Faceoff Factor

Trade Rumors From All 30 Teams

Michael Farkas | Transactions & Rumors

Feb 19, 02:31 AM | Hype this story!

One week to go until what many believe to be the “Christmas” of the hockey season. As general managers around the league try to squeeze out that one more game of evaluation before they pull the trigger on a “sell” deal. As agents vehemently deny their clients’ will waive their no-trade clauses. And as fans of historically awful trade deadline teams bite their nails down to their knuckles. We collectively wait.

To tide over our increasing starved appetites, I’ll take one wide-scale look across the league to try to gauge the latest. All 30 teams in this trade rumor segment.

First of all, it seems like finally the Peter Forsberg saga is over. Looks like Forsberg will not return to the NHL this season after all.

Update: The Montreal Canadiens have acquired center Olivier Latendresse from the Phoenix Coyotes for an unknown asset.

Anaheim Ducks

- The Ducks have been tied to UFA winger Marian Hossa.
Analysis: It seems unlikely the Ducks can fit the remainder of Hossa’s $6 million salary under their cap ($1,283,422).

- Brian Burke has said that Edmonton’s first round pick is in play for a rental only if the Oilers do not finish in the bottom seven of the NHL. He did not rule it out as part of a “hockey deal.”
Analysis: This seems fair. Burke said that he feels there is a separation between the top 7 prospects and the rest. If the Oilers should somehow drag themselves out of the NHL basement, the Ducks will likely have the highest first round pick to move for a rental, and therefore an advantage.

Atlanta Thrashers

- In case you just woke up from a yearlong slumber, Marian Hossa is on the block.
Analysis: The Thrashers still want to make the playoffs this year, Waddell wants players back that will help out this season.

Boston Bruins

- The Boston Bruins apparently have interest in Marian Hossa.
Analysis: Why? The only way this makes sense is if the Bruins and Hossa come to terms on a long-term deal before the trade. Otherwise, giving Kessel + + + would be a high price to pay for a rental on a team that probably won’t make the playoffs.

- Stanislav Chistov may be looking to return to the NHL after leaving his Russian Super League team.
Analysis: The Bruins still own his rights, but Peter Chiarelli says there’s no place on the team for the former first round pick. Perhaps Chistov’s rights are thrown into a deal somewhere along the line.

Buffalo Sabres

- The Buffalo Sabres appear poised (if they have not done so already) to offer defenseman Brian Campbell a long-term contract. It has been thought to be in the six-year, $40 million range.
Analysis: That’s a lot for a guy that wanted five years, $25 million just a short time ago (sound familiar, ahem, Briere). I think that’s a handcuffing move for Buffalo, they might be better off moving him if that’s the price.

- Maxim Afinogenov, Tim Connolly, Dmitri Kalinin and Ales Kotalik may be among other players on the block for Buffalo.
Analysis: Between being injury prone and/or inconsistent, the aforementioned players do not have the greatest trade value in the world. However, they will all generate some interest around the league if they all are, in fact, up for grabs.

Calgary Flames

- The Flames have some tough choices to make, with not just UFA’s Kristian Huselius and Daymond Langkow but also Alex Tanguay (who has 1 year left on his contract) who has been shopped around.
Analysis: I don’t know what the Flames prepare to do, you don’t really make the playoffs by selling, but you don’t like the idea of maybe losing key pieces for nothing either. A blockbuster that brings back a former Mike Keenan player in Olli Jokinen in exchange for one of that he threw away years ago in Kristian Huselius (with obviously much, much more from Calgary’s end)? Yeah, I don’t think that’s happening either.

Carolina Hurricanes

- According to a source close to the Hurricanes, they may not be done dealing. They may be after a center to replace their fallen captain.
Analysis: I think I pack it in for next year if I’m Carolina, don’t blow up the team, but I wouldn’t exactly make a strong push for the playoffs without a player like Brind’Amour.

Chicago Blackhawks

- The Blackhawks may be buyers at the deadline for the first time in a while. Under that disguise, GM Dale Tallon may be looking to ship off pricey winger Martin Havlat (reportedly to New Jersey) and pricier goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin (reportedly in a deal that nets Wade Redden).
Analysis: Havlat to the Devils may be a good fit, to further that, Havlat and Devils winger Patrik Elias have been long time best friends. Khabibulin has been rumored to Ottawa for a little while now because of his playoff experience. The Hawks were to get back Redden and disgruntled/disappointing goaltender Ray Emery. However, Redden has already shot down those hopes by refusing to waive his no-trade clause.

- The Blackhawks are looking to add a veteran puck-moving defenseman at the deadline. Dan Boyle, Brian Campbell and Mathieu Schneider have all been names attached to Chicago.
Analysis: The Hawks have been after this for a while now, I think they might wait until free agency if they can’t find a good deal right now. Specifically one that includes Tuomo Ruutu, he appears to be one piece of the puzzle Chicago can do without.

- Tallon may be testing the “value” waters on defensemen Andrei Zyuzin, James Wisniewski and former third overall pick Cam Barker.
Analysis: Barker’s stock has been dropping apparently. I’d be curious to see what he gets back in a trade if it ever happens.

Colorado Avalanche

- Teams may be after winger Andrew Brunette according to Denver Post’s Adrian Dater.
Analysis: Probably.

- Colorado defensemen Kurt Sauer and/or Jeff Finger may be available if the Avs can upgrade their blueline.
Analysis: Not a lot to work with so far on these Colorado rumors, I’ll just nod and smile.

Columbus Blue Jackets

- Rumors have circulated that the Blue Jackets may move defenseman Ron Hainsey while his value is high.
Analysis: I don’t think so, he’s been impressive this year for Columbus, I see no reason to move him.

- Sergei Fedorov may be in some demand at the deadline as he recovers from a concussion.
Analysis: He’s a veteran, smooth-skater and can play forward or defense. On top of that, he’s a UFA on July 1st, sounds like a deadline mover to me.

- With a downturn in David Vyborny’s play this season and GM Scott Howson’s lack of interest in talking extension, a Vyborny trade is not out of the question.
Analysis: That sounds about right, although it may be the last we see of Vyborny in the NHL.

Dallas Stars

- The Stars are looking to add scoring to their lineup and may have Marian Hossa in their sights.
Analysis: The Stars could use some top flight scoring to compliment their defensive-minded team. They could make a very competitive package for him too.

Detroit Red Wings

- The Red Wings have been tied to Marian Hossa.
Analysis: Not a single trade deadline goes by that the biggest prize on the block isn’t on Detroit’s radar. I think the Wings might go a little more conservative this time around. Hossa might cost the Wings some parts that they would rather keep.

- The Wings may be in the market for defenseman. They recently heavily scouted a Kings/Blues game.
Analysis: Brad Stuart, Jaroslav Modry, Barrett Jackman and Bryce Salvador may be on the Wings radar if that’s the case. Rob Blake’s refusal to waive his no-trade clause removes him from the list.

- Detroit may be interested in bringing back a familiar face, Sergei Fedorov.
Analysis: Like I said in the Columbus section, he’s seems like a perfectly reasonable player to be moved.

Edmonton Oilers

- The Oilers may be looking to “test drive” some rentals that fit the role of goal scorers. Among them, Michael Ryder.
Analysis: Michael Ryder has been horrible this year and might fit right in with Edmonton.

- The Oilers may be shopping any number of players at the deadline, including center Jarret Stoll and defenseman Joni Pitkanen.
Analysis: The Oilers are probably prone to getting their players poached via offer sheet. If they feel a long contract negotiation coming on, they might be better served to just trade that player because Kevin Lowe is a marked man.

Florida Panthers

- The Panthers may be open to the trading of Olli Jokinen because the return for him would be so high since his contract is very reasonable and he’s not a rental.
Analysis: The return for Jokinen would be astronomical and the amount of teams interested would create a bidding war. It would be a rare blockbuster if Jokinen is moved.

