NHL Trade Deadline Watch: Five Potential Moves That Could Reshape Teams
The NHL trade market has started moving ahead of the March 7 deadline. Here are five potential trades that could impact the playoff race.
Brayden Schenn to Vegas Golden Knights
Brayden Schenn has recorded 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in 56 games while averaging 17:36 ice time.
Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon’s connection to Schenn runs deep – McCrimmon owned, managed and coached Schenn with the Brandon Wheat Kings, where Schenn served as captain in 2009-10.
While the Golden Knights aren’t seeking centers, acquiring Schenn ($6.5M through 2028) would let coach Bruce Cassidy use either Schenn or Tomas Hertl on wing while maintaining center depth.
Seth Jones to Dallas Stars
Seth Jones has posted 26 points (6 goals, 20 assists) in 38 games with 24:38 average ice time.
Jones carries a $9.5M cap hit but remains a top-pair defenseman with size and mobility despite Chicago’s struggles.
Dallas could pair Jones with their left-side defense core of Miro Heiskanen, Thomas Harley and Esa Lindell. The deal would require Chicago retaining salary and likely include Matt Dumba for cap purposes.
Ryan O’Reilly to Toronto Maple Leafs
Ryan O’Reilly has tallied 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists) in 51 games while averaging 18:49 ice time.
Toronto needs third-line center help, and O’Reilly won a Stanley Cup under current Leafs coach Craig Berube.
Two key obstacles exist: Nashville must agree to move O’Reilly ($4.5M through 2025), and O’Reilly – who chose Nashville over Toronto in 2023 free agency – would need to approve.
Ryan Strome to Washington Capitals
Ryan Strome has recorded 30 points (7 goals, 23 assists) in 54 games with 16:58 average ice time.
The move would unite Ryan with brother Dylan Strome in Washington, where youngest brother Matthew plays for the AHL affiliate.
Strome brings playmaking ability and lineup flexibility at $5M through 2025, with the rising salary cap easing the financial impact.
Erik Karlsson to Florida Panthers
Erik Karlsson has registered 38 points (6 goals, 32 assists) in 56 games while averaging 23:05 ice time.
Florida needs defensive help, with Dmitry Kulikov currently playing above his ideal role. Karlsson would strengthen the top four and power play unit.
The Panthers would need assistance with Karlsson’s $10M cap hit through 2025. Pittsburgh could retain salary once their current retention contracts expire this summer.
While this deal faces the most obstacles, it offers the most intriguing potential impact for a playoff contender.
