NHL Trade Rumors: Odds That the Top Rumored Players Actually Get Dealt

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The focus of many NHL fans right now has shifted from free agency and trades to the CBA negotiations between the players association and the league, as many fear that part or even all of next season could be lost.

That doesn't mean teams aren't looking to make moves, but there doesn't seem to be any recent rumors that indicate a deal involving a superstar is close.

Let's check out what the chances are of some top players being traded. 

 

Note: Odds for players being traded are for deals that could happen before the season starts. Odds do not include possibility of players being traded during the upcoming year.

Rick Nash

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The Blue Jackets captain still rules the trade market, but there doesn't seem to be any reason to believe a deal will actually happen soon, according to the Columbus Dispatch's Aaron Portzline.

If Columbus general manager Scott Howson goes into the season with Nash still on the roster, he will still have quite a lot of value. 

 

Odds Nash is Traded: 65 percent

Bobby Ryan

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Bobby Ryan's situation is an interesting one because his cap hit is less than a lot of the top stars in the league, and he's still developing as a goal scorer despite his immense success in the NHL to this point.

When teams head into training camp, if that happens on-time, general managers who realize they need another impact forward or some more depth could have interest in Ryan.

A report in early July from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun named several teams with interest in Ryan, but there hasn't been much news surrounding his future since then.

 

Odds Ryan is Traded: 60 percent

Jay Bouwmeester

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In typical Calgary Flames fashion, they have made veteran free-agent signings to win now instead of laying a foundation for future success.

If the team falters a bit during the season, and general manager Jay Feaster decides that a different direction should be taken, Jay Bouwmeester could help the Flames rebuild.

Sportsnet's Roger Millions had some news on July 5, but not much else has surfaced since then.

#Flames have NOT tried to trade Bouw. Others have expressed some interest I am told, we may find out quickly if that's so.

— Roger Millions (@RogMillions) July 5, 2012

The demand for Bouwmeester could rise during the season as injuries create problems for teams, but for now, it doesn't look like Bouwmeester will be traded anytime soon.

 

Odds Bouwmeester is Traded: 30 percent

Shea Weber

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As the season approaches, Shea Weber could be the most watched player in the league because of his uncertain future with the Nashville Predators.

Here is the latest news from CBC's Elliotte Friedman:

Deadline was Sunday for NHL players to accept qualifying offers. At least one exception: Shea Weber and NASH agreed to extend until Aug 1.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 16, 2012

Even if Weber comes to the decision that Nashville isn't the place for him long term, general manager David Poile should wait until the start of the season to make a trade.

He didn't re-sign Ryan Suter when he was set to become a free agent, and refused to trade him. As a result, Poile lost him without getting something back. He cannot afford for that to happen again.

 

Odds Weber is Traded: 20 percent

Latest on Roberto Luongo

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The Roberto Luongo situation took an interesting turn this weekend with a report from the Vancouver Province on Saturday.

The latest update involves the Blackhawks:

But Florida hasn't been the most interested team recently involved in trade talks with the Canucks. It's been the Chicago Blackhawks, who have been mulling over the idea and have had conversations with Vancouver.

They even reportedly dangled one of Vancouver's arch-enemies, Dave Bolland, to the crew over at Rogers Arena. Now, that would take some getting used to, both for fans and players.

While the thought of Bolland playing on the same team with the Sedin twins and Alex Burrows sounds very interesting, it's hard to imagine it happening. Although, Luongo playing for the Blackhawks would certainly take the rivalry between them and the Canucks to a new level.

If Luongo is going to be traded, a Stanley Cup contender would be the best outcome for him. I'd be surprised if he is on the Canucks roster when the season opener arrives.

 

Odds Luongo is Traded

90 percent