The NHL trade deadline is set for March 7, but it seems like the initial wave of trades could coincide with Monday’s break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Several trades have already changed the landscape, removing some anticipated names from the trade watchlist. Vancouver’s J.T. Miller was sent to the New York Rangers. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s upcoming unrestricted free agents Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor were traded to the Canucks on the same day.

The Philadelphia Flyers, who were expected to be sellers, traded Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost, while struggling teams like San Jose (who dealt Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci) and Chicago (who traded Taylor Hall) have also made moves.

With teams like Detroit, the Rangers, and New York Islanders showing improved performance, along with surprising results from Columbus (which is looking to bolster its lineup due to injuries), Montreal, and Calgary, the list of available players is diminishing.

As the deadline looms closer, who could be possible trade targets?

Trent Frederic, Forward from Boston Bruins

After scoring 17 or more goals in the past two seasons, Frederic has only managed eight this year. However, his tough playing style could be vital in playoff scenarios.

Brock Nelson, Forward from New York Islanders

The Islanders are making a push for the playoffs but have to navigate an injury to Mathew Barzal, who is among seven players sidelined. The team has gone 1-1 without him. Should their standings decline before the trade deadline, both Nelson and fellow unrestricted free agent Kyle Palmieri could bring in significant returns.

Seattle Kraken Players

Yanni Gourde, a forward, will be out for a time after undergoing sports hernia surgery, but he is a two-time Stanley Cup champion. If general manager Ron Francis decides to make trades, there are other Kraken players worth looking at. Brandon Tanev, a popular penalty killer, is also a pending unrestricted free agent.

Montreal Canadiens Players

Defenseman David Savard, known for his right-handed shot and shot-blocking skills, was traded at the 2021 deadline and won a Cup with the Lightning. The Canadiens’ recent acquisition of Alexandre Carrier makes Savard available now. Also, Canadiens forward Jake Evans is a pending unrestricted free agent.

Anaheim Ducks Players

Goalie John Gibson frequently appears on trade speculation but has stayed put. His numbers have improved this season while serving as a backup to Lukas Dostal. Gibson has two seasons left on his deal with a $6.4 million cap hit and a modified no-trade clause. Another Ducks player to keep an eye on is Trevor Zegras, who might benefit from a fresh start. Defenseman Brian Dumoulin is also a pending unrestricted free agent, and it’s common for GM Pat Verbeek to move someone during the deadline.

Nashville Predators Players

The Predators are currently one of the NHL’s biggest disappointments, sitting low in the league standings despite being active in the offseason. While it’s hard to imagine GM Barry Trotz overreacting to one poor season from a team usually in the playoffs, pending unrestricted free agent Gustav Nyquist (75 points last season) and former playoff MVP Ryan O’Reilly, who has struggled this season, could be on the move.

Buffalo Sabres Players

The Sabres are looking at a 14-season playoff drought as they struggle. Dylan Cozens, known for his physical style and under contract through the 2027-28 season, has drawn interest, according to NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes. Forwards Jason Zucker and Jordan Greenway are pending unrestricted free agents, while defenseman Bowen Byram is a pending restricted free agent.

Chicago Blackhawks Players

The Blackhawks are set for another high lottery pick and have several pending unrestricted free agents, including Ryan Donato and three-time Cup champion Pat Maroon. Trade boards suggest that right-shot defenseman Seth Jones could also be on the market. He has a contract through 2027-28 at a cap hit of $9.5 million and holds a no-movement clause.