NHL Trade Speculation: Will Your Team Be a Buyer or Seller at the Deadline?

The NHL trade deadline is slowly approaching, and with the playoff picture starting to emerge from the fog, now is a good time to look at the teams that will look to buy or sell at the deadline. Clubs are always looking to improve their rosters and with that in mind, who will buy or sell at the deadline?

Teams on the list will be categorized as a buyer or seller, but some may decide to stay put at the deadline if there is no clear cut deal they should make.

Anaheim Ducks

Stay Put:

The Anaheim Ducks are in an interesting situation. They are a very talented team that got off to a bad start. Weeks ago, everyone, myself included, thought they would deal Bobby Ryan and would hit the reset button. The Ducks didn't deal Ryan but they got rid of their coach, and since then the they have crept closer and closer to a playoff spot.

The next two weeks are going to be very telling. As it stands right now, the Ducks could end up with a lucrative draft pick. However if they drop down in the standings over the next two weeks, they could consider dealing one of their players.

Right now the Ducks are fighting for a playoff spot so it is unlikely that they make any moves.

Boston Bruins

Buyers:

The defending Stanley Cup champions proved last year they could win with their roster. They made a few acquisitions at last year's deadline that put them over the top, so I would expect them to make a move for a top six forward at the deadline.

With Nathan Horton currently sidelined with a concussion, the Bruins will be definitely putting out feelers for a top six scorer.

Buffalo Sabres

Sellers:

This offseason, new owner Terry Pegula wanted the team to make a splash, and signed Ville Leino and Christian Ehrhoff. So far, the moves have fallen flat and there are not many happy fans up in Buffalo.

The Sabres will likely be sellers at the deadline, as they were rumored to be shopping Derek Roy a few weeks ago. 

Odds are the Sabres will look to move some members of personel at the trade deadline.

Calgary Flames

Stay Put:

The Calgary Flames dealt Rene Bourque in a deal for former Flame Mike Cammalleri. That appears to be the only move they will make. After that deal, Jay Feaster put all Jarome Iginla trade rumors to rest.

The Flames are still going to go for it, so the odds of them making a trade are slim. Jay Feaster will likely look to stay put at the trade deadline.

Carolina Hurricanes

Sellers:

Kevin Allen of USA Today had this to say about the Carolina Hurricanes.

"

With the NHL trade deadline three weeks from Monday, the Carolina Hurricanes seem to be everyone's favorite partner. Carolina Hurricanes winger Tuomo Ruutu is the hottest name in the trade deadline market.

General manager Jim Rutherford hopes his team rockets into contention, but the more likely scenario is the Hurricanes becoming a major seller. Tuomo Ruutu (16 goals) is the hottest trade name.

Ruutu will be an unrestricted free agent, as will defensemen Bryan Allen and Jaroslav Spacek. Teams usually move potential unrestricted free agents rather than lose them for nothing.

"

This has been a disappointing season for the Canes, so look for Jim Rutherford to deal his expiring free agents and look towards building a playoff contending 2012-13 squad.

Chicago Blackhawks

Buyers:

The Chicago Blackhawks can not go far in the playoffs with their current situation in net. They will definitely search the open market for a solution.

The Hawks addressed their center need when they dealt for Brendan Morrison, but they could still look at other forward options as well.

Colorado Avalance

Stay Put:

The Avalanche are a young team that will likely finish towards the bottom of the league. This will land them another lottery pick and another chance to put a contending team on the ice.

It would make little to no sense trading the valuable pieces the team already has. Teams have built through lottery picks in the past and the Avs could try and do the same.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Sellers:

Jeff Carter is being showcased like a prized jewel, but no one wants to put the sinking rock in their pocket. Players who can score 30 goals a season usually cost a significant amount towards a team's salary cap, but no one wants to be make a deal for a player signed through the current decade.

The Jackets will look to sell players like Carter and other impending free agents. Could they decided to finally move Rick Nash in an effort to start the rebuilding process?

While they Jackets may not move Nash, they will definitely be sellers at the deadline.

