As the March 5th trade deadline nears, there are only a couple of Western Conference teams (both based in Alberta) out of the playoff race, which means a lot can change before the deadline actually arrives. Scott Cullen presents the 2014 Trade Deadline Playbook for the Western Conference. There is greater depth at the top of the Western Conference, however, which could lead to something of an arms race as St. Louis, Chicago, Anaheim and San Jose each have at least 80 points, Colorado is at 79 and even Los Angeles, well back with 68, has been a contender in recent seasons, so theyre not likely to go quietly without doing something either. Dallas is clinging to the final playoff spot at the moment, with 64 points, but there are still four others within four points, so there is some sorting to do before teams make their final call whether they are pushing their chips into the middle to go all-in, or folding for another season. A couple of notes about the following chart: Restricted Free Agents (RFA) have contracts that expire this summer, barring a contract extension in the meantime, but their current team retains the right to match a contract offer so long as they make the requisite qualifying offer. While restricted free agents havent moved a lot, its worth noting when decision time is coming on a young players contract. Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) have contracts that will expire this summer and, without a contract extension, they will be free to sign with whatever team they choose on July 1. These are the players that often move in "rental"-type deals, ideally providing a short-term fix with minimal commitment required. Top prospects are the top five players in each organization. Other top prospects or those that are now with the NHL team may be listed among other players of interest. Contending teams may be more likely to dangle a top prospect or two as they try to find that final piece for their playoff mix, while its safe to assume that young and rebuilding teams arent going to move top prospects unless they get a significant long-term piece in return. Other players of interest will include additional prospects as well as players under contract for future seasons that may have some level of attractiveness on the trade market. IMPORTANT: Just because a player is listed as being of interest, it doesnt mean he will be traded or should be traded. Some may just be of interest for teams looking to hit a home run when trying to swing a deal or they are players that may be considered to be underachieving for the money they are due over the rest of their contract. Generally, then, heres a rough guide for which players each Western Conference team might have at their disposal in order to make a trade leading up to the deadline. The Eastern Conference Playbook can be viewed here. ANAHEIM DUCKS UFA in 2014: Saku Koivu, Dustin Penner, Teemu Selanne, Daniel Winnik, Tim Jackman, Jonas Hiller. RFA in 2014: Mathieu Perreault, Jakob Silfverberg, Sami Vatanen. Top Prospects: John Gibson, G, Norfolk (AHL)Emerson Etem, LW, Norfolk (AHL)Rickard Rakell, C, Norfolk (AHL)Shea Theodore, D, Seattle (WHL)Nicolas Kerdiles, C, Wisconsin (WCHA) Others of Interest: Kyle Palmieri, Matt Beleskey, Patrick Maroon, Bryan Allen, Luca Sbisa, Devante Smith-Pelly, William Karlsson, Jesse Blacker, Kevin Roy. No-Trade Clauses: Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, Saku Koivu, Teemu Selanne, Sheldon Souray (modified), Francois Beauchemin (modified). The Plan: Its been a tremendous year to this point, but Ducks have relied quite a bit on their supporting cast so it would be entirely understandable if they might want to raise the bar by adding a left winger to play with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry on the top line. If the Ducks are bona fide Cup contenders, and with more points than any other team in the league thats the position they pretty much have to take, they could bolster their blueline with another top-four calibre defenceman too. Working in the Ducks favour, if they are prepared to add before the deadline, is that they have enough prospects and young pros that can be included to make those kinds of deals happen. G Jonas Hiller has been mentioned at