Super 16: Player each team should acquire before Deadline

That player. He's the guy. He's the difference maker. He's the one. Get him.

The 2024 NHL Trade Deadline is eight days from Thursday and every team in the Super 16 power rankings this week will play a role. Most will be buyers. One or two may stand pat. There could be a seller or two in the bunch.

Some top players are available. Prices must be pretty high considering the trade market is not yet active. Every team in the Super 16 could use somebody. But who?

That's where we come in. 

Every writer and editor who contributes weekly to the Super 16 was assigned at least one team with one objective: Pick the player that team should acquire before 3 p.m. ET on March 8.

You'll notice below that some players are mentioned multiple times. That's why prices go up at this time of the season. Bidding wars are real.

As a reminder, to come up with the Super 16 each week, the voters put together their own version of what they think the rankings should look like and a point total is assigned to each, with the team selected first given 16 points, second 15, third 14, and so on.

Here is the fourth trade deadline edition of the Super 16:

1. Florida Panthers (39-16-4)

Total points: 203
Last week: No. 1

"The Panthers do not possess a first- or second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft so they will need to get creative in their effort to bolster the offense by acquiring a depth scorer. So how about San Jose Sharks forward Anthony Duclair, who will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season? He can play either wing and the Panthers are familiar with his style and compete since he played three seasons with then from 2020-23 before being traded to San Jose last summer. Florida could use a player to perhaps complement Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart. Duclair could use a change in scenery. Moving from the California coast to the Sunshine State would be an easy transition for Duclair." -- Mike G. Morreale, senior draft writer

2. New York Rangers (40-17-3)

Total points: 182
Last week: No. 3

"Though I said in this space last week I would get a defenseman if I were the Rangers, the reality is they are likely going to add scoring depth, and to me there is only one answer: Frank Vatrano. The forward leads the Anaheim Ducks with 26 goals, and he proved he can play in New York, getting 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs when the Rangers came within two wins of reaching the Stanley Cup Final." -- Bill Price, Editor-in-Chief

3. Vancouver Canucks (38-16-7)

Total points: 181
Last week: No. 2

"Nick Bjugstad from the Arizona Coyotes. He's not a rental, which is exactly the point with the Canucks. They already acquired a top rental when they got center Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames on Jan. 31, trading their first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft in the process. Bjugstad is signed through next season. He's big (6-foot-6, 209 pounds), physical, versatile, experienced and productive with 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 58 games this season. He could fit seamlessly into the Canucks lineup right away and would give them cost certainty at a forward position for next season too." -- Dan Rosen, senior writer

4. Winnipeg Jets (37-15-5)

Total points: 171
Last week: No. 8

"It is no secret that Winnipeg is looking for defensive help. Not in a desperate way, but in a would-be-nice way, which makes their wants somewhat easier to satisfy. If the Jets choose to go for depth, they could do so by trading for Erik Johnson from the Buffalo Sabres. But if they perceive their championship chances as the highest in years (which I think they should), it only makes sense to swing for the fences and try to get the best guy available: Noah Hanifin. The 27-year-old will eat up top pair minutes, has already set a career high in goals (11) and could instantly upgrade the Jets' special teams, both of which have struggled this season. To be sure, there are a lot of ifs: If he is even available. If Winnipeg is able to foot the bill. If Hanifin's modified no-trade clause impacts the Jets. But the potential payoff for the Jets could be huge." -- Paul Strizhevsky, staff writer

5. Boston Bruins (34-12-14)

Total points: 155
Last week: No. 4

"This is a tough one where the Bruins are concerned because if you ask me the one player they need, it's an easy call: Hanifin. The Massachusetts kid would be a perfect addition in the same vein as Hampus Lindholm two years ago, a trade and then an extension that keeps him with the Bruins for the long term. It's how general manager Don Sweeney prefers to operate. But at the same time, if the Bruins think Hanifin could be convinced to join them as an unrestricted free agent this summer, then given what the Bruins have in their cupboard, that's the long-term way to go. So, while I'm clearly waffling here, the answer is probably Hanifin. Maybe." -- Amalie Benjamin, staff writer

