Tyler Bertuzzi, Sean Monahan added to top 50 trade targets

1. Claude Giroux
Center / Wing, Philadelphia Flyers
Age: 34
Contract: Pending UFA, $8.275 million AAV

Last Rank: 1st
Scoop: This is the week where the rubber meets the road for Giroux. The Flyers have planned a three-day celebration of Giroux’s career, which will culminate when he plays his 1,000th career game – all with Philadelphia – on Thursday night against Nashville. He’s just the second Flyer to play 1,000 games with the team, behind another legendary captain in Bobby Clarke. This has been an agonizing decision for Giroux. Giroux did raise an eyebrow or two with his quote from Sunday night that signaled he might not be ready to move on: “There’s still some meetings and some things to talk about with the management to see what the game plan is, not just for this year, but for the future.” The smart money is still on Giroux, the best player available at the deadline, to be on the move.

2. Hampus Lindholm
Left Defense, Anaheim Ducks
Age: 28
Contract: Pending UFA, $5.2 million AAV

Last Rank: 2nd
Scoop: Sources indicate multiple teams have eyed Lindholm as their No. 1 target on defense, the premier rental defenseman available. The Florida Panthers are one of the teams with their sights set on Lindhom. His best attribute is also maybe his biggest downfall: He is well-rounded, does just about everything well, but doesn’t necessarily excel at any one specific area of the game. Surely, Lindholm will be due a raise from his $5.2-million AAV, but he doesn’t have the point production to command an extension like the eight-year, $60-million deal ($7.5-million AAV) signed by Morgan Rielly in Toronto earlier this season. Rielly was picked one spot ahead of Lindholm (No. 6 overall) in the 2012 NHL Draft. The Ducks may be willing to go higher on the AAV on a shorter-term deal, but that probably won’t be enough to make up for the total dollar difference.

3. Tomas Hertl
Center, San Jose Sharks
Age: 28
Contract: Pending UFA, $5.625 million AAV

Last Rank: 2nd
Scoop: San Jose has always seemed enthused (and confident) about keeping Hertl. The player himself has publicly appeared a bit more skeptical – mostly that the Sharks will be competitive quickly again. There is also a financial component. “He’s worth it. He should never waver from that, because that’s the type of player he is.” That was the message from Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson last week about Hertl. He’s having a fantastic season, still on pace for 35 goals, and has three goals in his last two games. Hertl would provide a significant return for the Sharks’ future, a necessary component for a team en route to a third straight season in lottery territory.

4. Ben Chiarot
Left Defense, Montreal Canadiens
Age: 30
Contract: Pending UFA, $3.5 million AAV

Last Rank: 5th
Scoop: Chiarot was held out of the Canadiens’ lineup on Tuesday as Montreal is protecting his future trade value. The feel is the market has collapsed a little bit on the Canadiens, who were initially seeking to match what Tampa Bay paid last season for David Savard with first and third-round picks. GM Kent Hughes has made more than his fair share of calls, but to date, a deal has not materialized. Hughes said previously the Canadiens “won’t wait for the market” in order to move the defenseman. We’ll see if they get it. There is hardly a Cup contending team Chiarot would not improve; Chiarot is a minute-chewing, dependable defenseman who is also really well-liked in locker rooms.

5. Marc-Andre Fleury
Goaltender, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 37
Contract: Pending UFA, $7 million AAV

Last Rank: 6th
Scoop: Marc-Andre Fleury wants to win. Pure and simple. His goal is believed to be to get to an authentic Stanley Cup contender and help get it over the hump. Fleury also holds all the cards, with both a 10-team no-trade list and a gentleman’s agreement with the Blackhawks that they’ll only send him where he wants to chase a Cup. Who needs a goaltender? Toronto, Edmonton, Vegas and Washington are the four teams looking for goaltenders. The question is: How has Fleury ranked these four teams in order of preference? And then the next question is: What will the acquisition cost be? The Blackhawks are looking for a first-round pick, but given the limiting factors discussed, that might not materialize.

