NHL: 15 Unrestricted Free Agents Who Could Be Short-Term Rentals

As the trade deadline gets closer, there will be a number of players finding new homes in the coming weeks. 

Some will be there for the long haul, and some will be there for the playoff run and the playoff run only.  

The number of rental players does seem to be diminishing, but it still happens every year. Last season, Jason Arnott, Chris Campoli and Radek Dvorak were among the names of rental players.

The most memorable rental in recent years—when Marian Hossa was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins—definitely paid off.

Hossa helped take the Penguins to the Stanley Cup finals, where they eventually lost to the Detroit Red Wings.  

With many teams still in the playoff hunt, many players could be moved for short-term rental purposes. Let's take a look.

Paul Gaustad

Recently, the Buffalo Sabres have been the worst team in the NHL. After some big-name acquisitions, such as Christian Ehrhoff and Robyn Regehr last offseason, much more was expected from the team.  

With their recent play, the Sabres are likely to part ways with their upcoming free agents and attempt a makeover this summer.  

Paul Gaustad has spent his whole career with Buffalo, but now he could be on the move.  

Winning 55.5% of face-offs, Gaustad will be an asset to any contender.  

With three fights under his belt this season, he also plays with the type of grit needed for a deep playoff run.  

Teams that could trade for Paul Gaustad: Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh Penguins

Dustin Penner

Dustin Penner has his critics and rightfully so. The slacking left winger hasn't accomplished much in recent years. 

But despite his latest efforts, Penner did win the Stanley Cup in his rookie season. That's not a fact to be overlooked.  

The 242-pound forward would add playoff experience and great size up front. 

The Kings would be happy to send him elsewhere and forget about the $4.25 million investment.  

Teams that could trade for Dustin Penner: Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, Winnipeg Jets

Samuel Pahlsson

The Columbus Blue Jackets are another team that will likely cut ties with upcoming free agents in an attempt to alter a failed roster.  

Swedish center Samuel Pahlsson is a coveted PK specialist, and he will be sought out by many teams. 

He used his talents to help bring the Stanley Cup to Anaheim in 2006-07 and helped the Chicago Blackhawks reach the Western Conference finals in 2008-09 as a rental player.  

Teams will be willing to offer quite a bit for the experienced 34-year-old center.  

Teams that could trade for Samuel Pahlsson: Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs

Vinny Prospal

Vinny Prospal is another Blue Jackets forward who'll likely be suiting up in a different jersey in three weeks.

The veteran has bounced around quite a bit in his career, and it's likely to continue.

The 36-year-old's career is starting to wind down, but he is still a dangerous scoring threat.

Prospal is long overdue for a Stanley Cup.  

Teams that could trade for Vinny Prospal: Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, Tampa Bay Lightning

Curtis Sanford

Yet again, a Blue Jacket who could be on the move.  This time it's goaltender Curtis Sanford.  

Everything has been going wrong in Columbus this season, but if one single thing was to blame, it would be goaltending.  

With the second worst GAA, it'd be a fair assumption that the Blue Jackets will have at least one new goalie next season (most likely two).  

Curtis Sanford has been a career backup but took over the starting position this season after the abysmal start of Steve Mason.  

Backup goaltenders aren't used much down the stretch and into the playoffs, but it's always good to have a reliable one just in case.

Teams that could trade for Curtis Sanford: Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals

Hal Gill

He may not be as talented as Chris Pronger, but at 6'7", Hal Gill could be the next best thing (physically speaking).  

The Montreal Canadiens are likely going to fall short of the playoffs this season. Why not get started on roster changes early?

Hal Gill is monstrous in stature, and at 36 years old, he's got tons of experience to bring to the table. 

Prior to signing with the Canadiens, Gill played in the Stanley Cup finals in back-to-back appearances for the Pittsburgh Penguins (winning in 2008-09).

With that much recent experience in big games, many teams will be hoping he can pull through yet again.  

