Defensemen are always in demand at this time of year, just like pitchers are before baseball's trade deadline.
I'm reminded of the Vancouver Canucks going through 10 or 11 defensemen during one of their playoff runs a half-decade ago. The stretch run and playoffs can become a war of attrition, so carrying as much depth on defense as the rules allow is mighty important.
It's why even a small move, like the Washington Capitals picking up Tom Gilbert as a depth guy last week, could prove handy down the road. You just never know.