Hypothetical Trades Based on the Latest NHL Rumors

The 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs are ongoing, but that hasn't silenced the NHL rumor mill. Teams which failed to qualify for the postseason are providing the basis for most of the recent speculation.

Many of the rumors envision potential trade candidates for non-playoff clubs this summer. Some speculate over possible destinations for a single player, while others suggest specific trade partners and potential returns.

The following slideshow lists some hypothetical NHL trades based upon recent media speculation. It provides the basis for each rumor, as well as analysis of the issues which could affect such moves. Star power, skill levels, experience and salaries were factored into the ranking. Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section.

10. Luke Schenn to the Dallas Stars

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Philadelphia Flyers trade defenseman Luke Schenn to the Dallas Stars for a draft pick.

Basis: CSNPhilly.com's Tim Panaccio reports the 25-year-old Schenn is a candidate to be dealt this summer. Schenn has a year left on his contract at a cap hit of $3.6 million. The Flyers have limited salary-cap space and a logjam of second-tier blueliners.

Analysis: Schenn could provide experienced shutdown depth, size and another right-handed shot to the Stars' defense corps, which must reduce its shots-against numbers. The team can afford to take on his contract next season. If Schenn doesn't pan out for the Stars, they won't be on the hook for his contract beyond this season. As the Flyers are shedding salary, they likely won't want to take on another contract. 

9. Cam Talbot to the Edmonton Oilers

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The New York Rangers trade goaltender Cam Talbot to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for the Pittsburgh Penguins' first-round pick in the 2015 NHL draft.

Basis: The Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson lists Talbot as a possible trade target for the Oilers, who must improve their goaltending. ESPN.com's Craig Custance also suggests Talbot as a trade option for the Oilers.

Analysis: Though Talbot played well filling in for an injured Henrik Lundqvist, he won't unseat Lundqvist as the Rangers starter. The Blueshirts lack a first-round pick in this year's draft and must shed some salary to make room for other signings. The Oilers acquired the Penguins' pick earlier this season. They require an upgrade in goal, and Talbot could be just what they need.

8. Shane Doan to the Winnipeg Jets

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Arizona Coyotes trade right wing Shane Doan to the Winnipeg Jets for a draft pick or prospect.

Basis: On April 13, Fox Sports Arizona's Craig Morgan reported Doan's future with the Coyotes could depend upon their rebuilding plans this summer. The 38-year-old Coyotes captain becomes eligible in July 2016 for unrestricted free agency. 

Analysis: If the Coyotes intend on a major rebuild, Doan could be willing to waive his no-movement clause. The Jets have finally established themselves as a playoff contender and could seek additional leadership and experienced depth on right wing this summer. Doan began his NHL career in Winnipeg and could bring his career full circle. His numbers could improve next season on a deeper club.

7. Kevin Bieksa to the Columbus Blue Jackets

Paul Vernon/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Vancouver Canucks trade defenseman Kevin Bieksa to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a draft pick and a prospect.

Basis: The Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson wonders if the Vancouver Canucks could consider trading the 33-year-old Bieksa this summer. He has a year remaining on his contract at an annual cap hit of $4.6 million ($2.5 million in actual salary) and becomes eligible in July 2016 for unrestricted free agency.

Analysis: Having traded away James Wisniewski at the trade deadline, the Blue Jackets are in need of another veteran blueliner. On March 30, Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen told Fox Sports Ohio's Rick Gethin he'd like to add more depth on defense.

Bieksa could be a good short-term fit, provided he's willing to waive his no-trade clause. The Canucks have limited cap space and must make room for other signings. 

6. Kari Lehtonen for Cam Ward

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Dallas Stars trade goaltender Kari Lehtonen to the Carolina Hurricanes for netminder Cam Ward.

Basis: The Dallas Morning News' Mike Heika isn't sure Lehtonen, who struggled this season, can be the reliable starter the Stars need. He wonders if the Detroit Red Wings could be interested in swapping Jimmy Howard for Lehtonen, or the Hurricanes for Cam Ward.

Analysis: The Hurricanes could be a better trade target, as they're in dire need of improvement. Lehtonen could benefit from a fresh start in Carolina, providing insurance should Anton Khudobin struggle to establish himself as a starting goaltender.

Ward becomes an unrestricted free agent next year and could accept a trade. If he plays well for the Stars, they could reward him with a new contract.

