Will Artemi Panarin find a new home before the Olympic break?
That was certainly the New York Rangers’ intention when they started holding him out of their lineup for “roster management purposes” last week.
However, this isn’t a straightforward transaction. The superstar forward holds all of the cards with a no-movement clause and a desire to sign a lucrative contract extension as part of any trade. That all needs to fall into place before the Rangers figure out what kind of return they’ll get back in the deal itself.
The clock is now ticking loudly on those talks — and any others happening around the NHL — with an Olympic trade freeze set to take effect at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
It runs through 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 22.
There’s expected to be an avalanche of transactions on the other side of the Milan Cortina Games, with the trade deadline looming on March 6, but it remains to be seen how much business will get done in the final hours before the freeze.
Here’s our latest Big Board, featuring 11 new targets to bring us to a total of 50.
As always, players are listed by how closely they demand watching, based on their potential impact and the current amount of buzz around them.
Note: Net Ratings and market values are via Dom Luszczyszyn’s model and are projected for the full season based on statistics through Feb. 2. Goals saved above expected (GSAx) are via Evolving-Hockey, also through Feb. 2. Contract info is via PuckPedia.
Team Anaheim Ducks Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres Calgary Flames Carolina Hurricanes Chicago Blackhawks Columbus Blue Jackets Edmonton Oilers Los Angeles Kings Minnesota Wild Montreal Canadiens Nashville Predators New Jersey Devils New York Rangers Pittsburgh Penguins San Jose Sharks Seattle Kraken St. Louis Blues Toronto Maple Leafs Vancouver Canucks Washington Capitals Winnipeg Jets
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Current cap hit
$11,642,857
While the interest in Panarin is described by league sources as significant, there’s not a long list of seamless fits given the dynamics at play. Basically, it’s no coincidence that players of this quality are rarely traded in-season, given everything that needs to be taken into consideration in a hard-cap league. Panarin is believed to be interested in a move to Florida, but neither the Lightning nor the Panthers are swimming in available space. Other suitors remain involved, too. Panarin has been New York’s leading point producer in all seven seasons since arriving on Broadway and remains one of the NHL’s elite playmakers. He is also a serious threat to score, as evidenced by recent seasons of 37 and 49 goals. He’s got game-breaking offensive ability, plain and simple.
New York Rangers
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$5,625,000
A center who makes an impact on both sides of the puck, Trocheck’s game remains at a level that earned him a spot on Team USA for next month’s Olympics. Known for playing with grit and determination, he’s got the tools to play in all situations and can handle heavy, difficult minutes. He’s viewed as a leader for the Rangers and represents a prime chip for them to play in the retool. His contract includes a 12-team no-trade list, though.
New York Rangers
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$4,900,000
An excellent skater and defensively sound winger, the puck is usually headed in a positive direction when Coleman is on the ice. He’s a 20-goal scorer who has been dangerous on the penalty kill over the years and ideally slots in on the third line of a top team — as he did for the Lightning while winning back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021. Coleman is signed through 2026-27, but it’s little wonder so many teams are calling the Flames already to inquire about his services. He’s the kind of upgrade who can raise the bar for a contender. While he was held out of Calgary’s lineup with a minor injury before the Olympic break, it’s not viewed as something that will impact his trade availability.
Calgary Flames
Forward
Winger
Rival scouts started hearing Wright’s name in the rumor mill during World Juniors earlier this month. The 2022 No. 4 pick is still in a developmental phase but has seen his offensive production dip from last season’s 19-goal, 44-point campaign. Wright profiles as an intriguing two-way center and will likely only be moved in a trade that sees a player with similar upside going back to Seattle. The Kraken like their organizational depth down the middle and are looking for a game-breaking winger.
Seattle Kraken
Forward
Center
Winger
Current cap hit
$8,125,000
Nothing is off the table in St. Louis, including a potential deal involving the team’s top-line center. How likely that is depends on how you interpret the fact that his name has started to circulate again in chatter with rival teams. Thomas has experienced a slight dip in production this season, but he is coming off consecutive campaigns where he exceeded 80 points. He possesses strong puck skills and vision, and he can handle the challenge of facing tough competition every night. It would take a serious offer to land Thomas in the prime of his career, but the Blues are open for business.
St. Louis Blues
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$9,000,000
Trade talk has cooled off since Hamilton returned to the Devils lineup following a healthy scratch earlier this month, but he’s still very much available. New Jersey would like to clear up cap space for other moves, and Hamilton no longer has a full no-trade clause in his contract. He’s a mobile right-shot defenseman who is logging more than 21 minutes per night this season. His offensive prowess isn’t what it once was, but the puck still tends to be moving in the right direction when he’s on the ice. As a bonus, the actual dollars owed on Hamilton’s contract are less than the cap hit attached to the deal.
New Jersey Devils
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$2,750,000
As the Jets continue to scrape along near the bottom of the NHL standings, Schenn should be one of their easiest pieces to move. While the sturdy right-shot defenseman may not return the same value Winnipeg gave up for him at last year’s deadline — they dealt second- and fourth-round picks to Pittsburgh — he still has plenty of utility as a depth defender. Schenn is a veteran of 1,100 NHL games who effectively protects the area around his net and consistently puts his body on the line as a shot blocker. He’s also a two-time Stanley Cup champion.
Winnipeg Jets
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$5,125,000
Kane has been snakebitten since an offseason move to his hometown team, and the Canucks are trying to expedite his exit. Playoff-bound teams have the most interest in Kane’s physical brand of play, and a number of them are poking around on him. He remains an intimidating presence who is unafraid to go to the hard areas of the ice, albeit one who comes with some baggage. He played in the past two Stanley Cup Finals with the Oilers before the summer trade to Vancouver.
Vancouver Canucks
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$7,000,000
Kadri’s game hasn’t been at its usual level in recent weeks as speculation has kicked up around him. However, his body of work still demands attention. A fierce competitor with a Stanley Cup ring already in his collection, he possesses a rare combination of offensive ability and fearlessness. He never backs down from a challenge and seems to elevate his play when the game’s emotions are highest. The biggest potential deterrent to a move at this deadline is the three years remaining on Kadri’s contract beyond this season.
Calgary Flames
Forward
Center
The 23-year-old is having a superb season as part of the tandem in Minnesota but finds himself on this list because of the tremendous value he could potentially bring back in a trade. The Wild have Filip Gustavsson under contract through 2031 and will at least listen to interest in Wallstedt, according to The Athletic’s Michael Russo. Minnesota is going to need to get a front-line player back in order to make this work. But after parting with their other A-plus assets in order to land Quinn Hughes in December, the Wild are willing to take another big swing before the deadline.
Market value
Not available for goalies
Current cap hit
$6,500,000
There was plenty of interest in Schenn ahead of last year’s deadline, and the Blues now appear more inclined to move the veteran center amid a disappointing season. What was once a full no-trade clause in Schenn’s contract is now a 15-team no-trade list, giving him less control of the process. He’s had a difficult season that mirrors what his team has endured, as evidenced by some concerning defensive metrics, but Schenn should still carry value as a reliable center capable of impacting the game at both ends of the ice. He’s scored at a 22-goal, 54-point pace across a 17-year NHL career.
St. Louis Blues
Forward
Winger
Center
Current cap hit
$6,500,000
The kind of low-maintenance veteran that contenders typically covet at the deadline, Faulk remains a consistent and durable player and is logging more than 22 minutes per night in his 15th NHL season. Known as a stout five-on-five defender who chips in a bit offensively, he generally keeps things steady. Faulk is also a right shot capable of playing both sides of the ice. As an added bonus, his contract was front-loaded, which means that he’s owed less in actual cash than his cap hit now that he’s down to the final two seasons on it.
St. Louis Blues
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$4,400,000
Right-shot defensemen are always in demand and Murphy is at a stage in his career when he’d like to play for a more competitive team. Rangy and strong, the pending unrestricted free agent has posted strong defensive results under less-than-favorable conditions with the Blackhawks in recent years. His contract should be fairly easy to move, particularly in light of how few options are likely to be available in free agency this summer. Chicago also has two remaining retention spots and could use one to boost the return.
Chicago Blackhawks
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$1,250,000
The Jets have invested nearly a decade in Stanley’s development and seen him blossom with a surge in scoring to go with the stout physical play you’d expect from a 6-foot-7 defenseman. Unafraid to drop his gloves to defend teammates and with a reach that’s basically unmatched across the league, Stanley is in position to cash in this summer with a contract that could be worth $25 million or more. That leaves Winnipeg with a decision to make: Does it want to be the team offering that deal, or is it time to cash in on its investment by putting him on the trade market? The Jets haven’t gone too far down the road yet on contract discussions.
Winnipeg Jets
Defenseman
Left-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$5,250,000
A big center who recently hit the 1,000-game milestone, Coyle has had a nice bounce-back season in Columbus. A return to the kind of production that’s in line with his best years in Boston has helped fuel a fair amount of interest in the pending unrestricted free agent. Coyle is a matchup center who can handle difficult assignments and brings plenty of Stanley Cup playoff experience. There’s already been expressions of interest.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Forward
Center
Winger
Current cap hit
$4,820,000
Kotkaniemi has lost his grip on an everyday roster spot with the Hurricanes, which makes him an intriguing trade candidate given his age and the position he plays. The biggest red flag is that a player once prized for his 200-foot ability has seen a big dip in his ability to drive play this season. Kotkaniemi’s typically inconsistent offensive numbers have trended hard in the wrong direction, as well. He still has four seasons remaining on his contract beyond this one, albeit at a reasonable cap number, and only has limited control of the situation via a 10-team no-trade list.
Carolina Hurricanes
Forward
Winger
Center
Current cap hit
$1,350,000
Closing in on a second straight 20-goal season, McMann is one of the most appealing trade chips the soon-to-be retooling Leafs have to cash in. He skates extremely well for a man of his size, is unafraid to take the body and get in on the forecheck, and has authored a great story of perseverance — going undrafted before working his way up from the ECHL. McMann also carries the unofficial distinction of having the most team-friendly contract among players available at this deadline, which will be important to contenders as the NHL institutes a playoff salary cap for the first time. Add it together and it’s going to be tough for Toronto to justify hanging onto him.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$3,600,000
The fit hasn’t worked out in Edmonton, where Mangiapane has become a routine scratch amid a wildly unproductive start. His 35-goal season from 2021-22 is a distant memory now, and his defensive impacts are cause for concern. However, he did score 13 even-strength goals in Washington last season and was also deployed as a penalty-killer on the league’s fifth-best unit. Mangiapane holds a full no-movement clause, but will be open-minded about helping the Oilers find him a new opportunity.
Edmonton Oilers
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$4,500,000
The well-traveled perennial 20-goal man has a penchant for getting under the skin of opponents with a high-energy game. Bunting is unafraid to engage in puck battles and is well-suited to playing alongside high-end teammates because he can help win it back for them. He’s also a pending unrestricted free agent who is having a reasonably productive season. Expect Nashville to shop him even if it remains in the playoff hunt.
Nashville Predators
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$4,750,000
There’s been no progress on a contract extension since Jarmo Kekäläinen was named Sabres general manager, but there’s also little reason to do anything that might disrupt the mood around the surging club. As a result, Tuch could find himself as an “own rental” with Buffalo chasing its first playoff appearance in 15 years. He’s a big, fast power forward with a proven ability to put the puck in the net. However, Tuch is also seeking a big raise as a pending unrestricted free agent and can’t be completely ruled out as a trade candidate. The Olympic break brings with it the opportunity for the Sabres to get more clarity on this situation.
Buffalo Sabres
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$3,750,000
A competitive, heart-on-his-sleeve center who has spent his entire NHL career in Columbus, Jenner is facing an uncertain future while playing on an expiring contract. He’s unafraid to go to the hard areas of the ice and can put the puck in the net, which are attractive attributes to peddle if the Blue Jackets become sellers later in the season. The biggest drag on Jenner’s career has been an inability to remain healthy, so it’s notable that he missed 14 games earlier this season with an upper-body injury. Discussions on his future are expected to take place during the Olympic break.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Forward
Winger
Center
Current cap hit
$4,037,500
A big winger capable of playing up and down the lineup, Mikheyev brings a fair amount of versatility with his game. He’s been deployed as a penalty-killer throughout his NHL career and is a threat to score short-handed. Not only is Mikheyev a pending UFA, 15 percent of his contract was retained by the Vancouver Canucks in a previous trade, so the cap hit on his deal is eligible to be reduced further.