- Defenseman Jassen Cullimore may be available.
Analysis: He makes $535,000 and is a UFA at the end of the year, he’s low risk, but the reward is pretty low too. He could be used as a 7th defenseman on a team that needs a little “just in case” depth.

- Florida may be trying to unload center Jozef Stumpel and winger Radek Dvorak.
Analysis: The interest was already pretty low and now that they are both injured, I’m not sure I see a deal for either of them.

Los Angeles Kings

- Rob Blake wants to stay in Los Angeles and will likely refuse to waive his no-trade clause.
Analysis: Prepare to be booed.

- This team has plenty of “rentals” available, Brad Stuart, Ladislav Nagy (injured), Jaroslav Modry, Kyle Calder and so on are all available it seems.
Analysis: The Kings might get the record for most picks in a draft year at this rate.

- In addition, the Kings are listening to offers for forward Michael Cammalleri.
Analysis: Similar to Canadiens’ winger Michael Ryder and Wild forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard, the Kings are a little unhappy with how contract talks have gone and may be looking to shop him in effort to get some cost certainty in future years.

Minnesota Wild

- Minnesota lost out on the Forsberg race and it seems that GM Doug Risebrough’s very conservative stance may keep the Wild quiet at the deadline again.
Analysis: This may sound odd, but I think if Minnesota does anything it’s a blockbuster that sends off Pierre-Marc Bouchard for a big time center like Olli Jokinen. But that’s a 1,000-to-1 longshot.

Montreal Canadiens

- The Montreal Canadiens appear to making a strong effort for Thrahers winger Marian Hossa.
Analysis: Sounds about right, they have some of the best prospects/youngsters in the league and could possibly spare some for a run at Hossa.

- Failing that, the Canadiens may inquire about oft-injured Blackhawks winger Martin Havlat.
Analysis: He’s signed on for $6 million next season, I’m not so sure that fits the Habs plans.

Nashville Predators

- The Predators may be interested in acquiring a scoring forward, but would be content to sit tight through the deadline.
Analysis: Who would have thought the Preds would be where they are now after that little firesale this offseason? Either way, the Preds will play it close to the vest this deadline.

New Jersey Devils

- The Devils may be looking for a center to relieve Patrik Elias, Zach Parise and underachieving Travis Zajac. They have been tied to Robert Lang from Chicago.
Analysis: Lou Lamoriello always makes some sort of tweak to the team before the playoffs, but he’s notoriously tight-lipped about trades and this year will be no exception.

- The Devils have recently been tied to Blue Jackets center Manny Malhotra.
Analysis: Yeah, I don’t care either.

- New Jersey has been carrying extra defensemen for most of the season and may use of them as trade bait at the deadline.
Analysis: Johnny Oduya and Andy Greene’s names have been mentioned the most from what I gather. They have also been reported to be interested in John-Michael Liles from Colorado and Joni Pitkanen from Edmonton.

- The Devils may use winger Brian Gionta to upgrade the team’s forwards.
Analysis: Perhaps, but Gionta’s value is probably at its lowest right now and he stuck around while Lou was doing some housekeeping back when the Devils had serious cap problems.

New York Islanders

- Islanders gritty winger Trent Hunter may be available at the deadline.
Analysis: His age, grittiness and right-handedness make him a fairly coveted prize at the deadline. However, the Islanders are winning again, hopefully Snow doesn’t try to become a buyer at the deadline again.

- The Islanders have a number of UFA’s coming up this summer, including Mike Comrie and Ruslan Fedotenko. If the Isles get back to losing, they may be moved, along with a few others perhaps.
Analysis: I said in a previous piece that the worst thing that could happen is that the Isles get on an eight game winning streak. They’re halfway there. Hopefully Snow isn’t nearly as foolish this time around. Sell, Isles, sell.

