NHL Trade Rumors: Power Ranking the Hottest Trade Targets

By (Featured Columnist) on June 27, 2012

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Christian Petersen/Getty Images

So far this summer, Rick Nash of the Columbus Blue Jackets has been a name that has caught almost every team's eye. 

However, there have yet to be definitive offers on the talented right-winger mostly due to the Blue Jackets' high asking price. 

While Nash has definitely made the headlines, he's not the only player out there with value on the trading block. 

Let's take a look at seven players being marketed that would make an immediate impact on their new club. 

7. Steve Ott (Dallas Stars)

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Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

As reported by ESPN's Pierre LeBrun, Dallas Stars winger Steve Ott could be on the trade market this summer: 

The Dallas Stars are getting calls from other teams on...Steve Ott.

Ott especially got traction before the deadline, but the Stars ultimately decided to hold on to him as they were sitting in a playoff spot at the time. The rugged winger, who can pot some goals, has two more years left on his deal paying him $3.2 million a year in salary but with a $2.95 million cap hit. 

He’d be a good addition for a team looking to bulk up in a second-line role.

The 29-year-old physical attacker would be a solid snag considering he hasn't faced extensive injury issues (averaged 76 games played in past three seasons) and has produced for Dallas. 

The nine-year veteran scored 11 goals, distributed 28 assists and was +5 on the season for the Stars in 2011

6. Paul Martin (Pittsburgh Penguins)

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Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Even though Penguins defenseman Paul Martin has stated that he doesn't want to leave Pittsburgh, the team's pursuit of free-agent superstar Ryan Suter may cause the Penguins to trade him. 

The 31-year-old defenseman played well for the Penguins, who were bounced from the playoffs in the first round by the Philadelphia Flyers.

For the 2011-12 season, the 6'1" Martin posted a solid +9 mark for the season and assisted 25 goals. 

Even though he may not bring a lot of flair or true scoring ability to the defensive position, Martin would be a great pickup for a team looking for a veteran, experienced defenseman. 

Let's just hope for his sake he can avoid taking hits like this for the rest of his career. 

5. Keith Yandle (Phoenix Coyotes)

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Harry How/Getty Images

Coyotes Keith Yandle cemented his name as one of the league's great defenseman in the past couple of seasons and is receiving trade looks because of it. 

An All-Star in 2011-12, Yandle has put up gaudy and consistent numbers with three consecutive seasons over 40 points. 

According to Dave Molinari via Twitter, the Penguins, who were speculated to be interested in Yandle, have yet to speak with the Coyotes' front office. 

Also, as reported on his Twitter by CBS's BD Gallof, the Edmonton Oilers have submitted a legitimate offer for Yandle that would send Sam Gagner and Magnus Paajarvi to the Coyotes. 

4. Roberto Luongo (Vancouver Canucks)

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Rich Lam/Getty Images

As reported by Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch, Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo has declined to waive his no-trade clause to go to the Toronto Maple Leafs or Chicago Blackhawks

Luongo headed to Vancouver in 2007 after spending six years making a name for himself with the Florida Panthers. 

While he's been one of the best goalies in the regular season for some years, Luongo has never performed well in the playoffs—as proven by being pulled in favor of young Corey Schneider this year. 

Luongo is willing to be traded only to the Panthers, but the team may have trouble picking up his cap hit. 

The 33-year-old still put up respectable numbers this season with a .919 save percentage and five shutouts, making him a valuable goalie for interested teams.

3. Tim Thomas (Boston Bruins)

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Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

After coming out and saying that he would not be returning to the Boston Bruins, Tim Thomas' name began flying around the trade rumor mill and people speculated where he would land. 

However, it looks like he won't be going anywhere in the short run. The former Conn Smythe winner looks to take a year off from hockey and focus on his family and faith. 

While that's not holding the Bruins back from trading Thomas, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports that the team won't look to send him anywhere until late summer/early season, if at all.

The 38-year-old Thomas, who got his first starting goalie job just six years ago, still has the ability to play at a high level and proved it this year with a 2.36 GAA and only one overtime loss in the regular season.

2. Bobby Ryan (Anaheim Ducks)

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Christian Petersen/Getty Images

It's no secret that Bobby Ryan doesn't want to be playing in Anaheim for another game, saying to Courier-Post's Randy Miller

Anaheim...has shown me nothing to prove that they want me here, unfortunately. For me, if I'm moved, Philadelphia would be a very ideal and comfortable place for me.

The Flyers and their fans would love to bring in a tenacious guy like Bobby Ryan as well—but for the right price. 

As reported by Miller, the Flyers would need to trade away at least Brayden Schenn, Braydon Coburn and a first round pick to reel in the 25-year-old superstar. 

Considering the Flyers are out on the market trying to pull in a defenseman or two, it's not likely that they'd be willing to part with Coburn and Schenn. 

However, Flyers' GM Paul Holmgren has been known to pull some tricks out of his sleeve so don't be surprised if he can pull off a deal for Ryan. 

1. Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets)

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Christian Petersen/Getty Images

One of the biggest questions in hockey this summer is, "Where will Rick Nash be heading?"

Considering the massive price tag the Columbus Blue Jackets have put on him ($7.8 million per year), it was expected to be tough to move a guy like Nash. 

However, there have been many rumors about certain teams' levels of interest in the player over the past couple of days. 

According to Damien Cox of the Toronto Star, the Maple Leafs are still not involved in the Rick Nash trade talks.

Also, there have been strong indication and speculation that Nash could land in San Jose.

As reported by Craig Custance of ESPN, the Sharks would love to add Nash as long as they don't surrender Logan Couture. However, they'd be willing to put together a package surrounding Joe Pavelski.

Because of the large asking price, Nash's name will be in and out of teams' interest lists for now, but if the Blue Jackets can come down a bit, don't be surprised if they'll have fight off potential trade partners. 

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