Trade Deadline Day Needs: West edition

Hockey analyst Mark Spector breaks down every NHL team in the Western Conference and their possible wants and needs heading into Trade Deadline day March 3.

Brophy: Eastern Conference team needs.

What Ducks want: It depends. Are the Ducks going to be buyers, or sellers? Looks like no way they can sell — they are 11th in the West but just two points out of eighth at the Olympic break. Selling won’t fly in the SoCal market — even if it by far is the smart move for GM Bob Murray, who could do some significant rebuilding were he to move UFAs Teemu Selanne, Scott Niedermayer and Saku Koivu. So he’ll likely seek a solid, tough defenceman, a characteristic the Ducks have lacked since moving Chris Pronger and Francois Beauchemin.

What Ducks can give: They’re shopping defenceman Ryan Whitney hard, but he’s got three years and $14.5 million left on his contract. RFA defenceman James Wisniewski may be dangled for his opposite number: a No. 3-4 defenceman with less skill, but more grit. Anaheim also has an extra first-rounder in the 2010 draft, courtesy the Flyers and the Pronger deal.

Restricted Free Agents: Bobby Ryan, Kyle Chipchura, Wisniewski.

Unrestricted Free Agents: Koivu, Selanne, Evgeny Artyukhin, Niedermayer, Sheldon Brookbank, Vesa Toskala.

No-trade Clause: Selanne.

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Luca Sbisa, 20
Stats: GP 23 – G 3 – A 13 – 16 P, Portland Winterhawks, WHL
Description: A versatile, two-way defender who packs a physical punch. Sbisa is currently representing Switzerland in the Olympics.

Jake Gardiner, 19
Stats: GP 27 – G 3 – A 4 – P 7, Wisconsin, NCAA
Description: A mobile, two-way defender. Won gold at the world junior hockey championships.

Peter Holland, 19
Stats: GP 46 – G 23 – A 36 – P 59, Guelph Storm, OHL
Description: A gifted offensive player who had a reputation for being a very streaky scorer.

Nicolas Deschamps, 20
Stats: GP 52 – G 35 – A 48 – P 83, Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL
Description: An offensive forward with creativity and speed.

Analysis: The Ducks would dearly love a freeway playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings, something that has never happened before because the Kings and Ducks have never made the playoffs in the same season. It is a long shot however — Anaheim has some work to do to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time in five years. Murray should take this opportunity to reload. Instead though, he’ll count on his ability to do so at the free agent deadline if the aforementioned veteran UFAs retire or move on, opening up some cap room. These Ducks are not serious Cup contenders, however.

It will sound like a broken record to Flames fans, and there lies the irony. Because as long as the Flames are a one-round-and-out hockey team, then we’ll keep writing every March that GM Darryl Sutter’s primary goal is to put together a roster that can find the next level beyond just being a playoff regular for four, and hopefully five straight post-seasons.

This is an organization that is caught in the middle somewhere, as it clings to eighth place at the Olympic break.

The Flames are a superior organization in that they don’t have to rebuild like so many others, spending two or three seasons out of the playoffs. But they’re not that elite club like Detroit or Pittsburgh either. The plain truth is that teams like Pittsburgh, Washington and Chicago that were awful for a long time, have passed Calgary by.

Why? The draft, of course.

Sutter has traded reasonably well, built a strong foundation with Miikka Kiprusoff, Jarome Iginla, Robyn Regehr and Dion Phaneuf, and even managed not to lose much ground – if any – when he replaced Phaneuf with Jay Bouwmeester. Still, the Calgary offence was so impotent that several helping hands were brought in just before the Olympics, and this team still has one star and a galaxy of pluggers up front.

Calgary has not drafted an impact player since Phaneuf in ’04. The last genuine first-line forward they drafted? How about Theoren Fleury in ’87?

The deadline has worked to patch up a poor drafting organization in the past. But it has not put Calgary over the top. It can’t. Not on its own.

What Flames want: The question in Calgary is, do the Flames have any more immediate needs, after trading away five players and bringing six in before the Olympic trade freeze. “Well, we’ve got a few games to make a decision on that,” Sutter said, five games prior to the break. The Flames scored just nine goals in those five games, marking their Achilles heel: A pop-gun offence. They need firepower, and it’s fair to wonder of recently acquired Ales Kotalik and Chris Higgins – with one point between them in six Flames games – are the answer.

What Flames can give: Calgary gave up their first-rounder in 2010 to Phoenix in the Olli Jokinen deal. They can’t part with picks for immediate success, unless Sutter feels like – if the Flames lose early or miss the playoffs – he won’t be around to make those draft picks. On the farm, past Mikael Backlund, there isn’t a ton of prospects.

