NHL Trade Market Anticipates Surge Before March 7 Deadline

As the NHL's March 7 trade deadline approaches, teams are assessing their positions amidst a competitive wild-card race in the Eastern Conference, where no team has managed to separate itself significantly. The Ottawa Senators currently hold the top wild-card spot, but their history of mediocrity raises doubts about their playoff viability, despite having a roster filled with promising talent. Meanwhile, trade activity has quieted down following an early season flurry, with a potential surge expected as the league faces a 12-day scheduling interruption for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Players like Miller and Nelson are emerging as key trade targets due to their offensive contributions and potential impact on contending teams. The overall landscape suggests that while some teams may be poised for playoff contention, many still have much to prove as the deadline nears. The Senators, if they can maintain momentum, might finally break their playoff drought since 2016-17.