As the NHL trade deadline approaches, hockey fans are eagerly anticipating the flurry of activity that often accompanies this time of year. Teams are looking to make moves to strengthen their rosters for a playoff push, while others may be looking to shed salary or acquire future assets. Sportsnet, one of Canada’s leading sports networks, has compiled a list of 25 NHL trade candidates to monitor as the deadline looms. Let’s take an overview of some of the notable players on this list.

1. Taylor Hall (Buffalo Sabres): Hall, the former Hart Trophy winner, has struggled to find his form with the struggling Sabres. As an impending unrestricted free agent, he could be a valuable rental for a contending team in need of offensive firepower.

2. Kyle Palmieri (New Jersey Devils): Palmieri is a proven goal scorer who could provide an immediate boost to any team’s offense. With the Devils out of playoff contention, Palmieri is likely to be on the move.

3. Mattias Ekholm (Nashville Predators): Ekholm is a reliable defenseman with a strong two-way game. He could be a valuable addition to any team looking to bolster their blue line for a playoff run.

4. Mikael Granlund (Nashville Predators): Granlund is another player from the Predators who could be on the move. A skilled forward with playmaking ability, he could be a valuable asset for a team in need of secondary scoring.

5. Rickard Rakell (Anaheim Ducks): Rakell is a versatile forward who can play both center and wing. With the Ducks in a rebuilding phase, Rakell could be an attractive trade target for teams looking to add depth up front.

6. David Savard (Columbus Blue Jackets): Savard is a physical defenseman known for his shot-blocking ability. With the Blue Jackets potentially selling off assets, Savard could be a valuable addition for a team in need of defensive help.

7. Alex Iafallo (Los Angeles Kings): Iafallo is a reliable two-way forward who can contribute on both ends of the ice. With the Kings out of playoff contention, he could be a valuable trade chip for the team.

8. Ryan Dzingel (Ottawa Senators): Dzingel is a speedy forward who can provide scoring depth to a team in need. With the Senators looking to build for the future, Dzingel could be on the move.

9. Scott Laughton (Philadelphia Flyers): Laughton is a versatile forward who can play center or wing. With the Flyers struggling this season, Laughton could be a trade candidate as they look to shake up their roster.

10. Brandon Montour (Buffalo Sabres): Montour is a mobile defenseman with offensive upside. With the Sabres likely to be sellers at the deadline, Montour could be an attractive trade target for teams in need of defensive help.

These are just a few of the players highlighted on Sportsnet’s list of NHL trade candidates to monitor as the deadline approaches. As teams evaluate their needs and assess their playoff chances, the trade market is sure to heat up in the coming weeks. Hockey fans can look forward to exciting moves and potential game-changers being dealt as teams position themselves for a shot at the Stanley Cup.