Restricted Free Agents: Dustin Boyd, Ian White

Unrestricted Free Agents: Rene Bourque, Craig Conroy, Chris Higgins, Eric Nystrom, Matt Stajan, Brian McGrattan, Jamal Mayers, Aaron Johnson.

No-trade Clause: Iginla, Niklas Hagman, Regehr and Kiprusoff.

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Mikael Backlund, 20
Stats: GP 48 – G 12 – A 12 – P 24, Abbotsford Heat, AHL
Description: An imaginative offensive forward.

Greg Nemisz, 19
Stats: GP – 48 – G 31 – A 34 – P 65, Windsor Spitfires, OHL
Description: A big forward with a projectable frame and a scorer’s instincts. He already has a league and Memorial Cup championship under his belt.

Mitch Wahl, 20
Stats: 58 GP – 25 G – 50 A – 75 P, Spokane Chiefs, WHL
Description: A two-way playmaking center. Wahl has outstanding vision offensively.

Tim Erixon, 18
Stats: GP 38 – G 7 – A 2 – P 9, Skelleftea, SEL
Description: An offensive-minded defenceman.

Analysis: We’re not sure Sutter has any bullets left in his gun after a pair of deals earlier this month. And after the disaster of trading the 2010 first-rounder for Jokinen, he is unlikely to deal draft picks. The Flames are the perfect example of how far a team can get with almost zero help from the draft. They are good, but not great. And this year, Calgary will struggle to hang on to a playoff spot.

What the Hawks want: A goalie, perhaps? Only the ‘Hawks know if they are ready to go to war with Antti Niemi, who played the last four games before the Olympic break, or Cristobal Huet, who is untradeable with two years left at $5.625M. Is Marty Turco an upgrade? Like San Jose, GM Stan Bowman got a deal done early when he dealt Cam Barker for Kim Johnsson and a prospect. It will be hard not to on this lineup, at No. 3 in the NHL. He’ll have to break this team up to a certain extent because of finances. But not until the Blackhawks make a serious Cup run this spring.

What the Hawks can give: The Blackhawks are still under the gun salary-wise, though the Barker deal helps somewhat. Dustin Byfuglien, at $3 million per, could likely be had in a deal that brings a goalie to Chicago. Again, here’s a good team that can afford to trade some future drafts or prospects for right now.

Restricted Free Agents: Andrew Ladd, Ben Eager, Colin Fraser, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Jordan Hendry, Antti Niemi

Unrestricted Free Agents: Kim Johnsson, John Madden, Adam Burrish

No-trade Clause: Brian Campbell

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Dylan Olsen, 19
Stats: GP 27 – G 1 – A 10 – P 11, Minnesota, NCAA
Description: A rangy two-way defenceman.

Kyle Beach, 20
Stats: GP 55 – 40 G – 26 A – 66 P, Spokane Chiefs, WHL
Description: A gritty offensive forward. Beach has pinpoint accuracy on his wrist-shot.

Akim Aliu, 20
Stats: GP 43 – G 10 – A 6 – P 16, Rockford IceHogs, AHL
Description: A gritty offensive forward that sometimes lacks discipline.

Nick Leddy, 18
Stats: GP 21 – G 1 – A 5 – P 6, Minnesota, NCAA
Description: A mobile two-way defender with room to grow.

Analysis: As this is his first deadline in the GM’s chair, Bowman must carefully weigh an opportunity to solve his cap crunch against messing up the chemistry on a team that could go to the Final for the first time since the ’92 Hawks, and perhaps bring Stanley back to the Windy City for the first time since 1961. The Barker deal, we’re betting, is as far as he’ll go down the road of helping the finances. Unless Bowman can swing a deal for Turco — or to alleviate a giant contract like Campbell or Huet — they should likely stand pat on a good hand in Chicago.

What the Avalanche want: The Avs could use help on their blue-line, if they want to turn a surprising regular season into a prolonged playoff run. They’re building around youth though, so it is doubtful they will deal any future away for this spring’s tournament, one they were never supposed to be involved in after finishing last in the Northwest last season.

What the Avalanche can give: John-Michael Liles has played his way into coach Joe Sacco’s doghouse. He’s the third highest paid Av, and has just four goals. He was a healthy scratch for four of the Avs’ past five games. With Craig Anderson claiming the No. 1 spot in goal, would GM Greg Sherman deal UFA backup Petr Budaj? Would anyone want him, is the greater question.

Restricted Free Agents: Wojtek Wolski, Chris Stewart, Brandon Yip, Kyle Quincey.

Unrestricted Free Agents: Marek Svatos, Darcy Tucker, Matt Hendricks, David Koci, Chris Durno, Adam Foote, Brett Clark, Ruslan Salei, Peter Budaj.

No-Trade Clause: Liles, Adam Foote, Scott Hannan, Milan Hejduk

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Kevin Shattenkirk, 21
Stats: GP 28 – G 4 – A 18 – P 22, Boston University, NCAA
Description: A mobile two-way defenceman.