6. Dallas Stars (35-17-9)

Total points: 133
Last week: No. 6

“I’ve been writing for a bit in this space that the Stars needed to get help on defense, and they did that by acquiring Chris Tanev from the Calgary Flames on Wednesday. So, the question is, do they do anything else prior to the trade deadline? I don’t think they do. They don’t have a lot of wiggle room financially and don’t want to part with some of their top prospects. They’ve got what they needed. They needed that strong defensive presence that can kill penalties, can play in the top four and is a right-handed shot, something they needed in a group that’s laden with left-handed shots. Miro Heiskanen is a left-handed shot who's been playing on the right with Thomas Harley. Now things get balanced out, and the Stars’ defensive depth is solidified. Great move getting Tanev. Now move forward with the improved lineup you’ve got.” -- Tracey Myers, staff writer

7. Colorado Avalanche (36-19-5)

Total points: 131
Last week: No. 5

"The most glaring weakness for the Avalanche is somewhat hidden, which is often the case on elite teams. They need a backup goalie, but the great play and of Alexandar Georgiev has papered over that need somewhat. But the insurance policy is still a necessity from a team with designs on a second Stanley Cup in three seasons. Each team that made it past the first round of the playoffs last season used more than one goalie. So, it's imperative GM Chris McFarland finds a bona fide backup for Georgiev. Jake Allen, the 33-year-old goalie for the Montreal Canadiens, fits the bill. He knows how to fill the No. 2 role and he has a .924 save percentage in 29 playoff appearances during his career." -- Shawn P. Roarke, senior director of editorial

8. Carolina Hurricanes (35-18-6)

Total points: 119
Last week: No. 9

"The one player the Hurricanes should acquire is Ottawa Senators forward Vladimir Tarasenko. The Hurricanes talked with Tarasenko in the offseason before he signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Senators. They could still use a proven postseason scorer like him to strengthen their depth. The 32-year-old has scored 44 goals in 97 playoff games in his career and won the Stanley Cup with St. Louis in 2019." -- Tom Gulitti, Staff Writer

9. Toronto Maple Leafs (33-17-8)

Total points: 103
Last week: No. 11

"The Maple Leafs need help on defense. They actually could use a top-four, right-handed shot defenseman and another player at the position for depth purposes. But let's start with the most important addition, which would be a righty to play with Morgan Rielly. Tanev was the logical choice, but the Maple Leafs did not get him. He was traded to Dallas on Wednesday. Toronto should pivot to Matt Dumba of the Arizona Coyotes. He's a righty. He's experienced. He plays a physical game. And he likely won't cost a first-round pick to acquire." -- Rosen

10. Edmonton Oilers (35-20-2)

Total points: 93
Last week: No. 7

"The Oilers are expected to be buyers heading toward the Deadline and are looking to add a top-six forward for what they hope is an extended run in the playoffs. Jake Guentzel should be a target. He is on long-term injured reserve with an upper-body injury and is not eligible to return until March 10 but would be a good fit to play alongside Connor McDavid, giving the Oilers more flexibility in their top six. Guentzel, 29, is in the last year of his contract with the Penguins and GM Kyle Dubas said there is a possibility of moving him before the deadline as he is looking to make the Penguins younger. The Oilers could offer their first-round pick in the 2024 draft, or one of their prospect forwards in the American Hockey League. Forward Warren Foegele is also a possible trade chip as an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Foegele is having a good season and would be useful to the Oilers in a bottom-six role on a playoff run, so they would likely want to keep him and use other assets to acquire a player like Guentzel." -- Derek Van Diest, staff writer

