NHL Trade Deadline: Top Players to Watch as Deadline Looms

Image credits: The Hockey News

The NHL Trade Deadline is just around the corner, and the excitement is building as teams prepare to make their final moves before the March 7 deadline. As the clock ticks down, several top players are generating buzz as potential trade targets, including Mikko Rantanen, Brock Nelson, and Ryan Donato. These players have been standout performers this season, with impressive advanced metrics that make them highly coveted by teams looking to bolster their rosters.

According to NHL EDGE stats, Rantanen ranks highly in several categories, including top skating speed (22.89, 81st percentile), total skating distance (193.00 miles, 95th percentile), and high-danger shots on goal (45, 85th percentile). Nelson, meanwhile, has impressed with his 20-plus mph speed bursts (128, 89th percentile) and high-danger goals (10, 84th percentile). Donato has also been a standout, with top even-strength skating distance game (3.68 miles, 96th percentile) and midrange shots on goal (49, 89th percentile). Other notable players who could be on the move include:

• Jaden Schwartz
• Oliver Bjorkstrand
• Andre Burakovsky
• Jamie Oleksiak
• Jared McCann

The Seattle Kraken are one team that could be active at the trade deadline, with several veteran forwards potentially on the block. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the team is more inclined to trade Brandon Tanev, while they still hold hope of re-signing Yanni Gourde. Friedman also mentioned that players like Schwartz, Bjorkstrand, Burakovsky, Oleksiak, and McCann could be moved if the price is right. The Kraken's young core, including Shane Wright, Matty Beniers, and Kaapo Kakko, could benefit from more ice time, making it likely that the team will look to trade older veterans to make way for the next generation.

As the trade deadline approaches, fans can expect a flurry of activity as teams look to make their final moves. With key matchups and game-changing moments on the horizon, the NHL Trade Deadline is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Some of the historical comparisons to previous trade deadlines include the 2019 trade deadline, which saw several blockbuster deals, including the trade of Wayne Simmonds to the Nashville Predators. This year's deadline is expected to be just as exciting, with several top players potentially on the move.

In terms of player statistics, some notable numbers to watch include:

• Rantanen's 92.09 top shot speed (89th percentile)
• Nelson's 199.31 total skating distance (97th percentile)
• Donato's 12 high-danger goals (90th percentile)

As the clock ticks down to the trade deadline, one thing is certain: the next 48 hours will be filled with drama, excitement, and plenty of last-minute deals. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and analysis as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches.