Let's get the obvious over with. Andrew MacDonald has been on the market since he rejected an extension from the New York Islanders. A solid defenseman who has been playing crucial minutes for a bad team, MacDonald would slide in perfectly on a team's second pairing. He is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and has a cap hit of just $550,000.
Alex Edler has been one of the surprising disappointments with the Vancouver Canucks and could very well be dealt at the trade deadline. He is a good puck mover with great vision and a knack for creativity, while also being dependable in his own zone. He has the ability to be a top pairing defenseman, but the cost of acquisition might be too high for some clubs.
The oldest player on this list, Chris Phillips is experienced and poised. He could give a young defense group the boost they need in veteran leadership and guidance as well as play a significant shutdown role. He is a pending free agent, yet with the Ottawa Senators only three points out of a playoff spot, he may not be so easily acquired. That being said, Ottawa does have have eight NHL level defensemen and could cope with trading Phillips.
Ron Hainsey was signed by the Carolina Hurricanes to a one-year contract after Joni Pitkanen was lost to injury and has played well to replace some of that production. Hainsey is known best for his size, grit and huge shot, yet he has taken a more defensive approach in recent years. He could supply a boost to a bottom pairing on a top team and provide reliable play while giving the team's top players a breather.
Derek Morris has had a solid NHL career and provides a unique trait not readily available at the NHL level -- a right-handed shot. Morris is a solid all-around player who plays well enough on both offense and defense. He is an unrestricted free agent but has enjoyed his time as a Phoenix Coyote. He is the type of player the Coyotes could trade at the deadline just to re-sign over the summer, which makes him a good asset if the team wants to improve the squad for the future while missing out on him for the last month and a half of hockey.
The Buffalo Sabres are restructuring their entire roster, as evidenced by the recent Ryan Miller trade. One of the players who could be moved on Mar. 5 is Tyler Myers. Myers has showcased himself well in two games after the Olympic break, scoring twice while also posting two assists. He hasn't replicated his rookie season quite yet, but a change of scenery might help his career.
Another Sabre who could be dealt on Wednesday is Christian Ehrhoff. He has generated a lot of interest around the league as he plays top pairing minutes and in all situations. What is even more enticing is his cap hit and salary. He is signed through the 2020-21 season with a cap hit of just $4 million, and the bulk of his salary has already been paid up front. He would be a long-term addition instead of a rental, but he could be a good pick up for a team looking to improve now and down the road.
While more of a trade piece than a target, Simon Despres will most likely get dealt at the trade deadline. The Pittsburgh Penguins always make supplemental moves as they are constantly Stanley Cup contenders, and Despres happens to be one of their top prospects. He has been mentioned as a potential name in a move for Ryan Kesler but would also be the centerpiece of the deal if the Penguins go for another high profile target. This could be good for Despres as well, as he has not been able to stick with the Penguins full-time.
Defenseman? Right wing? What really is Dustin Byfuglien? Whatever he is, he's a good hockey player. No matter where he plays, he is a constant offensive threat. His heavy shot is a weapon at the point on the power play while his size and strength allow him to grind down defenders on offense. He is incredibly versatile and would be a good piece to have despite concerns about his game shape. With the Winnipeg Jets suddenly back in the hunt for a playoff position, Byfuglien might not be dealt, but there will certainly be a lot of people calling the Jets to inquire.
The Philadelphia Flyers just don't give up easily. They offered Shea Weber an offer sheet as a restricted free agent only to have it matched by the Nashville Predators. Ever since the loss of Chris Pronger, the Flyers have been looking for that big name on defense to anchor the team. Philadelphia is always a team to make waves in the trade market, and while it hasn't worked recently, the team isn't afraid to make a big move for a big-name player. Don't expect this rumor to die if Weber isn't dealt at the deadline.
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