There is no overwhelming Stanley Cup favorite with just a few weeks remaining in the NHL regular season, and teams are already taking advantage of what they perceive as a window to win a championship.
With the Panthers and Oilers surging in recent weeks to solidify their places among the league’s contenders, several front offices are under pressure to add and put their teams in the best positions down the stretch.
Many franchises already did make significant midseason moves well ahead of the deadline. Elias Lindholm, Vladimir Tarasenko, Casey Mittelstadt, Bowen Byram, and Anthony Mantha are already on the move. Who could join them?
Jake Guentzel is among the biggest names as the deadline nears, with the Penguins seeking a major return for one of their core pieces.
The Sporting News is tracking live news and rumors ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline. Follow along below with the action.
MORE: 14 players most likely to be traded by NHL deadline
NHL trades completed
— March 6: The Avalanche acquired C Casey Mittelstadt from the Sabres in exchange for D Bowen Byram. The deal is one-for-one.
— March 6: The Oilers acquired C Adam Henrique, C Sam Carrick, and a seventh-round pick from the Ducks in exchange for a first-round pick and a conditional fifth-round pick. The Lightning also received a fourth-round pick from Edmonton in the deal.
— March 6: The Avalanche acquired D Sean Walker and a 2026 fifth-round pick from the Flyers in exchange for Ryan Johansen and a conditional 2025 first-round pick. Johansen was subsequently waived.
— March 6: The Panthers acquired RW Vladimir Tarasenko from the Sabres in exchange for a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 third-round pick.
— March 5: The Golden Knights acquired RW Anthony Mantha from the Capitals in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick.
MORE: Oilers surge to top of Stanley Cup odds
NHL trade deadline 2024: Tracking the latest news, rumors
March 6 — A big one-for-one deal: the Avalanche are sending young defenseman Bowen Byram to the Sabres for Casey Mittelstadt, according to Kevin Weekes, hoping to boost their offense after landing some defensive help with the deal for Sean Walker.
March 6 — The Avalanche have struck a deal to land defenseman Sean Walker from the Flyers, sending a conditional 2025 first-round pick back to Philadelphia. The Flyers also received Ryan Johansen but will place him on waivers.
Full trade, per sources:
To #Flyers: Cond. 2025 1st Rd Pick, Ryan Johansen
To #GoAvsGo: Sean Walker, 2026 5th Rd PickCondition: 2025 1st is Top 10 protected, in which case it would slide to 2026.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 6, 2024
March 6 — The Oilers become the latest Pacific Division squad to make a move and acquire veteran Adam Henrique from the Ducks in a deal that sends two picks to Anaheim and one to Tampa. Henrique spent nearly seven years with the Ducks and continues to produce with 42 points this season.
Trade call(s) going down now:
To #Oilers: Adam Henrique (75% retained), Sam Carrick, 7th Rd Pick
To #NHLDucks: EDM 2024 1st Rd Pick, Cond. 2025 5th Rd Pick
To #GoBolts: EDM 4th Rd PickCond: 5th becomes 4th in EDM wins the Cup.
Tampa also must send a reserve list player.— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 6, 2024
March 6 — The Vladimir Tarasenko sweepstakes are over, as the Panthers swung a deal to land the former Blues star from Ottawa for third- and fourth-round picks. Tarasenko didn’t sign with the Senators until late July but emerged as an intriguing trade candidate with 41 points in 57 games.
The Senators retained half of Tarasenko’s salary as part of the deal, which became possible when the veteran waived his no-movement clause.
Ottawa retains 50 percent on Tarasenko in the trade with Florida.
Going to Ottawa from Florida:
2024 4th RD pick (which becomes 2026 3rd RD pick if Panthers win Cup)
2025 3rd Rd pick— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 6, 2024
March 5 — The Penguins are hoping to trade Jake Guentzel by the end of Wednesday, according to Darren Dreger. Pittsburgh is expecting to receive a significant haul for the 29-year-old.
Sources say the Penguins are hoping to have a trade in place for Jake Guentzel by tomorrow evening. Pittsburgh is open to quality over quantity in return, but would like a 1st, young NHL player, plus prospects. Flexibility comes in the calibre of prospect or roster player.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 5, 2024