Chicago Blackhawks
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$3,500,000
The best season of Foegele’s career has been followed by one of the worst. He was made a healthy scratch for a game in January after being unable to find a groove and replicate his prior level of productivity. At his best, Foegele plays with speed and is an effective forechecker who helps keep plays alive in the offensive zone. He’s got a great shot and the percentages haven’t been in his favor — hinting at a bounce-back to come. The puck tends to be moving in the right direction when he’s on the ice.
Los Angeles Kings
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$2,750,000
The Bruins took a serious run at landing Rasmus Andersson, which almost certainly would have forced Peeke out of town as a pending unrestricted free agent. He remains a trade chip for an organization retooling on the fly. Peeke is a mobile right-shot defenseman who excels in the defensive aspects of the game. While big at 6-foot-3, he isn’t known for being overly physical.
Boston Bruins
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$3,200,000
Lohrei’s name circulated in trade rumors when the Bruins engaged in discussions on Rasmus Andersson. He’s signed through next season at a reasonable cap number and has one year of team control remaining as a restricted free agent beyond that — making him an attractive asset. Lohrei is incredibly mobile for his size and will chip in with a bit of offense from the back end. He’s also made strides defensively.
Boston Bruins
Defenseman
Left-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$5,500,000
The fit in Nashville hasn’t been anything close to what Marchessault envisioned when he signed there in July 2024. Still, he scored 21 goals last season — his lowest total in an 82-game campaign since 2015-16 — and seems like a good bet to return to previous scoring levels if placed alongside a center who can get him the puck. The 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner boasts a resume that includes 102 career playoff games. What’s more, Marchessault’s cap hit should become even more palatable as it ages.
Nashville Predators
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$8,125,000
Kyrou’s name circled through the rumor mill before his no-movement clause officially took effect on July 1, and it resurfaced abruptly in November when he was made a healthy scratch by the scuffling Blues. While his production is a shade off its usual level, Kyrou remains a highly skilled winger who possesses an enviable toolkit: blinding speed, high-end vision and creativity to spare. As much as he doesn’t seem inclined to want a change of scenery, this could be a sea-change season in St. Louis.
St. Louis Blues
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$8,700,000
Working his way back from core muscle surgery that’s limited him to just five games this season, Laine doesn’t appear to have a future with the Canadiens. They don’t have an obvious spot for him in the lineup and seem inclined to move off his contract in order to clear cap room needed for other moves. While Laine is no longer the game-breaking talent who took the NHL by storm a decade ago, he still possesses a wicked shot and remains a serious power-play threat. The Canadiens have the ability to retain salary on his expiring contract in order to help facilitate a move.
Montreal Canadiens
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$3,250,000
Even though he’s more associated with being a playmaker than a goal scorer, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Nyquist still hadn’t scored a goal by the start of February. He signed in Winnipeg last summer, and it hasn’t worked out well for either side. Nyquist was traded for a second-round pick at last year’s deadline, going from Nashville to Minnesota, but the price won’t be nearly so steep this time around. He remains a strong skater with offensive flair and may be worth taking a flier on.
Winnipeg Jets
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$2,200,000
Schneider is a pending restricted free agent, which means that someone is really going to have to compel the Rangers to part with a player still under team control. But they’re open to having those conversations right now. Schneider is a right-shot defenseman with good size and all the raw tools needed to become an effective top-four option. A big bump in usage this season has produced some concerning defensive metrics, so there’s definitely still room for improvement in his game.
New York Rangers
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$1,350,000
A prototypical defensive defenseman who puts his body on the line by blocking shots and playing opponents physically, Benoit has endured some recent scratches. The Leafs have a number of depth options at the position, and Benoit represents a player who could bring back some value with a cap-friendly contract that runs through next season. That’s the main reason his name has recently started making the rounds. What you see is what you get with Benoit, who has extremely limited offensive impacts.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Defenseman
Left-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$4,250,000
A defense-first center who specializes in smothering opponents, Dickinson is ideally suited for a bottom-six role on a strong team. He’s produced strong underlying metrics for the Blackhawks this season despite being fed a steady diet of defensive-zone starts. While Dickinson doesn’t produce much offense, he can anchor a shutdown line and bring added value as a penalty killer. He’s also playing on an expiring contract.