Ryan Stoa, 22
Stats: GP 41 – G 18 – A 9 – P 27, Lake Erie Monsters, AHL
Description: A two-way forward with a scoring touch.

Cameron Gaunce, 19
Stats: GP 52 – G 6 – A 31 – P 37, Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors, OHL
Description: A very intelligent two-way defender with solid mobility. Gaunce will begin his pro career next season as he is already signed by the Avalanche.

Stefan Elliott, 19
Stats: GP 58 – G 20 – A 33 – P 53, Saskatoon Blades, WHL
Description: An offensive-minded defenceman with good hockey sense. Elliott was given the nickname ‘The Franchise’ by his Saskatoon teammates.

Analysis: Colorado is the fifth best 5-on-5 team in the NHL, has goaltending from Anderson, but lacks the grit needed to move through the playoffs. They’re the 29th ranked faceoff team – needs a gritty faceoff man who can show these kids the way in the post-season. If there is a modern day Mike Peca out there, the Avs had better find him, or their playoff run could be mighty short.

What the Jackets want: To get some value for pending UFAs, hopefully to build some depth. They would rather have players who can play now than draft picks, and would dearly love to get out from under the final four years on Mike Commodore’s deal ($3.75M cap hit). No chance of that.

What the Jackets can give: Would they give up on Sammy Pahlsson, who has two years left (cap hit $2.65) but has just two goals in the first year of his deal with Columbus? Modin, who is on his last legs, may be the kind of perimeter scorer the Rangers, Calgary, Detroit of Jersey could use.

Restricted Free Agents: Jared Boll, Michael Blunden, Anton Stralman, Mathieu Roy

Unrestricted Free Agents: Fredrik Modin, Raffi Torres, Milan Jurcina

No-trade Clause: Commodore, Modin

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Nikita Filatov, 19
Stats: GP 24 – G 9 – A 14 – P 23, CSKA Moscow, KHL
Description: A creative offensive forward. Filatov spent part of the season in Columbus before returning home. He had a disappointing world junior hockey championship.

John Moore, 19
Stats: GP 50 – G 8 – A 31 – P 39, Kitchener Rangers, OHL
Description: An incredibly silky-smooth skater with potential to play a two-way game. He nearly made the Blue Jackets out of training camp this season.

Matt Calvert, 20
Stats: GP 56 – 38 G – 38 A – 76 P, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
Description: A very smart two-way player. Calvert actually turned down a contract with the Blue Jackets prior to the season so he could rejoin the Wheat Kings, his hometown team, who are hosting the Memorial Cup.

Kevin Lynch, 18
Stats: GP 33 – G 3 – A 6 – P 9, Michigan, NCAA
Description: A defensive forward with limited offensive potential.

Analysis: An awful, disappointing year, after making the playoffs last spring for the first time in team history. The Jackets aren’t in total rebuild mode, like an Edmonton or Toronto. In fact, they’re closer than you’d think, with Steve Mason likely to return to form in goal next season. They need some veteran talent, but money is tight in Columbus. GM Scott Howson will try to shed some salary on March 3, so they have more to spend on July 1. He’s a sharp GM, who will find a way to make strides at the deadline.

What the Stars want: Currently in a bit of financial limbo with owner Tom Hicks actively selling the team, Dallas won’t be adding any big names. Sitting in ninth place, one point south of the playoffs in the West, they shouldn’t be. Now is the time to rebuild — GM Joe Nieuwendyk can blame it on the bean counters. Look at that list of UFA’s. The Stars should be turning those players into draft picks, then using those picks at the draft to either trade or stock the shelves.

What the Stars can give: Marty Turco. He is Nieuwendyk’s top trading card, and the new Stars GM would be wise to try for a high second round pick and perhaps a serviceable prospect in return. Turco has obliged by picking up his game – he was named one of the Stars of the Week prior to the break. Alex Auld and recently acquired Kari Lehtonen make the 35-year-old available to be recycled into something younger.

Restricted Free Agents: Fabian Brunnstrom, James Neal, Tom Wandell, Nicklas Grossman, Matt Niskanen, Lehtonen

Unrestricted Free Agents: Mike Modano, Jere Lehtinen, Krys Barch, Steve Ott, Toby Petersen, Turco, Auld

No-Trade Clause: Modano, Brenden Morrow, Brad Richards

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Scott Glennie, 18
Stats: GP 54 – 25 G – 42 A – 67 P, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
Description: A two-way player with exceptional speed and a fearless mentality. Glennie does all the little things well.

Alex Chiasson, 19
Stats: GP 25 – G 6 – A 6 – P 12, Boston University, NCAA
Description: A bruising power-forward.

