Ted Kulfan's top NHL trade-deadline targets

Patrik Berglund, center, St. Louis: A rental for some team looking for offensive depth, but again, the Blues are playing better and may be reluctant to trade a valuable piece in their lineup.

Ben Bishop, goaltender, Tampa Bay: Tough decision for general manager Steve Yzerman as Bishop is likely to walk this summer, he's a UFA, and the Lightning will lose Bishop for nothing. But Bishop has been hot lately, and he’s the type of goalie who can carry a team through the playoffs.

Brian Boyle, center, Tampa Bay: The heart and soul of the Lightning in many ways, and if the Lightning decide to trade this pending UFA, it would be a bit surprising. But Tampa would be able to get a nice return, as Boyle is one of the premier penalty killers and face-off players in the game.

Alexandre Burrows, right wing, Vancouver: If the Canucks choose to be sellers, Burrows is the type of gritty, energetic, character guy playoff teams crave this time of season. Burrows can score the occasional goal, too.

Shane Doan, right wing, Arizona: Doan has spent his entire career in Arizona and hasn't shown any inclination to move to a contender. Maybe, just maybe, he might be willing to try it this spring.

Matt Duchene, center, Colorado: The Avalanche are a complete mess, and trading Duchene would be the start to a rebuild. Duchene is only 26 and he has outstanding offense capability, although he hasn't always shown it. The Avalanche reportedly want a ton in return — and that’s the hold-up for teams.

Patrick Eaves, right wing, Dallas: The former Red Wings forward has found new life in Dallas at age 32. Eaves has always had one of the hardest shots in the NHL, and he's already set a career high this season for goals scored and points.

Marc-Andre Fleury, goaltender, Pittsburgh: He's on this list, as Fleury is available for sure. But the likelihood of Fleury being dealt at the deadline decreases every time goalie Matt Murray plays average, and Fleury is just too good for an insurance policy for a Penguins team capable of repeating as champs.

Jannik Hansen, Vancouver: A speedy, desirable penalty killer who has one year left on his contract, the Canucks reportedly are willing to trade Hansen (30) for a younger piece for the roster.

Martin Hanzal, center, Arizona: Montreal has been linked to Hanzal for quite some time, and he would be a good acquisition for the Canadiens, who lack depth down the middle. Another player who has teased with great ability, but never realized his full potential.

Jaroslav Halak, goaltender, N.Y. Islanders: Halak flunked out with the Islanders earlier this season, but he's been real good in the minor leagues. Halak could be valuable insurance for a team looking depth in net.

Jarome Iginla, Colorado: At age 39 Iginla isn’t close to what he used to be. But for a late-round draft choice, Iginla could be a fair gamble for a team looking for a veteran presence in the locker room and still a dangerous one-timer on the power play.

Dmitry Kulikov, defenseman, Buffalo: Might be a useful rental for some team, but it sure hasn't worked out with the Sabres. Only 26, and has played big minutes in his career, so team surely will take a chance on him as a rental.

Gabriel Landeskog, left wing, Colorado: He's signed for $5.5 million through 2021, but his name has been on the trade market nearly all season as the Avalanche have bottomed out. Landeskog would be an upgrade for most rosters, but he hasn't proven to be the star that most analysts thought he would be.

Jay McClement, center, Carolina: Another player who seems to wind up on these trade-deadline lists often, McClement is a reliable checker and penalty killer.

Johnny Oduya, defenseman, Dallas: Oduya never has seemed comfortable in Dallas, but as potential UFA, some team will gladly pay general manager Jim Nill nicely for Oduya as a rental. With his experience winning Stanley Cups in Chicago, Oduya is a valuable commodity.

PA Parenteau, right wing, New Jersey: His production has fallen the past couple of seasons, but Parenteau is a sneaky effective goal-scorer who could be nice insurance for a playoff team.

Patrick Sharp, left wing, Dallas: At 35 he's slowed a bit, but Sharp has won three Stanley Cups in Chicago, plays well in pressure situations, and can be a valuable depth forward for a team on the cusp.

Kevin Shattenkirk, defenseman, St. Louis: Arguably the best player that could be available. Shattenkirk (22) is a right-handed shot, can run a power play wonderfully, and he isn’t bad defensively (but not overwhelming). The question is, does St. Louis consider itself a seller? The Blues have been real good lately, and wouldn’t help themselves dealing Shattenkirk.

Brendan Smith, defenseman, Detroit: Defensemen are a valuable commodity this time of year and Smith would be a perfect rental for a team looking for depth. Smith has played big minutes in his career, has an edge to him, and will be looking to further grow his bargaining power this summer.

Drew Stafford, right wing, Winnipeg: The Jets have slipped back into playoff contention, so it dims the likelihood they'll trade this rental, but Stafford would be a nice addition on a team looking for depth.

Mark Streit, defenseman, Philadelphia: The Flyers are making noise as if they are going to sell, and if that’s the case, Streit is a top-notch power-play quarterback despite being 39 years old.

Thomas Vanek, left wing, Detroit: Vanek has proved to be well worth the gamble general manager Ken Holland made last summer on a one-year contract. If Holland decides to sell, Vanek is the type of offensive talent that could spark a playoff team. Vanek's offensive instincts are at a premier level.