NHL trade deadline: Power rankings 9.0

What you see today most likely will not what you see in two weeks in the NHL. That’s because the Feb. 26 trade deadline is sure to shake up some rosters. 

Here are USA TODAY’s power rankings, with a trade deadline twist.

1. Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning are already a Stanley Cup favorite, and they’ve been linked to Ryan McDonagh — who has another year left on his deal — which would just be unfair for the rest of the league. Mike Green could also go here as a rental.

2. Vegas Golden Knights

General manager George McPhee won’t dismantle this core and his future in any trade.

3. Boston Bruins

Dark horse turned feared opponent, the Bruins could benefit from strengthening their top-nine forwards. They also could be in on McDonagh.

4. Nashville Predators

They were one step away last season. Can’t imagine GM David Poile will sit still. Rick Nash would be a logical fit.

5. St. Louis Blues

Have to think a move gets made because the Central Division is so tight. Think prospects over picks as their offering.

6. Toronto Maple Leafs

The most interesting trade deadline-related decision could be on James van Riemsdyk, who is playing on an expiring contract. Would they keep him even if his future there is in doubt?

7. Winnipeg Jets

Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos says the Jets are monitoring the market for a scoring-line winger. Could also tinker on defense. This group has the potential to be good for several years.

8. Pittsburgh Penguins

Is GM Jim Rutherford ever satisfied with his roster?

9. Dallas Stars

Little cap space with which to work. GM Jim Nill told The Athletic that he can’t see being “big, big buyers.”

10. Washington Capitals

Alex Ovechkin has carried much of the offense and the defense could use an upgrade. But the Capitals are up against the cap and would need to ship out equal contracts to make something significant work.

11. San Jose Sharks

Joe Thornton and Nash are good friends. Thornton also could be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, so the Sharks need center help.

12. Calgary Flames

No first- or second-round picks in the upcoming draft. They should be interested in help on wing. Could Mike Hoffman or Mats Zuccarello be of interest?

13. Philadelphia Flyers

Won’t trade away their young pieces in a significant move. A veteran defenseman might be their only addition.

14. Minnesota Wild

Hard to see them doing anything major. This is the roster that will have to get the job done.

15. Los Angeles Kings

Seventeenth in goals for and second in goals against. That tells you where their focus lies. Michael Grabner could give them some speed.

16. Carolina Hurricanes

Hold last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Reports have suggested Justin Faulk, who is signed until 2020, is their trade chip. Makes sense with such a strong, young defensive core. 

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17. Anaheim Ducks

Not enough offensive creativity here. Could they swing something to provide a boost?

18. Columbus Blue Jackets

Offense has gone stale and Jack Johnson has requested a trade. That might be something that gets done in the offseason.

19. New Jersey Devils

GM Ray Shero is charting a course to long-term success. Don’t expect much.

20. Colorado Avalanche

The season has gone better than expected, but it’s hard to envision a big trade here. Most likely, they dangle pending unrestricted free agents, including goalie Jonathan Bernier.

21. Chicago Blackhawks

Will be sellers more than buyers, though that might not mean much. Brandon Saad has had a poor year, and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggests they could try to unload him.

22. New York Islanders

Need goalie help. But they’ve needed it all year, and by now, it might be too late.

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23. New York Rangers

Most interesting deadline team as they are still in the race but have acknowledged selling. GM Jeff Gorton has the pieces — Nash, Grabner, Zuccarello, McDonagh — to reload and rebuild.

24. Florida Panthers

Little depth. Stuck because of a number of long-term deals to younger players. Might have to hope next season is a reset.

25. Detroit Red Wings

Green, a puck-moving, right-handed shot defenseman, will be moved. Goalies Petr Mrazek and Jimmy Howard will also draw interest.

26. Montreal Canadiens

GM Marc Bergevin’s phone will be busy. Only a few untouchables, and that doesn’t include Max Pacioretty.

27. Edmonton Oilers

Patrick Maroon, a pending UFA, is drawing interest. Fellow UFAs Mark Letestu and Mike Cammalleri likely will be gone.

28. Vancouver Canucks

Thomas Vanek likely will continue his tour around the league as the Canucks trade him. Erik Gudbranson could add toughness to a defense.

29. Ottawa Senators

GM Piere Dorion probably wants to do a lot, but it might be difficult to move top pieces such as Erik Karlsson or Mike Hoffman now.

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30. Buffalo Sabres

Evander Kane would look nice on a lot of contenders. 

31. Arizona Coyotes

Max Domi has had a down season, and the Coyotes are listening to offers, according to Friedman. Still has a lot of upside.