Teams that could trade for Hal Gill: Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, Philadelphia Flyers

Martin Brodeur

He may have the fourth worst save percentage in the league, but with 19 seasons in the NHL, 16 years of playoff experience and three Stanley Cups, Martin Brodeur brings a whole new level of experience to any roster.  

New Jersey is in desperate need of a new goalie.  Both Brodeur and Johan Hedberg are on the road to retirement.  

If they make a move for a new starter at the trade deadline, Martin Brodeur could be the one on the way out.

Teams could trade for Martin Brodeur: Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks

Dwayne Roloson

At 42-years-old with an .882 save percentage, you wouldn't expect Dwayne Roloson to have much trade value.  

But he had a save percentage of .924 in last year's playoffs.  He was the backbone of the Tampa Bay Lightning and lead them surprisingly to the conference finals.  

If there's any possibility of a repeat performance, teams will be interested.  

Teams could trade for Dwayne Roloson: Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, Vancouver Canucks

Dominic Moore

Dominic Moore is a perfect third liner.  He gets points, fights, kills penalties and is among the league's best in face-offs.  

He's a gritty player that will be sought after by plenty of teams. And given Tampa Bay's need for a number one goalie, trade partners will likely have the leverage to get who they want.  

Teams that could trade for Dominic Moore: Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs

Evgeni Nabokov

There's been plenty of speculation that Evgeni Nabokov will be a rental player for a contending team...and I'm not sure why.  

He's shown a lack of commitment—the guy refused to play for the Islanders last season. He also lacks positive playoff experience. While he's been down the stretch a number of times, it was always with the annual playoff disappointment—the San Jose Sharks.  

But nevertheless, he's got respectable numbers this season.  If the rumors are out there, he's got to be on the list. 

Teams that could trade for Evgeni Nabokov: Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers

George Parros

George Parros is a well-known enforcer on the underachieving Anaheim Ducks.  

Despite their recent success, the Ducks won't likely let the trade deadline pass without at least a few shakeups.  

The enforcer role is diminishing in the NHL, but down the stretch in the playoffs, it can get scrappy.  A guy like Parros might come in handy.

With six fights this season (a low number by his standards), many young stars could use Parros as their on-ice bodyguard.  

Teams that could trade for George Parros: Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals

Shane Doan

Shane Doan is one of the most perfect captains in the league. His hard-nosed style sets a perfect example for a young Phoenix team.  

Trade talks have surrounded the veteran right winger all season. Despite GM Don Maloney stating that Doan wasn't on the market, the talks will still continue.  

It's rare for a GM to publicly state that the captain is on the market, although it's not unheard of. As much as they'd like to keep the "soul of the franchise," his trade value may be too high to resist.  

Teams that could trade for Shane Doan: Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers

Jim Slater

The Winnipeg Jets, who at one point looked to be a playoff contender, appear to be slipping in the standings. 

They likely won't give up and sell off their big-name players, but a few minor moves are likely.  

As the team's best face-off man and leading penalty killer among forwards, Jim Slater plays a style made for the playoffs.  

Unfortunately, as a career-long member of the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets, Slater has only had the chance to play four playoff games.

Hopefully that will change this year.  

Teams that could trade for Jim Slater: Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues

Jaroslav Spacek

Jaroslav Spacek has had a fairly injury-plagued career, but when he is healthy he can be a dangerous offensive threat. 

Currently in his 13th NHL season, he's got a lot to bring to the table. He's no stranger to midseason trades either. 

Given the Carolina Hurricanes' position in the standings, a move is likely.

Available defensemen are scarce this trade deadline—boosting his value and demand.  

Teams that could trade for Jaroslav Spacek: Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers, Winnipeg Jets

Adam Burish

Adam Burish is one of the younger players on this list.  But he already has a Stanley Cup on his list of achievements.  

He's a scrappy player who knows what it takes to go all the way. It also doesn't hurt that he's a right winger who can win over 55% of face-offs. 

As an upcoming, unrestricted free agent, Burish will be available if the right offer is made.  

Teams that could trade for Adam Burish: Boston Bruins, L.A. Kings, Nashville Predators