Interested Parties: St. Louis, Philadelphia, New York, and Toronto

What he brings to the Dance: Tkachuk is one of the league's premier power forwards. He has just the right mix of aggressiveness and skill (plus he has a nasty mean streak) that makes clubs ignore his $8.5 million salary and history of contract disputes. Any team that picked up Tkachuk would automatically improve their post-season chances. When he's happy, he's among the best players in hockey. 

Long or Short Term Fantasy Potential: Long term, Tkachuk would be a question mark. In today's NHL it seems unlikely that most teams would be able (or even want to) make him a 10% qualifying offer that would guarantee him a contract of almost $9.4 million next season. More than likely any team that picks up the fiesty forward would have to be prepared to let him go, with no compensation or hope that he would sign a long term deal that averages out at less money.  Short term, Tkachuk will thrive. If he's going to be moved it will most likely be to a playoff contender. He will plant himself on the LW of the first line and bang and score. Imagine him on Sundin's left wing, or Pierre Turgeon's, or Keith Primeau's.

Playoff Implications: As long as he doesn't go to the Rangers, Tkachuk's acquisition will throw the cat amongst the proverbial pigeons. If he goes to St. Louis it will again put the Blues at or near the top of the race in the Western Conference. Add him to the Flyers' lineup (and also consider John Leclair's return) and Philadelphia becomes a favourite in the East. And if he's acquired by the Leafs (who then may or may not flip him to the Flyers for Lindros) the Buds become an automatic contender even if they're playing out of the 6th or 7th spot in the Eastern Conference.