Deadline preview: Atlantic Division trade candidates

It's by far the tightest division in the league. Everyone in the Atlantic still has a chance of making the postseason, at least in theory.

The Atlantic Division could become one of the more interesting collections of clubs down the stretch, with teams faced with deciding whether they are buyers or sellers at the deadline.

It's tricky territory, where a move or two could propel teams toward the playoffs or the ever-provocative first overall pick.

Here's what trade bait currently lingers in the Atlantic:

Boston Bruins

The Bruins continue to flirt with a playoff spot, holding one down for the time being, but many other clubs are nipping at their heels - all this while rumors of Claude Julien's imminent dismissal run rampant.

The team's roster presents itself as one closer to a contender than a club ready to be torn down, but in all fairness the Bruins could use a more reliable option on defense.

In turn, the team's most likely trade candidates appear to be Dominic Moore and Adam McQuaid, though the pot will need to be sweetened here in any potential deal.

Buffalo Sabres

It will pain Sabres fans, but once again the team will be vying for another top draft pick this offseason.

In a perfect world the team would use the deadline to recoup some draft picks in exchange for Matt Moulson, but with $10 million owed the next two seasons, it will be hard to find a buyer. The other possible option would see Cody Franson dealt to a team looking for defensive depth.

Detroit Red Wings

Don't get too comfortable, Thomas Vanek.

The 33-year-old has been among the Red Wings' most consistent players of late and for that reason could be worth dealing as the team projects to miss the postseason for the first time since the 1989-90 season.

Vanek served as a solid deadline pickup for the Canadiens back in 2014, putting up five goals and 10 points in 17 games. He could reprise such a role.

Florida Panthers

After last year it seemed like the sky was the limit for the Panthers, but now the team will settle for a hill.

It's been hard to evaluate the state of the Panthers given they have been decimated with injuries and key ones at that. Someone like Jakub Kindl - who will become an unrestricted free agent - could be dealt, but next to him, the Panthers' best move might be to stand pat.

The team still has tons of young, budding talent, and it would be foolish for the Panthers to move any of it thinking they can save this season.

Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens could use some depth, both up front and on the back end.

The team is unlikely to part with many - if any - of their roster players.

Enter draft picks.

The Canadiens have all of their first-round picks for the next three years, and thanks to some trades, have six second-round picks over that span that could easily be packaged to pull off a deal or two.

Ottawa Senators

The Senators could certainly be considered buyers this year. One problem: they tend to penny pinch.

The team has surprised many by putting itself in the thick of the playoff hunt despite being rather thin up front. The club has made it clear in the past that it covets forward help and now would be the best time to acquire it.

Ottawa is likely in the market for more than just a rental. The Senators have few trade chips that would garner anything of high value, but with draft picks and possibly including Curtis Lazar - who has struggled mightily - in a deal, the team might be able to fetch the missing piece they've been looking for.

Tampa Bay Lightning

In an unfortunately recurring theme, a healthy Steven Stamkos would trump any potential trade acquisition.

With that considered, despite their recent struggles, it's unlikely the Lightning do anything of significance at the deadline. Sure, their list of upcoming restricted and unrestricted free agents is high. However, that list contains the likes of Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat, and Jonathan Drouin - guys the team will rely heavily on down the stretch.

The Lightning hold all their draft picks for the the next three years so that might be their best bet for the time being, though having nearly no cap space presents a problem.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs will approach the deadline a lot differently this time around.

The team is likely to act as precarious spenders this season, with the club's emphasis being to upgrade defense, but only if the deal makes sense moving forward.

Toronto isn't interested in a rental, nor should it be.

James van Riemsdyk's name has been thrown every which way, but with a cap-friendly deal and the thought that the team might need him for a playoff run, his availability remains uncertain.

In that case look toward Matt Hunwick and Roman Polak as possible candidates in any potential swap.