The NHL trade deadline represents an opportunity for playoff teams to make themselves better for the stretch run and hopefully the postseason.
Teams unlikely to make the playoffs have a chance to get rid of some high-priced talent and acquire prospects or draft picks.
It's not always easy to tell the contenders from those who are out of the running, but that's not the case this year. The New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators were successful in last year's playoffs, but they are troubled this year. Expect both to trade key players prior to Monday's deadline at 3 p.