Tomas Vincour, 19
Stats: GP 46 – 25 G – 16 A – 41 P, Vancouver Giants, WHL
Description: Vincour has the frame and ability to play a power-forward game, but needs work on his assertiveness.

Analysis: Dallas missed the playoffs last season, and could well make them this spring. The revenue from a couple of playoff gates is highly important in the Big D, but not if the team makes deadline deals that don’t make them better down the road. There is a nice young core here, but it is time for the Stars to try and get something out of the old guard before it’s gone. If the Stars have decided they aren’t going to re-sign Turco, then holding on to him for the playoff run is pound penny-wise and pound foolish. A team like Philly might part with a nice prospect for Turco.

What the Red Wings want: After two straight years in the Cup Finals, this may not be Detroit’s year. But they wouldn’t mind making the playoffs at least, and heading into the Olympic break, Detroit sat one point south of the playoffs in the West. A big problem has been health, and with all Detroit’s Olympians, it could get worse before it gets better. Plus, the team is absolutely capped out, so any trades will have top be salary neutral.

What the Red Wings can give: Brad May in is in the minors after clearing waivers. He’s available. Mostly however, all of brilliant GM Ken Holland’s big contracts are spent on good, relatively healthy players. Other than some bottom end defencemen — Derek Meech, Brett Lebda, Jonathan Ericsson, Andreas Lilja — not much available trade bait here.

Restricted Free Agents: Darren Helm, Patrick Eaves, Drew Miller, Derek Meech

Unrestricted Free Agents: Todd Bertuzzi, Jason Williams, Tomas Holmstrom, Kirk Maltby, May, Nicklas Lidstrom, Lilja, Lebda, Doug Janik

No-Trade Clause: Lidstrom, Pavel Datsyuk, Dan Cleary, Kris Draper, Brian Rafalski, Brad Stuart

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Jakub Kindl, 23
Stats: GP 48 – G 3 – A 17 – P 20, Grand Rapids Griffins, AHL
Description: A mobile two-way defenceman.

Landon Ferraro, 18
Stats: GP 39 – 13 G – 24 A – 37 P, Red Deer Rebels, WHL
Description: A high-octane sniper who has spent the majority of the season rounding out the rest of his game.

Thomas McCollum, 20
Stats: GP 22 – G.A.A. 3.50 – Save % .878, Grand Rapids Griffins, AHL
Description: A butterfly goaltender with potential to be a starter in the NHL.

Tomas Tatar, 19
Stats: GP 39 – G 11 – A 12 – P 23, Grand Rapids Griffins, AHL
Description: A gritty two-way forward who bypassed juniors to play in the American Hockey League this season.

Analysis: After two Cup runs, an Olympics and an injury-plagued season, GM Ken Holland must realize that the ol’ winged wheel has gone a little flat. His team is tired, and the best he can hope for is to sneak into the playoffs, knock someone off in the first round, and hope for some magic. His roster is complete, the money’s well spent. Unless he can squeeze a Pekka Rinne out of Nashville, Holland likely won’t do much at the deadline. With the UFAs he has this summer, the time to reshape this roster is July, not March.

It has been nothing less than the worst season in the history of the Edmonton Oilers franchise.

Their best player, Ales Hemsky, removed himself in late November for season-ending shoulder surgery. Their ‘A’ goalie, Nikolai Khabibulin, hasn’t played since Nov. 16. He’s gone for the season after back surgery, but clearly his elbow still works: he collected a DUI in Arizona recently, further souring an ugly, ugly season for Edmonton.

They can’t score. They don’t have the goaltending. Their leadership is poor. And they don’t compete very hard most nights. So is it fair to say that there aren’t many elements GM Steve Tambellini isn’t looking to upgrade heading into the deadline?

“Fair to say,” Tambellini said. “I have to be open, to listen to what any others teams have to say at this point.

“It’s also correct to say that this is going to be only one part of the process. This isn’t going to happen at a trade deadline, or on July 1. This is a (rebuilding) process we’re looking at.”

Most importantly, Tambellini would love to free himself from some hefty contracts for older players who won’t be around once this rebuilding process comes to fruition. Ethan Moreau, Steve Staios, Fernando Pisani, Patrick O’Sullivan, Andrew Cogliano, Marc Pouliot, Sheldon Souray and Lubomir Visnovsky are all on the table at the deadline. Shawn Horcoff ($5.5 M cap hit) and Khabibulin are untradeable, and so is what will likely be the No. 1 pick in the draft this June. Tambellini would be tarred and feathered in Edmonton if he pulled a Brian Burke and moved that pick that could bring Taylor Hall to the Oilers.

