NHL Trade Rumors: Desperate Teams That Will Make Foolish Moves

With the NHL trade deadline just a couple of weeks away, rumors are beginning to heat up as the buyers and sellers become more obvious. At the same time, there are some teams on the precipice of the playoffs who may feel as though they need an addition to get over the top.

While that may be true, it isn't always worth mortgaging the future in order to simply make the postseason. There aren't a ton of defined sellers at this point, so the few teams that are trying to move some of their key pieces could get a king's ransom for some of their players.

Here are three teams who will make desperate moves and pay for it in the long run:

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks currently occupy the No. 6 spot in the Western Conference, but they have been sliding as of late. The biggest culprits have been the defense and goaltenders, as Chicago has given up more goals than all but one team in the conference. Because of that, there have been many rumors surrounding the team, but one of the strongest has been regarding Edmonton Oilers defenseman Andy Sutton.

According to Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald, the Blackhawks have some interest in the veteran rearguard. The 6'6", 245-lb. defender is big, physical and he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. The issue, however, is that Chicago may have to part with a prospect like Kyle Beach or Jeremy Morin. That would be far too much to pay for a rental who may not even have much of an impact.

Minnesota Wild

Early in the season, the Minnesota Wild were the surprise of the league, compiling the most points in the NHL. They have cooled off considerably since, though, and are now in 10th place in the Western Conference, just two points outside the playoffs. The Wild haven't made the postseason since the 2007-08 season, so there is reason to believe that they are desperate to get there.

Minnesota could really use some forward help, and it may be in line to get some, as Michael Russo of the Star Tribune is reporting that the Wild have interest in Carolina Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu.

Despite the fact that Ruutu has never had more than 57 points in a season and that he is an impending free agent, the Canes are said to want a lot in return, as in a top prospect or first-round pick. I'm inclined to believe that the Wild will be willing to pay that price, but they'll ultimately regret it.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Perhaps no team in the NHL is more desperate to make the playoffs than the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs haven't qualified for the postseason since 2003-04, which was prior to the lockout. In such a hockey-crazed market, that simply isn't acceptable. Expect the Leafs and general manager Brian Burke to do anything possible in order to play more than 82 games this season.

The Leafs are well on their way to accomplishing just that, clinging to the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference, but it's obvious that they need an addition or two before they can become serious contenders.

If anybody is going to overspend for a player, it is likely going to be Toronto. One rumor, according to Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star, is possibly acquiring forward Jeff Carter from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Carter is a former 40-goal scorer, but he has been injured for much of this season and has a cap hit of nearly $5.3 million through the 2021-22 season. The Leafs may be willing to take a chance, though, and it will probably take a top prospect like Nazem Kadri or Joe Colborne to do it. The move might blow up in Toronto's face, but it seems like a real possibility.