As the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 7th, teams are evaluating their positions to determine whether to buy, sell, or stand pat. Here's an overview of potential buyers and sellers:
Buyers
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Toronto Maple Leafs: Aiming to strengthen their center depth, the Leafs are exploring options for a second or third-line center to enhance their playoff prospects. The pressure is once again on in TO as the Stanley Cup window threatens to close on the Leafs current core.
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Washington Capitals: Leading the Eastern Conference in a stunning return to past glory, the Capitals have significant cap space due to long-term injuries and may seek depth additions to bolster their lineup for a deep playoff run, all while Alex Ovechkin continues to hunt down Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal-scoring record.
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Florida Panthers: The defending Stanley Cup champions are monitoring the status of Matthew Tkachuk's injury. If he remains sidelined long-term, the Panthers could utilize the available cap space to acquire impactful players ahead of the March 7th deadline.
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Carolina Hurricanes: Having already made a significant move by acquiring Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall, the Hurricanes might still look for additional pieces to solidify their roster for a championship push. Like the Maple Leafs, the Hurricanes are perennial contenders but have disappointed in the postseason on a seemingly annual basis.
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Vegas Golden Knights: Known for their aggressive approach, the Golden Knights have a pool of prospects and draft picks they could leverage to add immediate talent to their lineup in an effort to climb the ranks in a crowded Western Conference.
Sellers
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Chicago Blackhawks: Positioned at the bottom of the standings, the Blackhawks are expected to move veteran players for future assets, focusing on rebuilding their roster around Connor Bedard.
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St. Louis Blues: While still technically in the thick of the Western Conference Wild Card chase, the Blues are better suited as potential sellers, possibly looking to trade key players to retool for the future.
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Buffalo Sabres: Despite a recent surge, the Sabres remain outside the playoff picture and may opt to sell assets to continue their seemingly endless rebuilding process.
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Anaheim Ducks: Engaged in a rebuilding phase, the Ducks have already started making moves, such as acquiring goaltender Ville Husso from the Detroit Red Wings in recent days, and are likely to continue this trend over the next couple of weeks.
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New York Rangers: With their playoff hopes uncertain, the Rangers might adopt a dual approach, selling pending free agents while seeking players under contract beyond this season to remain competitive. New York currently sits two points back of the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference but has been a general disappointment this season.