What the Oilers want: Cap space, so they can begin an orderly rebuild. But who doesn’t? Tambellini was saddled with some terrible contracts signed by his predecessor Kevin Lowe. The good news is, as his team rebuilds through the draft and with youth, those contracts will expire. This team dearly needs grit and size. They are waaaay too small, and don’t compete nearly hard enough.

What the Oilers can give: You name it. They’ll give it. Except, as we said, they’d be foolish to give up their first or second pick next year, as they will be the No. 1 and 31st pick in the lottery.

Restricted Free Agents: Sam Gagner, Cogliano, Pouliot, Gilbert Brule, Ryan Stone, J.F. Jacques, Ryan Potulny, Jeff Deslauriers.
Unrestricted Free Agents: Pisani, Mike Comrie, Jason Strudwick.

No-Trade Clause: Horcoff, Souray (expires July 1), Visnovsky.

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Jordan Eberle, 19
Stats: GP 45 – G 40 – 42 A – P 82, Regina Pats, WHL
Description: One of the most clutch goalscorers in junior hockey, Eberle has the potential to make the jump to the goal-starved Oilers as early as next season.

Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, 18
Stats: GP 42 – G 12 – A 15 – P 27, Timra, SEL
Description: A speedy and imaginative forward. He isn’t far from being NHL-ready.

Toni Rajala, 18
Stats: GP 48 – G 20 – A 28 – P 48, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
Description: Rajala is a potential mid-round steal for the Oilers. The offensive forward is gaining valuable experience on a championship-contender this season.

Olivier Roy, 18
Stats: GP 45 – G.A.A. 2.64 – Save % .909, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, QMJHL
Description: A small and agile goaltender already in his third season as a starter.

Analysis: As long as Tambellini is trading roster players, he can’t make many mistakes here. There are only a handful of keepers – Hemsky ,Gagne, Brule, Penner up front, Gilbert and Smid on the back end. Anyone else he deals, especially if they are sub-6 feet tall, will be viewed as progress in reshaping a lineup that simply does not work. The Oilers just have to stick with the rebuilding mindset. That means, no taking on big contracts, and don’t trade away picks and prospects.

What the Kings want: The Kings need a winger, with Justin Williams having busted his ankle on Boxing Day. They’d love a veteran at the end of his contract, a Bill Guerin type of pick-up, but will be happy to snap up someone like Alexei Ponikarovsky from Toronto, or perhaps Ray Whitney out of Carolina. They also need a steadying influence on defence – perhaps the difference in moving into the No. 4 seed and getting home-ice in Round 1.

What the Kings can give: In trying to land Ilya Kovalchuk from Atlanta, Kings GM Dean Lombardi wouldn’t part with any two of Dustin Brown, Jack Johnson and Wayne Simmonds. So he is willing to move one good young player, but not two. They have lots of good, young players, so could also afford to move a draft pick if need be.

Restricted Free Agents: Teddy Purcell, Brad Richardson, Scott Parse.

Unrestricted Free Agents: Alex Frolov, Raitis Ivanans, Randy Jones, Sean O’Donnell.

No-Trade Clause: Ryan Smyth, Michal Handzus.

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Brayden Schenn, 18
Stats: GP 47 – G 24 – A 52 – P 76, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
Description: A budding power-forward with high offensive potential. He could be ready to make the jump next season as he has already played one NHL game earlier this season.

Thomas Hickey, 21
Stats: GP 15 – G 0 – A 5 – P 5, Manchester Monarchs, AHL
Description: A silky-smooth two-way defender.

Jonathan Bernier, 21
Stats: GP 43 – G.A.A. 1.98 – Save % .939, Manchester Monarchs, AHL
Description: A potential starter in the NHL. He would likely be playing in the NHL if not for a glut of talent at the position in Los Angeles.

Colten Teubert, 19
Stats: GP 48 – G 9 – A 26 – P 35, Regina Pats, WHL
Description: A physical defensive defenceman with leadership qualities. He is showing offensive potential in junior, but will likely be a stay-at-home defender at the next level.

Analysis: In fact, even though this is the best edition of the Kings since the turn of the century, they are probably not yet at the point where one savvy trade could get them to the Cup. So even though GM Dean Lombardi has some cap space to work with, he’d be wiser to improve this team in the summertime. Any UFA will want to join a good young team in this market. The most the Kings will do on March 3 will be tweaking, adding a scoring winger like Whitney, who is also a UFA. That brings some help now, yet doesn’t tie Lombardi’s hands this summer, when it will be time to make one or two major moves — another run at Kovalchuk? — then take a serious Cup run next season.

What the Wild want: They wanted good, young players around which to restart their franchise, and already got a good one in Cam Barker from Chicago. You’re not going to find two deals like that in the same deadline.

What the Wild can give: The Wild likely won’t be dealing any drafts or prospects, after parting with last year’s first-rounder Nick Leddy in the Barker deal. But teams will ask about goalie Josh Harding, and Minnesota should listen – they’re set in net with Nik Backstrom. If GM Chuck Fletcher could find a team that believes in Harding, he might have one more nice deal in him before March 3.

