Top 20 players fans must know about ahead of the 2024 NHL trade deadline

The 2024 NHL trade deadline season is in full swing following a big move that occurred last night involving Chris Tanev. Here are 20 more names to know.

Jan 16, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (55) takes to the ice
Jan 16, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (55) takes to the ice | Brett Holmes-USA TODAY Sports
1 of 20

With the 2024 NHL trade deadline now roughly a week away, it’s time to get ultra-familiar with quite a few names who could be on the move either as rental pieces or, in some cases, long-term assets. 

This article will list 20 players who may be in high demand and are linked to several teams as the deadline approaches. You can expect some players to be involved in blockbuster deals while others may just be flipped for a draft pick or a prospect or two. 

Regardless of the ultimate trade package, it doesn’t mean those players potentially on the move will be any less valuable to a presumed contender. For example, the Chris Tanev trade was not the most blockbuster transaction out there, but you also can’t deny that he will be a huge help for Dallas’ championship aspirations. 

So, who are the top 20 names at the 2024 NHL trade deadline that you need to be aware of between now and March 8th? Let’s start with a couple of the more prominent players who will only see themselves playing elsewhere if it involves blockbuster compensation. 

Noah Hanifin’s time in Calgary may also come to an end at the right price

Noah Hanifin is the grand prize among blueliners who could find themselves going elsewhere, and he’s been playing well on both sides of the ice to date. In 59 games so far in 2023-24, Hanifin has 34 points, a career-high 11 goals, and a solid plus-17 as we head into March. 

He’s also logging 23:44 of ice time, showing off sound durability in what is the most he’s played since entering the league in 2015-16. Hanifin has stolen the puck 39 times and has 86 blocks on the year, and he’s also been an incredible help when Calgary is shorthanded, boasting an on-ice save percentage of 87.7 when the Flames are facing opposing power plays. 

Hanifin has also been on the ice for nine power play goals, and he’s spent over 100 minutes on the man advantage for the second year in a row, which further raises his value if a contender needs an upgrade at 5-on-4.

He’s been linked to several strong contenders per The Fourth Period, like the Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. If Hanifin joins any of the organizations mentioned, he could be all they need to win the Stanley Cup in 2024.