Wow, the NHL’s Eastern Conference is actually stacked.
The calendar has officially flipped to March, which means the Stanley Cup Playoffs are only a handful of weeks away. And of course, the 2023 NHL trade deadline is right around the corner, with the 3 p.m. cutoff set for Friday, March 3.
So far, the deadline has been quite busy, with lots of top-end players changing hands as teams look to get ready for long playoff runs. The Eastern Conference, in particular, has loaded up pretty significantly these last few weeks. Players who once dominated the West like Timo Meier, Patrick Kane, Ryan O’Reilly, and Vladimir Tarasenko have all moved East as the arms race between the top NHL teams gets bigger by the day.
Given how close the day is, it’s only fitting that this edition of our monthly power rankings is all about the upcoming trade deadline madness! Here are our NHL power rankings as March begins.
32
Chicago Blackhawks (21-33-5)
Last ranked: 32
The Blackhawks are going to sink like a rock after they finish decimating their roster by the deadline. As of Wednesday, Chicago has jettisoned Jake McCabe and Sam Lafferty, with Kane officially on his way out the door to New York as well. The sooner this rebuild really gets underway for the Blackhawks, the better.
31
Columbus Blue Jackets (20-35-6)
Last ranked: 31
Vladislav Gavrikov and Joonas Korpisalo are, so far, the two big pieces the Blue Jackets have moved ahead of the deadline. While Columbus had their best month of the season to date in February — partially thanks to the lack of games — the Blue Jackets are headed for a date with the draft lottery soon enough.
30
Anaheim Ducks (20-34-7)
Last ranked: 29
By the numbers, the Ducks are the worst team in the NHL. The team’s glaring minus-96 goal differential speaks for itself, honestly. Anaheim is set to be a seller at the deadline, as Adam Henrique, John Klingberg, and any of their UFA defensemen will no doubt garner interest from teams looking for depth additions ahead of a playoff run.
29
San Jose Sharks (18-30-12)
Last ranked: 28
The return for Timo Meier was pretty underwhelming, which has fans wondering if general manager Mike Grier will be able to get anything significant for Erik Karlsson. And with the way things are leaning as of Wednesday, Karlsson might be sticking around until the end of the season too. San Jose is in a pretty tough spot contract wise, with just four UFA contracts coming off the books this upcoming summer. Common sense says the Sharks should trade Karlsson for a haul and begin the rebuild in earnest, but it seems as if San Jose management still holding onto the vestiges of a past era.
28
Arizona Coyotes (20-30-9)
Last ranked: 30
The Coyotes have some significant pieces to deal at the deadline in Jakob Chychrun and Shayne Gostisbehere — plus a few other UFAs. That being said, their biggest role headed into Friday might be to play third party to a trade with all their cap space. After all, the cap floor does exist and if the Coyotes aren’t going to be competitive, they still need to fill out a roster like everyone else. It might also behoove Arizona to pick up another early-round draft pick during their dealings ahead of the deadline since they only have their own selections in the first two rounds this year.
27
St. Louis Blues (26-28-5)
Last ranked: 24
St. Louis has been quite busy ahead of the deadline. Moving out Tarasenko, O’Reilly, and Ivan Barbashev has netted them quite a haul before Friday. While it seems like their biggest moves are behind them, the Blues could still deal around the fringes to continue their rebuild plans. As of Wednesday, the Blues have three first round picks in this year’s draft, which feels like a job very well done by Doug Armstrong. The current team on the other hand? Very bad!
26
Vancouver Canucks (24-31-5)
Last ranked: 26
Luke Schenn was a foregone conclusion to be traded by the deadline, given his low cap hit and UFA status. Brock Boeser, meanwhile, will be a bit harder to move with his contract. That being said, the Canucks very well could retain salary on Boeser to make a deal work if they get a price they like. J.T. Miller could have made an interesting trade target too… if he wasn’t injured right before the deadline. Even though the 2022-23 season has not gone the way the Canucks have hoped, management seems to be slowly digging their way out of the mess they made.
25
Philadelphia Flyers (23-28-10)
Last ranked: 25
After a January resurgence, the Flyers have come crashing back down to earth just in time for the trade deadline. It looked, for a brief moment, that Flyers management might try to become buyers at the deadline with the team’s recent hot stretch, but sanity has seemingly prevailed and the team is set to sell. James van Riemsdyk is the Flyers’ biggest trade chip and buyers will likely come calling as more of the forward market dries up before Friday. All Flyers fans can hope for now is that any moves made continue to tank the team for a better lottery pick come April.
