2023 NHL Trade Deadline: 10 prospects who could be on the move

Credit: (Photo by Steven Ellis)

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A few weeks ago, we looked at a few teams with a surplus of prospects that could use them to their advantage.

Today, we’re going to focus on 10 players in particular. For the most part, they’re on contenders looking to bring in the missing piece that’ll push them over the edge. For others, it’s about getting new opportunities due to a plethora of assets at any given position.

So, let’s look at 10 high-quality prospects that could be on the move ahead of the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline on March 3, 2023.

Fabian Lysell, RW, 20 (Boston Bruins)

One of the premier goal-scoring prospects in the game right now, Lysell has transitioned successfully as a full-time pro. He’s on pace for around 50 points with the Providence Bruins, and scouts describe him as a true student of the game – someone who is never content with his performance and always trying to one-up himself. He has tremendous potential as a top-six forward in the NHL, and that bright future could make the Bruins an attractive trade partner ahead of the deadline. Boston won’t want to stand pat after watching the Leafs and Rangers make big splashes. Moving Lysell won’t be ideal, but it might be worth it if it gives them another shot at the Stanley Cup – especially with the core starting to age out.

Brennan Othmann, LW, 20 (New York Rangers)

With the Rangers seemingly all in this year, Othmann is a logical choice to be involved in a big move. It’s a plus that the club didn’t need to give up any noteworthy prospects in the Vladimir Tarasenko deal, but one involving Patrick Kane could be a different story. After an explosive start with Flint this year, Othmann has seemingly cooled off with the Peterborough Petes, producing at just under a point per game as a 20-year-old. He also had a relatively quiet World Junior Championship with Canada but won’t complain about winning back-to-back golds. He’ll take some AHL seasoning, but the future is still bright for a feisty forward that plays a high-octane game.

Alexander Holtz, RW, 21 (New Jersey Devils)

Once viewed as one of the best goal-scoring prospects, Holtz has struggled to fit in with the Devils this season and could be a valuable trade asset. I’m not convinced they should move him in the slightest because the ceiling is still high here for the 21-year-old, but if the Devils are in on any of the big-name targets, he’ll be part of the asking price. He’s still young, has a lethal wrist shot and has an impressive AHL statline over parts of three seasons. At this point, it’s about taking that next step. And, maybe it’s just a personal opinion, but having him reunite with Detroit’s Lucas Raymond, his Swedish buddy that he created so much offense with internationally, would be fantastic to see.

Shakir Mukhamadullin, D, 21 (New Jersey Devils)

The Devils have way too many quality defensive prospects in the system, which is a good problem to have. Mukhamadullin is expected to come to North America after his KHL season ends with Ufa. He’s had a strong season statistically and has gotten increasingly more comfortable with quality pro competition. Mukhamadullin is a big 6-foot-4 defender that has improved his overall puck control and decision-making. Teams don’t typically shy away from big, puck-moving defenders and he could be a nice trade chip next week.

Ville Heinola, D, 22 (Winnipeg Jets)

After making the Jets out of training camp in 2019-20, Heinola has failed to hold a full-time role with the club and reportedly isn’t happy with the situation. Heinola has proven he’s good enough to excel in the AHL, but with just 27 NHL games over the past three years, the opportunities haven’t come – whether it’s due to roster competition or just inconsistent play. Heinola could benefit from a change of scenery, especially with the options on the left side already. The fact he’s dominating in the AHL might help his value, and the right team and the right situation could see him develop into the top-four defenseman scouts projected many years ago.

Alex Turcotte, C, 21 (Los Angeles Kings)

The fifth pick from the 2019 draft, Turcotte has struggled to produce in the AHL and has no points in 12 NHL games over two years. With an influx of young talent in the pipeline, and a wealth of depth down the middle, the Kings can afford to move on from Turcotte. His value has definitely dropped over the past few years, but, like Heinola, that’s something that could change in a new home with new opportunities. Turcotte plays as a high pace and is an innovative two-way center that does an excellent job of setting up his linemates. In the right organization, Turcotte could thrive.

Henry Thrun, D, 21 (Anaheim Ducks)

Thrun, a Harvard defenseman, told the Ducks recently that he will not sign with the team after finishing his college campaign later this year. So you’d expect the Ducks to try at least move the 21-year-old at the deadline to a team Thrun would be willing to sign with – similar to when the Carolina Hurricanes moved Adam Fox to the New York Rangers a few years back. The left-handed blueliner has good size, brings an offensive punch and thinks the game at a high level. Thrun isn’t far from being NHL-ready, which could help make for a more imminent deal.

Erik Portillo, G, 22 (Buffalo Sabres)

Given the ups and downs of Buffalo’s goalie situation over the past decade, the fact that they have a handful of high-quality options in the pipeline right now is refreshing. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has taken some big steps this year, and Devon Levi has been outstanding yet again in the NCAA. That could leave Portillo, a Michigan University product, as the odd man out. The Sabres courted the 22-year-old to turn pro last year but he ultimately decided to stay at Michigan. Portillo’s numbers haven’t been as good this season, but he’s still a 6-foot-6, pro-ready goaltender with a solid CV in the NCAA. Is he starter material? I don’t think so, but he could be an excellent backup.

Brendan Brisson, LW, 21 (Vegas Golden Knights)

With Mark Stone out long-term, how active will the Golden Knights be at the deadline? Brisson could be on the move if they want to make a big splash. The creative winger is having just a decent season with the Henderson Silver Knights, showing a little taste of what he could in the coming years. Brisson projects as a second-line forward and could be a needle-mover down the line for a rebuilding team like San Jose or Chicago.

Matthew Knies, LW, 20 (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Limited cap space will restrict Toronto’s moves over the next week, but if they think they still need an extra piece to take the team the distance this year, don’t be shocked if Knies is moved. He’s having an excellent sophomore season with the University of Minnesota, having really turned on the jets in November and December. If he isn’t moved, Knies could be challenging for a roster spot ahead of the playoffs for the Leafs, but he’ll definitely be a central figure of any big move GM Kyle Dubas makes ahead of the deadline.

*Ages of March 3, 2023