With the NHL trade deadline one week away, sellers like St. Louis, Vancouver and Calgary could shed veterans while top buyers (Colorado, Carolina, Dallas) look to upgrade. Bettors should consider backing clear buyers in futures and playoff markets, watch goalie and top-line player props for volatile price moves, and be ready to adjust bets after deadline transactions.
NHL trade deadline: one week to go
The March 6 deadline looms and the NHL market is heating up. Teams are sorting into two camps: those prepared to buy and push for a Stanley Cup run, and those ready to sell assets and reset. Expect last-minute flurries, surprise deadline deals and roster changes that will reshape playoff odds and player-prop markets.
Top sellers to watch
Most likely to deal
1. St. Louis Blues
2. Vancouver Canucks
3. Calgary Flames
4. New York Rangers
5. Nashville Predators
6. Toronto Maple Leafs
7. Chicago Blackhawks
8. San Jose Sharks
9. Winnipeg Jets
10. New Jersey Devils
Why they matter: These clubs could move veterans and expiring contracts to restock drafts and prospects. For bettors, fading sellers in short-term markets is often prudent, and player props for veterans on the move can swing dramatically if roles change.
Top buyers and contenders
Teams most likely to add pieces
1. Colorado Avalanche
2. Carolina Hurricanes
3. Dallas Stars
4. Edmonton Oilers
5. Montreal Canadiens
6. Minnesota Wild
7. Detroit Red Wings
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
9. Vegas Golden Knights
10. Utah Mammoth
Why they matter: Buyers typically increase their playoff ceiling. Expect those names to shorten in futures books and to be favored in moneylines in the weeks after the deadline. Bettors should monitor injury reports and usage changes — new additions often shift special-teams deployment and scoring depth.
Key trade targets and roster notes
Keep an eye on possible Blues moves involving the crease; veteran goaltending could change quickly and affect odds. Vancouver appears set for a fire sale that may include top-four defensemen and experienced forwards. Calgary and New York remain on many lists as clubs that could flip pieces for cap relief or upgrades.
Off-ice items and discussion
U.S. women’s national team players want the spotlight on their Olympic gold, not political distractions. There’s renewed debate around changing the NHL’s point system to 3-2-1, a move supporters argue would reduce shootout-driven distortions. Expect ongoing discussion as the league evaluates competitive balance and standings incentives.
Betting implications — what punters should do
- Futures: Consider moving early on clear buyers before public money shortens lines; conversely, sellers often lengthen and can be faded.
- Moneylines & spreads: Expect immediate market shifts for teams that add starting-caliber goaltenders or top-six forwards. Books will adjust quickly; react only after confirming lineup and usage changes.
- Player props: Volatility is highest here — scoring, assists and shots props for players changing teams or linemates can reset dramatically. Wait for announced roles before placing large wagers.
- Market inefficiencies: Early sharp-money moves and contrarian plays appear around surprise, deadline-day swaps. Sharp bettors often get the first edges; casual punters should be cautious until roles are clarified.
Deadline trivia
Question
Which three veteran players did the Penguins acquire at the 2008, 2009 and 2013 deadlines, and which of them won a Cup with Pittsburgh?
Answer
The acquisitions were Marián Hossa (2008), Bill Guerin (2009) and Jarome Iginla (2013). Bill Guerin was the one who won a Stanley Cup with the Penguins.
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Who are the most likely buyers and sellers? And let's take a deeper look at which players might be on the trade block over the next week.
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