Kreider, Ristolainen among players to watch before Trade Deadline

The NHL Trade Deadline is at 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 24. Here are some players who could be moved before the deadline, listed in alphabetical order:

Zach Bogosian, D, Buffalo Sabres --The 29-year-old is in the final season of a seven-year contract and can become an unrestricted free agent July 1. Bogosian, who missed the start of the season because of offseason hip surgery, has never appeared in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but at 6-foot-3 and 226 pounds, he could provide a physical presence as a second- or third-pair defenseman.
Brenden Dillon, D, San Jose Sharks -- The veteran has been one of the most consistent and durable defensemen in the League the past four seasons, missing a total of two games. The 29-year-old, who can become a UFA on July 1, has had at least 60 penalty minutes in each of his eight NHL seasons and plays in big situations, including on the penalty kill, making him a solid addition to any team needing a top-four defenseman.
Anthony Duclair, F, Ottawa Senators --The 24-year-old has already set an NHL career high in goals and was named an all-star for the first time, but he has played on four teams in the past three seasons (Arizona Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets). Duclair can become a restricted free agent on July 1.

Alex Galchenyuk, F, Pittsburgh Penguins --It's been a tough season for Galchenyuk since he was acquired in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes for Phil Kessel on June 29. The 25-year-old is on pace for his lowest point total in a full NHL season, and he may not score at least 10 goals for the first time since his rookie season with the Montreal Canadiens in 2012-13 (nine). Perhaps a change of scenery would benefit Galchenyuk, who can become a UFA after the season.
Alexandar Georgiev, G, New York Rangers --With New York having Henrik Lundqvist under contract for another season and calling up Igor Shesterkin, Georgiev will likely be one of the most sought-after goalies on the market. The 23-year-old, who can become an RFA on July 1, has started more than 50 games the past two seasons, and although he has the ability to play with an increased workload, he would likely be better suited as a backup.
Ilya Kovalchuk, F, Montreal Canadiens --The 36-year-old proved he has more in the tank since signing a one-year contract with the Canadiens on Jan. 3 after being placed on unconditional waivers and having his contract terminated by the Los Angeles Kings. Kovalchuk has scored at least 30 goals in the NHL nine times, is an impact player on the power play, and has the ability to take over a game at any time.
Chris Kreider, F, New York Rangers --In the final season of a four-year contract and a pending UFA, Kreider will be a coveted player at the deadline if the Rangers choose to part ways with the 28-year-old forward, who they selected in the first round (No. 19) of the 2009 NHL Draft. Kreider is on pace for his fifth 20-goal season, plays on the power play, and isn't afraid to go to the dirty areas. He has 77 games of playoff experience as well.

Robin Lehner, G, Chicago Blackhawks -- Signed to a one-year contract in the offseason after he was a Vezina Trophy finalist with the New York Islanders, Lehner could be moved if the Blackhawks fall out of the playoff race. The 28-year-old has performed well for Chicago despite some problems defensively, and with his playoff experience from last season (eight games), he would be a good addition to any team wanting to bolster their goalie depth.
Alec Martinez, D, Los Angeles Kings --The two-time Stanley Cup champion has one more season remaining on a six-year contract but could be moved now in order for the struggling Kings to acquire some assets. Although his offensive production has decreased in each of the previous three seasons, the 32-year-old is valuable on the defensive side the puck, averaging more than two blocks per game this season, and also has 64 games of playoff experience.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau, F, Ottawa Senators --He has already set an NHL career high in goals and is on pace to top his NHL career-high 43 points he set in 2015-16. Pageau plays in all situations and is dangerous on the penalty kill; he has three goals and four points while shorthanded this season. The 27-year old center is also valuable on face-offs, having won at least 50 percent of his draws in each of the past five seasons. Pageau can become a UFA on July 1.

Jeff Petry, D, Montreal Canadiens --The 32-year-old has missed two games the past four seasons and is on pace to tie his NHL career high of 46 points he set last season. Petry has one more season remaining on a six-year contract but has a modified no trade clause.
Rasmus Ristolainen, D, Buffalo Sabres -- Prior to the season, the 25-year-old said he hadn't been able to enjoy hockey and that he had talks with the Sabres about his future. Ristolainen has performed well this season, with a minus-1 rating after he was an NHL-worst minus-41 last season, but with two more seasons remaining on his six-year contract and the Sabres falling out of playoff contention, Ristolainen could be moved before the deadline.

Wayne Simmonds, F, New Jersey Devils --Signed to a one-year contract on July1, it hasn't been a fit for Simmonds or the Devils this season. The 31-year-old is a six-time 20-goal scorer, but he is on pace to score fewer than 10 for the first time since he had nine as a rookie with the Kings in 2008-09. Simmonds has the ability to play on the power play, isn't afraid to mix it up (more than 1,100 penalty minutes in the NHL), and is built for playoff hockey, making him an intriguing rental at the deadline.
Tyler Toffoli, F, Los Angeles Kings --A top-six forward, Toffoli is on pace to score at least 20 goals for the fourth time in the NHL and is third on the Kings in scoring with 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists). The 27-year-old is in the final season of a three-year contract and can become a UFA on July 1, and he would likely benefit from a move to a contender.
Sami Vatanen, D, New Jersey Devils --The 28-year-old can become a UFA after this season and would be a welcome addition to any team. He leads Devils defensemen in scoring and if New Jersey decides not to invest long-term in Vatanen, there will likely be plenty of suitors for his services.
Jason Zucker, F, Minnesota Wild -- If Minnesota remains on the outside of the playoff race near the deadline, Zucker could be on the move. The 28-year-old, who signed a five-year contract prior to last season, has scored at least 20 goals in each of the previous three seasons, including an NHL career-high 33 in 2017-18, and could provide forward depth to a contender.