The lead-up to this year's NHL trade deadline is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years, with no shortage of star power potentially on the block ahead of March 21.

Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller was originally expected to be one of the best players available, but it now appears the team is reluctant to trade him.

We took both talent and likelihood of being traded into account when determining the list. With that in mind, here are our top players who could be sent packing before the deadline:

1. Claude Giroux

Giroux has a no-move clause but has yet to sit down with Philadelphia Flyers management to discuss his plans. However, if both sides agree to send him elsewhere, no one will be more in demand than the 15-year veteran.

The Canadian center is still producing at an impressive rate despite his age and lackluster team. Giroux's range of skills and wealth of experience would make him the top target before March 21 if he hits the market, which appears more likely than not despite his career-long tenure with Philadelphia.

2. Jakob Chychrun

It's rare to see a young player with this much term at such a reasonable rate as a trade candidate, but this is the Arizona Coyotes we're talking about. It would take a hefty package to land Chychrun, but he'd be well worth it.

The left-shot blue-liner, who'll turn 24 on March 31, is having a down season production-wise, but don't be fooled by his point total for the moribund Coyotes. The potential best rearguard available would be a major acquisition and he hasn't even entered his prime yet.

3. Marc-Andre Fleury

Fleury has a 10-team no-trade list, but that shouldn't prevent the Chicago Blackhawks from moving him if that's what both sides want. Of course, that's the big question. His cap hit might make a deal more complicated unless his current club retains some of it, and there are several contenders who could use more stability and experience in the crease.

4. Tomas Hertl

It's not yet clear if Hertl will be moved, and he said on March 1 that contract talks were "positive." However, if the San Jose Sharks are unable to re-sign him in time for the frenzy, Hertl could be the best skater on the board. He's in this spot on the list because unlike the players above him, it seems a bit more plausible he'll stay with his current squad.

The Czech center is close to matching his career-high goals per game rate he set in 2018-19. While he may only have a couple more seasons of high-level play before he starts to decline, the 2012 first-round pick would significantly bolster an acquiring team's forward group.

5. Ben Chiarot

The Montreal Canadiens' new regime has already started dealing and clearly isn't done. Chiarot is the most likely to be traded among those still on the Habs' roster. The right-shot rearguard can play on the first pairing at five-on-five, the power play, and the penalty kill. He can score, too, and all of these strengths will undoubtedly intrigue teams with postseason aspirations.

6. John Klingberg

Another right-shot blue-liner who could be highly coveted plays in the Lone Star State. There's been radio silence on the Klingberg contract extension front, which could either be encouraging or concerning for the Dallas Stars. The Swede's not having his best season, but his abilities and reasonable cap hit would help attract cap-constrained clubs.

7. Jake DeBrusk

DeBrusk isn't the most talented forward on the market, but the Boston Bruins winger is one of the most likely to be dealt considering he's been on the block for months.

His agent said in November he asked for a trade. Then in early March, it was reported they informed teams of their willingness to work on an extension to facilitate a swap. The Edmonton-born forward has been playing on the Bruins' top line and Boston could be showcasing him. Regardless, he's produced at an impressive clip.

8. Mark Giordano

It's safe to assume no team has ever traded its captain before its inaugural campaign is even over, but it would make sense for the struggling Seattle Kraken to send Giordano to a contender. There would be plenty of suitors for the seasoned vet.

9. Alexandar Georgiev

This isn't Georgiev's first rodeo on the trade block for the New York Rangers. The career backup isn't going to get regular starts given the way Hart Trophy candidate Igor Shesterkin's been playing. The club would be better served with a more weathered No. 2 netminder, and Georgiev deserves a chance to carve out more crease time with another squad.

10. Justin Braun

Giroux's future remains unclear, but if the Flyers trade anyone, they'll clearly look to deal Braun. His extremely team-friendly cap hit and experience will grab attention, and this rebuilding squad would be wise to capitalize on that.

11. Phil Kessel

Kessel's cap hit isn't ideal for an acquiring team, but the Coyotes have plenty of space to retain a portion of his contract. The veteran has a modified no-trade clause (he can submit a list of eight teams to which he'd approve a deal), so that complicates things further, but Kessel still has some gas left in the tank and could provide a contender with scoring depth.

12. Brandon Hagel

Casual fans might be asking, "who?" But the Blackhawks will get calls on Hagel for several reasons. The winger's age, cheap cap hit, and the fact he's under team control for another two seasons after this one will ensure he generates interest, and it helps he's playing better than most expected in his second full season.

13. Rickard Rakell

The Anaheim Ducks' trade deadline strategy remains to be seen, and that's understandable considering they're in the playoff hunt. General manager Pat Verbeek is intent on getting something for a trio of his pending UFAs if he can't re-sign them. Rakell would be the most coveted of the group despite diminished production ever since he peaked in 2017-18.

14. Braden Holtby

Holtby has proven himself while splitting time with Jake Oettinger in his 10th full season. That may be partly due to the Dallas Stars' defensive system, but Holtby would be a solid addition for those seeking goaltending help if his current squad fades from playoff contention.

15. Hampus Lindholm

The Ducks have another important decision with Lindholm, a capable blue-liner who could play a key role on another team's defensive corps if Verbeek looks to move on from him.

16. Andrew Copp

Copp is one of the more intriguing players on the lower end of the list. The American can play on the wing or down the middle. Copp has clicked with a variety of linemates for the Winnipeg Jets and he's on pace for a career season points-wise.

17. Artturi Lehkonen

Lehkonen is another Hab who should generate some interest. He's not a pending UFA, but he will be 27 this summer, so the solid two-way forward may not factor into the club's long-term plans. Lehkonen's underlying numbers are more than favorable this season, which is impressive considering how poor his team played until its February head coaching change.

18. Max Domi

The Columbus Blue Jackets are well back of fourth place in their division, so it's looking more likely they'll be sellers. Patrik Laine has been on fire for a prolonged stretch, is a pending RFA, and is soon to be just 24 years old. As a result, Domi is a far more likely candidate to be moved. Teams in need of a center with some experience who can also play the wing may view him as an option.

19. Nick Leddy

Speaking of experience, Leddy has that in spades. The left-shot blue-liner has suited up for over 800 games, won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2013, and has played in four conference finals. The Detroit Red Wings surely want to get younger or stockpile assets, and Leddy could help them do that.

20. Nick Paul

Do the Senators trade Paul - an under-30 pending UFA - at the deadline to ensure they get something for him if he doesn't re-sign, or keep him and risk losing him for nothing in the summer? If the Sens opt for the former, he could help another team as a depth forward.

(Salary source: CapFriendly)

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