NHL Trade Deadline 2024 A Comprehensive Analysis

The NHL trade deadline is one of the most exciting days of the hockey season, as teams jockey for position ahead of the playoffs. In 2024, the deadline is set for March 3, and there are sure to be plenty of rumors, speculation, and deals made before the clock strikes 3 pm Eastern Time. With the Stanley Cup on the line, every team will be looking to make moves that can give them an edge in the postseason. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the potential contenders, players who could be on the move, and what impact these trades could have on the league.

The Contenders

As of the current NHL standings, there are a few teams that stand out as contenders for the Stanley Cup. The Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, and Toronto Maple Leafs are all among the favorites, and they will likely be looking to add some pieces at the deadline that can help them get over the hump and win the championship.

Boston Bruins

The Bruins have been one of the most consistent teams in the NHL over the past few years, making it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2019 and consistently finishing near the top of the league standings. However, they have yet to win the ultimate prize, and they will be looking to change that this year. Led by veteran stars like Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, the Bruins have a strong core, but they could use some more depth on their blue line and at center.

Potential Targets

One player that has been linked to the Bruins is defenseman Mattias Ekholm from the Nashville Predators. Ekholm is a reliable two-way defenseman who would fit well into the Bruins’ system. He has a strong defensive game and can also contribute offensively, with 22 points in 34 games this season. Another potential target for the Bruins is center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins from the Edmonton Oilers. The Bruins have been lacking a true second-line center, and Nugent-Hopkins could fill that role perfectly. He has 28 points in 33 games this season and would provide some much-needed depth down the middle for the Bruins.

Potential Departures

In order to make room for any potential additions, the Bruins may need to part ways with some of their current players. One player who could be on the move is defenseman Brandon Carlo. While he is a solid young defenseman, his contract is up at the end of the season, and the Bruins may not be able to afford to re-sign him. Another player who could be traded is forward Jake DeBrusk. DeBrusk has struggled this season, with just 5 goals in 27 games, and the Bruins may look to move him in order to shake things up and bring in some new blood.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche are the defending Stanley Cup champions, and they are looking to repeat this year. Led by superstar Nathan MacKinnon, the Avalanche have a lot of firepower up front, but they could use some help on their defense. They also need to find a way to stay healthy, as they have been bitten by the injury bug this season.

Potential Targets

One player that could be a good fit for the Avalanche is defenseman David Savard from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Savard is a big, physical defenseman who can play a shutdown role and provide some toughness on the blue line. He would be a great complement to the Avalanche’s more offensive-minded defensemen like Cale Makar and Samuel Girard. Another potential target for the Avalanche is winger Kyle Palmieri from the New Jersey Devils. Palmieri is a consistent goal scorer and could provide some much-needed secondary scoring for the Avalanche.

Potential Departures

In order to make room for any potential additions, the Avalanche may need to part ways with some of their current players. One player who could be on the move is defenseman Erik Johnson. While he has been a key part of the Avalanche’s defense for many years, his contract is up at the end of the season, and the team may not be able to afford to re-sign him. Another player who could be traded is forward J.T. Compher. Compher has struggled this season, with just 7 points in 28 games, and the Avalanche may look to move him in order to free up cap space.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs are another team that has been knocking on the door of the Stanley Cup for years. Led by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, they have a lot of offensive talent, but they need to find a way to be more consistent defensively. This year, they will be looking to make a deep playoff run and finally bring the Stanley Cup back to Toronto.

Potential Targets

One player that could be a good fit for the Maple Leafs is defenseman Matt Dumba from the Minnesota Wild. Dumba is a skilled defenseman who can contribute offensively and play a physical game. He would be a great addition to the Maple Leafs’ blue line and could help solidify their defensive game. Another potential target for the Maple Leafs is center Mikael Granlund from the Nashville Predators. Granlund is a versatile forward who can play both center and wing, and he would provide some much-needed depth and scoring punch for the Maple Leafs.

Potential Departures

In order to make room for any potential additions, the Maple Leafs may need to part ways with some of their current players. One player who could be on the move is defenseman Travis Dermott. While he has shown promise, he has yet to fully establish himself as a top-four defenseman, and the Maple Leafs may look to move him in order to bring in a more established player. Another player who could be traded is forward Alexander Kerfoot. Kerfoot has been a solid contributor for the Maple Leafs, but with his contract set to expire after this season, the team may look to move him and get some value in return.

Potential Trade Targets

Aside from the specific players mentioned above, there are several other potential trade targets that could be on the move before the deadline. These players could provide valuable depth or fill specific needs for contending teams.

Defensemen

• Jamie Oleksiak (Dallas Stars)
• Alec Martinez (Vegas Golden Knights)
• Josh Manson (Anaheim Ducks)
• Jake Bean (Carolina Hurricanes)

Centers

• Eric Staal (Buffalo Sabres)
• Derek Stepan (Ottawa Senators)
• Nick Bonino (Minnesota Wild)
• Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks)

Wingers

• Taylor Hall (Buffalo Sabres)
• Rickard Rakell (Anaheim Ducks)
• Conor Garland (Arizona Coyotes)
• Alex Killorn (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Impact on the League

The NHL trade deadline is not just about individual teams making moves; it also has a significant impact on the league as a whole. The trades made at the deadline can shift the balance of power in the standings and have a ripple effect on the playoff picture. Additionally, the trades can also affect the salary cap and future contracts for players and teams.

One team that will be closely watching the deadline is the Seattle Kraken, who will be entering the league as an expansion team next season. With the expansion draft coming up, the Kraken will be looking to see which players may become available due to trades made at the deadline. This could influence their strategy for building their roster and potentially lead to some big moves for the new franchise.

Conclusion

The 2024 NHL trade deadline is shaping up to be an exciting and eventful day for hockey fans. With several top contenders looking to make moves and improve their chances at winning the Stanley Cup, there are sure to be some big trades and surprises in store. As we have seen in previous years, the deadline can have a significant impact on the league and set the stage for an intense and competitive postseason. So mark your calendars for March 3, and get ready for all the action that is sure to come.