NHL Trade Deadline: Top remaining trade targets on the market

As the NHL trade deadline continues to draw closer, teams have been busy bolstering their rosters for the playoffs or selling off their most prized assets. So far, hockey fans have been treated to an action-packed couple of weeks leading up to the deadline, with several notable players already traded.

Timo Meier, one of the biggest names on the trade market, was dealt by the San Jose Sharks to the New Jersey Devils this weekend. The massive trade included a whopping nine players and four draft picks being moved.

"Timo Meier is officially a member of the New Jersey Devils. Thoughts on the trade?" - TSN

While Timo Meier was one of the top targets heading into the NHL trade deadline, there are still several notable talents who may be moved before March 3. Erik Karlsson, Patrick Kane, and Luke Schenn rank among the most prized and most likely players to be moved before the deadline.

Erik Karlsson may be the top player available approaching the NHL trade deadline

The 32-year-old Swedish defenseman has been in trade rumors all season with the San Jose Sharks seemingly entering a rebuilding phase. It appears that the Edmonton Oilers remain the top contenders to land the All-Star defenseman.

While the trade may be inching closer to completion, the main issue plaguing a potential deal is the financial aspect. Karlsson has a gigantic $11.5 million cap hit and has four more years left after this one, which may end up as a franchise-crippling albatross as he ages.

"Erik Karlsson is currently on pace to being the first to lead all defensemen in goals and assists in over a decade. Last achieved in 2011-2012, by you guessed it Erik Karlsson." - Hockey of Tomorrow

So far this season with the San Jose Sharks, the blueliner had recorded 19 goals and 58 assists through 60 games.

The Patrick Kane saga continues

While it appears increasingly likely that Patrick Kane will be traded before the NHL trade deadline, his situation in Chicago is yet to be resolved. The pending unrestricted free agent has made his desire to be traded known, with the New York Rangers topping his list of desired locations.

"At this point, the Patrick Kane trade is basically a formality. That got me thinking ahead. How the #NYR will use No. 88? What will it mean for their style of play? And where does he fit in their lineup? I asked around and came up with these answers." - @vzmercogliano

However, following the trade of Vladimir Tarasenko to the Rangers, the Chicago Blackhawks will need to figure out the financial aspect of the potential move. If New York and Chicago are able to find a third team to take on some of Kane's salary, a trade will almost certainly be a guarantee.

The three-time Stanley Cup champion could help the Rangers lift the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1994.

Luke Schenn remains a low-cost, high-reward prospect with NHL trade deadline approaching

A two-time Stanley Cup champion, Luke Schenn has been linked to several teams leading up to the deadline. At 33 years old, Schenn should have plenty left in the tank for teams looking to make a deep playoff run.

"Luke Schenn has been scratched for Tuesday's game in Nashville and has now flown back to Vancouver." - Sportsnet

Another reason he will likely be traded is the fact that he is a pending free agent with an affordable $850,000 contract. The Vancouver Canucks have reportedly made him available before the NHL trade deadline, but no move has been made just yet.