NHL Trade Rumors: Which Potential Deals Will Impact NHL Playoff Picture?

The NHL trade rumor train keeps on rolling.

With the playoffs approaching faster than many feel is logical, it’s time for contenders to start pulling the trigger in order to make the playoffs.

Players like Shane Doan and Shea Weber have been on the hot stove all winter, but now there are concrete rumors saying that teams may be shopping them for the right price.

All of the following scenarios would rock the NHL, making the team pulling the moves serious playoff contenders.

Shane Doan to Winnipeg Jets

While this has all the potential of going down like the Chris Paul trade in the NBA because the Phoenix Coyotes are owned by the NHL, Winnipeg needs to make a splash by acquiring Shane Doan in a blockbuster trade.

The Jets have the youth to make the deal worth it for the Coyotes, but it’s what Doan can bring to a team with no leadership that could change the franchise’s direction. Doan may only have 25 points this season, but it will be his influence in the locker room and on the ice that keeps the team playing hard.

A move for Doan would show the league that not only is there a franchise in Winnipeg again, but also that they’re serious about turning things around and winning a championship. Making the playoffs this season is a long shot, but this move would give them a fighting chance going forward.

Ryan Getzlaf to Buffalo Sabres

This deal would be the blockbuster of the year if they pulled it off, but it will be a nightmare trying to pry Tyler Myers from the Buffalo Sabres. The Anaheim Ducks could do it if they traded Ryan Getzlaf.

Getzlaf is the new NHL equivalent of Eric Lindros minus the injuries, but it’s his leadership that would give the Sabres the kick in the pants they need. There are plenty of solid players in Buffalo, but the drive seems to be lacking.

While giving up Myers would hurt the defense for a long time to come, the offense would have the spark plug that makes them one of the most dangerous in the NHL. This would be Buffalo’s only chance at sneaking into the playoffs this season.

Shea Weber/Ryan Suter to Philadelphia Flyers

With the Philadelphia Flyers in the heat of the Eastern Conference playoff battle, the recent string of injuries to stars like Chris Pronger and James van Riemsdyk has the team seriously considering trades.

One of the biggest deals that has been rumored was with the Nashville Predators, concerning several of the younger Flyers players being moved for Shea Weber or Ryan Suter. Both are in the final year of their entry-level contracts and will be restricted free agents this offseason.

If the Flyers think that Nashville isn’t going to sign both, they should use their long history with the Predators organization to make sure they get at least one of the star players. Ask Scott Hartnell how well the Flyers and Predators work together.

Whatever it costs, either of these defensive studs would make the Flyers Stanley Cup favorites.

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