Restricted Free Agents: James Sheppard, Cal Clutterbuck, Guillaume Latendresse, Josh Harding.

Unrestricted Free Agent: Eric Belanger, Petr Sykora, Owen Nolan, Andrew Ebbett, Derek Boogaard, Marek Zidlicky, Shane Hnidy, John Scott.

No-Trade Clause: None.

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Colton Gillies, 21
Stats: GP 49 – G 4 – A 13 – P 17, Houston Aeros, AHL
Description: A defensive power-forward.

Tyler Cuma, 20
Stats: GP 43 – G 2 – A 15 – P 17, Ottawa 67’s, OHL
Description: A mobile defensive defenceman. Cuma isn’t flashy, but does many things well.

Matt Hackett, 19
Stats: GP 48 – G.A.A. 2.64 – Save % .925
Description: Few goaltenders have risen as prospects as quickly as Hackett. He is now considered by many the top goaltender in the OHL and nearly made the Canadian world junior team as a backup.

Marco Scandella, 19
Stats: GP 31 – G 9 – A 22 – P 31, Val-d’Or Foreurs, QMJHL
Description: A mobile defensive defenceman. He is currently serving a 15 game suspension for a head hit.

Analysis: This is Fletcher’s first deadline as the Wild GM, and the team’s first deadline in a complete transition from the Doug Risebrough-Jacques Lemaire years. Of course, they want to make the playoffs. But making steps in the transformation has to be just as important. “It comes down to making trades to make the team better,” Fletcher said. “We’re never going to give up at any time. If you make a trade, you’re making it because you feel it makes you better. Our goal is to make the playoffs.” Getting Barker served both ends. If they can improve, and make up the five points to catch eighth spot for the playoffs, all the better.

What the Predators want: Preds dearly need a faceoff man, and some help on the PK. He might be the same guy. Never in a position to take on big salary, GM David Poile — one of the savviest GMs in the game today — will tweak at the deadline. But no major moves are expected — unless UFA defenceman Dan Hamhuis’ agent confirms that he is out of reach salary-wise this summer.

What the Predators can give: They have two UFA goalies: Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne. You only need one. Rinne is likely better, but also would have more trade value for a team like Philly or Washington. If the Preds took UFA Jose Theodore back in a deal for Rinne or Ellis, it could also include another good player from the Caps.

Restricted Free Agents: Patric Hornqvist, Cody Franson

Unrestricted Free Agents: Hamhuis, Ellis, Rinne, Wade Belak, Francis Bouillon, Nolan Yonkman

No-Trade Clause: Jason Arnott, David Legwand, J.P. Dumont

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Colin Wilson, 20
Stats: GP 35 – G 12 – A 17 – P 29, Milwaukee Admirals, AHL
Description: A gritty two-way center.

Jonathon Blum, 21
Stats: GP 56 – G 5 – A 21 – P 26, Milwaukee Admirals, AHL
Description: A mobile, two-way defenceman.

Ryan Ellis, 19
Stats: GP 40 – G 9 – A 39 – P 48, Windsor Spitfires, OHL
Description: Ellis makes up for his shorter stature by playing a smart and sometimes cocky game. He has a hard and heavy slapshot.

Chet Pickard, 20
Stats: GP 29 – G.A.A. 2.71 – Save % .897, Milwaukee Admirals, AHL
Description: A big and agile goaltender with starter’s potential.

Analysis: Typically, Predators are a better team than most thought they would be, seventh in the tough West at the break. And typically, they have no money with which to take the next step. If they trade a fantastic, 27-year-old defenceman in Hamhuis because they don’t feel he can be signed this summer, that’s a pure sign that the Preds can not compete in Nashville anymore. If they did make the deal however, he’s worth a high first-rounder and a player who can play right now — at less money and longer term.

What the Coyotes want: Phoenix has miraculously remained in a playoff position for almost the entire season, mostly on the strength of Ilya Bryzgalov in goal and incredible depth offensively. The Coyotes could have 10 players with 10 goals or more, but still need a veteran sniper to help a powerplay that has been near the bottom of the league all year. They would like to replace winger Scottie Upshall at the deadline — he is out for the season with a knee injury. With finances uncertain, the perfect acquisition is a Ray Whitney type — veteran, offensively gifted, and a UFA this summer.

What the Coyotes can give: They have two first-rounders in June, and a passel of young players on their roster and in their system. Now, finances may force GM Don Maloney to stay young and draft often. But the Coyotes are certainly in a position organizationally to trade some tomorrow for today. It’s the bean counters who will make the final decision on that one, however.