5. Tobias Enstrom for Joffrey Lupul

Kevork Djansezian/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Winnipeg Jets trade defenseman Tobias Enstrom to the Toronto Maple Leafs for winger Joffrey Lupul.

Basis: The Winnipeg Free Press' Ed Tait speculated over Enstrom's future with the Jets, noting the club's depth in rising young blue-line talent. Though the 30-year-old rearguard has a full no-movement clause and will earn $5.75 million next season, Tait wonders if Enstrom can continue handling the heavy going of playing in the Western Conference. 

Analysis: This swap could benefit both clubs. The Jets could use additional skilled depth on the wings. The Leafs are rebuilding and could move Lupul's contract. He might be willing to waive his partial no-trade clause to go to a playoff contender like Winnipeg.

Enstrom and Lupul have almost the same annual cap hit (Lupul's is $5.25 million). If the Leafs trade Dion Phaneuf, Enstrom could be a decent replacement.

4. Patrick Sharp to the Florida Panthers

Karl B DeBlaker/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Chicago Blackhawks trade winger Patrick Sharp to the Florida Panthers for a draft pick and a prospect.

Basis: The Boston Globe's Fluto Shinzawa speculates Florida Panthers GM (and former Blackhawks GM) Dale Tallon could tap into his usual trade pipeline by acquiring either Patrick Sharp or Bryan Bickell from Chicago. 

Analysis: The Blackhawks must shed salary this summer. The Panthers have the cap space to take on Sharp's $5.9 million annual cap hit. The two clubs have a recent trade history. The Panthers could use another skilled sniper. Sharp's experience and offensive ability could make him a welcome addition in Florida, just like Jaromir Jagr when the team acquired him before the trade deadline.

3. T.J. Oshie for Loui Eriksson

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The St. Louis Blues trade T.J. Oshie to the Boston Bruins for Loui Eriksson.

Basis: Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch believes the Blues must make significant changes if they fall short in this year's playoffs. The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch believes Oshie could be among the players the Blues must make a decision about this summer. Last December, Yahoo Sports' Greg Wyshynski cited Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman claiming the Bruins were linked to Oshie.

Analysis: Having finished 23rd in goals this season, the Bruins must bolster their offensive production. Eriksson is eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer and doesn't appear to have a future in Boston. His two-way game could make him a good addition with the Blues. The two earn roughly the same cap hit (Oshie's is $4.175 million, Eriksson's is $4.25 million), which would work out for both clubs.

2. Zdeno Chara to the Colorado Avalanche

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Boston Bruins trade defenseman Zdeno Chara to the Colorado Avalanche for a promising and affordable young player, plus a draft pick and a prospect.

Basis: CSNNE.com's Joe Haggerty believes the Bruins should shed their aging captain and his $6.9 million annual cap hit this summer. The 38-year-old Chara has a no-movement clause, but Haggerty believes he could waive it now that former GM Peter Chiarelli, who brought him to Boston, is gone.

Analysis: Chara isn't a Norris Trophy contender anymore, but he could benefit from a change of scenery and style of play. The Avalanche need a physical presence on their blue line to reduce their high shots-against numbers. Chara could provide invaluable leadership and experience to the Avs' defense corps. The Bruins must shed salary this summer, so they won't want to take back a big contract for Chara.

1. Milan Lucic for Taylor Hall or Jordan Eberle

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Boston Bruins trade left wing Milan Lucic to the Edmonton Oilers for left wing Taylor Hall or right wing Jordan Eberle.

Basis: On April 22, CSNNE.com's Joe Haggerty observed the recent front office changes for the Oilers, who are also all but certain to select Erie Otters center Connor McDavid with the first overall pick in this year's draft. Haggerty believes there's a good chance the Oilers could make Hall or Eberle available this summer. He suggests the Bruins explore offering up Lucic for one of them.

Analysis: The Oilers recently hired former Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli as GM and president of hockey operations. Chiarelli has a history of bold moves, which could increase speculation if Hall or Eberle hits the trade block.

It remains to be seen, however, if Chiarelli has interest in Lucic, who is also eligible for unrestricted free agency next year. His modified no-trade clause could hamper this hypothetical deal.

Player stats via NHL.com, and salary information via NHLNumbers.com.