10 Most Likely NHL Teams to Make the Next Big Move

The new year has crept up on us quickly this season, and that means the Feb. 27 trade deadline is fast approaching as well.  

Typically, the majority of the trades will occur on Feb. 27.  Last year, however, the major moves occurred earlier. The early bird gets the worm, and when big name players are on the market, there's no sense waiting.  

With the deadline just over a month and a half away, the standings slowly becoming more widespread and defined, and contenders losing key components to injuries, we will likely start seeing some major moves begin in the upcoming weeks. But who will it be?

The following list explores the 10 most likely teams to make the first big move of the 2012 trade deadline frenzy.  

Honorable Mention: Washington Capitals

Trade rumors have circled Alexander Semin for years now, and this campaign has been no different. The underachieving forward has been criticized of lack of desire and lazy plays all around, and for good reason.  

With the Capitals struggling again this season, many thought Semin would be shown the door. As of late, both Semin and Alexander Ovechkin have found sparks in their game, leading Washington to a 6-3-1 record in the last 10 games.  

Suddenly, the Capitals' ability to make the playoffs is looking much brighter. If they continue on their recent path, a trade involving Semin or any other Cap may not be so imminent.  

Honorable Mention: Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres were one of the most active teams this past offseason, picking up Ville Leino, Robyn Regehr and Christian Erhroff. Many expected that, with their new additions, the Sabres had a chance to battle Boston for top in the Northeast.  

They currently sit in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, posting a measly two regulation wins in their last 10 games. It is safe to say "disappointed" doesn't even begin to describe what Sabres fans are feeling at the moment.  

While they appear to be one of the teams who needs a move the most, the Buffalo Sabres have a well-rounded lineup and some difficult contracts to move.  

With their needs difficult to identify, Buffalo may sit tight for the time being.  

Honorable Mention: Los Angeles Kings

Nobody would have predicted the Los Angeles Kings to be last in the league in the "goals for" category in January, after adding Mike Richards and Simon Gagne to their already impressive team last summer.  

That being said, the stats don't lie. Luckily for the Kings, strong defense and spectacular goaltending puts them in ninth place in the West, despite the disappointing stats.  

With an impressive record under new head coach Darryl Sutter and a high-powered offense that could snap out of its funk any day, the L.A. Kings will likely hold off on doing anything major for the rest of the season.  

10. New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils, thriving since the return of Travis Zajac, are one of the hottest teams in the league as of late.  

Their recent success points that fans may get to see a postseason appearance after a horrible '10-'11 campaign.  

That being said, their lack of secondary scoring still poses a threat, and their need to replace their two aging goaltenders remains.  

Even if their season continues to go well, the Devils will likely address one of those issues before the 2012 deadline.  

9. Carolina Hurricanes

Eric Staal and the Carolina Hurricanes were off to a horrible start this season, and it only got worse when they lost their best player, Jeff Skinner, to a concussion.  

While they recently swapped Tomas Kaberle for Jaroslav Spacek in a minor move with Montreal, there is likely more to come.  

With a postseason appearance looking nearly impossible, the Carolina Hurricanes are going to be sellers this deadline.  

Tuomo Ruutu, a highly coveted player headed to unrestricted free agency, will almost surely be finding a new home in the next 48 days.  

8. New York Islanders

The New York Islanders have been near the bottom of the league for quite some time now. This year, things were expected to improve as John Tavares matured. That hasn't been the case.  

The Islanders have goalie issues that they can't seem to escape and a strong lack of veteran presence on the team.  

Their needs are clear, and they have a plethora of young talent to make it happen.  

While it's hard to say which of their young forwards would be the one to go, it would not come as a surprise to see Evgeni Nabokov as the backup goalie on a contending team this postseason.  

7. Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames are becoming less of a playoff threat each season, and with one of the oldest teams in the NHL, they aren't headed in the right direction.  

With rebuilding in their near future, the Flames are going to be major sellers this year, and it wouldn't come as a surprise to see captain Jarome Iginla parting ways with his longtime team.  

6. Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks have quite definitely been the most surprising team of the season. After making little changes to their playoff team from last season, the Ducks are currently sitting 29th in the league.  

The Ducks are oft criticized for their lack of secondary scoring, relying heavily on their high-powered "RPG" line.  

Earlier this season, Bobby Ryan was the one to get thrown under the bus, but Ryan Getzlaf could just as easily been the one called out.  

With improved play from Bobby Ryan, as well as an injury to starting goaltender Jonas Hiller, the Ducks priorities suddenly aren't so clear.  

Whether it's a goalie, defenseman or forward, expect something major to come before this year's deadline.  

5. Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers started the season as one of the most dominant and well-rounded teams in the league.  

After losing captain Chris Pronger for the remainder of the season, however, there has been speculation that they'll be looking to add a big-name defenseman.  

With a record below .500 in the last 10 games, Philadelphia has found themselves slipping in the standings, making a trade that much more likely.  

If they continue their disappointing play, a move may happen earlier than later to avoid further ramifications. 

4. Edmonton Oilers

Forward Ales Hemsky is one of the more talented players in the league, but due to injuries and excess offensive ability on the team, he is being pushed out by the younger talent.  

The Edmonton Oilers will most likely not make the playoffs this season, but contending teams will likely be pursuing Ales Hemsky to add to their scoring ability. With him heading to unrestricted free agency, Ales could be the perfect deadline pickup.  

Another player poised to be a UFA is center Sam Gagner. Gagner will likely also be the topic of some trade deadline discussions this year.  

It would be a huge surprise to see both of these players wearing Edmonton jerseys as of Feb. 28.  

3. Tampa Bay Lightning

Many expected the Tampa Bay Lightning to be a powerhouse in the East this season, led by dangerous sniper Stephen Stamkos.  

While Stamkos hasn't disappointed, the team has, majorly.  

Currently sitting in 13th in the East, something has to give.  

While a goaltending mix-up is most likely, a coaching change may be in the works also.  

Guy Boucher's defensive style isn't quite matching up with the offensive talent on the roster this season. Whether it's Guy Boucher or a goalie to go, don't expect the Lightning to be quiet in the upcoming weeks, as they try to rectify this first-half disappointment.  

2. Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets are the league's worst team this season. With recent injuries to their new acquisitions, Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski, things aren't going to get better.  

After a horrible start, following years of underachieving, Steve Mason has finally lost the No. 1 spot to Curtis Sanford. Mason is still young, and he showed the world what he's capable of in his rookie season, making him sought after by contenders despite his lackluster play.  

There have also been rumors circling Rick Nash this season. While it's hard to imagine him on another team, anything is possible after the start Columbus has had.  

The Carter injury was likely the last straw before the team becomes a seller.

1. Pittsburgh Penguins

Despite the disappointing attempted return of Sidney Crosby and the concussion of Kris Letang, the Pittsburgh Penguins were one of the best teams in the league, led by Russian forward Evgeni Malkin.  

Their play of late, however, has been lacking. Yesterday, things got much worse when the team announced that both James Neal and Jordan Staal would miss significant time. With the status of Letang and Crosby still unknown, the Penguins' needs are immense.  

They have already slipped to eighth place in the East, and a move needs to be done as soon as possible to keep it from getting worse.  

Their playoff hopes depend on it.