NHL trade deadline 2018: These nine available players are the most intriguing

Edit: This has been updated after Rick Nash's trade to the Boston Bruins. 

The 2018 NHL trade deadline is nearly here — Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. ET. Normally, rental players – those with expiring contracts – dominate the trade chatter. This year however, there are several players with term on their contracts who may available, and it's not far-fetched to think some of them will get moved.

Here is a look at the most intriguing players (including rentals) generating buzz:

Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators. It’s not often one of the game’s best players becomes available, and with a reasonable contract ($6.5 million) that won’t expire until 2019. Karlsson is the premium offensive defenseman and his presence can transform a contender into a Stanley Cup favorite. This could turn out to be one of the biggest trades in years.

More:NHL trade deadline 2018: Tracking the moves leading up to crucial date

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Evander Kane, Buffalo Sabres. Kane has a skill-size element that is unique, even if he’s always been more of a volume shooter — 227 shots, 20 goals — than a prolific scorer. But he doesn’t play on the penalty kill and teams could ding him for his lack of playoff experience and off-ice baggage. Still, his offensive ability is undeniable. He's an unrestricted free agent this offseason, with a $5.25 million cap hit.

Ryan McDonagh, Rangers. An acquiring team would have McDonagh, 28, until 2019. He doesn’t have the offensive upside as Karlsson but he’s probably seen as the more complete blueliner among GMs. McDonagh is a No. 1 defenseman who could perform better with a more competent partner; he’s been shackled to Dan Girardi and Nick Holden in recent seasons. He has a $4.7 million cap hit.

Mike Green, Detroit Red Wings. Green is a right-handed shooting defenseman who can still help spark an offense and contribute on a power play. Those players are rare, and that’s not just for this deadline. He’d look good on a contender’s second pair. Green, who has a $6 million cap hit, is set to be a UFA this offseason.

Patrick Maroon, Edmonton Oilers. He’s coveted because of his size (6-3, 227 pounds), skill (30 points in 57 games) and contract ($2 million). Probably best served on a third line.

Mike Hoffman, Senators. For a team that only wants to part with picks/prospects for a player under control past this season, Hoffman is ideal. He has two more years after this one at a $5.19 million cap hit. Hoffman has had a down season with 16 goals but he’s established himself as a legitimate first-line scorer, netting at least 26 goals for three seasons in a row.

Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens. He could make the acquiring team’s GM look like a genius. It has been a disaster season for Montreal, and Pacioretty (17 goals, 37 points) has been part of it. But the stats don’t lie: his 206 goals since 2011-12 season rank seventh in the NHL. A $4.5 million cap hit until 2019 is a steal.

Mats Zuccarello, Rangers. The playmaking winger leads the Rangers with 43 points and has been a lynchpin for their success over the previous four seasons. New York is the league’s worst possession team, but Zuccarello is a positive possession player relative to his teammates. He’s an excellent passer and power-play catalyst. Zuccarello is signed through 2019 at $4.5 million.

Max Domi, Arizona Coyotes. Domi has been a major flop in his third season, recording five goals and 27 points in 61 games. Still, GM John Chayka won’t sell him for a discount because Domi, a former first-round pick, has shown he can be a factor in the NHL. He’s still only 22. Domi is set to be a restricted free agent.