various times this season as a trade candidate, but with Viktor Fasth injured for most of the year, that hasnt been a viable option, yet this is a team that has so much depth that they havent been able to find regular playing time for Emerson Etem and Devante Smith-Pelly, so there should be some flexibility up front. CALGARY FLAMES UFA in 2014: Mike Cammalleri, Lee Stempniak, Kevin Westgarth, Chris Butler, Reto Berra. RFA in 2014: T.J. Galiardi, Paul Byron, Joe Colborne, Lance Bouma. Top Prospects: John Gaudreau, LW, Boston College (HE)Jon Gillies, G, Providence (HE)Sven Baertschi, LW, Abbotsford (AHL)Markus Granlund, LW, Abbotsford (AHL)Emile Poirier, LW, Gatineau (QMJHL) Others of Interest: David Jones, Ladislav Smid, Joni Ortio, Max Reinhart, Corban Knight, Morgan Klimchuk, Tyler Wotherspoon. No-Trade Clauses: Mike Cammalleri (limited), Matt Stajan (modified), Curtis Glencross, Dennis Wideman, Mark Giordano. The Plan: Its been a tough year for the Flames, but that makes it easy enough to set sights on next season. Building for the future is the priority so at least a couple veterans should be moved out so that Calgary can acquire assets that will be part of the long-term solution. Without a new GM to replace the fired Jay Feaster, team president Brian Burke will be making the calls leading up to the deadline, a day that he has decried as the source for many GM mistakes. Of course, if one GM makes a mistake, then that would be another general managers good fortune, right? In any case, once the Flames move out a couple of pending free agents, there should be opportunities for some late-season auditions and the Flames have some prospects that are ready for a look. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS UFA in 2014: Michal Handzus, Brandon Bollig, Peter Regin, Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Sheldon Brookbank, Mike Kostka, Nikolai Khabibulin, Jason LaBarbera. RFA in 2014: Ben Smith, Antti Raanta Top Prospects: Teuvo Teravainen, C, Jokerit (SML)Kevin Hayes, C, Boston College (HE)Jeremy Morin, LW, Rockford (AHL)Brandon Pirri, C, Rockford (AHL)Mark McNeill, C, Rockford (AHL) Others of Interest: Kris Versteeg, Marcus Kruger, Ryan Hartman, Adam Clendening. No-Trade Clauses: Patrick Sharp (modified), Bryan Bickell (modified), Michal Handzus, Brent Seabrook (limited), Duncan Keith, Johnny Oduya (modified), Michal Rozsival. The Plan: The Blackhawks already added to their forward depth, at virtually no cost, getting Regin and Bouchard from Islanders and dont have to make dramatic moves to have a legitimate chance to defend their title. Theres still a reasonable argument to be made that the Blackhawks could use a better second-line centre, but they won with Michal Handzus logging those minutes last year, so its not as though they cant press forward with what they already have in-house. COLORADO AVALANCHE UFA in 2014: Paul Stastny, John Mitchell, Marc-Andre Cliche, Cory Sarich, Andre Benoit, Matt Hunwick, Jean-Sebastien Giguere. RFA in 2014: Ryan OReilly, Jamie McGinn, Tyson Barrie. Top Prospects: Joey Hishon, C, Lake Erie (AHL)Duncan Siemens, D, Lake Erie (AHL)Chris Bigras, D, Owen Sound (OHL)Calvin Pickard, G, Lake Erie (AHL)Michael Sgarbossa, C, Lake Erie (AHL) Others of Interest: PA Parenteau, Ryan Wilson, Nick Holden, Nate Guenin, Stefan Elliott. No-Trade Clauses: Alex Tanguay (modified). The Plan: Its been a great turnaround season for the Avs, but if they are seriously going to compete with the best in the West, they could really use a top-tier defenceman, which is never easy to acquire, let alone trying to do it in-season. RW PA Parenteau has found his name in trade rumours recently, and he could be used to help upgrade the blueline. With rookie Nathan MacKinnon emerging to take on a bigger role offensively, the Avalanche appear to have enough weapons that they could deal from that position of relative strength in order to bolster a blueline that lacks established talent behind workhorses Erik Johnson and Jan Hejda. Of course, with news that winger Alex Tanguay is done for the season, maybe the Avs would be better off holding Parenteau for the stretch run. DALLAS STARS UFA in 2014: Ray Whitney, Vernon Fiddler, Stephane Robidas. RFA in 2014: Antoine Roussel, Cody