With the NHL's Feb. 24 trade deadline fast approaching, speculation over which players could be moved is ramping up among fans and media.
Activity has also increased in the trade market. Three players from our recent listing of 10 most likely to be moved – Alec Martinez, Tyler Toffoli, and Brenden Dillon – were traded earlier in the week.
Here's a look at the latest rumors involving the top trade candidates entering the final weekend before deadline day.
Chris Kreider, New York Rangers
The 28-year-old left winger is still considered the best player potentially available. NESN's Logan Mullen cited TSN insider Bob McKenzie saying the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders, St. Louis Blues, and Washington Capitals have varying degrees of interest in Kreider.
His trade status, however, remains uncertain. The Athletic's Rick Carpiniello reported Wednesday that the Rangers are holding contract extension talks with Kreider's agent.
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Sami Vatanen, New Jersey Devils
With the Devils shipping out Andy Greene and Blake Coleman earlier this week, Vatanen could be next on the trade block. The 28-year-old defenseman is an unrestricted free agent and probably doesn't fit into the rebuilding Devils' long-term plans.
Vatanen's been sidelined since Feb. 2 with a leg injury, but NJ.com's Chris Ryan reports several teams remain interested in the veteran blueliner. The Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers and Calgary Flames could be potential destinations.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Ottawa Senators
The rebuilding Senators earlier this week sent defenseman Dylan DeMelo to the Winnipeg Jets, stoking conjecture over Pageau's future in Ottawa. Slated to become a UFA this summer, the 27-year-old is a versatile two-way forward on pace to reach 30 goals for the first time in his career.
The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators would attempt to re-sign Pageau this week. If those efforts fail, the Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets and Edmonton Oilers could be among his suitors before deadline day.
Mike Hoffman, Florida Panthers
With 22 goals and 48 points, Hoffman is among the Panthers' leading scorers. However, his pending UFA status and their need for a top-four defenseman could make the 30-year-old wing expendable
As the Panthers jockey with the Toronto Maple Leafs for a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division, Hoffman recently surfaced as a trade candidate. TSN's Travis Yost believes he'd be a perfect fit with the Edmonton Oilers, but they could be reluctant to give up one of their blueliners to get him.
Robin Lehner, Chicago Blackhawks
With the Blackhawks' playoff hopes fading, The Athletic reports they could be open to trading Lehner and defenseman Erik Gustafsson. He was runner-up last year for the Vezina Trophy and has respectable numbers on the defensively deficient Blackhawks.
The 28-year-old netminder would attract considerable interest from teams in need of goaltending depth. The asking price could be a first-round pick and a top prospect.
Vincent Trocheck, Florida Panthers
Trocheck only recently surfaced in the rumor mill. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports that clubs have inquired into the 26-year-old center's availability.
Trocheck has two years remaining on his contract with an annual average value of $4.75 million. If Hoffman fails to land a top-four defenseman, perhaps Trocheck could address that need for the Panthers.
Andreas Athanasiou, Detroit Red Wings
A restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer, Athanasiou has struggled with injury and inconsistency this season. That has some observers wondering if he fits into the rebuilding Wings' plans. A year removed from a career-best 30-goal season, Athanasiou's speed and scoring ability make him an enticing trade target.
The Detroit News' Ted Kulfan suggested clubs recently hit by injuries to their forward lines could come calling. Those could include the Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks.
Ilya Kovalchuk, Montreal Canadiens
Having resurrected his NHL career since joining the Canadiens in early-January, Kovalchuk also improved his trade value. The 37-year-old left winger could be a fall-back trade option for clubs that miss out on other scoring forwards.