In any given season, the NHL trade deadline is an unpredictable beast. We spend days and weeks discussing rumors and crafting mock trades, often to see things take an unexpected turn on (or just ahead) of deadline day. Sometimes sleeper teams feel compelled to make an unexpected splash, and sometimes the most-discussed trade targets don't go anywhere at all.
But in a pandemic-shortened, Frankenstein's Monster version of an NHL season, things could be even more unpredictable. Not only could buyers be hesitant to go all-in during a season that has had its fair share of operating issues already, but sellers may not particularly crave this year's draft picks when there's a shortage of film and scouting material on prospects in the upcoming NHL Draft class. Then you also have to factor in the mandated 14-day quarantine for players traveling across the border, which may discourage American teams from dealing with Canadian teams (and vice versa). And then there's this summer's impending Expansion Draft, which may add an extra wrinkle to trade negotiations as front offices look to forecast their protected player lists.
Yeah, it's a weird year.
Still, there will inevitably be players on the move. The trade deadline offers an opportunity for teams to evaluate their current standing and make deals to improve their future, whether that future be short- or long-term. Contenders and bubble teams will look to add pieces that help them down the stretch run of this season, while struggling teams will sell off expiring or aging players to stockpile future assets.
One of this year's biggest targets on the trade board, Kyle Palmieri, was already shipped to the Islanders along with Travis Zajac. As Monday afternoon's deadline nears, several other big names could be on the move -- including Buffalo's Taylor Hall, Columbus' David Savard and Nashville's Mattias Ekholm. However, the most impactful additions aren't necessarily always big-name players, though. Last year the Tampa Bay Lightning picked up Blake Coleman and Barclay Goodrow at the trade deadline, and those two played a massive role during the Lightning's run to a Stanley Cup title last year.
You can follow along with all of CBS Sports' trade deadline coverage below.
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April 10, 2021 at 12:35AM
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NHL trade deadline live updates: Tracking all of the deals as teams prepare for the Stanley Cup playoff push - CBSSports.com
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