Top 5 Trade Targets for the NHL Trade Deadline

The NHL's March 21 trade deadline is fast approaching. Here's the latest scuttlebutt on this year's top-5 trade candidates.

Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers

The Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers are believed the front-runners for Giroux. Philly Hockey Now's Sam Carchidi cites a source saying the Flyers and Panthers aren't close to a deal yet. Unconfirmed reports have the Avs offering up prospect Justin Barron and their 2023 first-rounder.

Mark Giordano, Seattle Kraken

The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun speculated the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues could be pursuing Giordano. The Leafs and Blues are reportedly unwilling to part with a first-round pick or a top prospect for a rental player. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli indicated the 38-year-old defenseman's preference is to go to Toronto.

Hampus Lindholm, Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks held Lindholm out of Friday's game against the Florida Panthers. Eric Stephens of The Athletic reports of little progress in contract extension talks between the two sides. The Ducks could seek three assets, including a first-rounder, in the trade market. The Bruins, Blues, Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers could be among Lindholm's suitors.

Jakob Chychrun, Arizona Coyotes

Chychrun, 23, is a young rearguard carrying an affordable $4.6 million cap hit through 2024-25. His recent ankle injury isn't expected to dampen interest from possible suitors. Nevertheless, Bally Sports Midwest's Andy Strickland speculated the Coyotes might not move Chychrun at the trade deadline, suggesting any deal was more likely to happen this summer.

Rickard Rakell, Anaheim Ducks

Contract talks between Rakell and the Ducks are also believed at a standstill. Sportsnet's Rory Boylen suggested the Pittsburgh Penguins as a possible destination for the 28-year-old right winger. The Athletic's Arthur Staple speculated the Rangers could also target Rakell.