard going from the Ottawa Senators to the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Vegas Golden Knights becoming involved to block the Winnipeg Jets from acquiring the center, according to a report.

What more could be on the way? Here’s a look at several intriguing teams.

New York Rangers: Nick Holden and Michael Grabner are gone, and it’s only a matter of minutes before Rick Nash is too. The Rangers’ available players don't end there. Ryan McDonagh, a first-pair defenseman with a year left on his contract, could be had, as could Mats Zuccarello (also with a year remaining on his contract). David Desharnais is a pending unrestricted free agent. J.T. Miller and Kevin Hayes, pending restricted free agents, also have been mentioned in rumors. Which is to say, everyone not named Henrik Lundqvist is in play.

More:NHL trade deadline 2018: Tracking the moves leading up to crucial date

More:Five good fits for 2018 NHL trade deadline deals

Tampa Bay Lightning: It seems likely they will make a move, with defensemen Erik Karlsson, Mike Green and McDonagh as possible targets. But general manager Steve Yzerman probably doesn’t want to interfere from a winning lineup; thus, picks and prospects will have to get the job done. 

Winnipeg Jets: The report from John Shannon of Sportsnet that Brassard was initially going to be traded to the Jets is an indication that GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is eager to add and that a center is a target. After years of building through the draft, the Jets have picks and prospects to trade. But the center supply is limited — Mark Letestu, Tomas Plekanec and Jean-Gabriel Pageau lead the way. Cheveldayoff will do something, even if it's on the wing. If Rick Nash approved a trade here, wouldn't he be a good fit?

Ottawa Senators: The Karlsson sweepstakes take a new turn every day. An acquiring team would have him for this playoff run and next season. According to TSN's Travis Yost, the Senators are interested in including Bobby Ryan in a Karlsson trade. Attaching Ryan and his $7.25 million cap hit to a deal would seem to diminish their return. Hoffman is another huge trade piece. Ian Cole, just acquired from the Penguins, would be popular as a bottom-pair defenseman. Pageau is under contract until 2020 and performed well in last season’s playoffs. 

Nashville Predators: You can never count out GM David Poile, even as this team appears stronger than the one that made it to the Stanley Cup Final last year. There is no glaring hole, though their offense ranks eighth and could use an upgrade on the wing in their top nine. It’s hard to not see Poile taking advantage of a supply surplus. Patrick Maroon could give them a nice blend of size, toughness and skill at a $2 million cap hit.

 

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