The 2023 NHL trade deadline is on the horizon and franchises across the league are on the hunt for players to bolster their rosters with a deep playoff run in mind. After Bo Horvat’s switch from the Vancouver Canucks to the New York Islanders, three standout players remain on the block and each of them provide unique skills that will be coveted by teams aiming to make a splash on Friday, 3 March.
2023 NHL Trade Deadline Targets
With that in mind, here are the three players every contending team should consider acquiring before the 2023 NHL trade deadline.
3. Patrick Kane, Right Wing, Chicago Blackhawks
Patrick Kane is a lock for the Hockey Hall of Fame and possibly the best U.S.-born player in the history of the sport. He also happens to be in the final months of a mammoth contract, has established a reputation as an elite playoff performer, and is extremely available for trade as the Chicago Blackhawks attempt to improve their draft lottery odds.
Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks (Image: NHL)
Kane boasts a supremely impressive résumé, which includes three Stanley Cups, the 2013 Conn Smythe Trophy, and 132 points in 136 postseason appearances. While the American is past his peak at age-34, his 34 points (nine goals, 25 assists) on the season make him a sure-fire rental candidate for contenders.
However, any trade offers for Kane will be complicated by his $10.5 million cap hit. After years of salary cap stagnation, it will be tricky for buyers to make the money work. Also of note: his full no-move clause and recent injury troubles
Patrick Kane said his agent, Pat Brisson, has heard from a few interested teams. But Kane hasn't made a decision on his own future yet. Said even over the summer, he and Brisson figured they'd take it all the way up to the deadline before making that decision.
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) February 6, 2023
Despite those factors, the Buffalo-born forward remains one of the most exciting players on the block and is wanted by the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, and Colorado Avalanche ahead of the 2023 NHL trade deadline.
2. Jakob Chychrun, Defenceman, Arizona Coyotes
The Arizona Coyotes, like Chicago, are all-in on the race for wonderkid prospect Connor Bedard. Jakob Chychrun finds himself on the market as a result. The 24-year-old is a bona fide top-four defender who can attacks and absorb difficult minutes. He also comes with a measly $4.6 million cap hit and is contracted through 2024-25.
Durability is Chychrun’s major flaw. He has never made more than 68 appearances in a single season and has already missed 16 games this term.
Jakob Chychrun, Arizona Coyotes (Image: NHL)
There is also no rush for Arizona to trade their star defender. He is under contract for two more seasons, which means the Coyotes could hold onto him until teams have more roster flexibility and cap room.
Even so, plenty of teams are interested in the Boca Raton-born defender, with the Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers on his list of potential suitors.
1. Timo Meier, Right Wing, San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are also interested in improving their draft lottery odds, which makes a trade for pending restricted free agent Timo Meier an incredibly attractive proposition for contenders.
The 26-year-old is in the midst of an impressive season, with 48 points (20 goals, 28 assists) in 51 appearances on a squad nowhere near the playoff line.
Meier is a highly-skilled winger who can play on either side of the attack. While he is only 6-foot, he is physically dominant and therefore able to contribute at five-on-five and on the power play.
Timo Meier, San Jose Sharks (Image: NHL)
Every team hoping to make a push for the playoffs should consider adding the Swiss forward at the 2023 NHL trade deadline, not least because he offers a rare combination of skill, physicality, and versatility.
Meier has proven that he can win games on his own and is controllable beyond this summer. He finds himself on the radar of the New Jersey Devils and Seattle Kraken as a result.
Which players should your team target at the 2023 NHL trade deadline? Join the discussion by tweeting @BritIceHockey.
