The All-Star break has come and gone. The majority of teams have reached the 50-game plateau and GM's around the league are preparing for their final Trade Deadline decisions. There is a fine line between buying and selling and the deadline is usually the make-or-break for many players and management. We have seen teams have superb second-halves of the season to squeeze into the playoffs and alternatively watched teams crumble after going "all-in" to make the final push. Whether the moves are deemed necessary or desperate, the margin between making it to the big dance and going home early plays a massive role in both the franchise and individual player's legacies.
With that being said, let's take a look into each Canadian team's projected move(s) at the March 8th Trade Deadline:
Calgary Flames
Wish: Expedite the rebuild by bringing in young, ready-now forwards.
A mid-season shakeup may not be the only piece of business making news headlines in Calgary. Moving on from UFA Elias Lindholm and bringing in Russian sniper Andrei Kuzmenko was a win for both sides -- Vancouver gets their run at the cup and the Flames bolster for the future. However, expectations for a bounce-back year have been put on the back burner as there have been disappointments all over for the Flames. Dustin Wolf is ready for the NHL and now is the time for Calgary to capitalize on their chance at a maximum return for Markström. Look for the Flames to seek a top-end prospect, a veteran depth forward, and a 1st round pick in return.
Carolina Receives: Jakob Markström (40% Retained)
Calgary Receives: Ryan Suzuki + Jesper Fast + 2024 1st Round Pick
Who says no?
Edmonton Oilers
Wish: Bolster the Top-4 Defense By Finding A New Home For Campbell
We are now into year number nine of Connor McDavid and ten for Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers have but one trip to the Western Conference Finals where they were swept at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche. Simply put, not good enough for that kind of talent. Having overcome an abysmal start to the season, the Oilers have reset their focus towards a cup run but will need help on the backend if they hope to do so. Can Ken Holland find a way to move Jack Campbell's horrendous contract without damaging the future? The addition of Mattias Ekholm at last year's deadline was massive; does Holland have another deal up his sleeve to get this team over the hump?
Edmonton Receives: Shayne Gostisbehere, James Reimer
Detroit Receives: Brett Kulak, Jack Campbell, Dylan Holloway, 2024 1st Round Pick, 2026 2nd Round Pick
Who says no?
Montréal Canadiens
Wish: Find their goalie of the future
With multiple building blocks set in place under the age of 25, Montréal appears ready to compete soon. The only thing missing? A goalie of the future. There are few young goalies league-wide ready to make an impact the way Askarov is in Nashville. With Saros in place, the Predators are in the right position to move on from one of their top prospects to get better now. The Canadiens have some young pieces they should be willing to move on from considering their talented group of young forwards already in the mix. Kent Hughes has shown his ability to make savvy moves but can he find his goalie?
Montréal Receives: Yaraslov Askarov + Colton Sissons
Nashville Receives: 2024 1st Round Pick, 2025 2nd Round Pick (PIT), Owen Beck + Jake Allen (25% Retained)
Who says no?
Ottawa Senators
Wish: Free up cap space for a Free Agent splash
All the hype around the Senators turning their franchise around came to a halt after a disappointing start to the season. Simply put, the team still isn't good enough to compete with the top-heavy contenders in the Eastern Conference. The notable signings of Jonas Korpisalo and Vladimir Tarasenko haven't panned out to expectation and have been liabilities at times. With little cap room to work with during the remainder of the season, we will likely have to see a cash-in, cash-out style deal. Having said that, Ottawa has the chance to move on from long-term contracts to replace with upcoming UFAs in preparation for the NHL Draft and Free Agency. With Jake Sanderson leaping to $8.05M next season, the Senators have some work to do before next season.
Ottawa Receives: Steven Lorentz, Dmitry Kulikov, 2025 3rd Round Pick
Receives: Vladimir Tarasenko (50% retained)
Who says no?
Toronto Maple Leafs
Wish: Get healthy on defense
Scoring goals hasn't been an issue for the Maple Leafs for many years now, see Auston Matthews. Staying healthy, however, has brought on a whole new level of concern for Brad Treliving and Sheldon Keefe. Looking ahead to playoffs, there is never enough depth, especially when it comes to the backend. The Robertson experiment hasn't worked out the way the Leafs had hoped. Being in win-now mode, Toronto doesn't have the time to hold onto potential prospects if it means a better chance at winning a cup. Look for Treliving to make an underrated trade bringing in a defensively responsible defenseman the Leafs have been searching for since the Jake Muzzin injury.
Toronto Receives: Jeremy Lauzon (50% retained) + 2024 4th Round Pick (EDM)
Nashville Receives: Nicholas Robertson + 2024 5th Round Pick (CGY)
Who says no?
Vancouver Canucks
Wish: Forward depth with a value contract
Having already made the biggest splash of the season by acquiring Elias Lindholm from Calgary, there may be an expectation for the Canucks to sit tight and hang onto the pieces they have. Vancouver currently sits atop the President's Trophy race and has proven their ability to compete with the league's best. It appears that the Canucks brass is all-in this year and should be willing to throw all the chips on the table. Expect at least depth forward to be added to bolster the lineup at the deadline.
Vancouver Receives: Adam Henrique (50% retained), 2025 3rd Round Pick
Anaheim Receives: Ian Cole, Vasily Podkolzin, 2025 2nd Round Pick
Who says no?
Winnipeg Jets
Wish: Find Connor Hellebuyck some scoring help
After dealing with Montréal to acquire Sean Monahan, the Jet's offense has been in a spin cycle. With Connor Hellebuyck competing at a Vezina-winning level, Winnipeg cannot afford to waste another chance at a cup. Similar to Vancouver, it seems likely that Kevin Cheveldayoff will be all-in at the deadline and make a final depth acquisition in the forward group. Adding speed and veteran leadership could be just what sets the Jets over the top and be able to compete with the top-end talent in the Western Conference.
Winnipeg Receives: Anthony Duclair (30% Retained)
San Jose Receives: Morgan Barron
Who says no?
With only several weeks until the deadline, we can expect teams to start moving the needle and getting their work done early. Who will make the biggest splash at this year's deadline? Who will disappoint and shift their focus to next season?