NHL Trade Rumors: Boston Bruins, Joffrey Lupul and Latest Pre-Deadline Chatter

The 2015 NHL trade deadline is scheduled for Monday, March 2, and the rumors surrounding the biggest names in the league are circulating at a fevered pace as teams try to make the right deals heading into the chase for the postseason.

The deals that come to fruition during the final week before the deadline have the potential make or break an organization’s Stanley Cup dreams.

Here are the teams trying hardest to get a deal done before the 2015 trade deadline and the players rumored to be on the move.

Boston Bruins Desperately Want to Make a Move?

The Boston Bruins are a perennial Stanley Cup contender, but the franchise has not lived up to those lofty expectations this year. With a 29-22-9 overall record and currently sitting fourth in the Atlantic Division, Boston needs to make a change before the deadline.

A blockbuster trade could help the Bruins regain confidence and momentum as the postseason approaches. According to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com, Boston has been actively kicking the tires on several different players across the league:

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For example, it’s believed Boston circled back recently to Buffalo on pending unrestricted free agent Chris Stewart. Sabres GM Tim Murray, however, remains adamant (at this point) that he wants a second-round pick plus a prospect for Stewart. Boston talked to Columbus on Cam Atkinson but the Blue Jackets, as one Western Conference source suggested, don’t seem that keen to move the pending restricted free agent winger unless it’s a home run deal. At least for now.

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The reason the Bruins are hunting for help offensively is the inconsistency the team has dealt with all season. Boston is currently ranked 21st overall in goals per game (2.6) and power-play percentage (17.4), and the franchise has just one player with over 40 points (Patrice Bergeron.)

Goaltender Tuukka Rask is the primary reason the Bruins are still in contention, but shaking the offensive struggles must be the team’s top priority at the trade deadline. Whether it’s Chris Stewart, Cam Atkinson or someone else, it’s clear Boston needs to add depth and talent at forward.

Toronto Maple Leafs Drawing Little Interest in Joffrey Lupul?

Despite having arguably the best fanbase in the league, the Toronto Maple Leafs have become one of the longest-running jokes in the NHL.

The team is currently seventh in the Atlantic Division with a 24-31-5 overall record, but the franchise has struggled in almost every facet of the game. As Toronto continues to fade from contention, the Maple Leafs should become deadline sellers.

Andrew Walker of SportsNet590.ca had originally claimed Toronto was adamant about moving right wing Joffrey Lupul:

But according to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Maple Leafs aren’t drawing as much attention for the 31-year-old forward as the team would like heading toward the deadline:

When healthy, Lupul is one of the top second-line players in the league. With a knack for scoring goals around the net and the ice vision to be a dynamic playmaker, he has the ability to make any team better by adding his experience.

Unfortunately, Lupul has dealt with various injuries over the years and has never played a full season in his career. In only 33 games this season, he has nine goals and 10 assists, but his skill is offset by his inability to stay on the ice.

With Toronto in a perpetual rebuilding process, clearing the cap room associated with Lupul would give the franchise more maneuverability during the free-agency period this offseason. The Maple Leafs must start thinking big picture.

James Wisniewski Time in Columbus Almost Over?

The Columbus Blue Jackets were one of the teams coming into this season that fans had pegged as a possible sleeper postseason contender, but the team has struggled. With a 26-29-4 record, Columbus currently sits seventh in the Metropolitan Division.

One player who could find himself being moved before the deadline is Blue Jackets defenseman James Wisniewski. According to Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch, the team is actively trying to move the 31-year-old defender:

Wisniewski and the entire team have not been playing well defensively, ranking 26th in the league with 3.1 goals allowed per game. In 53 games this season, he has contributed offensively with seven goals and 21 assists.

Injuries have plagued his career, but he has remained relatively healthy over the last two seasons. With the Blue jackets likely looking to clear cap space for an offseason overhaul, moving Wisniewski and his contract now would be the team’s best course of action.

*Stats via NHL.com.