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5 Possible Buyers At The NHL Trade Deadline

By Ryan Mayer

We saw the NBA Trade Deadline pass last week in a blaze of glory and now the NHL will have it's chance to steal the spotlight on Monday. While some big trades have already happened, there are still players to be had. Today let's take a look at five teams that need to make a move at the deadline.

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 24: Jonathan Quick #32 of the Los Angeles Kings makes a save during the third period against the Detroit Red Wings at Staples Center on February 24, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Kings won 1-0. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

5) Los Angeles Kings- It may seem odd to say that a team that has won eight straight games needs to make a move at the deadline but hear me out. The reasoning isn't so much that they need a spark. Instead it's that each of the last two times they've won the Cup (last year and 2012) they made a trade that seemed to spark a run to the Cup. Last year, it was Marian Gaborik. In 2012 it was Jeff Carter. Each time they fleeced the Blue Jackets. Think Columbus is on speed dial?

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CALGARY, AB - FEBRUARY 14: Sean Monahan #23 of the Calgary Flames skates with the puck past Bo Horvat #53 of the Vancouver Canucks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on February 14, 2015 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Flames defeated the Canucks 3-2. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

4) Calgary Flames- The Flames are on the outside looking in at the playoff picture right now after dropping 4 of their last 6 games including their last three straight. They sit one point back of the final Wild Card spot, and should be buyers at the deadline to try and climb back into the post-season. The Flames are a bit of a surprise this season and should capitalize on their success by making a move at the deadline.

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SAN JOSE, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: Joe Pavelski #8 of the San Jose Sharks in action during their preseason game against the Vancouver Canucks at the HP Pavilion on September 18, 2009 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

3) San Jose Sharks- The Sharks find themselves in the same spot as the Flames heading into the week. Outside the playoff picture, and they're faced with an interesting choice. Make one more run with the core of Marleau and Thornton or move on from them to the next generation with Tomas Hertl, Logan Couture and other young guys. I think because of the proximity to the playoff race, they should be a player at the deadline.

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SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 05: Brad Boyes #24 of the Florida Panthers celebrates a goal during a game against the Los Angeles Kings at BB&T Center on February 5, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

2) Florida Panthers- The Panthers are two points back of the Bruins for the final spot in the East and with the injury to a certain Boston star this weekend, they should pounce on the opportunity to grab a veteran at the deadline who could push them over the B's. Interestingly, the Panthers made a move to "sell" a player that wasn't happy in his role (Sean Bergenheim) on Tuesday in exchange for a 3rd round pick. That would seem to open up a spot in their forward rotation to try and make a move before Monday's deadline.

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BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 24: Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins shields the puck from Adam Clendening #44 of the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at TD Garden on February 24, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Canucks defeat the Bruins 2-1. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

1) Boston Bruins- The Bruins check in at number 1 on this list because of the injury suffered by David Krejci. Boston has been disappointing this season with their play and Krejci being out leaves a big hole in the line-up. The playoffs have to be the goal for Boston with an aging core. Plus, I really want to see a first round Canadiens Bruins series which is what would happen if the seeds hold.

Plenty can happen between now and Monday and deadline day in the NHL is one of the more active ones still left in sports. Deals are sure to get done, and these teams should be active in my opinion.

Want to see more from Ryan? Agree/Disagree? Email him or find him on twitter @r_mayer

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