11. Vegas Golden Knights (33-19-7)

Total points: 84
Last week: No. 10

"If the Golden Knights are going to win the Stanley Cup again, put me in the camp that they're going to need another defenseman when you consider they're allowing nearly three goals per game. How about someone like Matt Dumba from the Arizona Coyotes? The 29-year-old, who will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, is averaging more than 20 minutes of ice time per game for the Coyotes and plays with an edge, which is always useful come playoff time. I think Dumba is someone who could help Vegas go on another long postseason run." -- Brian Compton, managing editor

12. Detroit Red Wings (33-20-6)

Total points: 77
Last week: No. 13

"The Red Wings have a chance to be what the Seattle Kraken were last season. Their strength is their depth. Not only could they make the playoffs, but they could make noise. So, if I could pick one player to add, it would be Kraken center Alex Wennberg. He has been through that experience already and can do a number of things, like winning face-offs and playing on special teams. Detroit already has had success with one member of last year's Seattle team: forward Daniel Sprong. Why not add another?" -- Nicholas J. Cotsonika, columnist

13. Nashville Predators (33-25-2)

Total points: 42
Last week: Unranked

"The Predators probably could use a boost at center, in which case Nic Dowd from the Washington Capitals is who I'd be targeting. Dowd is signed through next season. He's a bottom-six center but an excellent penalty killer. Nashville is 27th on the penalty kill (75.7 percent). Dowd would help. But, and I know we're not supposed to mention two players here, the Predators also need help on the power play, which is why targeting Guentzel from Pittsburgh would be the way to go. And then I would try to re-sign him too. The Predators should not think about selling. Give this team a chance by adding to it, so why not go out and get Dowd and Guentzel? It'd be great to see Barry Trotz go all in at his first Trade Deadline as a GM." -- Rosen

14. Philadelphia Flyers (31-22-7)

Total points: 40
Last week: No. 15

"Cal Petersen's play in the Flyers' 7-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins showed just why a goalie needs to be at the top of the priority list, and I think Allen would be the perfect fit. The Flyers have been big on culture and Allen is an experienced veteran who has been regarded as a great teammate and would understand his support role behind Samuel Ersson, making for a seamless fit into the dressing room. He has a Stanley Cup championship as Jordan Binnington's backup with the Blues in 2019. And while his numbers don't jump off the charts, some of this season's .892 save percentage could be because he's facing an average of 34.2 shots on goal per 60 minutes. The Flyers have allowed an average of 27.9 shots on goal per game, which could allow Allen to play closer to his career .908 save percentage. Ersson has played well but is a 24-year-old rookie thrust into the No. 1 role and has been overplayed because of a lack of a trustworthy backup. Flyers GM Daniel Briere has said he won't spend big for a playoff push this season, but Allen shouldn't be a cost-prohibitive acquisition and would give the Flyers a more reliable option when Ersson needs a game off." -- Adam Kimelman, deputy managing editor

15. Tampa Bay Lightning (32-24-5)

Total points: 27
Last week: No. 14

"The Lightning have to give Victor Hedman, Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, Andrei Vasilevskiy and the rest a better chance without Mikhail Sergachev, who is out for the season with a leg injury. They might have enough in picks and prospects to get Sean Walker from the Flyers. He would help, no doubt. Hanifin should be the main target, but I don't know if the Lightning have enough to pay the freight to get him from Calgary before the Deadline. I think Hanifin will sign as a free agent with the Lightning on July 1. Getting him now would be ideal, but I can't see it happening when analyzing what the Lightning have to offer versus what other teams do." -- Rosen

16. Los Angeles Kings (29-19-10)

Total points: 25
Last week: No. 12

"If the Kings feel they can make a run and are OK in goal with Cam Talbot (who appears to be on the right track after struggling) and backup David Rittich, who has played well, then next up on the wish list is an offense defenseman. Los Angeles has 23 goals from defensemen this season, and 13 are from Drew Doughty. Second on the team is Vladislav Gavrikov with four. Doughty leads the position in points (33), and Matt Roy is second with 17. Hanifin could be the answer. The 27-year-old has a career high in goals (11) and has 33 points, on pace to top his career high in points (48 set in 2021-22)." -- David Satriano, staff writer

Others receiving points: New Jersey Devils 1, Calgary Flames 1

Dropped out: Devils (No. 16)

New Amsterdam Game of the Week

Each week, NHL.com will highlight one game that features two teams in the Super 16. Next week, it's a battle of the top two teams, the No. 1 Panthers against the No. 2 Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Monday (7 p.m. ET; BSFL, MSG).