24
Montreal Canadiens (25-30-4)
Last ranked: 27
The Canadiens’ to-do list at the trade deadline likely isn’t very long. Montreal moved Evgenii Dadonov to Dallas earlier in the week, but due to injuries, teams may not want to bite on the Canadiens’ bigger pieces. Considering the Canadiens have 11 picks in this draft — including two first rounders — they will probably be fine standing pat at the deadline. As for the team itself, the Canadiens went above .500 in February and continue to take steps forward under Martin St. Louis’ guidance.
23
Washington Capitals (29-27-6)
Last ranked: 15
Age finally caught up to the Capitals, who are officially sellers at the deadline this year. Dmitry Orlov, Garnet Hathaway, and Marcus Johansson are likely just the tip of the iceberg, as the Capitals have a bunch of non-injured UFAs that could be moved by Friday. Yes, it feels weird to see the Capitals selling at the deadline after making the playoffs eight seasons in a row, but the window is finally slamming shut here for Washington. At least Alex Ovechkin’s chase for NHL history will be a fun story to watch in the years to come.
22
Ottawa Senators (30-26-4)
Last ranked: 22
The Senators are a weird team to pin down before the deadline. They’re out of the playoff race (yes, even if they keep winning) but the vibe out of the team — including the players — makes it seem like they want to buy. I can understand the idea in a vacuum — as the team has played better in 2023 — but considering how stacked the rest of the Eastern Conference is, it just doesn’t make any sense. Better to make some deals that free up cap space or add draft picks so the team can take the next step in the summer.
21
Nashville Predators (29-23-6)
Last ranked: 21
David Poile is going out with a bang, as the soon-to-be-retired general manager got quite a return out of Tampa Bay for Tanner Jeannot. The Nino Niederreiter deal was a good piece of work for a 2024 second-round pick and Mattias Ekholm got dealt for a first as well. It seems as if the Predators are finally committing to being sellers at the deadline after years of will-they-or-won’t-they shenanigans. And with Barry Trotz set to take the helm as general manager in the summer, the Predators might just get back on the horse sooner than they think.
20
Detroit Red Wings (28-24-8)
Last ranked: 23
Much like the Senators, the Red Wings also are in trade deadline limbo considering their spot in the standings. Steve Yzerman is notorious for sticking to his plans and making smart acquisitions, even if his team did just drop back-to-back games against the Senators. I can only pretend to have a clue at what the Red Wings will do at the trade deadline, but they do have some movable assets in Tyler Bertuzzi if they decide buying for a playoff push isn’t worth it. At least Detroit will make things interesting standings-wise in the last few weeks of the season.
19
Florida Panthers (30-26-6)
Last ranked: 20
The Panthers are in the running for a highly-coveted playoff spot in the Eastern Conference… but have no cap space to help themselves out. Plus, it seems as if Florida isn’t going to sell on its free agents either, according to head coach Paul Maurice. Given that the Panthers are likely set to stand pat at the deadline, Florida will need every ounce of effort from its full roster if they want to knock one of the favorites out of a playoff spot. Unfortunately, the numbers don’t favor the Panthers here unless they go on a huge run to close out the season.
18
Pittsburgh Penguins (30-21-9)
Last ranked: 17
Penguins fans have turned fast on Ron Hextall. The praise they once heaped on their general manager for re-signing Evgeni Malkin and others in the summer has now turned to scorn for his inaction ahead of the trade deadline. As the rest of the Eastern Conference has loaded up, the Penguins have rested on their laurels as they hold onto a tenuous playoff spot with just a few weeks left in the season. While it’s certainly not going to be easy, the Penguins have to at least help out either their struggling bottom six or defense. If they don’t? Hextall and the Penguins risk missing the playoffs for the first time since 2005-06.
17
Calgary Flames (27-21-12)
Last ranked: 18
This season has been rough sledding for the Flames, but by the grace that is the weaker West, Calgary still is in play for a playoff spot. The Flames will be an interesting team to watch at the deadline, as while their recent play hasn’t been inspiring, there is opportunity here to jump into the wild card. I don’t think Brad Treliving goes after one of the bigger names, since the Flames likely don’t want to give up their first rounder this year in case they do miss the playoffs, but if they see a cheap opportunity to improve, they’ll do it.