Chicago Blackhawks
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$3,250,000
The Sharks have explored a short-term contract extension with Ferraro, but so far those talks haven’t progressed too far. They’ll have to weigh the merits of trading him ahead of the deadline if that doesn’t change. Ferraro is a minute-munching, shot-blocking defenseman who appears capable of producing much better numbers on a more complete team. He’s also a decent puck mover and penalty killer with a competitive streak to match.
San Jose Sharks
Defenseman
Left-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$2,750,000
The Flames aren’t in a position where they have to move Whitecloud, who was recently acquired from Vegas in the Rasmus Andersson trade. He’s signed through the 2027-28 season and could yet become a fixture in Calgary. However, the Flames need to listen on everybody, and a big, solid right-shot defenseman such as Whitecloud is bound to draw interest.
Calgary Flames
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$2,750,000
The veteran profiles as a steady defensive defenseman. Traded midseason to Pittsburgh as a cap casualty in the Tristan Jarry-Stuart Skinner deal, he’s a strong candidate to be flipped again by the trade deadline as a pending unrestricted free agent. What you see is what you get from Kulak, who played a valued support role in Edmonton’s long playoff runs over the past four seasons. He’s a penalty-killer and has been deployed on both sides of the ice in the past.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Defenseman
Left-shot defenseman
Current cap hit
$1,500,000
There’s mutual interest between the Leafs and Laughton in extending their relationship, but the ultimate decision is going to come down to what he can fetch in assets as a trade chip and how much he wants to be paid on his next contract. Laughton could bring back some value despite being deployed almost exclusively as a fourth-line center in Toronto. Not only is he a heart-and-soul player who helps set the dressing room culture, but he’s also incredibly reliable in the faceoff dot.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Forward
Center
Winger
Current cap hit
$11,600,000
Pettersson has played at a higher level than last season, when his name first circulated in trade rumors, but he remains a long way removed from the performer he was when Vancouver signed him to a $92.8 million, eight-year extension in March 2024. That obviously impacts his trade value. However, the fact that Pettersson has previously been an elite offensive play-driver makes him an enticing proposition for some, especially since the price tag to land him shouldn’t be too steep. The biggest concern for the Canucks in considering a Pettersson trade is the fact that he may blossom again in a new environment.
Vancouver Canucks
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$8,000,000
The future Hall of Famer has been on a heater after a slow start and is already approaching the 30-goal mark for the 10th time in his career. How that impacts his trade value remains to be seen. The Predators are hanging around the Western Conference playoff race, but that doesn’t change the fact that they’re planning to start skewing younger with the roster. The fact that Stamkos is still filling the net with his lethal shot is promising for potential suitors, especially since he lacks the kind of playmaking center best suited to maximizing his scoring ability in Nashville. A potential Stamkos trade carries some complications, though. The player owns a no-movement clause, and the team would likely have to retain salary to make it work.
Nashville Predators
Forward
Winger
Center
The Rangers’ system is stocked with wingers, including the 16th pick from 2021, and they’re willing to part with players from that cohort. Othmann’s dangerous shot and ability to win back the puck are both considered strengths, albeit traits he’s yet to show with any consistency in limited looks at the NHL level. He didn’t make it to the end of training camp with the Rangers before being sent down to AHL Hartford and hasn’t made much of an impact since being recalled to the big club this season.
New York Rangers
Forward
Winger
Binnington hit late January with some of the worst numbers among starting NHL goalies, including a minus-19.7 goals saved above expected rating, per Evolving-Hockey — last in the league. That’s a reflection of how poorly things have gone for the Blues, too. Still, he’s earned a reputation as a big-game goalie who rises to the occasion under the most intense pressure, and that’s going to have allure for any contenders looking for an upgrade in the crease. Binnington’s contract includes a 14-team no-trade clause and runs through the end of next season.
