NHL Trade Deadline Popcorn Ratings: Power Rankings
It’s that time of year again: the NHL trade deadline is just two weeks away. And at Power Rankings HQ, that means two things. Firstly, Dom is on vacation again. How he manages to do it every year is a mystery, but kudos to him for taking that time off. Secondly, the popcorn factor is back. We’ll be grading each team on a 1-5 scale based on their potential to make the next two weeks interesting.
If a team is ready to sell or buy, that’s great. If they have high-profile players and haven’t made a decision on whether to move them, even better. But if they don’t have any of those things, well, you can probably ignore them. Not every team is worth your time.
This week, we have the great Murat Ates filling in for Dom. That’s an upgrade for all of us. So let’s dive into the rankings and see which teams are worth keeping an eye on as the trade deadline approaches.
1. New York Rangers
Popcorn factor: The Rangers are on a well-timed winning streak heading into the deadline. Not only are they playing well, but they also have money to spend and some glaring needs. They could be aggressive buyers, and one name to watch is Philadelphia’s Scott Laughton.
2. Florida Panthers
Popcorn factor: The Panthers fell just short of tying the NHL’s single-season record for consecutive road wins, but they are a dominant team with fresh concerns due to injuries. Whether they’re trying to overcome those injuries or at full health, they’re worth watching.
3. Carolina Hurricanes
Popcorn factor: The Hurricanes have a playoff spot locked up and plenty of cap space. The only thing they need is a goalie, and they’re likely to be active in the trade market to address that need.
4. Boston Bruins
Popcorn factor: The Bruins have depleted their draft-pick cupboard and have a weak prospect pool, making a move at the deadline unlikely. However, they have been connected to defenseman Noah Hanifin, and they still have cap space for future seasons.
5. Vancouver Canucks
Popcorn factor: If Jim Rutherford is running the show, you can expect the Canucks to make moves. They’ve already made a significant trade by adding Elias Lindholm, and they are likely to be active in acquiring defensemen.
6. Toronto Maple Leafs
Popcorn factor: The Maple Leafs have been on a winning streak, and their success will likely lead to more trade rumors connecting them to defensemen. Other GMs will be trying to wear down Brad Treliving until he makes a move.
7. Dallas Stars
Popcorn factor: The Stars have been inconsistent but are leading their division. They have the potential to add a top defenseman to solidify their roster, and it would be exciting to see them make a move.
8. Los Angeles Kings
Popcorn factor: The Kings have been on a winning streak, but their limited cap space makes it unlikely for them to be major players at the deadline. However, if they free up some space, they could make some moves.
9. Edmonton Oilers
Popcorn factor: The Oilers are always interesting due to the presence of Connor McDavid. They have limited cap flexibility but are in need of a scoring winger and could try to make moves to address their needs.
10. Colorado Avalanche
Popcorn factor: The Avalanche have already made some additions but are likely to rely on their top players to carry them in the playoffs. They may make some minor moves to add depth but are not expected to make any major changes.
11. Philadelphia Flyers
Popcorn factor: The Flyers have been holding on to a wild-card spot, but their .588 point pace has taken them out of the running for some of the more interesting trade targets.
12. Winnipeg Jets
Popcorn factor: The Jets have struggled recently, but they have made moves to improve their roster. With plenty of cap space left, they are likely to continue shopping at the deadline.
13. Vegas Golden Knights
Popcorn factor: The Golden Knights have dealt with injuries but still remain a strong team. They have the potential to make impactful trades and make a deep playoff run.
14. Detroit Red Wings
Popcorn factor: The Red Wings have surprised many by looking like a playoff team after years of struggle. With plenty of cap space, they could be active in the trade market to bolster their roster.
15. St. Louis Blues
Popcorn factor: The Blues are in a wild-card spot but have been listening to offers on some of their players. They could potentially make a trade involving a top-line winger.
16. New York Islanders
Popcorn factor: The Islanders’ plans at the deadline are unclear, but a pivot towards selling seems unlikely. It’s hard to see which players they would trade, and there might not be much excitement surrounding their moves.
17. New Jersey Devils
Popcorn factor: The Devils have a strong team but lack a top-tier goaltender. It would be interesting to see them make a move for an elite goalie and see how far they can go with improved goaltending.
18. Washington Capitals
Popcorn factor: The Capitals have had some ups and downs this season but still have hope for the playoffs. It would be exciting to see Alex Ovechkin continue his strong play and lead the team to success.
19. Ottawa Senators
Popcorn factor: The Senators have one interesting trade chip in Vladimir Tarasenko, who could be valuable to a contender. They will be worth watching to see if they make any moves.
20. Buffalo Sabres
Popcorn factor: The Sabres are a team on the rise but have little chance of making the playoffs. It will be interesting to see if they make any additions to their roster for the present and future.
21. Montreal Canadiens
Popcorn factor: The Canadiens have players they would like to move, but overall, there isn’t much excitement surrounding their moves at the deadline.
22. Columbus Blue Jackets
Popcorn factor: The Blue Jackets don’t have many trade assets, and their current roster is not very interesting. Not much to see here.
23. Anaheim Ducks
Popcorn factor: The Ducks have some intriguing players, like Connor Bedard and Anthony Duclair, but overall, there isn’t much excitement surrounding their moves at the deadline.
24. Chicago Blackhawks
Popcorn factor: The Blackhawks have a lot of trade chips and plenty of cap space. It will be interesting to see how they use their assets and if they make any big moves.
25. San Jose Sharks
Popcorn factor: The Sharks have some decent players but overall lack excitement at the deadline. Not much to see here.
26. Arizona Coyotes
Popcorn factor: The Coyotes have a lot of draft picks and could make some intriguing moves. It will be interesting to see how they use their assets to build for the future.
27. Calgary Flames
Popcorn factor: The Flames are in a tough spot as they are unlikely to make the playoffs but still have good players and draft picks. It will be interesting to see if they sell or make moves for the future.
28. Seattle Kraken
Popcorn factor: The Kraken have some tradeable players, and it will be interesting to see if they make any moves to bolster their roster.
29. Pittsburgh Penguins
Popcorn factor: The Penguins have bet big on winning with their star players but may face a difficult decision at the deadline. It will be interesting to see if they make any major moves.
30. Vancouver Canucks
Popcorn factor: The Canucks have some intriguing players but lack cap space to make significant moves. It will be interesting to see if they can make any moves to improve their roster.
31. Montreal Canadiens
Popcorn factor: The Canadiens have some players they would like to move, but overall, their moves at the deadline may not be very exciting.
32. Chicago Blackhawks
Popcorn factor: The Blackhawks have a lot of trade chips but lack excitement surrounding their moves at the deadline. The highlight will be watching Connor Bedard play.