NHL Trade Rumors: What's on the Deadline Wish List for Each Team?

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We are just weeks away from the National Hockey League trade deadline, so the hot stove is heating up to the point of boiling over.

As the time to make a move shrinks, every team has been in the midst of at least a few rumors.

Every team also has a plan to improve its roster, whether the team is a contender this season or building for the future.

Here is what is on the deadline wish list for each team in the NHL.

Anaheim Ducks: A Goalie

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Although he's improved since the start of the season, Jonas Hiller hasn't exactly been dazzling in net. With Hiller getting the majority of the starts, the Ducks rank in the bottom third in goals-against average.

The Ducks, like a lot of teams, are not ready to mortgage this season just yet, but they could benefit both in the short term and down the road by acquiring another netminder.

Even if there are no big-name goalies to be had, they may look to acquire a prospect if they do end up moving one of their bigger names.

Boston Bruins: Depth at Forward

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The Boston Bruins appear to be positioned for another deep playoff run. They should need nothing more than some fine-tuning and minor tweaking.

Look for them to target a forward to add some depth. A versatile role player would mesh well. Maybe a Ryan Malone-type would be a nice fit.

Buffalo Sabres: A Scorer

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The Buffalo Sabres have been playing much better of late, which may, in fact, change their trade strategy. The biggest way to impact the roster would be to acquire a top-six forward with a knack for burying the puck.

The Sabres have been far too inconsistent offensively this season.

Calgary Flames: A Center

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The Calgary Flames were expected to be sellers at the deadline. However, they're within striking distance of a playoff spot and don't seem keen on dealing away any of their big names, despite their aging roster.

The one piece the Flames have always lacked during Jarome Iginla's tenure is a dynamic center. They would love to finally have that piece in place for the stretch run. Someone they may covet is Jeff Carter.

Carolina Hurricanes: Youth

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The Carolina Hurricanes will be sellers at the deadline. That means they'll be looking to trade away veteran players such as Tuomo Ruutu, Joni Pitkanen and Tim Gleason.

They'll be able to bring in good young prospects, given that the market is extremely thin and the large number of teams that are still in contention.

Chicago Blackhawks: A Goalie

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The one piece that is keeping the Chicago Blackhawks from being an elite team is their goaltending. They would love to pick up someone who could bump them into the next echelon of teams.

However, it remains to be seen if any of those goalies are actually available. The Hawks would love to have a Cory Schneider.

Colorado Avalanche: A Veteran

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The Colorado Avalanche are in a very interesting situation. They are a young team that will only get better with time, but they are also on the cusp of a playoff spot.

The general manager will have to be careful not to tinker with things too much. Look for the Avalanche to make a small deal, if anything at all. A smart move would be acquiring a low-cost veteran to add some experience.

Columbus Blue Jackets: A Fresh Start

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have had a horrendous season and minimal success since their inception in the NHL.

It looks like it's time to clean house and start anew. No one on the Jackets should be safe. The general manager should consider trading anyone on the roster.

Dallas Stars: A Scorer

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The Dallas Stars are one of several teams on the playoff bubble in the Western Conference. It is yet to be known whether the Stars will be buyers or sellers.

If they are buying, they'll likely be in the market for a scorer. Their offense could use a shot in the arm.

Detroit Red Wings: Backup Goalie

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It's no surprise that the Detroit Red Wings are once again at the top of the Western Conference. Year after year, the Wings are somehow in the mix.

With no solid backup and the health of Jimmy Howard in question, the Red Wings would be smart to go after another net-minder.

Edmonton Oilers: Stay Focused on the Future

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The Edmonton Oilers won't be playing in the postseason this year, so they'll be selling off a few pieces.

Don't expect any major shakeups as they'll keep their young core intact. Ales Hemsky and Ryan Smyth could be packing their bags in a few short weeks.

Florida Panthers: A Forward

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The Florida Panthers are in a very unfamiliar situation. They are in the midst of a playoff push.

Luckily for them, they are in the weakest division in the NHL. The Panthers have plenty of cap space, if they want/can use it.

Look for them to improve upfront. Ales Hemsky could be a potential target.

Los Angeles Kings: A Scorer

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The Los Angeles Kings came into this season with lofty expectations. However, their offense hasn't been as potent as many suspected it would be.

Their goaltending, led by Jonathan Quick, has been their strong suit, so they'll look to support him by adding a punch among the forwards.

