The NHL trade deadline is approaching on March 7, with the 4 Nations Face-Off expected to ignite trade discussions among general managers. January’s midterm scouting meetings will be vital for teams to evaluate players for potential trades and assess their prospect pools. Key questions arise regarding which players are untouchable and who might be on the move as teams prepare for the trade deadline.

Several teams stand out as contenders with valuable prospects, notably the Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Capitals. The Hurricanes, in particular, boast a rich prospect pool, highlighted by defenseman Alexander Nikishin, who is seen as a future top-four defender. Carolina's strategy has been to avoid trading high-value picks, but they may reconsider if a superstar becomes available.