Deadline preview: Pacific Division trade candidates
The Pacific Division has an interesting blend of teams, ranging from Stanley Cup contenders to attentive lottery ball watchers.
Regardless of their positions in the standings, each team has chips on the table in the trade market leading up to March 1.
Here's a look at some Pacific candidates who could have a new home for the stretch run:
Anaheim Ducks
Several teams will be dialing Bob Murray's number for the next month and beyond.
The Ducks own a surplus of reliable defenseman, and seek an extra piece up front to solidify an underachieving attack.
Cam Fowler's name has been tossed around all season, but is Anaheim better off with him or without him for the postseason? Depends on the price.
If Murray is unwilling to deal one of his top-four blueliners, Josh Manson, Shea Theodore, and pending unrestricted free agent Korbinian Holzer could draw attention.
Arizona Coyotes
We've got some options here.
The Coyotes aren't going anywhere this season, and yet again, Martin Hanzal is the subject of many calls heading John Chayka's way. The 6-foot-6 pivot could be a dream rental for a contender, with his contract expiring following the season.
Beyond Hanzal, franchise icon Shane Doan could be available, but that's up to him. Elsewhere, 26-year-old right-handed defenseman Michael Stone - and his expiring contract - is circulating the rumor mill in the desert.
Calgary Flames
The Flames are in the thick of the wild-card race, but don't have a ton of expendable assets.
If they fall out of contention, Kris Versteeg - a staple in trade deadline discussions in recent years - could likely haul in a draft pick or two from a team heading to the playoffs.
That said, if they look poised to lock down a playoff spot come deadline day, staying the course might be the best bet.
Edmonton Oilers
For the first time in a long time, it looks like the Oilers will be buyers.
With a core so young and few relevant contracts set to expire, Edmonton's surplus of 2017 draft picks - a pair of third- and fifth-round picks - might be the only pieces shipped out of town.
The Oilers have been linked to big names in Kevin Shattenkirk and Jarome Iginla, but they will require Peter Chiarelli to heavily sweeten the pot.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings will need to be the Kings again if they want to reach the postseason. With just 48 points, Los Angeles is three points out.
General manager Dean Lombardi doesn't have much wiggle room to add, but if the club winds up selling, forward Dwight King could be movable.
King was a solid role player on Los Angeles' two Cup-winning teams, and could be a serviceable rental for a team searching for some depth.
San Jose Sharks
Perhaps no team has a better outlook to its roster than the Sharks.
San Jose returned nearly the exact roster that reached the Stanley Cup Final last season, and that squadron has them in contention for top spot in the Pacific.
The Sharks have minimal cap space, few enticing draft picks, and their only major expiring contracts are Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, who won't be dealt ahead of the playoff push.
Vancouver Canucks
Like many others, the Canucks are in wait-and-see mode.
Unexpectedly vying for a playoff spot, Vancouver is still very much in a rebuild, and have stated they won't be dealing picks just to make the postseason.
If Vancouver falls down the standings, dealing Alex Burrows - if he's willing to waive his no-trade clause - could be an option for management.
The playoff-experienced 35-year-old will be a UFA July 1, and could prove useful on a contending team.