Restricted Free Agents: Peter Mueller, Upshall, Martin Hanzal, Daniel Winnick, Paul Bissonnette, Sami Lepisto

Unrestricted Free Agents: Matthew Lombardi, Taylor Pyatt, Robert Lang, Jeff Hoggan, Adrian Aucoin, Zbynek Michalek, Anders Eriksson

No-Trade Clause: Shane Doan, Ed Jovanovski

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, 18
Stats: GP 39 – G 3 – A 14 – P 17, Leksands, SEL
Description: A mobile two-way defender with top pairing potential.

Viktor Tikhonov, 21
Stats: GP 18 – G 2 – A 6 – P 8, San Antonio Rampage, AHL
Description: A smooth-skating offensive forward.

Mikkel Boedker, 20
Stats: GP 37 – G 7 – A 11 – P 18, San Antonio Rampage, AHL
Description: A two-way forward with offensive potential.

Kyle Turris, 20
Stats: GP 49 – G 11 – A 21 – P 32, San Antonio Rampage, AHL
Description: A two-way forward with a scorer’s instincts

Analysis: At the break, just 19 games separated the Coyotes from their first playoff berth in seven seasons. They’re fourth in the West, and amazingly, also sitting at No. 4 in the overall standings. But, of their last 15 games, only four are on home ice. So some added depth — particularly of the veteran variety — is key as the young Coyotes embark upon their first meaningful stretch run together. If ever there was a team that could use the juice provided by a playoff round (or two), it is this one. Nothing sells tickets like a team in the playoffs.

What the Sharks want: What the Sharks wanted was a versatile No. 4 or 5 defenceman, and GM Doug Wilson scratched that itch when he acquired defenceman Niclas Wallin from Carolina on Feb. 7, along with a fifth round pick. Wallin cost only a second rounder (Buffalo’s), a sign that Wilson is happy with his lineup. Why would he make a lot of changes now? The Sharks have 89 points and top the West.

What the Sharks can give: They still have their first-rounder in 2010, and there is the argument that UFA Patrick Marleau’s value has never been this high. But you don’t break up arguably the best line in the league when they’ve got you in contention for the President’s Trophy and playing at the Olympics together. Rob Blake is also a UFA, but he just might be the difference maker between a team that tends to choke in the playoffs, and one that perseveres.

Restricted Free Agents: Joe Pavelski, Devin Setoguchi, Brad Staubitz.

Unrestricted Free Agents: Patrick Marleau, Scott Nichol, Manny Malhotra, Jed Ortmeyer, Dwight Helminen, Blake, Wallin, Jay Leach, Evgeni Nabokov.

No-Trade Clause: Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley, Marleau, Dan Boyle, Nabokov.

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Logan Couture, 20
Stats: GP 33 – G 18 – A 27 – P 45, Worcester Sharks, AHL
Description: An intelligent two-way forward.

Nick Petrecki, 20
Stats: GP 52 – G 2 – A 9 – P 11, Worcester Sharks, AHL
Description: A gritty defensive defenceman.

Taylor Doherty, 18
Stats: GP 54 – G 12 – A 19 – P 31, Kingston Frontenacs, OHL
Description: A huge defender with good mobility for his size. He is displaying more offensive potential in an increased role this season.

Analysis: If Wilson makes any moves, think of veteran players on teams that are obvious sellers. Like Ethan Moreau in Edmonton, or Sami Pahlsson in Columbus. The Sharks are capped out, but with enough UFAs (9) that they can count on some cap room opening up this summer. Likely, however, Wilson will stand pat with what has been as good a lineup as the NHL has seen this season. This is Nabokov’s spring to shine. Anything less than stand-on-your-head hockey this spring, and Nabby will not be asked back to a team that will be in for a serious shake-up if it goes out in Round 1 or 2 again. That shake-up, however, is not likely to start with many tremors at the trading deadline.

What the Blues wants: A better team, to be honest. St. Louis was the hottest team in the league down the stretch last season, then got blown out by Vancouver in four games. This season they’ve been below average, and sit four points out of eighth place at the break. If they’re smart, they’ll want to acquire some draft picks for UFAs like Paul Kariya and Carlo Colaiacovo. They also dearly need goaltending — Chris Mason doesn’t appear to be the guy. “We’re stuck in a gray zone right now,” Blues President John Davidson said. “So we have to make some tough decisions come March 3, and it’s too early right now to make those decisions … you owe something to your team to see where you are.”

What the Blues can give: Kariya and Tkachuk both have no-trades, but might interest some teams. Brad Boyes has two years left (cap hit $4 million), and could perhaps entice a team looking for a right-handed shooter.

