Wyshynski's NHL trade deadline rankings: Top players available - ESPN

The NHL trade deadline this season is a perfect storm of conditions for maximum drama: aggressive Stanley Cup favorites, over two-thirds of the league in playoff contention and clarity over the salary cap's continued rise over the next three seasons.

The fireworks began before the 4 Nations Face-Off break. They've only grown more frequent as names come off the board.

Here's a look at the players who could be move before the NHL trade deadline today at 3 p.m. ET.

We begin with the top 15 most fascinating players at the deadline, followed by several categories ranging from shocking possibilities to the pending free agents to the bargain beauties who could be the difference in winning the Stanley Cup.

This list was compiled through conversations with league executives and other sources, as well as media reports. ESPN insiders Kevin Weekes and Emily Kaplan added their input in its creation. Salary figures are from PuckPedia.

Let's begin with the biggest names.

Age: 28 | AAV: $9.25 million | Status: 2025 UFA

The Hurricanes acquired Rantanen in a blockbuster trade with the Colorado Avalanche in January, adding the NHL's sixth-leading scorer over the past three seasons (279 points in 223 games).

They've attempted to sign him to an extension, presenting Rantanen and his agent with a detailed contract proposal during the 4 Nations Face-Off, with ESPN's Kevin Weekes reporting that the average annual value was somewhere between $13 million and $14 million. But it's clear the pending unrestricted free agent won't commit long term to the Hurricanes before Friday's trade deadline.

Once that impasse became apparent, teams started to reach out to Carolina with «Hey, please think of us if this goes sideways» explorations if GM Eric