NHL Rumors: Five Teams We'd Love to See Make a Deal Before the Trade Deadline

NHL Rumors: Five Teams We'd Love to See Make a Deal Before the Trade Deadline

The NHL trade deadline is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET on March 3. What does this mean and what should we expect? Abby Moeckler breaks it down for us.

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NHL Trade Deadline: What to Expect

While the NHL trade deadline does not hit until the beginning of March, it is a great idea for us to take a look at the different teams and the possible deals that may be done. As we are more than a third into the 2022-2023 NHL season, we have a pretty good idea of which teams are in rebuild mode and which teams have their eyes set on the Stanley Cup this season.

Teams that are looking to rebuild their rosters will likely sell players as they will want to make room for draft picks. On the flip side of things are the teams who are in the playoff/Stanley Cup hunt who will want to buy players before playoffs begin. This will give their team the best opportunity to win.

Right now we are about to end December, meaning there is still a full two more months before the trade deadline hits. This means that there could be a handful of changes that will affect how these teams decide what to do, however, we believe there is a strong possibility these teams may make a move.

NHL Trade Deadline Date and Time

• Date: March 3rd
• Time: 3:00 p.m. EST

NHL Rumors: Five Trades We'd Love to See Go Down Before the Trade Deadline

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche are oh-so-familiar with the NHL trade deadline. The reigning Stanley Cup Champions earned the Cup title last year after making late-season trades. Colorado has not played up to their expectations from last season, which is why I'd love to see them make a move. Colorado should trade for a second-line center as Nazem Kadri went to Calgary.

New York Rangers

The Rangers are another team who was extremely successful in their 2021-2022 run but have not lived up to their expectations. We saw New York's GM also make moves before the deadline last year, such as Andrew Copp and Tyler Motte. If the Rangers want a good shot at another excellent playoff run, they will need to buy a right-winger. While their roster does contain Jimmy Vesey, Vitali Kravtsov, and Kaapo Kakko, they haven't been as strong in scoring as they should.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Leafs have been in a sticky playoff situation year after year and finally looks like they're on the right track. Toronto has not won a Stanley Cup title since 1967 and man are they hungry for it. With a projected $7.9 million in cap space, the Leafs should make a few moves as their roster is in need of it. I wouldn't be surprised to see Toronto trade for a right-shot blueliner or a backup goaltender.

Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago has been in a tough spot this season as they are in full-rebuild mode. Since GM Kyle Davidson came in last season, the Hawks made smart moves to let go of Brandon Hagel and Marc-André Fleury. With Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews slated to become unrestricted free agents this summer, Chicago will have the ammo to seriously rebuild. Before the March 3 trade deadline hits, I would anticipate Chicago to sell a handful of their players.

Boston Bruins

No surprise here, another team who had a fantastic playoff run last year and are hoping to outdo it for this season. The Bruins are the hottest team in the NHL right now. This might be their last real shot at winning the cup before needing to rebuild, so Boston is going to give it all they have. This team is already filled with superstar talent, including Patrice Bergeron, but they will look to add more talent on their blue line, adding another right-shot defenseman.  If this move is made, it will increase the team's already high chances odds of winning the cup.

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