- Update: It has been speculated that the Toronto Maple Leafs have offered defenseman Bryan McCabe and winger Jason Blake to the Islanders, but the return that GM Cliff Fletcher wanted was too high.
Analysis: If true, this is very interesting. Why would the Islanders get two overpaid, former players back in the same trade? This seems too ridiculous to be true, but it’s the Leafs and Isles, so anything is possible I suppose.

New York Rangers

- The Rangers are actively shopping big defenseman Marek Malik.
Analysis: Nothing says “we want you gone” like “hey, we cleaned out your locker for you already.”

- The Rangers have been brought up as a team interested in Dan Boyle.
Analysis: Whatever the Rangers will do is a mystery to me, they have not been playing that well, they have a ton of veterans that are about to become unrestricted, I don’t know what Sather is going to do, I can’t even give an educated guess, so I won’t.

- GM Glen Sather may be trying to bring Bobby Holik back into fold from Atlanta.
Analysis: Like I said, I just don’t get it. I say go for it, what’s the worse that could happen, you miss the playoffs for seven years in a row?

- Agitating winger Sean Avery is reportedly asking for a four year, $12 million deal.
Analysis: 20 points in 36 games so far this season plus the intangibles that he brings to the team, it doesn’t sound too unreasonable. That said, I’m not sure if the Rangers have room for that. He’s a fan favorite, like Darcy Tucker, I think he’ll stay.

Ottawa Senators

- Apparently the Senators are one of the frontrunners for Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle.
Analysis: Why? You just traded Joe Corvo about 15 minutes ago, what happened?

- Forwards Antoine Vermette and Chris Kelly may be on the block for some more “now” help.
Analysis: It seems Vermette and Eaves were available for the longest time. Eaves was finally move and it seems likely that Vermette and/or Kelly (RFA and UFA respectively) are moved at the deadline as the Sens make a push for the Cup.

- The Senators are still looking for scoring depth and a player to man the point on the power play.
Analysis: They have been tied to a lot of players, including Vaclav Prospal, Ryan Malone, Radim Vrbata, Bryce Salvador and many more.

Philadelphia Flyers

- The Flyers are interested in a scoring winger and a puck-moving defenseman that is solid in his own end. Tampa Bay’s Vaclav Prospal and Dan Boyle (not the best in his own end) have been linked to Philadelphia.
Analysis: Ravaged by injuries, the Flyers are sinking fast. However, number one on the to-do list is getting Jim Vandermeer out of the lineup.

Phoenix Coyotes

- The Coyotes may look to add some secondary scoring, but, from within, not through trade. They may try to coax recent first round pick Kyle Turris out of the University of Wisconsin.
Analysis: Turris is a little undersized to make the jump and have a significant at this time I believe. A couple years of college hockey would do wonders for him and the Coyotes should not be in any rush.

Pittsburgh Penguins

- The Penguins may be interested in helping the Leafs out by taking 6’7” defenseman Hal Gill off their hands.
Analysis: Hal Gill has improved slightly this year, I’ll grant him that much. He still can’t skate though; I think the Penguins could do better.

- The Penguins, as usual, are after a scoring winger and defensive defenseman. Ray Shero, very conservative in his moves and signings, likely will not target a headliner.
Analysis: Shero isn’t going to go after a big name like Hossa or Sundin or anyone like that. The biggest names the Pens are probably looking into are Barrett Jackman and Kristian Huselius.

San Jose Sharks

- The Sharks are yet another team that have been brought up in the Marian Hossa sweepstakes.
Analysis: The Sharks wouldn’t mind adding a big scorer to go with Joe Thornton who seems to be handling the offense of the team all on his own this year.

- There have been rumors that perhaps defenseman Christian Ehrhoff is available at the right price.
Analysis: That’s probably not a good idea from San Jose’s end unless the return is very significant.

- The Sharks have been tied to both Brian Campbell and Dan Boyle.
Analysis: The Sharks do need a puck-moving d-man, I think they could make a good offer to Buffalo especially.