16
Buffalo Sabres (31-24-4)
Last ranked: 16
Even in a stacked Eastern Conference, the Sabres are making a lot of noise as one of the most fun stories to follow this season. While Buffalo shouldn’t mortgage the future for an opportunity that isn’t certain, this Sabres team deserves to be rewarded for their hard work in getting to the cusp of their first playoff berth since 2010-11. One of the Sabres’ three second-round picks at this year’s deadline could very well entice a team to give up a mid-tier player that would bolster Buffalo’s depth.
15
New York Islanders (31-25-8)
Last ranked: 19
Bo Horvat has five goals and eight points in 11 games since joining the Islanders in late January. The problem? The Islanders overall are in a tricky spot ahead of the deadline with Mathew Barzal out indefinitely with a lower-body injury. Plus, the team is currently battling it out for a wild card position, meaning the Islanders could use all the help they can get if they want to make the playoffs. The Islanders did trade for Pierre Engvall on Tuesday, but who knows what more Lou Lamoriello has in store for this team.
14
Seattle Kraken (33-21-6)
Last ranked: 10
February was not kind to the Kraken. The team went 4-6-1 last month, falling from first in the Pacific to a wild card spot. While their playoff odds are still high, it might behoove the Kraken to add a player or two of note at the deadline. Honestly, goaltending is the team’s biggest need right now, with Martin Jones and Philipp Grubauer both having suboptimal seasons at the wrong time. There are a few sellers with goaltenders available, so don’t be surprised if the Kraken go that route by Friday.
13
Minnesota Wild (34-21-6)
Last ranked: 14
After playing the middle man to a few deals at the deadline, the Wild added Marcus Johansson from the Capitals and Gustav Nyquist from the Blue Jackets on Tuesday. Johansson is a fine addition who can slot into the lineup immediately, but Nyquist is injured and is reportedly set to miss the rest of the regular season. Interesting decision from general manager Bill Guerin to go that route instead of looking at a player that can make an impact right away, though it seems Nyquist is confident he’ll be back before the playoffs begin.
Still, as of Wednesday, the Wild are third in the Central after going 6-4-2 in February, with a good finish to the month after a rough start to 2023.
12
Los Angeles Kings (33-20-8)
Last ranked: 11
The Kings had been dancing around Chychrun for what felt like weeks, with neither side able to close out the deal. Then early Wednesday morning, the Kings dealt Jonathan Quick to Columbus for Korpisalo and Gavrikov in a stunning turn of events. The long-time Kings goaltender is no more, as Los Angeles upgraded both on defense and in net in one fell swoop. Talk about making a splash in the West.
11
Winnipeg Jets (35-24-1)
Last ranked: 7
The Jets ended February on a four-game skid, not what you want to see in a Western Conference playoff race that is tightening by the day. February was definitely not Connor Hellebuyck’s best month of the season, but this recent stretch is more likely a cold snap than anything to worry about. Winnipeg is still in a good spot overall and getting Niederreiter was a nice piece of work to add some offensive firepower to their top six.
10
Edmonton Oilers (32-21-8)
Last ranked: 13
The Oilers shipped out Jesse Puljujarvi as expected and brought in Ekholm to fill out a much-needed spot on their defense. It’s been no secret that the Oilers love the run-and-gun offensive style that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl provide, but have been sorely lacking on defense for years now. Ekholm provides that and then some, which is great news for the Oilers looking to crack the Stanley Cup Final for the first time with this core.
Oh, and McDavid just hit the 50-goal mark for the first time in his career and had the most nonchalant answer about the milestone. As you do!
9
Dallas Stars (31-16-13)
Last ranked: 4
Entering Wednesday, the Stars have made just one move — adding Dadonov — ahead of the trade deadline. Dallas doesn’t have a lot of cap space and don’t have any major areas of need entering the playoffs, so I wouldn’t expect any earth-shattering moves here. The Stars had their first middling month of the year in February, going 3-3-3 but still retained their spot at the top of the Central. With the surging Avalanche right behind them, however, things could easily change before long. Speaking of…
8
Colorado Avalanche (34-19-5)
Last ranked: 12
The Avalanche have really hit their stride since 2023 began. With six straight wins to end February, Colorado is within striking distance of the top spot in the Central and are doing so with a beat up lineup to boot. In advance of the trade deadline, the Avalanche have added a bit around the margins but haven’t made any substantial moves. And honestly, they probably don’t need to once Gabriel Landeskog hopefully comes back from injury later this month. Despite a rough start to the season, the Avalanche are in a good spot in a weaker conference and as a result can make small additions if the fit makes sense.
