The 2022-23 NHL trade deadline is fast approaching, and we’ve already seen some significant moves.

Bo Horvat and Vladimir Tarasenko were two of the best players available before they were sent packing by their former teams, but plenty of other big names could join them in being shipped out before March 3. Many of them are pending unrestricted free agents, as usual, but some – including the No. 1 player on the market – are either pending restricted free agents or still have term left on their contracts beyond this season.

On this list, we’ve taken the talent of each player into account but also considered their likelihood of being dealt. For example, Erik Karlsson would be near the top of the rankings if not for an expensive and lengthy contract that makes an offseason trade more likely.

Here are the top candidates to be dealt before deadline day:

1. Timo Meier

Meier is unquestionably the top dog on the list, and that’s noteworthy, considering who else appears to be available. The San Jose Sharks sniper reportedly has no shortage of suitors. He’s already hit the 30-goal mark this season for the third time in his career, impressively building off a 2021-22 campaign in which he scored 35 times while adding 41 assists.

2. Jakob Chychrun

It seems like Chychrun’s been on the trade block forever, but at least the saga appears to be nearing a conclusion. The Arizona Coyotes are holding him out of games for trade-related reasons “until something happens,” so his days in the desert certainly appear numbered. As has been the case for a while now, the term and digestive cap hit on the skilled blue-liner’s pact further enhance his value.

3. Patrick Kane

Kane still hasn’t decided whether to waive his no-move clause, but the Chicago Blackhawks playmaker seemed genuinely disappointed when the New York Rangers landed Tarasenko. Numerous other teams have expressed interest in Kane, which isn’t surprising given his track record. The accomplished veteran could still give a contender an offensive boost even if his best days are behind him.

4. Ryan O’Reilly

The Tarasenko trade was a clear sign that the St. Louis Blues have accepted the fact that they’re unlikely to make the playoffs this season. Dealing O’Reilly would be a logical next step, as painful as it would be for the club to ship out its captain and Conn Smythe Trophy winner from their 2019 championship run. Given his experience and two-way prowess, the versatile pivot would significantly bolster a contender if the Blues choose that route rather than extend him.