NHL Trades: 4 Deals That Should Have Happened This Summer

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With the NHL regular season opening in just 10 days away, there are some trades that were rumored to have been in the works that never ended up happening. Now some teams are wishing they had pulled the trigger on this past off-season.

With training camps coming to a close, there are still teams looking to fill holes that they had planned on dealing with in the off-season, and if some of these trades had actually occurred, the teams would have been able to cover all their bases.

There are five deals specifically that didn't end up going down that would have benefited teams greatly this upcoming season, and with the road ahead, GM's could be kicking themselves for not making these deals happen.

Alexander Semin (WAS) for Zach Bogosian (WPG)

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Prior to the recent re-signing of defensemen Zach Bogosian of the Winnipeg Jets, he had been rumored to be going to Washington in return for forward Alexander Semin. Semin, an often-criticized member of the Caps, was one of the players rumored to be on the move when the Capitals went over the salary cap this off-season. 

The addition of a player with Semin's skill set to the Winnipeg offense would be monumental to the future success of the franchise. Although Semin has had a tumultuous career in terms of his consistency in Washington, a change of scenery could have been just what he needed to become more successful than ever. Semin could play on either of the top two lines in Winnipeg and a bonified scorer is something the Jets need. 

On the other side, Bogosian is still coming into his own in the bigs and would be a great compliment on the Caps' blue line, especially with Dennis Wideman set to become unrestricted in a year and Mike Green set to be an RFA following the 2012 campaign. 

This is one of those trades where both sides win, but unfortunately by not pulling the trigger, it appears as though the Caps ultimately lost out on what appears on paper to be a great trade.

Zach Parise (NJD) for Cory Schneider, Mikael Samuelsson & Cody Hodgson (VAN)

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This proposed off-season deal was just too good to be true for Canucks fans. The idea that Mike Gillis could bring in an All-Star in Zach Parise for three players that the Canucks could easily get by without was amazing to Canucks fans across the board.

Though the Devils were only able to get Parise for one more season, it is likely that they won't be able to extend him through next season and he could walk away for free, which ultimately could prove a big mistake for GM Lou Lamoriello.

For the Canucks, goaltender Cory Schneider has a career record of 18-9 as a professional and has shown his worth in many big games, but with Luongo signed long term, they do not have much use for him. With Martin Brodeur's brilliant career seemingly coming to a close, Schneider would be a fabulous replacement for him in New Jersey.

As for Cody Hodgson, the Canucks' depth at center may prove worthless to his development, and there is no doubt that he is always on the market. Mikael Samuelsson is coming off a year in which inconsistency and injuries plagued him, but he still has the potential to put up points on a second or third line, which would be beneficial on a team like the Devils. 

For the Devils, trading Zach Parise may seem like a huge no-no, but considering they are most likely going to be unable to re-sign him yet again, they might as well get something out of him that could extend into the future.

Parise had his 2010-11 season cut short due to a torn knee, but he has put up 341 points in just five seasons as a pro. He also has chemistry with Canucks forward Ryan Kesler as displayed in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and a complimentary player on the second line is integral for the success of the team.

Many people think this trade is insane, and on paper it looks that way, but for a team in New Jersey that is desperate to figure out its goaltending situation, as well as being in need of top-tier prospects, it may not seem so absurd when looking towards the future.

For the Canucks, it is do or die time. The team is running out of time to win a Cup with its core group of players, and if the Canucks were able to make this move, it could have given them a huge boost in their quest to lift the Cup.

Jiri Hudler (DET) for Peter Mueller & Second Round Pick (COL)

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Jiri Hudler is the most dispensable trade bait in the entire Detroit Red Wings' roster. Touted to be a top six forward, Hudler's flashes of brilliance in the young forwards career have given him the opportunity, but inconsistency has cost the forward permanent ice time in the top six, resulting in talk of a trade. The proposed trade between once bitter rival Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche sees Hudler go to the Av's for up and coming American Peter Mueller and a second round pick. 

This may come across as lop sided, but in Mike Babcock's scheme, Mueller seems poised for success and could use some hockey education from the amazing coach. On the other hand, Hudler would be guaranteed a top-six spot on the Av's, and playing on a line with either Matt Duchene or Paul Stastny would be a huge boost to the young winger's career.

R.J. Umberger (CBJ) for Ales Hemsky & Fourth Round Pick (EDM)

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The Columbus Blue Jackets were presented with an opportunity to bring in Ales Hemsky to compliment their line up even more. Although what most assumed the asking price to be R.J. Umberger in return, Hemsky's finesse and speed would be a boost to a Blue Jackets lineup that with the exception of their top line lacks.

With such a young group in Edmonton, there seems to be no room for Hemsky, and as he is set to become a UFA at the end of the season and the Oilers would have liked the opportunity to offload him for some sort of value.

Since the summer, Umberger has signed a five-year extension with the Blue Jackets, and it appears he will finish his career there. Umberger and Hemsky have similar stats and salaries, and each would benefit their new teams.

As previously noted, Hemsky's agility and hands would significantly bolster the secondary offense of the Jackets, and in the case of Umberger, a consistent veteran presence to help guide the young guns in Edmonton would be a welcomed sight. 

Although this trade is no longer feasible, it would have been tremendous for both sides.