Dallas Stars

Stay Put:

The Stars have reacted well to the loss of Brad Richards. Players like Jamie Benn and Loui Eriksson really have stepped up to the table and while the playoffs may not be a likely destination for the Stars, the team will look to hold onto their players.

The Stars may once again choose to improve through free agency like they did when they signed Michael Ryder last summer.

Brenden Morrow is a player who seems to always be amongst trade rumors but I don't see the Stars moving their captain at this point.

Detroit Red Wings

Buyers:

The Detroit Red Wings need another goaltender. Jimmy Howard is an amazing net minder but it is unfair for a team to ride one goaltender for the course of an entire season. If the Wings can acquire an established backup, Howard can earn some well deserved rest.

The Wings also should be looking for a top six scoring winger. There are going to be a lot of options out there and Ken Holland will do his due diligence in monitoring the market.

Edmonton Oilers

Sellers: 

Sam Gagner and Ales Hemsky are both free agents at this year's end. With bigger pieces all set to become free agents next offseason, the Oilers will need to set some money aside. Hemsky and Gagner are two players the Oilers could dangle at the deadline.

Teams looking for a number two center and a scoring winger could give Steve Tambellini a call as the deadline gets nearer and nearer.

Florida Panthers

Stay Put:

The Florida Panthers made their big splash this past offseason. There is no reason for them to trade away pieces as they are in a great playoff race.

The only moves the Panthers may make are internal business moves as they look to sign their impending free agents to some deserved contract extensions.

Los Angeles Kings

Buyers:

The Los Angeles Kings are a big market team that always looks to make moves. They shocked everyone when they dealt for Mike Richards towards the beginning of the offseason.

This trade deadline should be no different for Dean Lombardi, as he could look to make a monumental trade.

The Kings should be a team amongst the mix when sellers dangle their impending free agents to the wolves. If a player like Zach Parise were to become available, a team with assets like the Kings would be the first to get in line.

Minnesota Wild

Stay Put:

The biggest move the Wild could make will likely be in free agency. If hometown boy Zach Parise hits the market, they will likely make a big push for him.

Other than that, Minnesota could look to deal impending free agent backup goaltender Josh Harding. He could be of use to a team that needs a young goaltender.

The Wild had a hot start but have since cooled off, so they will likely want to give the lineup another go next year with the addition of some other key players.

Montreal Canadiens

Stay Put:

The only major moves the Canadiens could make between now and the end of the year involve their head coach. The fan base was outraged that an Anglophone was hired as the team's bench boss. Randy Cunneyworth has done the best with what he has and he should be commended.

It isn't easy for the Canadiens head coach but odds are his job is only temporary. If the Canadiens had some more talent they would be a perennial playoff team. Don't be surprised the Canadiens attempt to sign a major free agent in an attempt to re-energize this historic franchise.

Nashville Predators

Sellers:

The Nashville Predators are in a unique situation. Ryan Suter loves Nashville but won't sign a contract extension. He would rather negotiate in the offseason. The Predators could trade Suter to another contending team for assets but still could reacquire him this offseason.

The Predators also have Shea Weber to deal with. Odds are the Predators can keep both but they could deal one to receive a bevy of prospects and draft picks. It is going to be an interesting situation for the Predators as the deadline approaches.

New Jersey Devils

Stay Put:

The Devils have to worry about keeping Zach Parise. As long as they are in playoff contention they will not trade their captain. They will also not look to take on any additional salary as they need to save every penny for Parise.

New York Islanders

Stay Put:

The Islanders only high mark of this season is arguably John Tavares. The year was marred from the start with the team's future in jeopardy. After an arena proposal was voted down, it left a bad taste in the fans' mouths. 

The Islanders could benefit from another lottery pick and could make some minor trades this offseason. They are are gradually improving but they are not a playoff team yet.

New York Rangers

Buyers:

The Rangers are the best team in the NHL, but they need more scoring. The team has a dreadful powerplay and will be in the hunt for a top six scoring forward and a reliable defenseman. Michael Sauer has been shut down indefinitely and the team needs a reliable defenseman who can eat minutes.

