NHL Trade Speculation: 8 Teams That Will Blow Up Their Roster at the Deadline

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We're now about a month away from the NHL trade deadline. As speculation reaches an all-time high, teams are beginning to position themselves for all of the madness that is about to ensue.

While some teams will go on a late-season shopping spree, a number of other teams will have the unfortunate distinction of being sellers as they trade away some of their pieces in an attempt to rebuild for the future.

Here are eight that are looking like they will blow up their roster come February.

Columbus Blue Jackets

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This has been a downright pitiful season for the Columbus Blue Jackets. After acquiring Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski, things were looking bright in Ohio.

However, it all came crashing down once the season started. Now, a number of notable players such as Jeff Carter and Rick Nash have come up in trade rumors. 

There are definitely necessary changes that need to take place within this organization so management should and likely will move swiftly. 

Buffalo Sabres

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The Buffalo Sabres have stuck with the same core long enough. It's already been proved that these are not the guys who will get it done for Buffalo.

It's time to finally shake things up. Things were suppose to be different with Terry Pegula in charge, but it's the same old mediocre product on the ice. 

Players such as Derek Roy, Drew Stafford and Ryan Miller have all been linked to trade talk. Additionally, Sabres fans have been urging the brass to do something. 

Carolina Hurricanes

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After seeming to make strides last season, the Carolina Hurricanes have taken a major step back in their development.

The Canes narrowly missed the playoffs a season ago, but this season they are fighting for the last spot in the Eastern Conference. 

Some pieces have already been moved with players such as Eric Staal, Tuomo Ruutu and Tim Gleason involved in trade rumors.

Many suspect the Canes will be active leading up to the deadline. 

Anaheim Ducks

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The Anaheim Ducks have had a very tumultuous season. They've already reached rock bottom, had their head coach fired and were recently in the midst of a substantial winning streak.

A number of their players have come up in trade rumors with the most notable being Bobby Ryan, while other players such as Teemu Selanne have also been tossed around in the trade rumor mill.

This franchise isn't accustomed to struggling, so if the team hits another rough patch leading up to the deadline, big moves could lie ahead.

Phoenix Coyotes

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The Phoenix Coyotes have done the best they can given their ownership (or lack thereof) issues. Even if the team were performing better, it may still be looking to cut payroll to make a potential sale more likely.

Though the team was able to sign Keith Yandle to a long-term extension, others may soon find themselves packing up from Phoenix.

Montreal Canadiens

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The Montreal Canadiens have not been performing to par and, in Quebec, that is unacceptable. The Habs have a great, young core but need to trim away the fat a bit.

Mike Cammalleri's departure may just be the beginning of players on the move in Montreal. If at all possible, the team would love to trade away Scott Gomez and his massive salary.

The team also needs to clear money to sign P.K. Subban and Carey Price to long-term extensions. 

New York Islanders

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The New York Islanders have an excellent core of players to build around, but they'll be looking to deal away those who don't fit into the long-term plans.

Rather than a full-fledged roster blowup, the team will be looking to drop a little bit of dead weight. 

Islanders fans, be patient. With a couple more well-thought-out moves and a bit of maturing, this team will once again be in the Stanley Cup mix.

Edmonton Oilers

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A team in a similar situation to the New York Islanders is the Edmonton Oilers. At the beginning of the season, this team showed what it can do. Now, the Oilers just need to be able to sustain it and show consistency.

The Oilers' veteran players have been in the midst of trade rumors. The most notable has been Ales Hemsky. 

Look for Edmonton to make a few well-thought-out trades, but nothing drastic that will reshape its bright future.