NHL Trade Deadline: 15 Surprise Players Who Might Be on the Move

The NHL trading deadline is only about a month away, and the rumor mill is heating up with some big names who could be on the move.

However, there are some players who could unexpectedly find themselves with a new team by the February 27 deadline.

Teams may not be looking to trade a certain player, but when they receive an offer too good to refuse, or injuries create a need in the lineup, they must consider making bold decisions.

Let's look at 15 surprise players who might be traded before this year's deadline.

Evander Kane

Evander Kane has loads of talent and has enjoyed a phenomenal season so far, but maturity issues and his relationship with Winnipeg Jets fans have been a problem.

The Jets are a team fighting for the playoffs and could still make the postseason by trading Kane for proven NHL talent, or by keeping him.

Marek Zidlicky

Marek Zidlicky could be moved at the deadline to a team looking to add some depth on defense, which honestly could be any team with a shot at the playoffs.

The Minnesota Wild defenseman would be a good fit on several teams needing some more offense from their defensive corps.

Jason Blake

Anaheim Ducks forward Jason Blake is a good forward who can add depth and scoring to a team at the deadline. The Ducks have been one of the worst teams in the NHL this season and appear to be sellers at the deadline.

Expect Blake to get interest from several teams looking for more offense, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators.

Jonathan Bernier

Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier is very young and very talented, and with the team getting a Vezina-like season from starter Jonathan Quick, trading Bernier for some top-tier talent is not a bad idea.

Having two great goalies is certainly an advantage—just ask the Boston Bruins—but the Kings could get a big return if they decided to trade Bernier.

Braydon Coburn

If the Philadelphia Flyers really want to make a run at acquiring star defenseman Ryan Suter or Shea Weber of the Nashville Predators, young blueliner Braydon Coburn will likely be part of any possible trade.

It's hard to imagine the Predators trading one of their star defensemen and not getting a good one in return.

Jeff Carter

Jeff Carter has had a bad first season with the Columbus Blue Jackets and has not settled in well.

His offensive numbers are down, and he hasn't played like a first line center for much of the season.

The Blue Jackets may look to erase their mistake in trading for him by dealing him before the deadline, probably for a goalie, which would solve the team's biggest weakness.

Johnny Boychuck

Johnny Boychuk has played well for the Boston Bruins this season, but he is an unrestricted free agent in the summer, and the team has plenty of defensive depth in the organization to replace him with should he leave.

Boychuk isn't likely to be traded, but if the Bruins make a bold move before the deadline, he could be part of a deal.

Luca Sbisa

The young defenseman was part of the deal that brought Chris Pronger to the Philadelphia Flyers, and if the Anaheim Ducks feel like being buyers at the deadline and bringing in major talent, Luca Sbisa is one player who teams would love to acquire.

Vincent Lecavalier

There haven't been too many Vincent Lecavalier trade rumblings this season, but with the Tampa Bay Lightning currently near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, trading their captain for some more talent such as a goalie would really help them.

His contract is massive, but he's still a star offensive player who could add a tremendous boost to any team's scoring and playmaking talent.

Zach Parise

The New Jersey Devils are having financial troubles and don't appear to be Stanley Cup contenders anytime soon, which makes trading Zach Parise a necessary decision.

The Devils will do everything they can to keep their captain and star winger, but in the end, I think he will be traded.

The Devils cannot afford to lose him in free agency during the summer and receive nothing in return.

Roberto Luongo

It's unlikely Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo is traded before the deadline, but the team could certainly use a power forward, and Luongo still has a lot of trade value despite his playoff failures.

The Canucks have seen Cory Schneider play well in big games, including a win on the road against the Boston Bruins this season, and he is more than capable of being the No. 1 goalie moving forward.

George Parros

George Parros is well-liked by Anaheim Ducks fans and plays his role very well for the team. The right winger could be a target for several Western Conference teams who are contending for a playoff spot.

There was recent speculation of a move to the Canucks.

Ray Whitney

Ray Whitney is one of the few players on the Phoenix Coyotes who is a reliable offensive player, but at age 39, he won't be a top-tier player much longer.

The Coyotes would be wise to trade him to a contender that will overpay for his playmaking and goal-scoring abilities.

Whitney is also an unrestricted free agent in the summer.

Bryan Allen

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Bryan Allen is a very physical player who would add great toughness to a contending team's blueline.

Allen plays well in his own end and is not an offensive liability.

Teams like the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers should consider making a move for Allen.

Dustin Penner

It's safe to say that trading for Dustin Penner last season was one of the worst moves the Los Angeles Kings have made in a long time.

He still has a lot of offensive talent, but in 38 games this season, he has scored just three goals with only eight assists. That's not the production someone with a cap hit larger than $4 million should provide.

The Kings would be wise to part ways with Penner and move him at the deadline.