As we close in on the NHL trade deadline, the race to freshen up a roster with the best talent ahead of the postseason is really beginning to pick up pace. While there might 
not be any monster moves made before the March 2 deadline, there are a number of interesting options out there for those teams looking to add depth to their line-up before the end of the regular season. Whether it’s goalscorers or defensive players, there are some talented and intriguing players who could be on the move who might have slipped under the radar in the run-up to the deadline. So, who are some of those underrated players who could make the headlines in this trade window?
Marek Zidlicky
New Jersey Devils defenseman Marek Zidlicky has reportedly attracted the attention of the Anaheim Ducks in recent weeks and there looks to be a strong chance the 38-year-old could be on the move before the deadline. The Ducks, who are 15/2 at the time of writing with bet365 to win the Stanley Cup, aren’t the only team in the race to sign Zidlicky, though, and the likes of Dallas and Detroit are also options. While the veteran might not be the most physically intimidating blueliner in the market, Zidlicky is currently on course to reach the 30-point mark for the eighth time of his career and his right-handed shot is still one of the best in the NHL.
Erik Cole
While Erik Cole might not pose the same offensive threat he once did, the Dallas Stars winger still finds himself heading towards passing the 20-goal and 40-point mark for the season. At 36-years-old and nearing the end of a career in which his body has taken a pounding, Cole might not be able to offer three or four years of service but he could definitely do a job for a one or two seasons. The Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks are all rumoured to be in the hunt for the veteran winger before this trade deadline, although it remains to be seen whether the Stars decide to let him leave. It will be interesting to see where Cole is playing his hockey come the end of the regular season.
Jiri Tlusty
The Carolina Hurricanes could still decide to keep Jiri Tlusty but the winger wouldn’t be short of options if he is given the green light to end his six-year association with the franchise. Able to play on either wing, the Czech star has been in impressive form this season and finds himself heading towards the 20-goal mark. While he might not be as consistent as he could be, there have been enough signs of improvements in Tlusty’s game this year to warrant teams taking a punt on the 26-year-old in this trade window. The Bruins, Nashville Predators and Washington Capitals are all desperately in need of goalscoring wingers and the loss of Evander Kane has put the Winnipeg Jets in the market for a genuine top-six forward.
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