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USA TODAY Sports NHL columnist Kevin Allen and editor Jimmy Hascup break down the trades and discusses the rumors.
The trade deadline is at 3 p.m. ET.
11:35 a.m. Robin Lehner wants out
Lehner, who carries a $4 million cap hit, is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason. He has posted a .910 save percentage in 46 games, though he has proven to be much better than that. The goalie market doesn't appear to be too robust; could the Flames be interested if they find a way to make his salary fit?
11:22 a.m. Less than four hours away
And not much has happened ... yet. Have to expect we'll be bombarded with moves soon. Too many names out there for there not to be. The Erik Karlsson-Ryan McDonagh sweepstakes might be holding up some things. They are likely top targets of a few teams. If an interested team acquires him or gauges prices to be too high, then the next wave of players -- which includes Mike Green -- could be on the move.
10:40 a.m. Will Jack Johnson be moved today?
According to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline, the Ducks are "making a push" to acquire the Blue Jackets' defenseman. Johnson asked for a trade earlier this season, though he's been playing more lately. He has become more expendable after the acquisition of Ian Cole. Johnson is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
10:30 a.m. Some useful points on deadline day
Worth noting these as the activity heats up.
9:50 a.m. We have a trade ...
Just not the one fans will be clamoring for.
Cole isn't flashy, but he has won back-to-back Stanley Cups and will provide some stability to the Blue Jackets' defense. He's the type of physical, stay-at-home blueliner coach John Tortorella loves. Nick Moutrey is a 22-year-old winger playing in the American Hockey League. He has six points in 22 games.
9:30 a.m. The Erik Karlsson market
For fun, and nothing more, let's power rank where we see the Karlsson market being right now.
1 - Lightning: Imagine Karlsson and Victor Hedman on the same pair? GM Steve Yzerman is a tough negotiator and he rightly doesn't want to disrupt what has been a very good team. But the Stanley Cup window only lasts so long. And Karlsson is in the best-in-the-game conversation.
2 - Golden Knights: They are the rare team that can fit both Karlsson's ($6.5 million) and Bobby Ryan's ($7.25 million) salaries without requiring a third team to take Ryan. If Ottawa seriously wants to include Ryan, then it could limit their return as it becomes a salary dump. That means the Golden Knights might not need to pay the full price in prospects/picks.
3 - Sharks: Diddo for Brent Burns and Karlsson on the same defense. The Sharks will have a lot of money coming off their books next season, meaning they could make a huge play to keep him long-term, too. San Jose has a 2018 first-rounder, but no seconds or thirds. They are very much in a win-now window.
8:45 a.m. Blackhawks' Ryan Hartman drawing interest
Hartman, 23, is a restricted free agent this offseason. One would think the Blackhawks would want to keep their youth, especially cheap players, around. Hence, the huge return they seek. Plus, is Hartman's ceiling that high? Sure, he had 19 goals (on 170 shots on goal) in 76 games last season. But he's scored eight goals (on 96 shots) this year. The Chicago Sun-Times' Mark Lazerus says the Jets, Flyers and Hurricanes are interested.
8:30 a.m. Who is available?
Better question might be: Who isn't available. This trade deadline features more than just rental players on the market. It seems as if players with term will be on the move, as well.
Think big: Erik Karlsson. Ryan McDonagh. Max Pacioretty. Mats Zuccarello. Mike Hoffman. All are under contract past this season. Take a look at the best available list.
Among the rentals: Mike Green, Patrick Maroon, Evander Kane, Thomas Vanek, Ian Cole.
8:25 a.m. Already, teams have been busy
If the past few days are any indication, the next six-plus hours will be fun. Just yesterday, the Rangers traded Rick Nash to the Bruins; the Leafs acquired Tomas Plekanec from the Canadiens; and the Blue Jackets brought back an old friend, Mark Letestu, in a three-team trade with the Predators. That doesn't even include the Penguins' acquisition of Derick Brassard or the Devils' addition of Michael Grabner.
Check out USA TODAY Sports' reviews of all these trades.
