NHL Trade Deadline: Three blockbuster trades that could happen tomorrow 

The NHL trade deadline is booming. Ryan O’Reilly was sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a blockbuster three-team deal. A week ago, Vladimir Tarasenko went to the New York Rangers for a package of picks and prospects. A week before that, Bo Horvat was sent to the New York Islanders for one of the best prospects in the NHL, Aatu Raty.

With the knives out, another big deal is likely already in the works. But who will get sent? And where? Here, we'll project out three potential blockbuster deals that could take place in the NHL in the next two weeks.

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Three interesting trade set-ups before the NHL Trade Deadline

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Patrick Kane to the Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas Golden Knights Receive:

Patrick Kane (25% contract retained)

Chicago Blackhawks Receive:

2023 2nd Round Pick (VEG)

Nicolas Hague

Brendan Brisson

(50% contract retained)

Vancouver Canucks Receive:

2024 3rd Round Pick (VEG)

(25% contract retained)

This trade works on all sides except maybe Vegas. Yes, the Golden Knights are getting Patrick Kane, but for a one-year rental, they may not want to give up a player like Nic Hague along with everything else. If the Golden Knights believe that Kane is the final piece, they’ll have to give up some kind of cap casualty. With Hague on the third defensive line now, it has to be him.

Erik Karlsson to the Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers Receive:

Erik Karlsson (50% contract retained)

2023 2nd Round Pick

San Jose Sharks Receive:

Cody Ceci

Kailer Yamamoto

Dylan Holloway

2023 1st Round Pick

2024 4th Round Pick

(50% contract retained)

This trade works on all sides for all levels. The Oilers receive their lockdown, offensive-focused defenseman while sending away their current defenseman in that role. They will also get a portion of his contract out of the way but will have to suffer a quality player and a top pick for that privilege.

Timo Meier to the Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers Receive:

Timo Meier (50% contract retained)

Steven Lorentz

San Jose Sharks Receive:

Nick Cousins

Ryan Lomberg

Evan Nause

Aleksi Heponiemi

2025 3rd Round Pick

(50% contract retained)

Steven Lorentz is not much of an upgrade over Cousins or Lomberg, but the real piece in this trade is Timo Meier. If the Panthers are all-in on the 2023 season, this trade makes all the sense for them. For the Sharks, it’s a lot of cap casualty, but you do end up with two quality prospects to make up for the second half of your best player’s season before he walks into free agency.