NHL Trade Rumors: 15 Free Agents-to-Be Likely on the Move at the Deadline

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A number of players in the NHL better start packing their bags now because they'll be on the move a lot within the next year.

Specifically, those with contracts set to expire come July 1. That's because, along with finding a new team in the summer, there is a good chance they could be dealt come February. 

Although most of these guys will be unrestricted free agents, there are a couple of restricted free agents who could also be on the move when this year's trade deadline approaches.

Los Angeles Kings: Dustin Penner

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Dustin Penner hasn't panned out for the Los Angeles Kings since they traded for him at last year's deadline.

Given that fact along with his $4 million cap hit and an expiring contract, he could soon be out of Los Angeles. 

The Kings will likely want to make some moves leading up to the deadline and trading away Penner would give them more flexibility. 

New Jersey Devils: Zach Parise

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Any trade involving Zach Parise would surely be the blockbuster trade of the year. The reason why this one is a possibility is because of the way the New Jersey Devils handled contract negotiations this past summer.

The two sides are far apart and a lot of mediating will need to be done in order for Parise to remain a Devil. If the Devils are unable to re-sign him they'll want to try and deal him so they at least get some sort of compensation. 

Nashville Predators: Shea Weber

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Another big name who could potentially be on the move is Shea Weber. With Pekka Rinne already locked up to a long-term deal (seven years, $49 million) and Ryan Suter also in contract talks, the Predators may not also be able to hang onto Weber.

If the Predators decide to trade the Jame Norris finalist, the asking price would likely be very steep especially considering Weber will be an RFA, not a UFA.

Edmonton Oilers: Ales Hemsky

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Ales Hemsky's name will once again be a part of trade deadline rumors. The Edmonton Oilers need to decide now if Hemsky fits into their long-term plans.

If he doesn't figure into the Oilers future, look for him to get dealt in a similar deal to last year's Dustin Penner move.

Calgary Flames: Niklas Hagman

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Depending on their strategy, the Calgary Flames could have sexy names on the block, but one player likely to be dealt is Niklas Hagman.

The Flames should be thinking rebuilding. That means they'll want to get something for Hagman instead of just letting him go to free agency. 

Boston Bruins: Tuukka Rask

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Now chances are the Boston Bruins won't be actively shopping Tuukka Rask.

However, there is a good possible that a team desperate for help in the net will come along and give the Bruins a very good offer, and one they cannot refuse.

Buffalo Sabres: Brad Boyes

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Brad Boyes is another player acquired at last year's deadline who hasn't worked out for his new club. 

The Sabres will likely want to make some moves at the deadline this year, so they'll want to ship off Boyes and his $4 million cap hit.

Anaheim Ducks: Jason Blake

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This is certainly a contract the Ducks would like to get rid of. Jason Blake's contract is a $4 million cap hit.

If the Ducks can deal Blake, it would free up significant funds for other deals.

St. Louis Blues: Jason Arnott

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Although Jason Arnott was just signed, his days in St. Louis may be short-lived. Chances are, the Blues won't be in the playoff hunt, so they'll be sellers at the deadline.

Arnott is an experienced center who is off to a good start this season. He'd be a nice addition for a number of competitors. 

Columbus Blue Jackets: Samuel Pahlsson

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There are major changes coming for the Columbus Blue Jackets. One of them will likely involve dealing Samuel Pahlsson.

He hasn't been very productive for the club and could benefit from a change of scenery. 

Vancouver Canucks: Cory Schneider

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The great goalie controversy continues in Vancouver. The best way to prove to Roberto Luongo he's still the guy for the Canucks is to trade Cory Schneider.

There would be a few teams out there who would pay a pretty steep price for a goalie of Schneider's caliber.

New York Islanders: Brian Rolston

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Brian Rolston likely won't fit into the long-term plans of the New York Islanders, so there is a good chance he gets dealt as long as there is someone to take on his salary.

The Islanders are moving in the right direction with their development, but an extra pick or prospect can't hurt.

Phoenix Coyotes: Daymond Langkow

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As of now, the Phoenix Coyotes are contenders, but we'll see where they are at when the deadline comes around.

If they are sellers, they'll likely be shopping Daymond Langkow.

Winnipeg Jets: Johnny Oduya

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The Winnipeg Jets are another team that will need to greatly shake things up, if they hope to get their franchise moving in the right direction.

One player who could be on the move is Johnny Oduya.

Carolina Hurricanes: Tuomo Ruutu

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If the Carolina Hurricanes are sellers, Tuomo Ruutu could be a very interesting player on the blocks. He can help in a variety of ways.

He'd be a great second line addition for any contender.