6. Brandon Hagel
Left Wing, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 23
Contract: 2 more seasons, $1.5 million AAV

Last Rank: 3rd
Scoop: Newly named GM Kyle Davidson did not mince words when he said last week that the Blackhawks are going to rebuild. What’s the best way to do that? Acquire as much draft capital as possible. If you’re looking for this year’s version of a Blake Coleman or Barclay Goodrow addition, look no further than Hagel, who has generated significant interest in Chicago. He recently whet everyone’s appetite with a hat trick against New Jersey, one of the teams that has been interested in him. Hagel has an outside shot at 30 goals this season. But it’s his contract and cost certainty that’s making teams drool. He is in first-round pick plus top prospect territory, which is understandable given the contract, his production and style of play. Provided that Davidson’s price is met, he’s a good bet to move.

[See also: Five candidates to be 2022’s version of Coleman and Goodrow.]

7. Mark Giordano
Left Defense, Seattle Kraken
Age: 38
Contract: Pending UFA, $6.75 million AAV

Last Rank: 8th
Scoop: GM Ron Francis met with Giordano two weeks ago and indicated a trade is in order. Interest is picking up in Giordano, who probably isn’t in first-round pick territory but could net the Kraken a decent second-round return. He is likely third in line to Lindholm and Chiarot on the rental defense market. The key will be in Francis’ willingness to send his captain to a desired destination. Officially, Giordano has input by submitting 19 teams to which he’d accept a trade. Francis and Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas are close. Giordano is from Toronto. If the Leafs could launder Giordano’s money through a third-party broker in order to make the money work, could he be a fit to help settle down Toronto’s second pair.

8. Nick Paul
Center / Left Wing, Ottawa Senators
Age: 26
Contract: Pending UFA, $1.35 million AAV

Last Rank: 11th
Scoop: Paul is a strong candidate to soon be sitting out to protect his trade value. As we reported last week, communication between the Sens and Paul’s camp has gone quiet. Their last offer made in January was not well received at three years, $6 million ($2 million per). Ottawa would like to keep Paul. That much is clear; they value his contribution, his work ethic, his compete level. But they’ve got a lot of work to do to get to what the Paul camp believes is market value. This much is also clear: Given where the Senators are, they can’t afford to watch Paul walk for nothing. Keep an eye on Paul as a player with real value for Ottawa to cash in on on the trade market.

9. Rickard Rakell
Right Wing, Anaheim Ducks
Age: 28
Contract: Pending UFA, $3.789 million AAV

Last Rank: 20th
Scoop: If Monday’s trade of Josh Manson was any indication of GM Pat Verbeek’s direction, Rakell will soon follow out the door. Rakell was long considered the one of Anaheim’s three pending UFAs that seemed most likely to move. Lindholm and Manson get more fanfare, but Rakell has quietly just chugged along and continued to produce with an impressive consistency. In fact, through four fewer games, Rakell has already nearly doubled last season’s goal total (16) and has collected the same number of points (28). Rakell’s talent has been on display, skating often with Trevor Zegras, and he’s part of Anaheim’s top power play unit. With a relatively affordable cap hit, he’ll be a quality addition for a contending team.

10. Jakob Chychrun
Left Defense, Arizona Coyotes
Age: 23
Contract: 3 more seasons, $4.6 million AAV

Last Rank: 7th
Scoop: In theory, that Chychrun will miss the next 2-to-4 weeks with an injury should not change his likelihood of a trade. He has three years left on his deal and his package price reflects that. There has been no shortage of interested parties, but will the fervor in Chychrun cool now with the injury? Perhaps it depends on Arizona’s willingness to make a deal. That has always been the confusing part: Why do the Coyotes want to move on from Chychrun? He hasn’t raised his hand to ask out. He was GM Bill Armstrong’s only ‘untouchable’ last season, coming off an 18-goal campaign as a defenseman in a shortened season. If Chychrun is gone, especially for more futures, it becomes difficult to imagine what Arizona would have to build around in future years. That’s also why the reported ask from Arizona has also been high: four pieces, including a first-round pick, prospects, and maybe an NHL-ready goaltender.

11. Calle Jarnkrok
Center / Wing, Seattle Kraken
Age: 30
Contract: Pending UFA, $2 million AAV

Last Rank: 10th
Scoop: Jarnkrok, the former Predator, has delivered in Seattle as one of the Kraken’s better Expansion Draft picks. Jarnkrok checks just about every box for a suitor as a deadline trade chip: He’s strong on the forecheck, he’s productive, he provides lots of lineup flexibility as he can play either center or wing, and his salary cap hit is inexpensive. Teams in the market for a rental with a bit of a grind to his game will have to choose between Jarnkrok and Nick Paul – and it will most likely come down to identity of the acquiring team. A reunion with ex-Preds coach Peter Laviolette in Washington would be intriguing.

12. Brock Boeser
Right Wing, Vancouver Canucks
Age: 24
Contract: Pending RFA, $5.875 million AAV ($7.5 mil. minimum qualifying offer)

Last Rank: 5th
Scoop: The Canucks have gone quiet over the last 10 days or so. They’re in the thick of the playoff chase with Vegas’ season spiraling out control. There is no rush to trade Boeser. Also no guarantee that it happens before the deadline. With 13 goals in 32 games, few Canucks have benefitted more than Boeser from Bruce Boudreau. Keep in mind: Jim Rutherford has repeatedly stressed that creating salary-cap flexibility is key. There are other roster players that can achieve space and freedom, but there is a sense the Canucks are not sold Boeser’s play will be commensurate with the large qualifying offer due to him this summer, which makes him a prime candidate to move.

13. Tyler Bertuzzi
Left Wing, Detroit Red Wings
Age: 27
Contract: 1 more season, $4.75 million AAV

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: GM Steve Yzerman has let teams know that he is ‘Open for Business.’ The sense is just about everyone from the Wings roster is available aside from Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. That would include Bertuzzi, whose name first surfaced in rumors last summer. Bertuzzi has had a strong season, collecting a career-high 24 goals in just 50 games. He’s missed nine games as he’s unable to travel to Canada as one of two active NHL players to remain unvaccinated. Bertuzzi’s next point will mark a career best and he provides an edge, an element essential for playoff success. One team this week referred to Bertuzzi as “an incredibly annoying, slightly less skilled version of Brad Marchand.” That was a compliment.

14. Damon Severson
Right Defense, New Jersey Devils
Age: 27
Contract: 1 more season, $4.17 million AAV

Last Rank: 14th
Scoop: Severson is a homegrown Devil and has played all 538 of his NHL games with New Jersey since being drafted in the second round back in 2012. He has played top-pair minutes for each of the last four seasons, averaging 23:27 this season. He is seen as a No. 2 defenseman, a blueliner who can move the puck well and is efficient exiting the zone. At the other end of the ice, Severson can make things happen by finding seams and excels at walking the blueline to create opportunity. With P.K. Subban unlikely to return, why would the Devils move Severson? They’re open to considering options. He may not be the best stylistic fit, because, like Dougie Hamilton, Severson struggles to defend at times. And, when Severson’s six-year deal expires after next season, he will be due a sizable raise. There is value in Severson now.

15. Sean Monahan
Center, Calgary Flames
Age: 27
Contract: 1 more season, $6.375 million AAV

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: It’s not the Flames’ preference to move Monahan now, at the lowest his trade value has ever been. But the Flames are lurking in the weeds as a sneaky team that could take another big swing over the next six days. Calgary would need to move money in order to make that happen and the hard truth is, Monahan is a $6.4 million luxury they cannot afford (now, or next season if they’re keeping Johnny Gaudreau) as a fourth-line center. It’s been a tough couple seasons for Monahan. Teams are intrigued to see if they could reboot the 27-year-old that you used to be able to reliably pencil in for 30 and 30 every season.

16. Tyler Motte
Left/Right Wing, Vancouver Canucks
Age: 27
Contract: Pending UFA, $1.225 million AAV

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: The Canucks are expected to circle back to Motte’s camp this week to engage in a more substantive dialogue, but to this point, there had not been much more than introductory conversations. Motte is the only player, only rental the Canucks truly have to make a decision on this spring ahead of the deadline. The fan favorite has proven he can reliably drive his own line, he’s a true Swiss Army Knife player in Vancouver, and he’s been more productive than most would realize. Motte, 27, has scored 14 goals in his last 82 games played. There is a deal to be had to keep Motte, but it will depend if Vancouver is philosophically inclined to essentially double the salary of a bottom-six forward.

17. Max Domi
Left Wing, Columbus Blue Jackets
Age: 26
Contract: Pending UFA, $5.3 million

Last Rank: 32nd
Scoop: There’s no doubt the Blue Jackets are interested in moving Domi to a suitor before the deadline as an expiring contract. Properly slotted, Domi could be a fantastic addition for a playoff team in a middle-six role. Domi is three years removed from a 28-goal and 72-point campaign in Montreal. He’s undoubtedly been underwhelming in Columbus. If there is a silver lining, it’s that Domi has remained relatively productive this season and he’s done it all at even strength with relatively limited ice time (13:23).

18. Andrew Copp
Left Wing / Center, Winnipeg Jets
Age: 27
Contract: Pending UFA, $3.64 million AAV

Last Rank: 21st
Scoop: There are difficult conversations to be had in Winnipeg with a team that has massively underperformed this season. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said a couple weeks back it was too early to have those conversations, but the time is nigh for a squad with Stanley Cup aspirations that is on pace for just 85 points. The Jets have given Cheveldayoff and their fanbase little reason to believe it’s not in the franchise’s best interest to sell off pieces like Copp, a conscientious player who was off to by far the best start of his career with 20 points in his first 24 games. The Jets and Copp settled on a one-year deal after an arbitration filing last summer, which walks him to free agency this year.

19. Pavel Zacha
Left Wing / Center, New Jersey Devils
Age: 24
Contract: Pending RFA, Arbitration Eligible

Last Rank: 13th
Scoop: Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is exploring a whole host of options to shake up the roster over the next number of months and Zacha is one of those intriguing options. He has value. He views himself as a center, but he’s more often been slotted as a winger on a team that has plenty of center depth. There’s seemingly no room for him. He’s also going to be due a somewhat significant raise this summer and is arbitration eligible, so the question is: Are the Devils comfortable paying Zacha the bump? Zacha is on track for his first career 20-goal season. He has reportedly been connected to the Vancouver Canucks. He could be part of a package that includes Boeser (No. 6 above) as the Devils were believed to have gone deep on Boeser in the last couple years on deals that never quite got done.

20. Alexandar Georgiev
Goaltender, New York Rangers
Age: 25
Contract: Pending RFA, $2.425 million AAV

Last Rank: 12th
Scoop: We previously reported that, in addition to checking in on Fleury, the Golden Knights also inquired about Georgiev. The Rangers have been making calls in an attempt to move Georgiev, provided GM Chris Drury can find another veteran that he’d be comfortable with as an insurance policy on Hart Trophy candidate Igor Shesterkin. There is almost no path to Georgiev being a Ranger next season. Georgiev was a staple on the Trade Target board last summer after placing what we’d call a ‘soft’ trade request with the Rangers. He let the team be known he was open to a change of scenery, ready for a starter’s workload elsewhere. He’s not wrong: Over five NHL seasons, Georgiev has a career save percentage of .910. The league average is .904 this season.

21. Jack McBain
Center, Minnesota Wild
Age: 22
Contract: Pending UFA, unsigned prospect

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: The U.S. Olympian and Boston College Eagles leading scorer, McBain, is just a few months away from UFA status on Aug. 15 and won’t be signing with the Wild. Minnesota has given his advisor permission to speak to other NHL teams to broker a trade. It’s possible the Wild could then flip those assets to acquire rental help at the deadline. That would be ideal. It’s also important to point out: There is no absolute need to get this done before March 21; McBain’s rights can be traded beyond the deadline and still play in the NHL this season to burn the first year of his contract. He just wouldn’t be eligible for the playoffs.

22. Filip Zadina
Right Wing, Detroit Red Wings
Age: 22
Contract: Pending RFA, $894,167 AAV

Last Rank: 15th
Scoop: There was no shortage of excitement around Zadina when the Red Wings selected him at No. 6 overall in 2018. GM Steve Yzerman doesn’t tip his hand, but the sense league-wide is a change of scenery is in order for Zadina. Teams perked up when Zadina spent six games on the top line from Feb. 9-26, seeing it as a ‘showcase’ opportunity ahead of a potential trade. He scored twice in those six games, putting him on track for 11 goals in 80 games. Zadina is a gifted shooter, but the knock on him is that he’s become more of a perimeter player – and only a select few players (Alex Ovechkin or Steven Stamkos) can consistently score in today’s NHL from the outside. Zadina was also a healthy scratch on Jan. 4 and his ice time is down more than two and a half minutes from last season, which is a lot considering the recent bump on the first line is already factored into the equation.

23. Carson Soucy
Left Defense, Seattle Kraken
Age: 27
Contract: 1 more season, $2.75 million AAV

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: Soucy seems to check a lot of boxes for playoff teams. He has size (6-foot-5), the perfect build to be a hard-nosed, third-pairing blueliner on a contending team. Soucy can chip in a little offense from the backend, he’s on track for 13 goals over an 82-game season. And he’s got term on his contract at a manageable $2.75 million hit for next season. There’s certainly no harm in the Kraken keeping him, but he might have more value elsewhere.

24. Alexander Barabanov
Left Wing, San Jose Sharks
Age: 27
Contract: Pending UFA, $1 million AAV

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: The Sharks have rightfully been focused on Tomas Hertl, but Barabanov is another pending UFA who should generate some interest. Barabanov has been a solid fit since the Sharks acquired him at last year’s deadline, scoring 12 goals and 37 points in 59 games in teal. He is also currently prominently featured on San Jose’s top line alongside Hertl. Is that to showcase Barabanov, or to give Hertl a look at a potential linemate for future years?

25. Joonas Donskoi
Right Wing, Seattle Kraken
Age: 29
Contract: 1 more season, $3.9 million AAV

Last Rank: 18th
Scoop: The Kraken opted for Donskoi over J.T. Compher in last summer’s Expansion Draft, taking the older and slightly more expensive player, who has also had much higher scoring. This season probably could not have gone much worse for Donskoi, who feels like a square peg in a round hole. After seasons with 14, 14, 16 and 17 goals (the latter of which was a 27-goal pace last year in Colorado in a shortened season), Donskoi has just two goal in 56 games. Two goals. Given his track record, teams would certainly be interested in a player likely to rebound from an abysmal 3.0-percent shooting mark, who has term on his contract and has scored four Stanley Cup playoff game-winning goals. Just scoring one GWG in the playoffs would make a trade worth it – and would probably feel pretty damn good for Donskoi, too.

26. Kasperi Kapanen
Right Wing, Pittsburgh Penguins
Age: 25
Contract: Pending RFA, $3.2 million AAV

Last Rank: 19th
Scoop: Kapanen was a healthy scratch last Friday for the first time this season. The Penguins are in a tough spot: They don’t have cap space, they don’t want to trade future assets to help a core long in the tooth chase one last Cup, yet they’d probably like to try to improve. Who can they move? Enter Kapanen. To be sure, the Penguins would be more than fine keeping Kapanen through the deadline. His arbitration case likely starts with a $4 (million) in front of it. When this mercurial winger is on, he’s incredibly talented and can be a significant contributor to a winning team, but there are many stretches where he goes missing.

27. Jeff Petry
Right Defense, Montreal Canadiens
Age: 34
Contract: 3 more seasons, $6.25 million AAV

Last Rank: 21st
Scoop: Habs GM Kent Hughes confirmed that Montreal is trying to help Petry find a new home. He said: “If we can find a trade that works for us and another team, we’re going to do it. But it has to work.” Translation: We’re not giving him away. Yes, it’s been a disastrous season for Petry (and the Canadiens) for a whole host of reasons. Some of them probably are personal; Petry’s family is living back in the U.S. in part because of the coronavirus restrictions in Quebec. The other part is the total erosion of support on the ice. Petry scored 170 points over the last four seasons. His salary cap hit may require some massaging by Montreal, but teams aren’t under the disillusion that he forgot how to play hockey this season.

28. Anton Forsberg
Goaltender, Ottawa Senators
Age: 29
Contract: Pending UFA, $900,000 AAV

Last Rank: 22nd
Scoop: A number of teams are interested in Forsberg’s services as a potentially inexpensive deadline option in net. Forsberg has quietly put together an excellent season. He has a winning record (11-8-2) on the 26th-place team with a .917 save percentage, well above league average. Murray’s re-emergence since returning from AHL Belleville, sporting a .932 mark since Jan. 13, should provide enough confidence that the two-time Cup winner and 23-year-old Filip Gustavsson can get the job done in tandem next season.

29. Mackenzie Blackwood
Goaltender, New Jersey Devils
Age: 25
Contract: 1 more season, $2.8 million AAV

Last Rank: 23rd
Scoop: Two years ago, Blackwood appeared to be on a trajectory similar to that of Igor Shesterkin, his Rangers counterpart across the Hudson River. Blackwood could have carried the torch for Martin Brodeur in an organization that’s been blessed in net. Now, there are significant question marks about Blackwood’s game and his long-term future in New Jersey as the Devils explore all of their options. Blackwood is a couple weeks away from working his way back to the lineup after a left heel injury. He may be ready to go before the trade deadline. The Devils are in the process of asking themselves: When healthy, what are the odds Blackwood’s game rebounds to the level we saw a couple years ago? Or will they find the answer to that question watching him play elsewhere?

30. Jake DeBrusk
Left Wing, Boston Bruins
Age: 25
Contract: Pending RFA, $3.675 million AAV ($4.41 mil. minimum qualifying offer)

Last Rank: 24th
Scoop: Will a hat trick in Los Angeles last week help spark DeBrusk trade talk? DeBrusk has been on fire of late with seven goals in his last six games. His December trade request was well publicized, grabbing headlines and generating interest. Two months ago, as many 12 teams were reportedly interested – and he has not changed his mind. The trade request still stands. Bruins GM Don Sweeney went around team to team offering DeBrusk for another (mostly) maligned or imperfect player on that team’s roster but, to this point, hasn’t found a deal that’s worked for the Bruins. Will that change now? Or will the Bruins suddenly need to keep the productive winger?

31. Artturi Lehkonen
Left Wing, Montreal Canadiens
Age: 26
Contract: Pending RFA, $2.3 million AAV

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: The Habs seem to have little appetite to trade Lehkonen. However, they have received calls, and we have to at least allow for the possibility that the Canadiens get an offer they cannot refuse. Lehkonen is also one of the hottest players in the league over the last stretch with six goals in his last six games. He plays the game with a Selke-style fervor in his own end, a true 200-foot compete level that is hard to find. Lehkonen also seems to have found the offensive side of his game under Marty St. Louis, now producing at a level last season during his 18-goal rookie season. That also means he will not be cheap to re-sign as an RFA with arbitration rights.

32. Nick Leddy
Left Defense, Detroit Red Wings
Age: 30
Contract: Pending UFA, $5.5 million AAV

Last Rank: 35th
Scoop: At the right price, there will be considerable interest in Leddy, who has won a Stanley Cup and skated in four Conference Finals. He’s still only 30 and has already logged 830 career games. It’d be interesting to ask Barry Trotz if the Islanders miss him. He was a salary cap casualty on the Island, but he’s been just about exactly as advertised in Detroit. Leddy is dependable, steady and can chip in the odd point from the point as a capable second unit power play guy. Leddy has missed only a small handful of games in his career and he’d be a solid option on the rental defense market.

33. Colin Miller
Right Defense, Buffalo Sabres
Age: 29
Contract: Pending UFA, $3.875 million AAV

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: Miller is back skating now but has been out since Jan. 15 with an “upper-body” injury. It doesn’t feel that long ago, but Miller is five years removed from an incredibly impressive 41-point season as an Original Misfit with the Golden Knights. He’s languished a bit in Buffalo and would appreciate a chance to bounce back on a playoff team as a right-shooting defenseman in a contract year.

34. Ryan Carpenter
Center, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 31
Contract: Pending UFA, $1 million AAV

Last Rank: 33rd
Scoop: Carpenter has begun to percolate on the list of potential fits for playoff teams. His salary cap hit is the right price, he’s been on a deep playoff run before in Vegas, and he’s reliable. Would a reunion with Gerard Gallant in Manhattan be in order? Carpenter is a hard-working, defensive-minded center who blocks shots, wins draws, kills penalties and is always in the right position in the defensive zone. Sounds like a prototypical deadline acquisition.

35. Justin Braun
Right Defense, Philadelphia Flyers
Age: 35
Contract: Pending UFA, $1.8 million AAV

Last Rank: 36th
Scoop: Like most Flyers, Braun has struggled at times this season. However, he is one of just three right-shooting defensemen available on the Trade Target board, and that means something. There can never be enough righties on the roster. He also has 100 games of play experience. Braun’s minutes have actually increased this season, which probably wasn’t in the Flyers’ plans, and he’s managed to remain even on a team that has the 28th-worst goal differential (minus-53) in the NHL.

36. Phil Kessel
Right Wing, Arizona Coyotes
Age: 34
Contract: Pending UFA, $6.8 million AAV

Last Rank: 37th
Scoop: The New York Rangers are one team interested in Kessel. The NHL’s second all-time ironman has ground it out in the desert, on pace for the lowest goal output of his career (nine) including his rookie season. Could a trade potentially rekindle some of the Kessel playoff magic that nearly netted him a Conn Smythe Trophy? He’ll cost mere pennies in actual dollars, since his salary this season due by the Coyotes is just $850,000 ($150,000 paid by Leafs) – it could cost somewhere around $250,000 in cash plus acquisition cost to roll the dice on Phil the Thrill, depending on when the trigger is pulled.