Minnesota Wild: A Playmaker

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The Minnesota Wild are another Western Conference team that has struggled to put the puck in the net. They rank second-to-last in goals per game, with only the Kings having a more meager output.

They'd love to add a big-time player like Zach Parise, but it's far more likely they'll land a mid-tier player to help kick-start the offense.

Montreal Canadiens: Cut Payroll

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The Montreal Canadiens are strapped against the cap and need to sign a number of restricted free agents, headlined by Carey Price and P.K. Subban.

They'd love to start cutting costs to better position themselves to come to terms with their younger players and solidify the future.

Nashville Predators: Stay Put

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The Nashville Predators are in a rather precarious situation. They are contending in the West, but may find it difficult to acquire any added help, given they need to sign unrestricted free agent Ryan Suter and RFA Shea Weber to new contracts.

The team must be very careful because they don't want to tie up more cash before ensuring their future.

The Preds likely won't make any moves. If they do, look for them to go after a rental whose contract expires at season's end.

New Jersey Devils: Re-Sign Zach Parise

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The New Jersey Devils' top priority needs to be signing Zach Parise. Even though they may have a shot at reaching the postseason, they can't mortgage their future for the present.

The organization is facing financial difficulties and needs to free up whatever amount of cash they can.

New York Islanders: Cut Payroll

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The New York Islanders likely won't be in the playoffs. Given their financial issues, they'll likely trim some fat off of the roster and cut expenses.

One of the most talked about Islanders players in trade rumors has been Evgeni Nabokov.

New York Rangers: Depth

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The New York Rangers are another team well-positioned for a deep run into the playoffs. They will probably just make a few small moves so they don't offset the team chemistry.

Look for them to target some low-cost talent to add some depth to guard them against injuries.

Ottawa Senators: A Goalie

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The Ottawa Senators have surprised a lot of people in hockey, as they are still in the playoff hunt this deep into the season.

The Sens' Achilles heel has been their goaltending. If they can somehow land a veteran netminder, that may give them enough to reach the postseason.

Philadelphia Flyers: A Defenseman

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The injury to Chris Pronger has left the Philadelphia Flyers with a large void on their blue line, so their deadline intentions are obvious.

They should have no problem reaching the postseason, but to make a serious run they'll need some more leverage on their backend.

Phoenix Coyotes: Cutting Payroll

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The Phoenix Coyotes are in a battle for one of the final playoff spots. Unfortunately, they are still faced with ownership issues and will likely have to cut costs to make them easier to sell.

That means no upgrades for the Yotes this season.

Pittsburgh Penguins: A Forward

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have endured a lot of injuries this season but still find themselves near the top of the Eastern Conference.

With Sidney Crosby's health still in question, look for the Pens to target a forward such as Tuomo Ruutu or Andrei Kostitsyn.

San Jose Sharks: Depth/ Physical Presnece

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The San Jose Sharks are another team well-positioned for a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

They don't need to make any huge moves.

Look for them to add a third or fourth line forward with a bit of a mean streak to him to toughen up the lineup for the postseason.

St. Louis Blues: A Playmaker

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After bringing Ken Hitchcock aboard, the St. Louis Blues have been an entirely different team. They are well disciplined and play a solid defensive game.

Where the team can use a boost is in the scoring department. While the exact plans of the Blues are unknown, the team could use someone who is an offensive catalyst.

Tampa Bay Lightning: A Long-Term Goalie

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The Tampa Bay Lightning may have a difficult time reaching the postseason this year, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't try to improve their team both for the short term and future.

They desperately need a goalie who could step in a be a franchise guy for them.

Toronto Maple Leafs: A Big Name

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It's been awhile since the Toronto Maple Leafs have been serious playoff contenders so they'll be looking to make a big splash at the deadline.

The Leafs have been linked to a number of big names including Paul Stastny and Bobby Ryan.

Vancouver Canucks: A Defenseman

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After a slow start, the Vancouver Canucks look poised to make another honest effort at hoisting the Stanley Cup.

The team may look to solidify its blue line by adding some depth to their defensive corps.

Washington Capitals: A Roster Shake Up

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The deadline could go a few different ways for the Washington Capitals depending on how the last few weeks turn out.

One thing is evident, howeverthe roster needs a significant shake up as the current nucleus isn't gelling. Could dealing Alexander Semin be a part of the changes?