The Rangers will play the Panthers in their final game before the trade deadline. This is a measuring stick game for the Rangers. Why? Because the Panthers are playoff-ready now. They're built for the postseason with their size, skill, grind and goaltending. The Rangers are close, but how they look against the Panthers might sway some decisions they make before the deadline four days later. Are they going to get pushed around by Florida? Are they going to push back? Will they need more bite? Do they need help on defense as opposed to help up front? It's wrong to put so much stock into one regular-season game, but the Panthers come to New York at the right time for the Rangers to get a real understanding of where they are. -- Rosen

HERE'S HOW WE RANKED ’EM

AMALIE BENJAMIN

1. Florida Panthers; 2. New York Rangers; 3. Vancouver Canucks; 4. Dallas Stars; 5. Boston Bruins; 6. Winnipeg Jets; 7. Colorado Avalanche; 8. Carolina Hurricanes; 9. Toronto Maple Leafs; 10. Edmonton Oilers; 11. Vegas Golden Knights; 12. Detroit Red Wings; 13. Los Angeles Kings; 14. Nashville Predators; 15. Philadelphia Flyers; 16. Tampa Bay Lightning

BRIAN COMPTON

1. Florida Panthers; 2. New York Rangers; 3. Winnipeg Jets; 4. Boston Bruins; 5. Vancouver Canucks; 6. Carolina Hurricanes; 7. Dallas Stars; 8. Toronto Maple Leafs; 9. Edmonton Oilers; 10. Colorado Avalanche; 11. Detroit Red Wings; 12. Vegas Golden Knights; 13. Nashville Predators; 14. Philadelphia Flyers; 15. Los Angeles Kings; 16. Tampa Bay Lightning

NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA

1. Florida Panthers; 2. Winnipeg Jets; 3. New York Rangers; 4. Boston Bruins; 5. Vancouver Canucks; 6. Dallas Stars; 7. Colorado Avalanche; 8. Carolina Hurricanes; 9. Toronto Maple Leafs; 10. Edmonton Oilers; 11. Vegas Golden Knights; 12. Detroit Red Wings; 13. Los Angeles Kings; 14. Philadelphia Flyers; 15. Tampa Bay Lightning; 16. Nashville Predators

TOM GULITTI

1. Florida Panthers; 2. New York Rangers; 3. Winnipeg Jets; 4. Vancouver Canucks; 5. Boston Bruins; 6. Colorado Avalanche; 7. Dallas Stars; 8. Carolina Hurricanes; 9. Vegas Golden Knights; 10. Toronto Maple Leafs; 11. Detroit Red Wings; 12. Edmonton Oilers; 13. Nashville Predators; 14. Los Angeles Kings; 15. Philadelphia Flyers; 16. Tampa Bay Lightning

ADAM KIMELMAN

1. Vancouver Canucks; 2. Florida Panthers; 3. Winnipeg Jets; 4. New York Rangers; 5. Dallas Stars; 6. Colorado Avalanche; 7. Vegas Golden Knights; 8. Boston Bruins; 9. Edmonton Oilers; 10. Toronto Maple Leafs; 11. Carolina Hurricanes; 12. Philadelphia Flyers; 13. Nashville Predators; 14. Tampa Bay Lightning; 15. Detroit Red Wings; 16. Los Angeles Kings

MIKE G. MORREALE

1. Florida Panthers; 2. New York Rangers; 3. Vancouver Canucks; 4. Winnipeg Jets; 5. Colorado Avalanche; 6. Dallas Stars; 7. Vegas Golden Knights; 8. Carolina Hurricanes; 9. Boston Bruins; 10. Toronto Maple Leafs; 11. Edmonton Oilers; 12. Detroit Red Wings; 13. Tampa Bay Lightning; 14. Philadelphia Flyers; 15. Nashville Predators; 16. Calgary Flames

TRACEY MYERS

1. Vancouver Canucks; 2. Florida Panthers; 3. Boston Bruins; 4. New York Rangers; 5. Winnipeg Jets; 6. Dallas Stars; 7. Colorado Avalanche; 8. Carolina Hurricanes; 9. Toronto Maple Leafs; 10. Vegas Golden Knights; 11. Edmonton Oilers; 12. Detroit Red Wings; 13. Philadelphia Flyers; 14. Tampa Bay Lightning; 15. Nashville Predators; 16. Los Angeles Kings

BILL PRICE

1. Vancouver Canucks; 2. Florida Panthers; 3. New York Rangers; 4. Boston Bruins; 5. Winnipeg Jets; 6. Dallas Stars; 7. Carolina Hurricanes; 8. Colorado Avalanche; 9. Edmonton Oilers; 10. Toronto Maple Leafs; 11. Detroit Red Wings; 12. Vegas Golden Knights; 13. Philadelphia Flyers; 14. Nashville Predators; 15. Los Angeles Kings; 16. Tampa Bay Lightning

SHAWN P. ROARKE

1. Florida Panthers; 2. Colorado Avalanche; 3. Boston Bruins; 4. Vancouver Canucks; 5. Edmonton Oilers; 6. Winnipeg Jets; 7. New York Rangers; 8. Dallas Stars; 9. Carolina Hurricanes; 10. Vegas Golden Knights; 11. Toronto Maple Leafs; 12. Detroit Red Wings; 13. Nashville Predators; 14. Philadelphia Flyers; 15. Tampa Bay Lightning; 16. New Jersey Devils

DAN ROSEN

1. Florida Panthers; 2. New York Rangers; 3. Winnipeg Jets; 4. Vancouver Canucks; 5. Carolina Hurricanes; 6. Toronto Maple Leafs; 7. Detroit Red Wings; 8. Boston Bruins; 9. Colorado Avalanche; 10. Edmonton Oilers; 11. Dallas Stars; 12. Nashville Predators; 13. Vegas Golden Knights; 14. Philadelphia Flyers; 15. Tampa Bay Lightning; 16. Los Angeles Kings

DAVID SATRIANO

1. Florida Panthers; 2. New York Rangers; 3. Vancouver Canucks; 4. Winnipeg Jets; 5. Boston Bruins; 6. Toronto Maple Leafs; 7. Colorado Avalanche; 8. Carolina Hurricanes; 9. Dallas Stars; 10. Detroit Red Wings; 11. Nashville Predators; 12. Vegas Golden Knights; 13. Edmonton Oilers; 14. Tampa Bay Lightning; 15. Los Angeles Kings; 16. Philadelphia Flyers

PAUL STRIZHEVSKY

1. Winnipeg Jets; 2. Florida Panthers; 3. New York Rangers; 4. Boston Bruins; 5. Vancouver Canucks; 6. Carolina Hurricanes; 7. Dallas Stars; 8. Toronto Maple Leafs; 9. Colorado Avalanche; 10. Detroit Red Wings; 11. Edmonton Oilers; 12. Vegas Golden Knights; 13. Los Angeles Kings; 14. Philadelphia Flyers; 15. Nashville Predators; 16. Tampa Bay Lightning

DEREK VAN DIEST

1. Vancouver Canucks; 2. Florida Panthers; 3. New York Rangers; 4. Boston Bruins; 5. Winnipeg Jets; 6. Dallas Stars; 7. Colorado Avalanche; 8. Edmonton Oilers; 9. Detroit Red Wings; 10. Carolina Hurricanes; 11. Vegas Golden Knights; 12. Toronto Maple Leafs; 13. Philadelphia Flyers; 14. Tampa Bay Lightning; 15. Nashville Predators; 16. Los Angeles Kings