This season has been all over the place in terms of teams that can make the playoffs this season, as of March 2nd, there are 8 teams in a playoff spot that didn't make it last season. The Buffalo Sabres are close to making the playoffs for the first time since 2011. The Anaheim Ducks offseason moves and younger players making a huge impact have pushed them into a playoff spot. While Matthew Schaefer at 18 years old has made a large difference in the Islanders play this season.
Teams that have made the playoffs consitently for years are also on the track to miss them this season-two time cup reigning Champs and the Maple Leafs who have not missed the Playoffs since drafting Auston Matthews are both swapping between second last and last place in their division. The Oilers versus Kings four straight round one apperances agaisnt each other most likely won't happen this season with the Kings falling in the standings and not in a playoff position.
With the trade deadline on March 6th, plenty of teams can make big moves to hold onto their playoff spots or grab one they don't hold right now.
1. Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings have currently been holding onto a playoff spot, between 2 place in their division or a wild card spot, they can very well make the playoffs this season. They were a team mentioned in talks with Artemi Panarin and Rasmuss Andersson, while they ultimately didn't grab them, there's still a few names out there they can acquire, giving them a playoff boost. Elias Pettersson, MacKenzie Weegar, Robert Thomas, Vincent Trocheck, Brayden Schenn, Jake DeBrusk have all been names floating around for the Red Wings. With a good group of forwards, the Red Wings should focus on a good defenseman and bottom 6 forward this trade deadline and not spend a ton on a expensive and star forward. Weegar seems like the best fit for this team right now.
2. Boston Bruins
The Bruins missed out on playoffs last season and dealt away with Captain Brad Marchand who went on to win a Cup with the Panthers. This season, the Bruins are back in the hunt and can get it done with a few smart moves. While the Nashville Predators are putting a lot of names on their trade board, I think the Bruins could be a good destination for a lot of them, including Ryan O'Reilly or Jonathan Marchessault to help them out offensively. Owen Tippett is a name the Bruins have rumoured to have called on as well and doesn't seem like a bad idea.
3. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs playoff odds don't look nice right now with the potential of missing out on them since drafting Matthews and losing Mitch Marner this past offseason. Marner's departure has been very apparent in the Leafs play and Robert Thomas is on the trade board. If the Leafs are going to make a move, he should be their top priority to help fill in on a playmaker role.
4. Minnesota Wild
The Wild have been having a great season and are set to make the playoffs. The main thing the Wild seem to be calling on is a 2nd line center. Vincent Trocheck is the best name out there for them right now who is available, his gritty play, penalty kill abilities and faceoff wins are something that can help the Wild on their pursuit for a deep playoff run.
5. Utah Mammoth
Since relocating, the Mammoth can make the playoffs this season and have a great offensive group that can make it possible. If the Mammoth are looking at anything this trade deadline, it should be on the defensive end. Justin Faulk is available from the Blues and would be a good fit within the Mammoth's defensive core right now.
6. San Jose Sharks
The Sharks season has been quite surprising but Macklin Celebrini can't do it all if they hope to get into the playoffs and stay past the first round. Acquiring Kiefer Sherwood on the wing was a great first step, but there's too many names out there and roles the Sharks could fill. The Sharks can take a look at both the Predators, Flames and Blues trading board but also need to get some better defense which the Flames and Blues have up for grabs right now alongside forwards like Nazem Kadri, Robert Thomas. MacKenzie Weegar and Justin Faulk are good options here as well.