Eakin, Brenden Dillon. Top Prospects: Jamie Oleksiak, D, Texas (AHL)Brett Ritchie, RW, Texas (AHL)Devin Shore, C, Maine (HE)Jason Dickinson, LW, Guelph (OHL)Radek Faksa, C, Sudbury (OHL) Others of Interest: Alex Chiasson, Sergei Gonchar, Aaron Rome, Matej Stransky, Patrik Nemeth, Jack Campbell. No-Trade Clauses: Shawn Horcoff (modified), Ray Whitney (modified), Erik Cole, Rich Peverley (modified), Alex Goligoski (limited), Stephane Robidas, Trevor Daley (limited), Kari Lehtonen. The Plan: Hanging around the playoff race, the Stars could still consider sending out a couple of older veterans in order to build for the long-term. In the short-term, getting some more scoring help up front would be nice and, ideally another defenceman would offer some insurance in case Stephane Robidas doesnt recover soon enough from a broken leg to help a playoff push. The Stars may be stuck in between being buyers and sellers, which could open up opportunities to do a bit of both. Its a new opportunity for first-time general manager Jim Nill and it will be interesting to see how he approaches the trading game. EDMONTON OILERS UFA in 2014: Ales Hemsky, Ryan Smyth, Ryan Jones, Ben Eager, Nick Schultz, Mark Fraser, Anton Belov, Denis Grebeshkov, Ilya Bryzgalov, Ben Scrivens. RFA in 2014: Luke Gazdic, Jeff Petry, Philip Larsen, Justin Schultz. Top Prospects: Darnell Nurse, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)Oscar Klefbom, D, Oklahoma City (AHL)Anton Lander, C, Oklahoma City (AHL)David Musil, D, Oklahoma City (AHL)Martin Gernat, D, Oklahoma City (AHL) Others of Interest: Sam Gagner, Jesse Joensuu, Martin Marincin, Roman Horak, Mitch Moroz, Taylor Fedun. No-Trade Clauses: Andrew Ference. The Plan: It seems fait accompli that the Oilers will finally deal RW Ales Hemsky and, given his strong play in the Olympics, they may want to up the asking price because more than a few contending teams ought to be interested in adding Hemskys offensive creativity. Otherwise, anything that could provide long-term value on the back end -- ideally a top pair defenceman -- remains a worthwhile objective, if not necessarily an easy acquisition. The emergence of rookie D Martin Marincin and the possibility of adding top prospect Darnell Nurse next season provides some promise, but if the Oilers are going to take advantage of the prime years for their skilled young forwards, they need defence that can handle the tough minutes ASAP. Sam Gagners name has popped up as potential trade bait, but Edmontons first-round pick this year could be the difference-maker, either at the deadline or at the draft, if they increase their efforts to land a top-pair defenceman. LOS ANGELES KINGS UFA in 2014: Trevor Lewis, Colin Fraser, Willie Mitchell, Matt Greene, Jeff Schultz. RFA in 2014: Dwight King, Matt Frattin. Top Prospects:Tyler Toffoli, RW, Manchester (AHL)Derek Forbort, D, Manchester (AHL)Tanner Pearson, LW, Manchester (AHL)Linden Vey, C, Manchester (AHL)Nick Shore, C, Manchester (AHL) Others of Interest: Jarret Stoll, Kyle Clifford, Jordan Nolan, Robyn Regehr, Alec Martinez, Nikolay Prokhorkin, Valentin Zykov, Jonny Brodzinski. No-Trade Clauses: None. The Plan: While Los Angeles remains a dominant puck possession team, they need goals. Everything else about the Kings wear-em-down style of play can work in the playoffs, but they need more offensive production to provide a little wiggle room. Prospect Tyler Toffoli can be one improvement in that respect, and he was playing a significant role prior to the Olympic break, but if the Kings are going to challenge for the Stanley Cup, they can dip into a pool of young guys on the way up, move one or two, along with picks, to land a premier finisher. Whether that means Thomas Vanek, or former Kings Matt Moulson or Mike Cammalleri, there are some options out there that should help alleviate the Kings recent offensive woes. MINNESOTA WILD UFA in 2014: Dany Heatley, Mike Rupp, Clayton Stoner, Nate Prosser. RFA in 2014: Nino Niederreiter, Jason Zucker, Justin Fontaine, Darcy Kuemper. Top Prospects: Mathew Dumba, D, Portland (WHL)Erik Haula, LW, Iowa (AHL)Mario Lucia, RW, Notre Dame (HE)Brett Bulmer, LW, Iowa (AHL)Zack Phillips, C, Iowa (AHL) Others of Interest: Kyle Brodziak, Torrey