NHL Trade Rumors: Market Wide Open for Dallas Stars' Leader Brenden Morrow

There is still a place in the NHL for Brenden Morrow to chip and help a team win the Stanley Cup. And that is precisely why the Dallas Stars should pull the trigger on trading their captain to a myriad of teams. 

The rumors are hitting a crescendo ahead of the NHL trade deadline, and one player that may be on his way out of his comfort zone is Stars' leader Brenden Morrow. 

The fire he plays with on the ice is exactly what some teams would need. Dallas could benefit from a market that is looking favorably on Morrow at the moment. 

The Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson reports that the San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and Washington Capitals are all warm on Morrow right now. 

He continues that the return could be immense for the Stars that are no doubt emotionally tied to their fearless leader. Here is what Matheson thinks Morrow would garner in a trade: 

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Dustin Penner, nowhere near the player Morrow is, fetched a first-round draft pick and Colten Teubertlast February when he had one year left at $4.25 million. I'd say a first-rounder for sure and and a top-six player or top four defenceman, for sure.

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Morrow still has bursts of greatness, but his nagging injuries have limited his time on the ice and the production he is able to give to the Stars. 

He is much better off playing a bit-part for a contender than continuing to age in Dallas. The big issue is of course—Morrow himself. 

The captain is tied to Dallas both in contract and in personal affection. He has played his whole career for the Stars and has a no-trade clause for his troubles. 

Morrow will have to want a departure and being traded to a contender in the thick of the hunt may in fact do the trick. 

There is still some great skating to be had from Morrow, but the Stars must use that fact to get a return in the form of youth and prospects rather than settle on what may be some very thin years. 

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