With less than three weeks left before the NHL trade deadline, here are the teams that most need to swing a deal:

New York Islanders: As the NHL’s No. 1 defensive team, the Islanders can ponder the possibility of an extended run in the postseason. The Islanders showed last season in the bubble that they can be hard to play against. With strong goaltending and coach Barry Trotz’s stingy defensive scheme, they are built for the playoffs. But GM Lou Lamoriello knows they have to find some goals to replace injured Anders Lee’s production. Taylor Hall is a possibility, but Rickard Rakell might be the better fit. With Lee, the Islanders ranked No. 17 in offense. Rakell can help keep them there.

Philadelphia Flyers: If the Flyers don’t find some momentum, they are not going to make the playoffs. They need to be involved in the Mattias Ekholm sweepstakes. The Flyers also apparently have interest in Nashville forward Viktor Arvidsson. If they don’t land Ekholm, the Flyers have to find another defenseman.

Columbus Blue Jackets: The feisty Blue Jackets have clawed back into the Central Division race. They need a top six center and Eric Staal is the name I’m hearing. The Carolina Hurricanes are also said to be interested in reacquiring Staal.

Montreal Canadiens: With the Canadiens now in a scrap to qualify for the playoffs, there is considerable pressure for general manager Marc Bergevin to make a trade that would spice up the lineup. The Habs need a defenseman, preferably a puck mover, plus a veteran center. St. Louis defenseman Vince Dunn might be an acquisition target, and Buffalo’s Cody Eakin might be a possibility at center. He’s a 57.3% in the faceoff circle this season.

Calgary Flames: GM Brad Treliving needs defensive help, and he should be among those bidding on Ekholm. Arizona’s Alex Goligoski might also be on the radar. You hear lots of discussion about Johnny Gaudreau being traded, but that seems more like a deal you make in the summer.

Edmonton Oilers: If Detroit goalie Jonathan Bernier comes back from injury before the trade deadline, don’t be shocked if GM Ken Holland makes a move to acquire him.

Boston Bruins: The Bruins need 5-on-5 scoring help and that means they will talk about Hall, Rakell and Arvidsson up front, and perhaps Goligoski or Ekholm on defense.

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