Market value
Not available for goalies
Current cap hit
$4,500,000
O’Reilly doesn’t own a no-movement clause, but the Predators will treat him as though he does. That means they won’t be trading their top center anywhere unless he’s willing to go. O’Reilly is an excellent two-way center who can be counted on to chip in offensively and has the ability to be a true difference-maker for a contender. As an added bonus, he’s a beast in the faceoff circle. Where this goes will depend heavily on if Nashville can remain in the playoff race until the trade deadline
Nashville Predators
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$5,000,000
The emergence of Anaheim’s higher-end forward talent has marginalized Strome’s impact on the lineup this season and he’s seen a significant reduction in minutes as a result. Even with his production dipping, the Ducks should be able to find a taker for a center who has consistently produced at a rate higher than 0.5 points per game throughout his NHL career. Strome is a smart player capable of playing a quick game and is under contract for one more season beyond this one.
Anaheim Ducks
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$4,375,000
Consistency remains elusive for a center with excellent playmaking skills and the ability to make an impact across 200 feet of ice. As a result, the Flames are still figuring out which course to chart with a player eligible to test unrestricted free agency in 2027. Frost hasn’t yet been able to replicate the 19-goal, 46-point season he had three years ago in Philadelphia.
Calgary Flames
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$1,800,000
Blueger has been filling the net in Vancouver since returning from a three-month absence due to a lower-body injury. While he’s more typically known for his speed and ability to take care of his own end as a defensive-minded center, the scoring surge won’t hurt his trade value. Neither will an appearance at the Milan Cortina Olympics for Latvia. Blueger won a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 and is playing on an expiring contract.
Vancouver Canucks
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$5,500,000
An OG member of the Kraken, Schwartz is among a group of intriguing forwards playing out the final years of their contracts with Seattle — along with captain Jordan Eberle and Eeli Tolvanen, among others. He will carry trade value if the Kraken become sellers for a second straight year. A quick, skilled winger coming off a 26-goal season, Schwartz has a little extra shine thanks to his Stanley Cup bona fides, earned during the 2019 run in St. Louis. He’s cracked the 20-goal plateau on six occasions.
Seattle Kraken
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$2,100,000
Playing time has been difficult to come by for Järnkrok, who has been routinely scratched by Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube and is averaging a career-low 11:32 when he dresses. That’s coming off a season nearly lost entirely to groin and sports hernia surgeries. Järnkrok is an undersized forward who doesn’t play with any physicality — not exactly traits generally prized by Berube. Age and health-related decline may also be catching up to him. However, his biggest attribute has always been his ability to read the ice and consistently make good decisions with the puck.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$3,000,000
One of multiple “pump and dump” veteran assets acquired by the Sharks last summer, the finer details of Skinner’s one-year contract telegraph the team’s plans for him: It included a no-trade clause through Jan. 30 before converting to an eight-team trade list. We’re now in the window where Skinner can be dealt. Playing time has not been as ample as Skinner envisioned in San Jose, and his production has suffered, with just six goals in 32 games. That’s following last year’s 16-goal campaign in Edmonton. He still possesses a deceptive release and a knack for finding pockets to get off his shot, though, making him a scoring threat at even strength.
San Jose Sharks
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$1,100,000
The Czech Olympian found the playing time he was looking for when he signed in Vancouver in November, but the Canucks are going nowhere fast. Kämpf is ideally suited to be a fourth-line center. He’s a low-maintenance player who kills penalties, wins faceoffs and consistently remains on the safe side of the puck. Neither team tends to get much done offensively during his minutes.
Vancouver Canucks
Forward
Center
Current cap hit
$6,000,000
Garland signed a six-year extension with the Canucks last summer, but he has since seen the team pivot to a rebuild. He is a strong skater who is unafraid to skate through opponents despite his diminutive size. More of a playmaker than a goal-scorer, he’s an excellent complementary piece who can be counted on to produce at a 50-point pace. Teams are interested in the player, but moving this kind of contract might be better tackled in the offseason.
Vancouver Canucks
Forward
Winger
Current cap hit
$8,000,000
Now 17 years into his career, all of them with Washington, Carlson is facing an uncertain future as a pending unrestricted free agent. The Capitals are on the wrong side of the playoff cut-off line and could be in position to move him for a nice return if their fortunes don’t improve by the deadline. Carlson remains a strong puck mover with a shot that opponents need to respect. He’s still putting up eye-catching numbers at this stage of his career, especially since he’s doing most of his damage at even strength.
Washington Capitals
Defenseman
Right-shot defenseman
Feb 4, 2026
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