The NHL's trade deadline is fast approaching, with teams looking to solidify their rosters for a playoff push or, in some cases, to rebuild for the future. Following some recent trades, including Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights and Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks, the rumor mill is churning with speculation about which players might be next to move. With the Olympic break causing a roster freeze from February 4th to 22nd, GMs face a compressed timeline to make deals. Here's a look at some of the top stars who could find themselves in new homes before the deadline.

Forwards in the Spotlight

• Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers): The Rangers might be at a crossroads with Panarin, whose contract expires at the end of the season. While he's still a productive player, his best years may be behind him, and the Rangers might prefer to get a return for him rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency. The Tampa Bay Lightning have been suggested as a potential fit, although it would require some salary maneuvering.

• Steven Stamkos (Nashville Predators): The Predators could be poised for a potential "blow-it-up" scenario at the deadline, making Stamkos their best trade chip. Despite his age, Stamkos remains a productive player, with 18 goals and 10 assists in 42 games this season. While his cap hit is significant and he possesses a no-movement clause, several teams would likely be interested if Nashville retains some salary. The New Jersey Devils and other teams have been rumored as possible destinations.

• Jonathan Marchessault (Nashville Predators): Marchessault's name has also surfaced in trade discussions. With a no-movement clause, his destination would likely need to be a team he approves of, with the Montreal Canadiens reportedly being a team he would welcome a trade to.

• Kiefer Sherwood (San Jose Sharks): Recently traded to San Jose, Sherwood could be a short-term addition for the Sharks. The Lightning might come calling if they feel the need to add a little toughness to their bottom-six.

• Drew O'Connor (Vancouver Canucks): O'Connor was acquired by the Canucks last season in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has fit in relatively well as a depth piece, scoring 14 goals and 12 assists for 26 points in 78 games as a Canuck.

Defensemen Drawing Interest

• Rasmus Andersson (Vegas Golden Knights): The Golden Knights recently acquired Andersson from the Calgary Flames. Andersson was set to test free agency this summer, and still might since there was no extension to his current deal.

The Importance of Fit and Future

Several factors complicate the trade landscape this year. A relatively even distribution of talent across the league, coupled with a salary cap that limits aggressive acquisitions, means that teams must be strategic in their pursuit of talent. Teams embarking on mini-rebuilds may be willing to part with valuable players for future assets, while contenders will seek to add depth and skill without sacrificing long-term prospects.

As the trade deadline approaches, expect more names to surface and the rumor mill to intensify. The next few weeks promise to be a period of intense activity as teams jockey for position and seek to improve their chances for success, both now and in the future.