Top Landing Spots for NHL's Biggest Trade Deadline Targets

The NHL's 2021 trade deadline is Monday at 3 p.m. ET. While the big day is fast approaching, the trade market isn't as busy compared to previous years for several reasons.

This season's stagnant salary cap means most playoff contenders have limited cap space. Several teams assumed to be sellers, such as the Arizona Coyotes and Nashville Predators, have recently surged into playoff contention. Teams must also give consideration to their protection lists for this summer's expansion draft if pursuing a player signed beyond this season.

Nevertheless, a couple of notable deals recently took place. In late March, the Buffalo Sabres traded center Eric Staal to the Montreal Canadiens. On Wednesday,…