The team will likely investigate names like Shane Doan, Ray Whitney, Ryan Smyth and Tuomo Ruutu (pictured). Darren Dreger feels the biggest move the Rangers will be this offseason, because he feels they will press hard when it comes to acquiring Shea Weber or Zach Parise.

Ottawa Senators

Stay Put:

The Senators are having a nice bounce back season. The team hosted a great all-star weekend and the team was represented with a few stars.

Ottawa will look to make a run into the postseason with the talent that they have, and there is no reason to deal their valuable players in deadline deals.

Philadelphia Flyers

Buyers:

The Flyers will likely seek a top four defenseman, as Chris Pronger's career could be over. Ryan Suter is a player who would fit the team's need if he becomes available.

There were heavy talks about acquiring Luke Schenn a few weeks ago, so it will be interesting to see if things heat up in the next few weeks. 

Phoenix Coyotes

Sellers:

The Coyotes could be sellers at the deadline because they have two talented players who are in the twilight of their careers. Organizationally, it would be wise to deal aging veterans like Shane Doan and Ray Whitney for young players and draft picks.

The team can grow and help its chances by dealing for the future.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Buyers:

The Penguins will look to build for the postseason, especially if they are without Sidney Crosby. Last year they came up short against the Tampa Bay Lightning because of lack of depth, proving it is hard to win without your star players.

Evgeni Malkin is arguably a front runner for the Hart Trophy, but Ray Shero would be wise to go out and get him some help.

St.Louis Blues

Buyers:

The Blues are headed for a lengthy postseason run given the way they have played thus far. Given the team's success, John Davidson and Doug Armstrong will look to bulk up the team's roster.

The Blues are a top defensive minded team so they likely would love to add another power scorer. If the St. Louis adds another scorer, they could be a deadly threat in the playoffs.

San Jose Sharks

Stay Put:

The Sharks will likely be a quiet team at the deadline. One of the only players they looked to trade drew no intrest and as a result, Antero Nittymaki cleared waivers.

San Jose has a great forward group and solid defense so other than a minor depth move, the Sharks likely won't make a trade at the deadline.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Buyers:

The Lightning will look to acquire a goaltender at the deadline, because Dwayne Roloson hasn't quite worked out like he did last season.

Tampa Bay will need a young and steady goaltender to have continued success in the future. This offseason there will be both UFA and RFA goalies the Lightning could investigate.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Buyers:

The Maple Leafs are in a tough playoff race in the Eastern Conference. The fans will expect Brian Burke to make a move to improve the squad's chances at making the playoffs.

Toronto will likely look to add a top center. They struck out with Brad Richards this past offseason and Tim Connolly hasn't been the answer. If the Leafs added another scoring threat, the pressure could be lifted off of both Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul

Vancouver Canucks

Buyers:

Vancouver could be buyers at the deadline as they continue to look for ways to improve their roster. They are a team a year removed from playing in the Stanley Cup Final, so they obviously should look for ways to add players that can help them win the cup.

The Canucks will monitor the market and if there is a deal that benefits them, I would expect Vancouver to pull the trigger.

Washington Capitals

Stay Put With a Chance to Sell:

The Capitals are fighting the Florida Panthers for the division title. If they look to improve their roster, it could include dealing some pieces that are helping their team due to their value.

The Capitals have Alex Semin as a free agent. The past two years he has signed one year contracts but this year he may end up being dealt. Semin is a scoring threat but isn't the most physical player. He could fetch a lot of value for a team looking for a scorer.

If the Capitals do keep Semin, they will likely stay the course.

Winnipeg Jets

Stay Put:

The Jets are a youth oriented team with talent like Evander Kane, Dustin Byfuglien and Tobias Enstrom.

They have other youthful players who have yet to play to their potential. Odds are the Jets will look to add some pieces this offseason. The fans are glad to have their Jets back and it will be a gradual process to build a playoff contending team.

Tom Urtz Jr. is an NHL Featured Columnist. For more NHL free-agent news, updates and alerts about players: