Kreider among intriguing targets ahead of Trade Deadline

Each week, NHL.com goes Behind the Numbers, using underlying statistics to identify trends, areas of improvement for teams and players, and predict what could happen in upcoming games. Today, NHL.com looks at five players who could be traded before the 2020 NHL Trade Deadline on Feb. 24.

Chris Kreider, F, New York Rangers

Kreider remains one of the most intriguing potential trade targets as the pending unrestricted free agent is second on the Rangers with nine power-play goals, one fewer than Mika Zibanejad, and third in even-strength points with 32. Kreider could be a strong fit for a number of teams that need a spark in their top-six forward group or power play, and one possible destination would be the Boston Bruins, who have one of the best top lines in the NHL with David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron, but could use secondary scoring. David Krejci, who has 28 even-strength points this season, and Jake DeBrusk, who has 24, have each played on the Bruins second line the past two seasons but have yet to find a consistent wing. Kreider could be the missing ingredient to provide depth scoring and boost an already strong power play (2nd in NHL at 25.0 percent).

Robin Lehner, G, Chicago Blackhawks

A finalist for the Vezina Trophy last season, Lehner, who can become a UFA on July 1, is tied for sixth in the NHL with a .918 save percentage and second the League in save percentage when facing the opposition's power play (.920, minimum 30 games). One team that could benefit from Lehner is the Nashville Predators. They are 25th in the NHL in goals against per game (3.19), rank last in the League on the penalty kill (74 percent), and Pekka Rinne (.898 SV%) and Juuse Saros (.903 SV%) have each struggled to capture the No. 1 role this season.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau, F, Ottawa Senators

Pageau, who can become a UFA on July 1, is arguably one of the best two-way forwards available. He is 15th in the NHL with 523 face-off wins and fourth with 236 defensive zone face-off wins. The importance of defensive zone face-off wins cannot be overlooked because it can help teams effectively start their breakout, which could lead to scoring chances. Pageau is also on pace for an NHL career-high 55 points this season, and with forwards Nazem Kadri (lower body) and Mikko Rantanen (upper body) injured, Pageau could be a good fit for the Colorado Avalanche.

Sami Vatanen, D, New Jersey Devils

Although Vatanen has been out since sustaining a lower-body injury on Feb. 1, he is second among Devils defensemen with 23 points (five goals, 18 assists) in 47 games and is averaging 21:45 of ice time. But perhaps Vatanen's biggest selling point is his production on the power play (one goal, nine assists), where he could potentially slot in with the Edmonton Oilers, who will be without No. 1 defenseman Oscar Klefbom for 2-3 weeks because of shoulder injury. Klefbom primarily skated on their top power play and ranks fifth in the NHL in time on ice (25:36). Vatanen could contribute key minutes at even strength and provide support on the power play in Klefbom's absence, but his injury may lower his trade stock.

Ilya Kovalchuk, F, Montreal Canadiens

Kovalchuk signed with Montreal as free agent on Jan. 3 after he was placed on unconditional waivers by the Los Angeles Kings on Dec. 18 and had his contract terminated. He's benefited from a fresh start in Montreal, getting 12 points (six goals, six assists), including two on the power play, in 20 games. He's primarily skated in a top-six and first power-play role with the Canadiens and his underlying numbers (plus-56 shot attempts differential) suggest he's helped to improve their 5-on-5 play. Despite his age, the 36-year-old can still be used on a top power-play unit and his contract ($700,000) makes him a low risk proposition. The Calgary Flames could be an intriguing landing spot for Kovalchuk, who could potentially slot in on their second line with center Mikael Backlund, or the top line with Sean Monahan if they want to attempt to better spread out the scoring. Calgary's power play has also been average this season (15th in NHL at 20.3 percent), meaning Kovalchuk could help provide a fresh look.