Many NHL teams have already made their final moves leading up to today’s 3 PM Eastern deadline to add players for their post-season runs, but there are still a few contenders who need to upgrade their rosters to compete as one of the elite teams.
There aren’t many star players on the market, but the biggest is Mikko Rantanen who was shocked by his trade from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes and doesn’t want to commit to a long-term deal with his new team right away. Carolina gave up a lot to get him and seems to want to recoup some of those losses. Another team in a more win-now mindset may be less concerned about parting with some assets to have a great shot at winning this year. There are several teams after him, but most will have to settle for consolation prizes to improve their lineups.
Top players available (via TSN)
Mikko Rantanen (CAR)
Brad Marchand (BOS)
Brock Boeser (VAN)
Scott Laughton (PHI)
Rickard Rakell (PIT)
Rasmus Ristolainen (PHI)
Brandon Tanev (SEA)
Ryan Donato (CHI)
Brayden Schenn (STL)
Connor Murphy (CHI)
Dylan Cozens (BUF)
Kyle Palmieri (NYI)
Luke Schenn (PIT)
Mario Ferraro (SJS)
Michael McCarron (NSH)
