The San Jose Sharks are in a precarious position heading into the trade deadline, with their most valuable assets already traded away. With young players yet to mature into NHL-ready talent, the Sharks are less likely to command a significant return in any trade. Unsurprisingly, Mario Ferraro's high cap hit is concerning, especially as performance inconsistencies linger. Meanwhile, Luke Kunin emerges as the player who could yield the most value, having recovered from knee surgery and returning to form. Other players like Nico Sturm and a goaltender might attract late-round picks.

Conversely, the Pittsburgh Penguins are feeling urgency as the trade deadline looms. General Manager Kyle Dubas is on the hunt for impactful trades, particularly as Rickard Rakell is poised for a breakout season with the potential for 40 goals. However, Dubas's reluctance to act quickly could lead to missed opportunities, especially given Rakell's favorable contract situation. Smaller trades might be on the table, but the Penguins need to weigh the risks against the potential reward.