General managers for some of the NHL’s best teams were busy on the final two days before Friday’s trade deadline.
The Carolina Hurricanes won the Jake Guentzel sweepstakes late Thursday night.
A day earlier, the Vegas Golden Knights acquired the Calgary Flames’ Noah Hanifin, the top defenseman who was available on the trade market. That follows their trade for Washington Capitals forward Anthony Mantha on Tuesday.
Also off the market: Vladimir Tarasenko (Florida Panthers), Adam Henrique (Edmonton Oilers), Casey Mittelstadt and Sean Walker (Colorado Avalanche), Alex Wennberg (New York Rangers) and Anthony Duclair (Tampa Bay Lightning).
Here’s who still could be in play before the 3 p.m. ET Friday trade deadline:
Forward Frank Vatrano, Anaheim Ducks
General manager Pat Verbeek already got a first-round pick and other draft picks by moving out Henrique, Sam Carrick and Ilya Lyubushkin, all pending unrestricted free agents. Vatrano has term left on his deal. He’s a first-time All-Star this season with a career-best 29 goals. That includes 11 power-play goals and two short-handed ones.
There are other players who could be moved on Friday to add intrigue to the trade deadline. Here’s a look:
Forward Tyler Toffoli, New Jersey Devils
The Devils made a coaching change, but it’s looking less likely that they’ll make the playoffs. Contenders would be interested in pending UFA Toffoli, who has 26 goals this season and had 34 last season. He was held out of the lineup Thursday night.
Forward Pavel Buchnevich, St. Louis Blues
He has a year left on his contract, so the Blues don’t have to move him now. He’s on pace to top his career best of 30 goals and would satisfy a team’s need for a top-six winger.
Defenseman Jakob Chychrun, Ottawa Senators
His name is out there because the Senators are loaded with top-notch left-shot defensemen and they have signed Jake Sanderson long term. Chychrun has another year left on his contract. General manager Steve Staios said he isn’t actively pursuing anything with Chychrun but said, ‘We’re getting a lot of interest in all of our players.’
Forward Jason Zucker, Arizona Coyotes
He plays with an edge and would fit in a team’s middle six. He was Evgeni Malkin’s linemate in Pittsburgh.
Defenseman Matt Dumba, Arizona Coyotes
He longer brings the offense, but he’s a right-shot defenseman, averages 20 minutes a game and has 150 hits. But he and Zucker sat out Thursday.
Forward Reilly Smith, Pittsburgh Penguins
He hasn’t had a strong season in Pittsburgh, but he did win a Stanley Cup last season in Vegas.
Forward Tyler Johnson, Chicago Blackhawks
The pending unrestricted free agent won two Stanley Cup titles with the Tampa Bay Lightning and has 116 games of playoff experience.
Defenseman Erik Johnson, Buffalo Sabres
He’s being held out of the lineup. He won a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022.
