NHL Rumors: 3 Under-The-Radar Trade Candidates on Defense

The NHL's trade deadline is set for March 21 and it feels like this season there's been more and more rumors floating around than in past years. The talk has been early and often in 2021-22 and while there's a number of big-name players who hover around the top of each trade bait list throughout the networks, let's dive into a few names who we consider under-the-radar type of additions:

Marcus Pettersson, Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins defenseman has been mentioned in trade rumors dating back to last summer and this season has performed well enough within the team's top-six. He's on a long term contract and Pittsburgh is severely cash strapped heading into the deadline and next season so the expectation is they will move money out at the deadline to create some flexibility moving forward. Expect to see Pettersson as the player moved out if they do in fact find a taker for some salary.

Luke Schenn, Vancouver Canucks

The Stanley Cup champion has enjoyed a fine season with the Canucks and finds himself on the rumor mill as teams look to add toughness ahead of the deadline. Schenn is a physical blueliner who loves to block shots and stick up for his teammates. Every team could use a defenseman like the 32-year-old on their bottom-pair as he's only making $850,000 and is tough as nails. 

Justin Braun, Philadelphia Flyers

Like Schenn, Braun loves to play a rugged style and isn't afraid to use his body any way possible. The 35-year-old is one of the many rentals the Flyers are trying to move and there's been a ton of teams calling to ask about the price tag. Braun has recorded 15 points in 56 games and has recorded 71 hits and 103 blocked shots so far this season. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are two teams to watch when it comes to acquiring Braun from the city of brotherly love.

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