When is the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline? Everything you need to know as the key date approaches

The NHL Trade Deadline continues to be one of the most important and exciting dates of every season. This year is expected to be no different with several teams already emerging as sellers, with several trade rumors surrounding teams such as the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks.

So far this season, we have already seen a major deal take place, more than a month before the NHL Trade Deadline. The deal saw former Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat sent to the New York Islanders in exchange for forwards Anthony Beauvillier and Aatu Raty, as well as a protected 2023 first-round draft pick from the Islanders.

“What I’ve seen so far, he brings a lot of leadership just by the way he plays and practices. That’s something for guys to look (up) to.” - Kevin Kurz

This year, the NHL Trade Deadline is set for 3:00 pm EST on Friday, March 3. We are now only two weeks away from the cut-off date for teams to be able to make the necessary moves to strengthen their teams.

The trade deadline is only for trade transactions between teams. General Managers will still be free to add and drop players via free agency and waivers throughout the entire season. So, fans will not need to fret if their team does not make a deal before the cut-off, as they will still be able to claim waived players or current free agents.

With two weeks to go before the NHL Trade Deadline, more teams may decide to enter the market as sellers. One of those teams may be the Detroit Red Wings, who are teetering between being a playoff team or not. If the club decides to sell off pieces, Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi may find themselves with new teams before the deadline.

"Would consider grabbing Tyler Bertuzzi if he's available. Three points tonight and 6 in his past 6 games. The Wings are scoring like crazy all of a sudden. #LGRW" - Michael Amato

Key players to watch as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches

Some of the most notable names reportedly rumored to be available for trade include Timo Meier, Erik Karlsson, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Ryan O'Reilly. While each player comes with their own upside or baggage, they also come with various obstacles that teams will need to overcome before a deal can be made.

Erik Karlsson has been heavily linked to the Edmonton Oilers, however, a major complication involving a potential deal is the defenseman's contract. The Oilers currently have limited salary cap space, and Karlsson carries an $11.5 million salary cap hit, so the financial aspect will need to be sorted out.

In the case of Patrick Kane, the Chicago Blackhawks superstar has a full no-trade clause. So, before any deal can be made, Kane will need to approve the potential deal. According to reports, Kane would only waive his clause to facilitate a trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers.