NHL Trade Rumors: Derek Roy and More Players Teams Would Be Foolish To Move

As the contenders start separating themselves from the pretenders, the NHL rumor mill is beginning to heat up. It's nearly impossible to tell fact from fiction with so much speculation flying around, but one thing's for sure: The following three players shouldn't be moved by their current franchises.

Derek Roy

The Buffalo Sabres have been a massive disappointment following an offseason spending spree that was supposed to catapult them into championship contention. Instead, their playoff hopes are slipping away with each passing week and owner Terry Pegula isn't going to stand idle for much longer.

That has led Roy's name to come up in trade rumors, according to the local NBC affiliate WGRZ. What makes those talks so surprising is the fact that Buffalo's biggest need is center, so why would they move their best one?

Roy might not have the best attitude, but the diminutive Canadian has a boatload of offensive talent and the Sabres can't afford to trade any of that right now. It would be a lateral move more than anything else and wouldn't push them back into the playoff hunt.

Bobby Ryan

Even though Ryan is on pace for his third straight 30-goal season, his name has been linked to a possible deal for basically the entire season. Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal reports that he's the most likely Anaheim Ducks star to be moved.

Usually, when smoke hovers above a player for this long a fire eventually breaks out. Ryan is one of the NHL's best young goal scorers, but the Ducks obviously have some concerns about keeping their top line together and want to get something in return before on of them walks.

That said, players who can find the net as often as Ryan does don't grow on trees. Anaheim's front office needs to explore every possibility that includes keep Ryan before considering doing any trade because they'll regret moving him when he's dominating elsewhere.

Jarome Iginla

Iginla is no stranger to trade rumors. His name has been linked to just about every contender over the past handful of seasons and it appears this deadline will be no different. Hockey Buzz reports that no less than five teams are interested in the terrific leader.

The 34-year-old winger is on pace for his worst scoring season since the 1999-00 campaign, but that's not a major shock since he's getting up there in age. He'd still be a valuable addition for any team looking for an instant boost, though.

He's spent his entire career with the Calgary Flames and just recently notched his 500th career goal with the franchise, so it would take a perfect opportunity to complete a deal. Unless a team offers up an amazing prospect package, the Flames are better off just holding on to the face of their franchise.