Mitchell, Marco Scandella. No-Trade Clauses: Zach Parise, Dany Heatley, Mikko Koivu, Jason Pominville (modified), Matt cooke (modified), Ryan Suter, Keith Ballard (modified). The Plan: The Wild are hanging in playoff position, though as long as they are without C Mikko Koivu and G Josh Harding that hold on a playoff spot could be tenuous. Rookie G Darcy Kuemper has played well but, if Harding isnt back, are the Wild prepared to head into the playoffs with Kuemper and underperforming veteran Niklas Backstrom between the pipes? Additionally, and perhaps as companion to the idea of questionable options in goal, the Wild could improve their defence corps. Ryan Suter, Jonas Brodin and Jared Spurgeon take on big minutes and Marco Scandella has played well too, but if an established top-four defenceman is available, the Wild should be interested. NASHVILLE PREDATORS UFA in 2014: David Legwand, Devan Dubnyk, Carter Hutton. RFA in 2014: Nick Spaling, Michael Del Zotto, Mattias Ekholm, Ryan Ellis. Top Prospects: Filip Forsberg, LW, Milwaukee (AHL)Miikka Salomaki, LW, Milwaukee (AHL)Taylor Beck, RW, Milwaukee (AHL)Pontus Aberg, LW, Farjestads (SEL)Austin Watson, C, Milwaukee (AHL) Others of Interest: Matt Cullen, Victor Bartley, Jimmy Vesey, Brendan Leipsic, Colton Sissons. No-Trade Clauses: David Legwand, Patric Hornqvist (modified), Mike Fisher, Paul Gaustad (modified), Viktor Stalberg (modified), Eric Nystrom (modified), Pekka Rinne (modified). The Plan: Though they are in last place in the Central, the Predators are but four points out of a crossover playoff spot. There are too many teams in the mix to go all-in on playoff pursuit, but the gap is close enough to not throw in the towel completely (especially if G Pekka Rinne can get healthy enough to play a part in the stretch drive). Nashville has a terrific nucleus on defence, but need to upgrade their forward talent and its not necessarily easy to land young forwards with scoring potential, but the Predators did it last season when they picked up Filip Forsberg from Washington. At the same time, long-time Predators C David Legwand, who has a no-trade clause, figures to be an attractive commodity for contending teams that might want a second or third-line centre that can play both ends of the rink. PHOENIX COYOTES UFA in 2014: Radim Vrbata, David Moss, Paul Bissonnette, Jeff Halpern, Tim Kennedy, Derek Morris, Rostislav Klesla, Thomas Greiss. RFA in 2014: Jordan Szwarz. Top Prospects: Connor Murphy, D, Portland (AHL)Max Domi, C, London (OHL)Brandon Gormley, D, Portland (AHL)Henrik Samuelsson, C, Edmonton (WHL)Lucas Lessio, LW, Portland (AHL) Others of Interest: Keith Yandle, Michael Stone, David Rundblad, Tobias Rieder, Chris Brown. No-Trade Clauses: Mike Ribeiro (modified), Shane Doan, David Moss (modified), Zbynek Michalek (limited), Derek Morris (limited), Mike Smith. The Plan: Since the Coyotes are currently in a playoff spot, they probably have to look at adding something before the deadline, a scorer most likely, though they dont appear to be ready to match the teams at the top of the conference. But, this is also a team with new ownership and new owners tend to be more aggressive when it comes time to make decisions on player acquisition -- make a move, let em know youre there! Even if it means targeting second-tier additions, thats still the wise approach for a Coyotes club that has made its business around finding value year after year. ST. LOUIS BLUES UFA in 2014: Derek Roy, Brenden Morrow, Carlo Colaiacovo, Jaroslav Halak, Brian Elliott. RFA in 2014: Patrik Berglund, Vladimir Sobotka, Jaden Schwartz. Top Prospects:Dmitrij Jaskin, RW, Chicago (AHL)Ty Rattie, RW, Chicago (AHL)Thomas Vannelli, D, Medicine Hat (WHL)Jordan Schmaltz, D, North Dakota (WCHA)Jake Allen, G, Chicago (AHL) Others of Interest: Chris Stewart, Magnus Paajarvi, Ian Cole, Jani Hakanpaa. No-Trade Clauses: David Backes, Brenden Morrow, Jay Bouwmeester, Alex Pietrangelo, Barret Jackman, Jordan Leopold (modified). The Plan: The Blues could probably contend for the Cup with the roster as is, but if St. Louis is indeed that close, why not upgrade? Are they satisfied with their goaltending? Could they add another forward? Surely, if youre in the championship