5 Teams Keeping Eyes On Bigger Prizes This Season

There have been plenty of rumors this season and there will more than likely be a number of better players traded at points during the season, particularly closer to the trade deadline. But there are young and competitive teams that have space and the desire to upgrade by targeting these types of players that could be on the move.

David Pagnotta said, "I look to Utah, Carolina, Ottawa, Anaheim in a similar position to Montreal. Don't have to strike now...but these are all teams that are keeping their eye on the bigger prizes that may become available."

The Utah Mammoth are 10-7-0, but holding a wildcard spot in a packed race for the playoffs. They started a bit hotter than they have been playing lately, but there's over $5.5 million in cap space and a big need to upgrade the bottom-6 forward group, maybe with a veteran that has a little term.

When healthy, it's tough to see exactly where the Carolina Hurricanes are desperate to upgrade, but they have $10 million in cap space and will be shooting for a high-end player, whoever is available. Carolina is 11-5-0 and have done a great job managing injuries with the next man up. If anything, a center would be on their radar, but the same goes for many teams this season.

Even with Brady Tkachuk and Thomas Chabot back in the lineup, the Ottawa Senators have room to upgrade their forward and defensive groups. They hold a spot in the top-3 of their division and have played better after a rough start. The team has over $3 million to work with and are looking to make it back to the playoffs.

The Anaheim Ducks are a big shock this season, but it doesn't look like they are going to let up too much. The team just snapped a seven-game win streak and are scoring a ton. They have $15 million to spend on upgrades, so the team can get very creative. When a few players are back in the lineup, the Ducks look dangerous already, so a big move could easily be pulled off.

The Montreal Canadiens desperately need a second line center and have for a while. That will be the main target for the team that is first in their division with a record of 10-4-2. The Canadiens have around $7 million in cap space and could upgrade in a spot like the bottom-6 to take Joe Veleno out of the lineup.