Coyotes' Hanzal boosts trade value with 2-goal effort in win over Penguins

Martin Hanzal, so hot right now.

And at just the right time for the Arizona Coyotes to boot.

The hulking center recorded his second multi-goal game of the season in a win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, elevating his total to 12.

Hanzal also dished out four hits, blocked a few shots, fired three shots on goal and won 16 faceoffs, and on top of all that, the effort exuded on the second goal offered ample evidence as to why he's seen as a top candidate to be traded prior to the NHL's March 1 deadline.

The 29-year-old was named the game's first star in the eventual 4-3 overtime win.

Hanzal, who's only ever played for the Coyotes after being drafted 17th overall by the club in 2005, happens to be playing some of the best hockey of his career as his contract is set to expire at season's end, making him an attractive asset for teams looking to add depth at center for a playoff run.

Hanzal is averaging 0.27 goals per game through 44 appearances this season, an ever-so-slightly greater rate of success than when he scored a career-high 16 goals in 61 games back in 2010-11. Over an 82 game schedule this season, he's on pace to record 22 goals, but won't hit that mark due to missing some games along the way.

While his assists are way down, that's more a result of Arizona's 29th-ranked goals for per game than a reflection of his skill set.

Back in 2015, the Coyotes were able to trade Antoine Vermette to Chicago for a first-round draft pick defensive prospect Klas Dahlbeck. A similar package in exchange for Hanzal, especially in a seller's market, can certainly be demanded by Coyotes general manager John Chayka.

Arizona is set to play nine games prior to the trade deadline, and any one could be Hanzal's last in the desert, because he's sure to be moved, and for a handsome price.