With the NHL trade deadline less than a week away, several teams are looking to stock up for the playoffs.

Following the Pittsburgh Penguins' acquisition of Jarome Iginla, the market for impact forwards has shrunk. That market grew smaller on Friday morning when Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman stated that Martin St. Louis was not available via trade.

Speaking with Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, Yzerman explained the organization still views the 37-year-old forward as one of the best players in the league. With the club transitioning through a coaching change, Yzerman believes that St. Louis is beneficial beyond his production on the ice and views him as a key piece in the team's leadership group.

St. Louis is currently playing in the second year of a four-year, $22.5 million contract that carries an annual average value of $5.6 million against the salary cap.

In 33 games this season, St. Louis has registered eight goals and 34 assists for 42 points. He is ranked second in the league in assists and fourth in total points entering competition on Friday night.

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