NHL Trade Rumors: The Dumbest Rumors We've Heard as Deadline Nears

At this time of year, trade rumors run rampant from various hockey "insiders". Everyone should be familiar with the bogus Twitter accounts that look like real insiders. There are also people like Eklund, who just make up dumb rumors.

The rumors generate hits and then send Twitter abuzz. While they are not likely to ever happen, it gets people talking.

Lets take a look at some of the dumbest rumors so far.

This piece will be continually updated as more stupid rumors come in.

Los Angeles Offer for Rick Nash

Columbus Blue Jackets Receive:

Jonathan Bernier and forwards Dustin Penner, Trent Hunter and a pick.

Los Angeles Kings Receive: 

Rick Nash

This is one of the dumbest Eklund rumors I have ever heard. A superstar forward should garner a lot more than a backup goalie and some scrub players. To make matters worse, shortly after this was a rumored deal, Trent Hunter was assigned to the AHL.

Ales Hemsky to Nashville?

The following rumor comes from the imposter Nick Kypreos account know as @RealKyper_

FakeKyper_ tweeted:

"

#preds close to a deal to land #oilers Ales Hemsky, could only be a 1st rounder heading the other way

"

This is a dumb rumor because Hemsky doesn't want to leave Edmonton and has only scored five goals this year. If Nashville is looking to add offense, why would a first-round draft pick be spent on Hemsky?

Ilya Bryzgalov for Rick Nash and Steve Mason?

Eklund is back again with more utter stupidity. 

Here is what the insider had to say about this trade:

"

The crazy rumor going around here is the Flyers may be interested in a Nash/Mason combo package...of course, in order for that deal to be made the jackets would have to take Bryzgalov...As I said, its a crazy rumor...I put very little stock in it...with the exception that both goalies Mason and Bryzgalov are looking utterly lost.... It should also be noted that Bryz has a full no-movement clause in his contract.

"

If this trade was made, Scott Howson would be run out of town. Why would the Blue Jackets take the overpaid Mr. Universe in exchange for their star forward?

Jeff Carter Headed to Toronto?

The next trade comes from a hockey insider known as @Real_NHL_Primo:

"

**BREAKING** Leafs close to acquiring Carter & Johansen for Grabovski, Schenn and a 2nd.#LeafsNation#Leafs#TMLtalk

"

This would be an interesting but stupid trade. Why would Burke trade Grabovski for Carter and his long contract? He would tie up all chances at signing a premium free agent in the summer of 2013. I also don't see why Columbus would trade Johansen for Schenn. 

Both are young players who still have developing to do but will play a big part in their respective teams' future. Schenn could be a quality defender for Toronto and Johansen could help be a part of the rebuild in Columbus.

Tuomo Ruutu Signs Extension but Still Will Be Traded?

Tuomo Ruutu signed a contract extension today but some bloggers and "insiders" feel he will still be traded.

@HockeyInsiderr tweeted

"

Big things coming in Carolina: hearing Tuomo Ruutu about to be moved to Edmonton for Ales Hemsky. (h5)

"

This would make absolutely no sense. Why would Carolina sign and then trade Ruutu, especially when some teams may have been more open to taking an expiring UFA contract instead of four more years?

Hemsky is not worth Ruutu in a trade and if you don't believe me just look at Hemsky's goal total.

Tom Urtz, Jr. is an NHL featured columnist. For NHL news, updates and alerts about players: