NHLTR Trade Bait List: 10 Players Being Discussed in Trades

Welcome to our newest series at NHLTR where we will dive into our very own Trade Bait list. This list is comprised of 10 players who are the most likely to be traded before the March 21 deadline. Each week we will update the list based on injuries, availability, transactions and everything in between.

Our inaugural list will include some big names, some interesting players and a few familiar faces if you have been following along with our trade rumors this season.

NHLTR Trade Bait List 1.0

1) Jake DeBrusk, Boston Bruins

(Age:25, 21 games, 7 points) - One of the only players to formally ask for a trade this season. The former first-round pick has slide down the depth charts and has had enough. As many as 15 teams have made contact regarding a trade.

2) Ben Chariot, Montreal Canadiens

(Age:30, 27 games, 6 points) - Stay-at-home defender who has chipped in offensively this season. Jeff Gorton's first order of business is finding a trade partner and talks have already begun. Canadiens holding out hope they can land a first-rounder in return.

3) Phil Kessel, Arizona Coyotes

(Age:34, 25 games, 14 points) - Kessel is simply waiting out the news as he knows the business and has been traded several times before. The Olympic bound sniper only has three goals this season but other teams know exactly what he can produce, especially in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Coyotes looking for a second-round pick and a prospect in return.

4) Mark Giordano, Seattle Kraken

(Age:38, 19 games, 7 points) - Nothing like an expansion team trading their captain half way through their first season but that appears to be the case in Seattle. The team has already discussed a deal with the Calgary Flames and New York Rangers. 'Gio' has no interest in slowing down and wants another multi-year contract after this season.

5) Nick Leddy, Detroit Red Wings

(Age:30, 26 games, 7 points) - The Red Wings are interested in moving several of their pending free agents and Leddy is at the top of the list. Last season the mobile defender registered 31 points in 56 games and has power-play quarterback experience. Contenders have taken notice to Leddy's availability.

6) Anton Khudobin, Dallas Stars

(Age:35, 7 games, .873 save %) - The Stars have too many netminders and that's not including Ben Bishop who is currently in the American Hockey League. Khudobin appears to be the odd man out as it was reported last week by Jeff Marek of Sportsnet. Colorado Avalanche, Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers may have interest.

7) Evander Kane, San Jose Sharks
(Age:30, No games played in 2021-22) - Kane is the one player on the list coming off a career-best season in 2020-21 and the only one who was suspended for 21-games this season. Polarizing for sure and a ton of baggage but the Sharks have received interest and a trade is expected before the trade deadline.

8) Pierre Engvall, Toronto Maple Leafs
(Age:25, 27 games, 9 points) - The Maple Leafs have discussed several trades this season but most have been around their extra defensemen. Engvall's name recently came up as trade bait as the Leafs are dealing with injuries to their back-end. Engvall is an interest name the Leafs may be looking to include in a bigger package.

9) Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks

(Age:28, 26 games, 17 points) - Perhaps the most talented player on the list, Hertl has yet to sign a contract extension in San Jose and all signs are pointing to a trade. Expect the return to be a first-round pick, NHL roster player and one top prospect. There's also a chance he re-signs in California and gets removed from consideration.

10) Jason Zucker, Pittsburgh Penguins

(Age:29, 25 games, 10 points) - Rare to see someone on the list with term, but Zucker does have next season on his current deal for $5.5 million. He holds some trade protection but rumor has the Penguins trying to see what the market is like for Zucker. The Penguins have some contract extensions to worry about and it appears Brian Burke and Ron Hextall are comfortable removing Zucker from their mix.

Thanks for stopping by for our very first trade bait list. Look for the 2.0 version to drop sometime late next week.