NHL trade rumors: Deadline is approaching

The NHL's Feb. 24 trade deadline is fast approaching, and the fates of these five players have yet to be decided.

We have a pair of new names to discuss, plus a trio of updates on previously mentioned skaters, in this week's trade rumor roundup.

Vincent Trocheck (Panthers)

According to the Ottawa Sun, it's looking increasingly likely the Panthers will be sellers at the deadline. Wingers Mike Hoffman and Evgenii Dadonov will both become free agents at season's end and have been on the block for weeks, but a recent addition is fellow forward Vincent Trocheck. He carries an annual cap hit of $4.75 million over the next two seasons, and his production has declined over the past two years, so it won't be an easy sell for general manager Dale Tallon. 

But if he could land Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin in a trade, an idea dangled by The Athletic's Michael Russo, Tallon would almost have to pull the trigger and trade Trocheck.

Wayne Simmonds (Devils)

The Devils shipped defenseman Andy Greene to the Islanders and forward Blake Coleman to the Lightning, but they may not be done yet. 

Forward Wayne Simmonds "remains of interest to the Canucks," per The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. The Canucks, who acquired Tyler Toffoli from the Kings on Monday, were reportedly the runners-up for Simmonds' services in free agency last summer. The veteran of 900 games would add some grit to a Vancouver lineup lacking in that department.

Chris Kreider (Rangers)

According to TSN, the Avalanche have emerged as a top contender, along with the Bruins, for Chris Kreider. With Mikko Rantanen expected to miss multiple weeks (upper-body injury) and Nazem Kadri out indefinitely (lower-body injury), Colorado is suddenly thin at forward. The Avs have more room to spare salary cap-wise than Boston, which makes a potential deal with the Rangers that much easier.

Erik Gustafsson (Blackhawks) 

Many of the big names on defense moved earlier this week—Ottawa's Dylan DeMelo went to the Jets for a third-round pick, San Jose's Brenden Dillon was dealt to the Capitals for a second- and a third-round pick, Montreal's Marco Scandella went to the Blues for a second- and a fourth-round selection, and L.A.'s Alec Martinez was sent to the Golden Knights for two second-rounders. 

The Blackhawks have been surprisingly quiet, considering their free fall in the standings, but if Chicago becomes active before the deadline, defenseman Erik Gustafsson and his affordable $1.2 million cap hit are likely to be moved. The Athletic's Jesse Granger reported Vegas is still interested in acquiring defensive depth, even after the Martinez deal.

Joe Thornton (Sharks)

The Ottawa Sun reported Sharks general manager Doug Wilson is "trying to move as many pieces as possible before the deadline." This suggests that San Jose will come to Joe Thornton and ask him to waive his no-movement clause if a Stanley Cup contender comes calling for his services. 

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