Kevin Allen

USA TODAY Sports

Sabres%27 high-profile free agents include Ryan Miller%2C Matt Moulson and Steve Ott

Flames have forwards who could be enticing to other teams

Thomas Vanek is a free agent%2C but Islanders would want a steep return

With seven weeks to go before the March 5 NHL trade deadline, USA TODAY Sports columnist Kevin Allen looks at seven teams that might feed the marketplace:

Buffalo Sabres

Player to watch: Matt Moulson

Tim Murray was hired as general manager last week, and one of his first tasks will be to decide what to do with his large collection of would-be free agents.

The high-profile group includes goalie Ryan Miller, winger Moulson and center Steve Ott.

Miller is the biggest name, but the market for him is limited because not many teams are looking for a goalie. The St. Louis Blues might be interested.

Several contenders would be interested in Moulson, because scorers are in short supply. Ott is attractive because his feistiness could come in handy during a playoff series.

But Murray could try to re-sign Moulson, Miller or Ott.

Other potential free agents: Zenon Konopka, Henrik Tallinder (injured reserve), John Scott, Cody McCormick, Kevin Porter, Matt D' Agostini

Calgary Flames

Player to watch: Mike Cammalleri

Team president of hockey operations and interim general manager Brian Burke is expected to try to sign some of his nine potential free agents. But he also wants to strengthen the team's prospect list and might move veterans so he could stockpile young players.

The Flames have cap space available, and Burke might take a veteran player back from a team trying to create some cap space, provided a team is willing to pay a premium to do that.

Cammalleri's speed and scoring ability make him attractive, though he'll first have to recover from his concussion. Teams also would be interested in Lee Stempniak to fill a scoring need. Veteran Matt Stajan will also have suitors if he is available.

Other free agents: Kris Russell, Chris Butler, Kevin Westgarth, Blair Jones and Derek Smith

Edmonton Oilers

Player to watch: Ales Hemsky

Hemsky might be the longest-standing trade rumor in NHL history, almost from the moment he arrived in Edmonton. He is a highly skilled player and could provide a boost to any offense.

Veteran Nick Schultz could be attractive for a team looking to solidify its defense.

The Oilers probably would be open to a major trade, but a team trying to acquire Sam Gagner or Nail Yakupov would need to submit a significant offer. It doesn't seem likely that a team would do that during the season.

Other free agents: Anton Belov, Corey Potter, Ryan Smyth and Ryan Jones

Nashville Predators

Player to watch: David Legwand

If the Predators are out of the race in early March, most contenders will be calling about Legwand. He will be an unrestricted free agent but has a no-trade clause. This is an interesting case because He was Nashville's first draft pick and been with the Predators his whole career.

Legwand is a strong skater, and could be a good fit for a contending team as a No. 2 or even a No. 3 center. He has never quite lived up to potential, but he has played well in the playoffs, registering 28 points in 47 games.

Other free agents: Carter Hutton

New York Islanders

Player to watch: Thomas Vanek

Imagine Vanek playing with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings or Blues. He has 31 points in 32 games for the Islanders. But he has the potential to be even more productive on a better team.

The Islanders paid a big price (a first-round pick, a second-rounder and Moulson) for Vanek and would want a major return.

Other free agents: Evgeni Nabokov, Andrew McDonald

Winnipeg Jets

Player to watch: Dustin Byfuglien

The Jets just changed coaches and also appear in need of a roster shake-up. But it's unknown if general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will make a major move now or in the offseason.

There is a league-wide romance with Byfuglien's potential as an offensive force. Plenty of general managers would be interested in his big slap shot.

He has two years left on a contract paying him $5.2 million a year, but the Jets can move him if they desire. They could get a strong return, probably a package of players and draft picks.

Potential free agents Olli Jokinen and Devin Setoguchi easily could be moved. Defenseman Mark Stuart also could be moved to a team looking for depth on its blue line.

Other free agents: Chris Thorburn

Florida Panthers

Player to watch: Dmitry Kulikov

The Panthers have the potential to help a contender up front and on the blue line. Brad Boyes could be a rental forward, and Tom Gilbert and Mike Weaver could be available for teams seeking defensive help.

Kulikov is a restricted free agent, but the fact that he has not yet re-signed opens up the possibility that he could be dealt. Since early in the season, there has been speculation that the Russian defenseman might play in the Kontinental Hockey League.

Other free agents: Tim Thomas