6 players likely to be dealt before the trade deadline

We have now passed the all-star break, and the next big event most people are looking forward to is the trade deadline on February 26th. With that in mind, we now have a rough idea of who's buying, who's selling, and who's up for sale. Today we will take a look at some players likely to be changing their addresses before the season's end.



#1: Tomas Plekanec
It's safe to say the Canadiens won't be making the playoffs at this point in time. However they do not have very many players on expiring deals to make moves, and even fewer that teams might want to pursue. That said, Tomas Plekanec would be a nice piece to add to a cup contender. His strong defensive awareness and above-average face-off capabilities are both excellent things to have, however Montreal would almost certainly need to retain salary due to his massive 6 million dollar cap hit.

#2: Thomas Vanek
At the end of the 2017 offseason, many were confused at Canucks GM Jim Benning for signing players like Vanek, Nilsson, and Del Zotto. Today are likely calling up Benning looking to acquire a player like Vanek. While he's a far-cry from the 30+ scorer he was in 2011, he still collected 14 goals and 35 points in 49 games with a struggling Canucks team. Vanek could net the Canucks a nice return, and his 2 million dollar cap hit is very manageable.

#3: Evander Kane
We've probably heard this a thousand times by now, but Kane is almost certainly being dealt this year. Teams can only handle his attitude for so long, and Kane likely can't stand being in the league's basement for another year. The 26-year old forward is having a very good season, on pace for 25+ goals and 60+ points. His cap hit of 5.25 million is certainly something to consider, but should Buffalo retain salary for him, it shouldn't be too difficult to fit with almost any contender.

#4: Mike Green
The veteran defenceman Mike Green would be an excellent piece to add to any playoff team. His offensive capabilities and ability to quarterback a power-play make him an excellent player to add to almost any team's starting defensive lineup. His cap hit of 6 million dollars is difficult to manage, but not impossible.

#5: Johnny Oduya
The veteran defensive defenceman Johnny Oduya would be a solid depth piece to help any team. The 36-year old has already won a Stanley cup, and has plenty of playoff experience. The Senators thought he could be the replacement to Marc Methot, and while that isn't true, he can be a solid third pairing player, or even an excellent 7th defenceman when healthy. His cap hit of 1 million dollar is very easy to manage as well.

#6 Antti Raanta
This one is somewhat questionable. Raanta has managed a 2.56 GAA and a 0.919 SV% on a god-awful Coyotes team this year. He's a very serviceable starter, and would be an excellent backup. His cap-hit of  is manageable and is on an expiring contract. The only way I can see this going through is if the Coyotes receive a solid goaltending prospect in return. At 28 years old, Raanta is still young enough to continue playing for Arizona for years to come, but the return for a player with his stats at the deadline could be too good to pass up.