NHL Trade Rumors: Power Ranking Top Players on Trading Block

The 2012 NHL trade deadline is Feb. 27, and while there are tons of rumors rumbling around, the major ones to focus on involve, of course, the top-notch players on the market. 

The trading block is always loaded with skilled players, but the big name players generate the most buzz, and rightfully so. 

They're the ones that are going to drastically shake up a team if moved. With that said, here are the top three players available on the trading block. 

Rick Nash 

The Columbus Blue Jackets' star player Rick Nash is the biggest name on the block.

According to ESPN, the favorites to land Nash are the the New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings. 

It's not going to be easy to pry Nash away from general manager Scott Howson, but if the right offer comes along he will pull the trigger. 

Nobody knows for sure if Nash will actually be traded, but he's heating up the rumor mill, so it will be very fun to see what happens in the coming week. 

Jeff Carter 

The Blue Jackets could potentially be making a major roster change if Nash and Carter are dealt. 

Carter hasn't been what Columbus had hoped, but that doesn't mean he isn't a strong player. 

According to HNIC, the Kings are the likely destination for Carter, who has only scored 12 goals and made 10 assists this season.

Carter seems like the Blue Jacket that's most likely to be dealt, but there's still a chance Columbus dumps him and Nash to completey revamp the team.

Paul Gaustad 

According to TrueHockey.com, Gaustad is drawing interest from multiple teams.

"Sources say San Jose, Vancouver, Colorado, and Detroit are all possible destinations for Gaustad."

The Buffalo Sabres center hasn't been overly impressive this season, scoring only seven goals and dishing out 10 assists. 

However, he's a strong face-off man, and he would add great depth to a team looking to make a big push toward a postseason run.