Restricted Free Agents: Erik Johnson, Alex Steen, David Perron, Cam Janssen, D.J. King

Unrestricted Free Agents: Kariya, Tkachuk, Brad Winchester, Colaiacovo, Darryl Sydor, Mike Weaver, Mason

No-Trade Clause: Kariya, Tkachuk, Eric Brewer, Barret Jackman

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Alex Pietrangelo, 20
Stats: GP 15 – G 3 – A 13 – P 16, Barrie Colts, OHL
Description: A big and rangy defender with loads of offensive potential. Pietrangelo will have his first legitimate shot at challenging for a league title this season.

David Rundblad, 19
Stats: GP 40 – G 1 – A 9 – P 10, Skelleftea, SEL
Description: An offensive defenceman.

Jake Allen, 19
Stats: GP 34 – G.A.A. 2.53 – Save % .911, Drummondville Voltigeurs, QMJHL
Description: A butterfly goaltender with the potential to be a starter in the NHL.

Lars Eller, 20
Stats: GP 45 – G 8 – A 26 – P 34, Peoria Rivermen, AHL
Description: A power-forward with offensive potential.

Analysis: The UFA goalie crop this summer isn’t strong, so the Blues would be wise to start looking now. They would be unwise to think that for a second straight year, they will make a hair-on-fire charge to the wire and make up the four-point deficit for a playoff spot. The reality is, there is some young talent here — David Backus, T.J. Oshie, Patrick Berglund, Erik Johnson, and a few more — but the trading deadline should be used for further building, not to make the playoffs and lose in Round 1. “If a team isn’t doing well, then sometimes shake-ups happen. We already had a change with our coach. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist…” admitted Boyes.

The last two times the Vancouver Canucks won the Northwest Division, they followed it up by missing the playoffs the next year. So the fact they are in a hot race for the Northwest crown – but with Colorado, not Calgary as expected – means the Canucks have grown in their consistency.

There is better depth here than we’ve seen in years, with the Sedins upping their level this season on Line 1, Ryan Kesler anchoring an excellent second unit, and depth players like Mason Raymond (43 points), Alex Burrows (26 goals) and Mikael Samuelsson (40 points) making the Canucks a very, very deep club offensively.

GM Mike Gillis sniffed around on Ilya Kovalchuk, which tells us that he won’t miss a chance to add a top talent that could put this lineup over the top. Remember, the path to the Stanley Cup will go through Chicago, a team that was better than Vancouver last spring – but not much – and San Jose.

Not having Mats Sundin this year has been addition by subtraction. Vancouver has the goaltending, an excellent defence and again, real good offensive depth. A centre who could work with the enigmatic Pavol Demitra on the third line would help. Kyle Wellwood hasn’t done the job this season.

What the Canucks want: Home-ice advantage. At the break, the second place team in the Northwest – Colorado, tied with the Canucks at 76 points – sat in sixth spot in the West. So a Division crown is huge. The Canucks are a team that could trade a Cody Hodgson, Jannik Hansen, or even a draft pick if the right deal was there.

What the Canucks can give: Their primary chip is minor league goaltender Cory Schneider, who had a 2.69 GAA and .911 saves percentage in Manitoba at this writing. He’s ready for his NHL shot, and with Luongo signed long-term, Vancouver will trade him before his deal expires after next season.

Restricted Free Agents: Ryan Kesler, Mason Raymond, Jannik Hansen, Tanner Glass, Shane O’Brien, Aaron Rome

Unrestricted Free Agents: Pavol Demitra, Kyle Wellwood, Ryan Johnson, Willie Mitchell, Brad Lukowich, Andrew Raycroft

No-Trade Clause: Roberto Luongo, Sami Salo, Mitchell

Prospects: (Stats provided are as of Feb. 16)
Cory Schneider, 23
Stats: GP 39 – G.A.A. 2.65 – Save % .912, Manitoba Moose, AHL
Description: A goaltender with potential to be a starter. Progress is slowed by lack of playing time in Vancouver.

Cody Hodgson, 19
Stats: GP 6 – G 2 – A 5 – P 7, Brampton Battalion, OHL
Description: A two-way character forward with offensive imagination and leadership abilities. He began playing recently after missing the majority of the season with an injury.

Michael Grabner, 22
Stats: GP 25 – G 10 – A 9 – P 19, Manitoba Moose, AHL
Description: A highly-skilled scoring forward.

Jordan Schroeder, 19
Stats: GP 28 – G 7 – A 16 – P 23, Minnesota, NCAA
Description: A high-offence playmaking forward.

Analysis: This is where GM Mike Gillis earns his pay. He’s got a very good team here, but is it better than Chicago or San Jose? They are not, unless Gillis finds the right tweaks to make by the March 3 deadline. How about getting Alexei Ponikarovsky out of Toronto? Or a solid faceoff man, say Sammy Pahlsson from Columbus? It will likely be a smaller addition that puts Vancouver over the top, rather than someone big like Kovalchuk.