NHL Deadline Preview: Nine Names to Watch

It's NHL trade deadline day — the last chance for teams to add pieces for a deep playoff run. Here are the top players who could be packing their bags soon:

Mikko Rantanen, Right Wing, Carolina Hurricanes

Rantanen’s willingness to sign a long-term deal with the Hurricanes — who acquired him just a couple of months ago from Colorado — is a big question mark. The ‘Canes are willing to give him top dollar, but if they think he’s set on testing free agency, he could be heading out the door.

Teams that could be in:

Dallas, Vegas, Florida, Winnipeg, Tampa Bay, Toronto

Brock Nelson, Center, New York Islanders

Islanders fans love Nelson but with his contract expiring and his numbers dipping, he might be the most impactful rental center available. It sounds like it’ll take a first rounder to get it done.

Teams that could be in:

Toronto, Colorado, Minnesota, Dallas, Boston, Winnipeg, Columbus.

Brandon Tanev, Left Wing, Seattle Kraken

Speed demon Tanev may be 33, but he’s still got the jets. Once the Kraken decide their direction, expect Tanev's name to pop up in trade talks.

Teams that could be in:

Toronto, Washington, NY Rangers, Vegas, Ottawa, Columbus, Tampa Bay

Scott Laughton, Center, Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers' heart and soul, Laughton is on pace to challenge his career-high in goals. With a reasonable contract, playoff teams are lining up to swing a major third-line center upgrade.

Teams that could be in:

Toronto, Los Angeles, Tampa Bay, Ottawa, New Jersey

Rasmus Ristolainen, Right Defense, Philadelphia Flyers

The defense market has thinned already this season and the big man Ristolainen is still an attractive piece for teams, even if his defensive skills and point production has dipped.

Teams that could be in:

Edmonton, Dallas, Vancouver, Winnipeg

Casey Mittelstadt, Center, Colorado Avalanche

Since being swapped for Bowen Byram, Mittelstadt hasn't quite fit into the Avalanche's system. With two years left on his contract, Colorado could shake things up if the right deal comes across their desk.

Teams that could be in:

Carolina, Toronto, Winnipeg, Boston.

Bowen Byram, Left Defense, Buffalo Sabres

Byram arrived in Buffalo with high hopes but hasn't inked a contract extension yet. He’s shown flashes of being a number-one defenseman this year, and at just 23 years old, the pending free agent won’t be short of suitors.

Teams that could be in:

Vancouver, Anaheim, Winnipeg

Elias Pettersson, Center, Vancouver Canucks

With J.T. Miller already traded, the Canucks are now far less likely to deal Pettersson — especially with his $11.6 million cap hit. Unless an offer blows them away at this point, a move today would come as a surprise.

Teams that could be in:

Buffalo, Carolina, Detroit, Minnesota, Dallas, Ottawa, Columbus

Dylan Cozens, Center, Buffalo Sabres

Even with a steady drop in production this season, Cozens has been a hot name on the trade market. Given Buffalo's perpetual lack of success, a change of scenery for the 24-year old star could be needed.

Teams that could be in:

Vancouver, Calgary, Chicago, Detroit, Nashville, Toronto