- Patrick Marleau and Matt Carle are reportedly available from San Jose as well.
Analysis: Apparently it was Carle and a first round pick to Ottawa for Wade Redden before Redden nixed it. Marleau’s no-trade clause kicks in this summer, so if they are moving him while his value is low, they better hurry.

St. Louis Blues

- The St. Louis Blues are still looking to move a defenseman. The most likely to go is soon-to-be unrestricted free agent Barrett Jackman
Analysis: Jackman has rejected a contract offer recently from St. Louis and seems like a lock to be dealt at the deadline. The Pittsburgh Penguins may be hot on his trail; former Nashville assistant GM Ray Shero knows Jackman’s game well.

Tampa Bay Lightning

- Al Strachan mentioned on Hockey Night in Canada that Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier will seek a trade this summer.
Analysis: This claim has been refuted since, but the Lightning will probably move a big salary player in the summer. Lecavalier does not have a no-trade clause. Probably the first attempted move would be Brad Richards, but Lecavalier rumors always seem to come around at one point or another.

- At the GM meetings taking place in Florida, it has been reported that Lightning GM Jay Feaster is actively shopping highly paid center Brad Richards.
Analysis: Richards’ $7.8 million per year contract and no-trade clause are certainly deterrents. However, with new ownership in Tampa, Feaster may get desperate.

- Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle has made his demands: 8 years, $52 million ($6.5 mil per year) is what he is seeking.
Analysis: He’s gone. He has 9 points in 14 games this season (freak injury), he’ll be 32 at the start of next season, he’s not exactly a defensive mastermind. I feel bad for any team that pays that price. If only Toronto didn’t make so many mistakes already.

- Forward Vaclav Prospal is as good as gone from the Lightning, highest bidder takes him home.
Analysis: Apparently the Lightning and Prospal are not close on a contract extension and Prospal recently had it out with head coach John Tortorella. He could be valuable scoring depth for a playoff team.

Toronto Maple Leafs

- Despite rumors to the contrary, defenseman Tomas Kaberle will likely remain with the Leafs past the February 26th deadline. His agent has stated that he will not waive his no-trade clause.
Analysis: Kaberle is a top-ten defenseman in the NHL and his return would be very high. However, he would be a crucial piece for the Leafs to build around. If the Leafs don’t make the playoffs, Kaberle’s no-trade clause becomes void this summer.
Edit: Bob McKenzie suggests that this may be the case only if Toronto misses the playoffs next season, not this season.

- It seems that virtually everyone (and I mean everyone, from Ponikarovsky, to Stajan to White) on the Leafs is available. The only exceptions appear to be: Tomas Kaberle, Vesa Toskala, Nikolai Kulemin, Jiri Tlusty and Anton Stralman
Analysis: Alex Steen may be part of that list as well, but this makes sense, if there’s one team that needs to blow things up and start over, it’s Toronto.

Vancouver Canucks

- The Canucks, as always, are looking to add scoring depth to their lineup. They may be using defenseman Luc Bourdon, a player that has been asked about quite frequently, as trade bait if the return is high enough.
Analysis: The Canucks injury woes on D are starting to subside slowly. I have to believe that if the price is right for Bourdon the Canucks will take the offer. Especially given the fact that virtually untouchable defenseman Alexander Edler has stepped up big time for Vancouver.

Washington Capitals

- It was reported that the Capitals were scouting San Jose defenseman Matt Carle. It has also been widely speculated that dog-housed defenseman Steve Eminger may be on the move.
Analysis: Eminger is gone if the Caps can find someone to take him, fans have been pretty much outraged with his play this year and I’m quite sure coaching/management has noticed too. He wouldn’t warrant bringing back Carle though. The Caps will stay quiet through the deadline, allow for a minor deal or two at most.

Stay tuned to see how this plays out, live coverage of the NHL trade deadline through its duration here on Faceoff Factor.