Ted Kulfan's 2020 top NHL trade deadline targets

1. Chris Kreider, left wing, N.Y. Rangers: The Rangers wouldn’t mind keeping him, and are still negotiating with Kreider, who has 24 goals (45 points) through Wednesday and blends a mixture of size and skill. Kreider has positioned himself for a nice contract this summer with a big offensive season.

2. Jean-Gabriel Pageau, center, Ottawa: He’s having a career year with 24 goals through Wednesday, and is regarded as a solid two-way player. A contender really has to think about what they’re giving up, as this season for Pageau is a bit of an outlier.

3. Sami Vatanen, defenseman, New Jersey: Arguably the best defenseman left available, Vatanen is currently on injured reserve, but is expected to return soon. The Devils should get a lot of phone calls by Monday afternoon.

4. Vladislav Namestnikov, LW, Ottawa: A rental with sneaky good offensive skills, Namestnikov could become a valuable addition for a contender. The Senators will get draft picks for this solid pro.

5. Tomas Tatar, LW, Montreal: You hear Tatar’s name popping up more since Montreal continues to sink. There’s a year left on his contract, so that’s added enticement for a proven, capable scorer (though, not as much in the playoffs).

6. Kyle Palmieri, right wing, New Jersey: The Devils seem to be in extreme selling mode, and Palmieri is a great bargaining chip. He has another year on a moderate-size contract ($4.6 million) and is a reliable 20-goal scorer. It would take a minor haul going New Jersey’s way to acquire Palmieri.

7. Evgenii Dadonov, RW, Florida: Dadonov is in play, but only slightly. The Panthers are in and out of the playoff picture daily, and have to listen about offers for the potential unrestricted free agent. But, ultimately, Dadonov is too valuable for the current Panthers’ playoff chase.

8. Mike Hoffman, RW, Florida: Same situation, basically, as his teammate Dadonov. The Panthers have to listen to any offers, but it would take a special deal to get this goal-scorer. Still, they seem to be more inclined to move Hoffman, if need be.

9. Ilya Kovalchuk, LW, Montreal: Kovalchuk has resurrected his career with the Canadiens, after getting bought out in-season by Los Angeles. He’s played so well, though, the Canadiens are tempted to keep him.

10. Ron Hainsey, D, Ottawa: A safe, experienced, dependable option for a contender looking for a veteran defenseman to provide depth for a playoff run. Hainsey has been through this stuff before.

11. Joe Thornton, C, San Jose: Thornton appears to want to stay in San Jose, but in what could be his final season, wouldn’t a Stanley Cup playoff chase be tempting?

12. Erik Gustafsson, D, Chicago: With the Blackhawks tumbling out of the playoff picture, Gustafsson becomes a rental who can provide depth to a contender for not too steep a price.

13. Wayne Simmonds, RW, New Jersey: A rental who has playoff experience, adds character, and can be an effective net-front presence. Probably won’t take a lot to get Simmonds, either.

14. Andreas Athanasiou, LW, Detroit: Has gone through a dismal season, but Athanasiou might be finally warming up offensively. A 30-goal scorer last season who could thrive in the right setting.

15. Josh Anderson, RW, Columbus: Similar to Athanasiou, Anderson has had a terrible season and is currently hurt. But he’s a big winger with untapped potential, and simply might need a fresh start.

16. Trevor Lewis, RW, Los Angeles: Not a bold headline acquisition, but his is the type of rental that could really help a contender under the radar. Lewis is a dependable bottom-six forward with experience.

17. Jeff Petry, D, Montreal: Petry (Orchard Lake St. Mary/Michigan State) has another year left on his contract, which makes it unlikely Montreal would trade him. Otherwise, Petry would be near the top of this list. But if the Canadiens are interested in tearing their team down, teams might be willing to offer big for this fine all-around defenseman.

18. Craig Smith, RW, Nashville: Smith has never quite lived up to his potential, and is a rental who could ignite a team. But the Predators are still in the playoff mix, and are likely to keep him around.

19. Patrick Marleau, LW, San Jose: Like his teammate Thornton, Marleau is in the final days of his career. It’s doubtful he’d even agree to be moved at this point, having returned to San Jose this season to bookend his career.