Ranking the top candidates to be dealt before the NHL trade deadline

The lead-up to this year's NHL trade deadline is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years, with no shortage of star power potentially on the block ahead of March 21.

Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller was originally expected to be one of the best players available, but it now appears the team is reluctant to trade him.

We took both talent and likelihood of being traded into account when determining the list. With that in mind, here are our top players who could be sent packing before the deadline:

1. Jakob Chychrun

Chychrun has been one of the biggest names in the rumor mill for weeks now. That may change with Monday's revelation that the Arizona Coyotes blue-liner will miss two-to-four weeks due to injury. However, he's signed for another three seasons after this one, so his current absence may not significantly affect his trade value.

The left-shot blue-liner, who'll turn 24 on March 31, is having a down season production-wise, but don't be fooled by his point total for the moribund Coyotes. The potential best rearguard available would still be a major acquisition for the stretch run and beyond considering he hasn't even entered his prime yet.

2. Alexandar Georgiev

This isn't Georgiev's first rodeo on the trade block for the New York Rangers. The career backup isn't going to get regular starts given the way Hart Trophy candidate Igor Shesterkin's been playing. The club would be better served with a more weathered No. 2 netminder, and Georgiev deserves a chance to carve out more crease time with another squad.

3. Jake DeBrusk

DeBrusk wasn't initially the most talented forward on the market, but the Boston Bruins winger remains one of the most likely to be dealt considering he's been on the block for months.

His agent said in November he asked for a trade. Then in early March, it was reported they informed teams of their willingness to work on an extension to facilitate a swap. The Edmonton-born forward has been playing on the Bruins' top line and Boston could be showcasing him. Regardless, he's produced at an impressive clip.

4. Andrew Copp

Copp is one of the more intriguing players available. The American can play on the wing or down the middle. Copp has clicked with a variety of linemates for the Winnipeg Jets and is on pace for a career season points-wise.

5. Justin Braun

The Philadelphia Flyers are clearly looking to deal Braun after sending Claude Giroux to the Florida Panthers. Considering Braun's extremely team-friendly cap hit, expiring contract, and sound defensive game, it's no wonder the club is holding him out of Sunday's game as a precaution.

6. Artturi Lehkonen

Lehkonen is one of many Montreal Canadiens players generating interest. He's not a pending UFA, but he will be 27 this summer, so the solid two-way forward may not factor into the club's long-term plans. Lehkonen's underlying numbers are more than favorable this season, which is impressive considering how poor his team played until its February head coaching change.

7. Rickard Rakell

The Anaheim Ducks have already shipped out Josh Manson and Hampus Lindholm, and Rakell remains a significant potential target for contenders. He's a streaky player whose production has declined since he topped 30 goals in 2016-17 and 2017-18, but the Swede can score for stretches.

8. Max Domi

The Columbus Blue Jackets are well back of fourth place in their division, so it's looking more likely they'll be sellers. Patrik Laine has been on fire for a prolonged stretch, is a pending RFA, and is soon to be just 24 years old. As a result, Domi is a far more likely candidate to be moved. Teams in need of a center with some experience who can also play the wing may view him as an option.

9. John Klingberg

There's been radio silence regarding a contract extension for Klingberg, but the Dallas Stars now seem slightly more likely to keep him with blue-liner Miro Heiskanen out indefinitely with mononucleosis. Either way, Klingberg is a pending UFA; the Stars need to extend him, trade him, or risk watching him leave in free agency.

10. Braden Holtby

Holtby has proven himself while splitting time with Jake Oettinger in his 10th full season. That may be partly due to the Stars' defensive system, but Holtby would be a solid addition for those seeking goaltending help if his current squad fades from playoff contention.

11. Phil Kessel

Kessel's cap hit isn't ideal for an acquiring team, but the Coyotes have plenty of space to retain a portion of his contract. The veteran has a modified no-trade clause (he can submit a list of eight teams to which he'd approve a deal), so that complicates things further, but Kessel still has some gas left in the tank and could provide a contender with scoring depth.

12. Nick Leddy

Speaking of experience, Leddy has that in spades. The left-shot blue-liner has suited up for over 800 games, won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2013, and has played in four conference finals. The Detroit Red Wings surely want to get younger or stockpile assets, and Leddy could help them do that.

(Salary source: CapFriendly)