7
Vegas Golden Knights (35-19-6)
Last ranked: 9
Barbashev and Dysin Mayo have been the Golden Knights only two pickups so far ahead of the trade deadline. And unlike last year, Vegas actually has the cap space to make trades if they want to! The Golden Knights currently hold the top spot in the Pacific as March begins, going 6-1-2 in nine February games. The West doesn’t have nearly the same amount of near-superteams like the East does, but Vegas has been one of a few clubs that have been consistently great all season long. Mark Stone’s injury certainly complicates things, so we’ll see if the Golden Knights look to find top-six help before the deadline passes.
6
Tampa Bay Lightning (37-19-4)
Last ranked: 6
Now, onto the juicy stuff! The Lightning shocked many after giving up a bushel of draft picks for Tanner Jeannot, of all players, but it was no doubt a very Tampa move. Entering March, the Lightning are on course for a clash of the titans with the Maple Leafs in the opening round, which is — even better — a repeat of last year’s opening round too. Tampa Bay doesn’t have a lot to work with in terms of movable assets after trading for Jeannot, but knowing Julien BriseBois, if there’s a player the Lighting want, they’ll get him.
5
Carolina Hurricanes (39-11-8)
Last ranked: 2
Puljujarvi feels like a great fit for the Hurricanes, even though he’s not the scoring winger fans were hoping for at the deadline. Still, Puljujarvi will definitely thrive much more on the Hurricanes than he ever did with the Oilers, so that should be a fun story to watch going forward. Carolina remains in on Chychrun, at the very least, so they’re definitely not done adding unless the prices get way too high for their liking. The Hurricanes enter March as the No. 1 team in the Metropolitan Division, but will have some stiff competition from the big spenders at this year’s deadline.
4
New York Rangers (34-17-9)
Last ranked: 8
One such big spender is the Rangers, who went out and got Kane AND Tarasenko with some brilliant salary cap maneuvering. It’s wild to think that we’re not that many years removed from the Rangers infamous letter to fans that signaled the start of what many believed to be a rebuild. And now? The Rangers were able to get two of the top free agents at the trade deadline and are set for a first-round clash with the equally dangerous Devils. The Rangers have the talent to make it far in the playoffs, but the road to get to the Stanley Cup certainly won’t be easy.
3
New Jersey Devils (39-15-5)
Last ranked: 5
While Meier might not be as big of a household name as Kane, the Devils new trade deadline pickup is quite the goalscorer in his own right. So far, Meier is the only deal the Devils have made at the deadline, and maybe the only one they can make with their salary cap constraints. Still, landing the biggest talent at the trade deadline is a reason to celebrate for the Devils, who now have alleviated the scoring pressure off of Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier in their top-six. Their likely first-round bout with the Rangers should be one for the ages.
2
Toronto Maple Leafs (37-15-8)
Last ranked: 3
Folks, Kyle Dubas is all in. As of Wednesday, the Maple Leafs have made five major moves that have significantly changed the landscape in Toronto. Gone are Joey Anderson, Pierre Engvall, Rasmus Sandin, and a score of draft picks. In is Ryan O’Reilly, Noel Acciari, Sam Lafferty, Jake McCabe, Luke Schenn, Erik Gustafsson, and a whole bunch of draft picks.
Dubas knows the Maple Leafs must win a playoff round or he won’t be back next season. And folks, this is one way to make a statement. The Maple Leafs might not even be done making moves until the 3 p.m. deadline officially hits on Friday either. Regardless, the Maple Leafs have been given all the tools they should need to win at least a round in the playoffs. If they don’t? Might be best not to think of that right now if you’re a Maple Leafs fan.
1
Boston Bruins (46-8-5)
Last ranked: 1
Even with their relatively tame — compared to everyone else — but still quite significant moves, the Bruins once again round out these power rankings in the No. 1 spot. Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway are two great additions that make the Bruins even harder to play against as the clear-cut best team in the NHL. Of course, the best regular season team doesn’t often win the Stanley Cup, but there’s no reason to doubt the Bruins’ legitimacy until they give us a reason to do so.
Plus, as the No. 1 seed in the East, the Bruins will get a much easier first-round matchup than the rest of the conference’s murderers’ row. For now, Bruins fans should be able to breathe easy knowing their team continues to sit uncontested on top of the hockey world.
