NHL Trade Rumors: 5 Teams Who Will Be Sellers Ahead of Trade Deadline

The NHL's trade deadline is less than two months away, and trade chatter around the league has picked up in a major way. With separation in the standings throughout the basement of both conferences, GM's are getting a good sense of their direction heading into the deadline.

While there's going to be a slew of contenders who will load up for their playoff push, look for these five teams to make up the sellers market, and try to move some players for assets before March 7:

Nashville Predators

What a disappointing season for the Predators, after they thought they won the offseason by signing a trio of veterans in Steven Stamkos, Johnathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei. The Preds are 14-22-7, and have already traded their top prospect in Yaroslav Askarov this season, a move many feel they will regret in a couple of years. As for trade candidates, Gustav Nyquist, Luke Schenn, Colton Sissons and Thomas Novak could be in play.

New York Rangers

It's not often a team goes from powerhouse in the Eastern Conference once season, to the GM sending out a memo to other executives saying who was available off his team halfway into the next year. Chris Drury has already been busy, and word is Chris Kreider, Mike Zibanejad, Reilly Smith, Jonathan Quick, and Jimmy Vesey are in play before March 7.

New York Islanders

Staying in New York, GM Lou Lamoriello has some hefty work ahead of him to try and re-tool the Islanders and get them back to being a contender in the East. They enter Thursday's action seven points out of a playoff spot and are expected to be active ahead of the deadline. As far as trade candidates go, Brock Nelson, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Pierre Engvall and Scott Mayfield are available. 

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks were hopeful season two of the Connor Bedard-era would be a giant step forward, but that hasn't been the case at all. Now, GM Kyle Davidson needs to pivot once more and realize his team is a long ways away to being a contender. Look for the Blackhawks to move several players, including Taylor Hall, Ryan Donato, Ilya Mikheyev, Pat Maroon, Craig Smith, and Alec Martinez. 

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks are making strides and hockey is alive and well in California. With that being said, GM Mike Grier still has plenty of work to do. Look for the Sharks to try and sell off some rentals, including the likes of Luke Kunin, Mikael Granlund, Nico Sturm, Cody Ceci, and Jan Rutta. 

Photo credit:  Danny Wild-Imagn Images