discussion, those are additions that have to be considered. Last seasons leading scorer, RW Chris Stewart, has been mentioned in trade talks and it makes some sense, considering his reduced role this season, its not easy to make big changes to a team that has the leagues best points percentage and goal differential. SAN JOSE SHARKS UFA in 2014: Mike Brown, Bracken Kearns, John McCarthy, Dan Boyle, Scott Hannan. RFA in 2014: James Sheppard, Tommy Wingels, Jason Demers, Alex Stalock. Top Prospects: Mirco Mueller, D, Everett (WHL)Chris Tierney, C, London (OHL)Matt Tennyson, D, Worcester (AHL)Freddie Hamilton, RW, Worcester (AHL)Daniil Tarasov, RW, Worcester (AHL) Others of Interest: Tyler Kennedy, Adam Burish, Matt Nieto, Justin Braun, Matt Irwin, Dylan DeMelo, Konrad Abeltshauser. No-Trade Clauses: Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Brent Burns (modified), Martin Havlat, Dan Boyle (modified), Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Brad Stuart (limited). The Plan: A contending team that hasnt been quite the same once injuries hit, so their forward group could use some help, whether thats coming from Martin Havlat, a returning Raffi Torres or a new acquisition. A skilled winger, to effectively make up for the loss of Tomas Hertl, would be ideal. The Sharks seemingly could always use help on the blueline, where longtime standout Dan Boyle has declined and there arent any real stars. Marc-Edouard Vlasic is as reliable as they come and Jason Demers, Matt Irwin and Justin Braun have improved, but an upgrade wouldnt hurt the cause. VANCOUVER CANUCKS UFA in 2014: Mike Santorelli, Raphael Diaz, Andrew Alberts. RFA in 2014: Zack Kassian, Jordan Schroeder, Zac Dalpe, Chris Tanev, Yannick Weber. Top Prospects: Bo Horvat, C, London (OHL)Brendan Gaunce, C, Erie (OHL)Hunter Shinkaruk, C, Medicine Hat (WHL)Nicklas Jensen, RW, Utica (AHL)Frank Corrado, D, Utica (AHL) Others of Interest: David Booth, Jannik Hansen, Cole Cassels. No-Trade Clauses: Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Ryan Kesler, Alex Burrows, Chris Higgins (limited), Alexander Edler, Kevin Bieksa, Jason Garrison, Dan Hamhuis, Roberto Luongo. The Plan: Careening over a cliff before the break, the Canucks went from solidly in the playoffs to the outside looking in and have several injuries to deal with. If number one C Henrik Sedin isnt healthy soon -- and he was unable to play in the Olympics -- the nthe Canucks might as well start selling because they could use offensive upgrades even with a healthy roster. Minus Sedin, that would be a pointless exercise. Should the Canucks become sellers, perhaps their most attractive asset to trade would be a legitimate top four defenceman, though the quartet of Kevin Bieksa, Alexander Edler, Jason Garrison and Dan Hamhuis all have no-trade contracts. WINNIPEG JETS UFA in 2014: Olli Jokinen, Devin Setoguchi, Chris Thorburn, Mark Stuart, Adam Pardy, Al Montoya. RFA in 2014: Michael Frolik, Matt Halischuk, James Wright, Keaton Ellerby. Top Prospects: Josh Morrissey, D, Prince Albert (WHL)Nicolas Petan, C, Portland (WHL)Adam Lowry, LW, St. Johns (AHL)Scott Kosmachuk, RW, Guelph (OHL)Eric Comrie, G, Tri-City (WHL) Others of Interest: Evander Kane, Ondrej Pavelec, Eric ODell, Brenden Kichton, Connor Hellebuyck. No-Trade Clauses: Blake Wheeler (modified), Bryan Little (limited), Olli Jokinen (modified), Andrew Ladd (modified), Tobias Enstrom, Dustin Byfuglien (modified), Zach Bogosian. The Plan: On the edge of the playoff race, the Jets might be a legitimate playoff team with improved goaltending, but if they remain committed to Ondrej Pavelec as their starter for the rest of the year, they ought to move out some of their non-essential veterans, including Olli Jokinen and Devin Setoguchi. If the Jets are of the mind to go for a blockbuster, and that doesnt seem likely given better results under new coach Paul Maurice, there are often rumours about the availability of LW Evander Kane or RW/D Dustin Byfuglien, both of whom would have many suitors, if made available. * - Contract information comes from the outstanding www.capgeek.com. Check out their trade machine here. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. 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