37. Paul Stastny
Center, Winnipeg Jets
Age: 36
Contract: Pending UFA, $3.75 million AAV

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: There seemingly has not been as much buzz about Stastny, who has quietly turned back the clock and put up some of the best numbers over his last decade in his 36-year-old season with Winnipeg. The steady Stastny is reliable and has appeared in 103 Stanley Cup playoff games. He’s been on three runs to the Western Conference final, but has never broken through to the Final, still chasing that elusive Cup.

38. Calvin de Haan
Left Defense, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 30
Contract: Pending UFA, $4.55 million AAV

Last Rank: 38th
Scoop: You can add de Haan to the list of rental defensemen that will be in play at the deadline. He’s struggled at times this season, like most of Chicago’s blueline, but would be an ideal third-pair option on a contending team. de Haan is 20th in the NHL in blocked shots since the start of the 2013-14 season.

39. Brenden Dillon
Left Defense, Winnipeg Jets
Age: 31
Contract: 2 more seasons, $3.9 million AAV

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: How might the Jets shake up their roster outside of their available UFAs? Dillon may be one option, as he’s essentially Ben Chiarot, but with two more seasons of term on his contract. They are similar stylistic players, although Dillon is a year older. Winnipeg acquired Dillon for two second-round picks last summer. Could they potentially get one first-round pick for Dillon now, if Chiarot is going to fetch the same but on an expiring contract?

40. Owen Tippett
Right Wing, Florida Panthers
Age: 23
Contract: Pending RFA, $863,000 AAV

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: The Panthers are expected to be one of the most active teams ahead of the deadline. Tippett is a name Florida has previously dangled, a high draft pick dating back to a previous regime who has not been able carve out a regular role for himself in the NHL after 94 career games. He is an exceptional shooter, working to fill out other parts of his game. He’s also likely motivated for an opportunity. Tippett is the reigning AHL player of the week after posting four goals and eight points in four games last week.

41. Joonas Korpisalo
Goaltender, Columbus Blue Jackets
Age: 27
Contract: Pending UFA, $2.8 million AAV

Last Rank: 16th
Scoop: The Blue Jackets have struggled to find a suitor for Korpisalo, whom they’d accept a late-round pick for at this point. It’s difficult to envision Columbus not at least getting something for him in a season in which they’re not going to make the playoffs. Because it’s the Elvis Merzlikins Show in Columbus, now and for the foreseeable future. Merzlikins has carried the Blue Jackets and next year begins a fresh five-year, $27-million deal. Plus, the Blue Jackets have Daniil Tarasov eventually waiting in the wings. Korpisalo has not put in a formal trade request, but GM Jarmo Kekalainen is aware that Korpisalo would be open to an opportunity to play elsewhere.

42. Alexandre Texier
Winger / Center, Columbus Blue Jackets
Age: 22
Contract: 1 year remaining, $1.525 million AAV

Last Rank: 32nd
Scoop: The Blue Jackets granted Texier an indefinite leave of absence last week for personal reasons. Texier has missed the last six weeks with a finger injury, but he appeared to be inching closer to a return to the ice. When healthy, he has shown the top-end skill and panache that make him an intriguing player with potential for more. He isn’t yet an elite-level facilitator or goal scorer, but could continue to develop into one or the other, or both. His current rate of production is impressive, on track for 25 goals over a full 82-game slate at this pace. Texier’s effort and compete level are solid, too – which is a nice complement to the flash and dash that’s a big part of his game. The acquisition cost would be significant. The opportunity for Columbus might be to sell Texier at the highest his value has ever been in the NHL.

43. Victor Olofsson
Right Wing, Buffalo Sabres
Age: 26
Contract: Pending RFA, $3.05 million AAV ($3.25 mil. minimum qualifying offer)

Last Rank: 26th
Scoop: Olofsson burst onto the scene two seasons ago with a surprising 20-goal season in just 54 games. A big chunk of those goals were on the power play with Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart feeding him the puck. They’ve both moved on and Olofsson could be next. Olofsson’s production has dwindled; he’s on pace to finish with 12 goals this season, one fewer than he had in a shortened campaign last year. Despite that, Olofsson is likely due a raise by virtue of being arbitration eligible this summer. Will the Sabres want to pay him? Arbitration was already filed once. With his career numbers (42 goals in 158 games), he’s likely looking at an award in the $4.25-million range.

44. Mason Appleton
Right Wing, Seattle Kraken
Age: 26
Contract: Pending RFA, $900,000 AAV

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: Appleton has popped up on the radar of some teams as a player with potential to do more. The 2015 sixth-round pick, once considered one of the bright young prospects in Winnipeg’s organization, is already now 26. His numbers (like many others) have gone the other way in Seattle, with his goal production cut in half this year with the Kraken. Seattle is willing to listen on just about everyone on their roster and Appleton has intrigue since he’s under team control.

45. Jack Roslovic
Center, Columbus Blue Jackets
Age: 24
Contract: Pending RFA, $1.838 million AAV ($2.21 mil. minimum qualifying offer)

Last Rank: 34th
Scoop: Roslovic is a name that may surprise some. The Blue Jackets brought the Columbus kid home as part of the Patrik Laine for Pierre-Luc Dubois swap. Dubois has flourished in Winnipeg this season. Roslovic started hot last season, with 29 points in his first 35 games as a Jacket. But he’s cooled off since then. This year, Roslovic has 25 points in 53 games. We’re told Roslovic is available in Columbus. Perhaps the biggest telltale sign is his ice time. It’s down nearly five full minutes per game this season – a huge drop – from 16:54 to 12:03. Teams are concerned with Roslovic’s work ethic, and maybe Columbus is, too.

46. Brett Kulak
Left Defense, Montreal Canadiens
Age: 28
Contract: Pending UFA, $1.8 million

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: The Habs’ ask for Kulak was a reportedly a second-round pick not long ago. Shoot your shot, I guess, if you’re the Canadiens. This deadline is shaping up to be a buyer’s market, though, and it sure feels like left-shooting, rental blueliners who can make the same impact as Kulak will be available for much less in the last hour of the deadline.

47. Robert Hagg
Left Defense, Buffalo Sabres
Age: 27
Contract: Pending UFA, $1.6 million AAV

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: Hagg is a serviceable third pairing defenseman, or an excellent depth option on a contending team. He was included in last summer’s trade from Philadelphia to Buffalo for Rasmus Ristolainen and his minutes have increased with the Sabres. Perhaps most importantly, His acquisition cost should be reasonable for a depth add.

48. Dominik Kubalik
Left Wing, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 26
Contract: Pending RFA, $3.7 million AAV

Last Rank: NR
Scoop: Looking back, it was only two seasons ago that Kubalik burst onto the scene with a 30-goal season out of the clear blue. That was only in 68 games, too. Kubalik hasn’t been able to get back to that level, but perhaps the Hawks can drum up some interest in the Czech who has still managed to hit the double digit goal mark in each of his three NHL seasons.

49. Vitali Kravtsov
Right Wing, New York Rangers
Age: 21
Contract: Pending RFA, $925,000 AAV

Last Rank: 40th
Scoop: There is no change to Kravtsov’s status with the NHL, even after the league severed all ties with Russia’s KHL on Monday. Kravtsov is under NHL contract. The No. 9 overall pick from the 2018 NHL Draft has been on loan with KHL Chelyabinsk after refusing an assignment to the AHL in October. Kravtsov has six goals and seven assists for 13 points in 19 games since returning to Russia. New agent Dan Milstein has permission to find a new home for Kravtsov, but it hasn’t been easy.

50. J.T. Miller
Center, Vancouver Canucks
Age: 28
Contract: 1 more season, $5.25 million AAV

Last Rank: 31st
Scoop: There is no evidence to suggest that Miller is available right now in Vancouver. His play, his contract, his status as one of the drivers of that Canucks team make him indispensable – particularly in the the thick of a playoff chase. There is also no rush. So why does he land on the list? Considering the Canucks had previously entertained conversations, you have to at least allow for the possibility that a team like the New York Rangers comes along with a Godfather-type offer.

Off the board : Joe Pavelski (re-signed), Braden Holtby, John Klingberg, Reilly Smith.

Previous Editions: March 10, March 3, Feb. 21, Feb. 17, Jan. 6, Dec. 2.