NHL Trade/Free Agent Rumors: 15 Hot Rumors the Playoffs Distracted Us from

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be after Nail Yakupov. Zach Parise and Ryan Suter might sign with the same team. A high-scoring winger for the Capitals wants out of Washington. The Philadelphia Flyers may go after a rival team's captain. Rick Nash has a new rumored destination. The New York Rangers are looking into a way to replace Marian Gaborik's offense.

This is the type of speculative trade rumors hockey fans miss out on when focusing on the greatest part of the hockey season; the NHL playoffs. With the offseason now upon the hockey world, here is a list of the hottest trade and free agency discussions that arose during the playoffs.

Alexander Semin Leaving Washington

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

According to a ESPN report, unrestricted free agent Semin will not be re-signing with the Washington Capitals due to differences between the player and the organization.

Jaromir Jagr Will Test Free Agency

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Though Jaromir Jagr did not outright say he will be testing free agency come July 1, he did not make any commitment to stay in Philadelphia when given the opportunity during postseason interviews.

Flyers Want to Sign Zach Parise

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

According to Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Flyers will be in the running for free agent Zach Parise.

If the Flyers are to lose Jaromir Jagr to free agency they could certainly have the cap space to go after Parise.

Toronto Wants the No. 1 Pick in the 2012 NHL Draft

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

According to a Yahoo.com writer, Toronto is interested in trading for the first overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft.

The article mentions that Igor Larionov, agent of top prospect Nail Yakupov, said it is possible that the Maple Leafs will trade up in order to take the highly touted Russian.

New York Rangers Looking to Trade for Alexander Radulov

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

After reports that shoulder surgery would keep the Rangers' top goal scorer, Marian Gaborik, out of action until December of this year, the Rangers appear to be looking for an immediate replacement.

Larry Brooks of the New York Post reported that General Manager Glen Sather is in talks with the Nashville Predators to acquire Alexander Radulov, who is a restricted free agent.

Look here for a breakdown of the potential Radulov move.

Carolina Hurricanes May Target Zach Parise

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

An article at NewsObsever.com suggests that the Hurricanes are looking to spend big this summer and Parise is their top target.

Rick Nash to Boston Bruins

Elsa/Getty Images

An Ohio sports radio station apparently reported that the Bruins are “very interested” in Rick Nash and are preparing a major offer.

With Columbus likely eyeing a goalie and Boston already losing Tim Thomas for next season, this seems unlikely.

Zach Parise and Ryan Suter Could Sign with Same Team

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The top two pending unrestricted free agents might be signing with the Detroit Red Wings this summer.

According to a Detroit News article, "Officials from several teams and some agents" say Parise and Suter, teammates on Team USA at the 2010 Olympics, "appear determined" to sign with the same team this summer.

Dominik Hasek Wants to Come Back

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

The six-time Vezina Trophy winner told a Czech news source that he wants to return to the NHL.

The 47-year-old would likely only be a backup, if he makes it at all.

Roberto Luongo Wants to Leave Vancouver

Rich Lam/Getty Images

According to Nick Kypreos of SportsNet, Roberto Luongo asked to be traded in an end-of-season meeting. 

Luongo Could Go to Toronto

Abelimages/Getty Images

Toronto needs better goaltending. James Duthie of TSN reported that one of the teams Luongo would waive his no-trade clause for would be the Maple Leafs.

Georges Laraque Returning to NHL

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The enforcer was last seen in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens, but was bought out. If Laraque returned, he could very well challenge Brian McGrattan as the best fighter at hockey's highest level.

He said he would sign a one-year deal anywhere for minimum league salary.

Ottawa Goalies on the Market

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun suggested that both Ben Bishop and Robin Lehner could be on the market if the right offer were to come about. Interested teams could include the Tampa Bay Lightning, Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs.

George Parros Done in Anaheim?

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Parros was frequently a healthy scratch late in the season. Parros, a fan-favorite in Anaheim, said he was unhappy but understanding with having to sit out. The lack of ice time may indicate a change coming in the enforcer's future.

Justin Schultz Could Be a Hidden Free Agent Gem

Elsa/Getty Images

The University of Wisconsin defenseman was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the 2008 NHL Draft, but does not currently have a contract.

If Schultz and the Ducks do not agree to terms before July 1, he will hit the market as a free agent.

 

-

Jason Sapunka covers the NHL. He is available for 24/7 updates, commentary and analysis on Twitter.

Follow @moreSapunka