NHL Trade Speculation: 10 Teams That Should Make a Panic Trade

The NHL trade deadline is Monday, and teams could easily change their approach to the deadline based on how their squad plays over the next few games.

The Toronto Maple Leafs probably weren't going to do much at the deadline, but a goalie crisis might force them to make a panic move they wouldn't have last week.

Teams like the Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings might also make a panic trade to ensure they reach the postseason.

Let's look at 10 teams who should make a panic trade before the February 27 deadline.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a goalie crisis on their hands after a bad loss to the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, and should make a bold move at the deadline to upgrade that position.

Brian Burke told TSN Radio that he doesn't have an offer for Rick Nash on the table, but he will explore the goalie market.

Acquiring someone like Evgeni Nabokov, who is with the New York Islanders and is an unrestricted free agent in the summer, might be a solid move for Burke. Nabokov played for Leafs head coach Ron Wilson in San Jose.

Chicago Blackhawks

With the news that Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews might have suffered a concussion during their recent road trip, the team needs to make some kind of move to bolster their depth at forward.

If Toews isn't 100 percent healthy in the playoffs, then the Blackhawks might not make it out of the first round.

The goaltending situation looks like it's improving with Corey Crawford playing well of late, but finding another center is a priority if Toews is going to be hurt long-term.

Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche really filled a need at forward by acquiring Steve Downie this week from the Tampa Bay Lightning, who will add some much-needed toughness and physicality to the Avalanche lineup.

However, the team could still use another forward to help them earn a playoff berth. The Avalanche are only two points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings are just one point ahead of the Calgary Flames in the final Western Conference playoff spot, and must make a move for a scorer or they won't make the postseason.

Someone like Columbus Blue Jackets star winger and captain Rick Nash would be perfect for the struggling Kings offense, which has plummeted to the bottom of the league in goals scored per game. The Kings have the assets to acquire Nash and must make the deal happen.

San Jose Sharks

If Martin Havlat cannot be healthy for the playoffs, then the San Jose Sharks will struggle to make the Western Conference finals again like they did last season.

The Sharks need another goal-scoring forward and may look to acquire Blue Jackets star center Jeff Carter if they can't work out a deal for his teammate, Rick Nash.

San Jose's recent acquisition of Dominic Moore was a great move, but the team still needs one more forward for a deep playoff run.

Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim Ducks' recent surge up the Western Conference standings has made them go from likely sellers to probably buyers at the trading deadline.

The Ducks are only six points out of a playoff spot and could really use a goal-scoring forward or a veteran for their second or third line.

If the Ducks want to finish their amazing climb back into the playoff picture with a postseason berth, they must make a trade for a forward who cans score.

Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals are currently two points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and not making the postseason would be a massive disaster.

The team has to make a major move because their team isn't good enough right now. They have winger Alexander Semin, who would be a great top-six forward addition to a contending team and has an expiring contract.

Washington needs another top-six forward who can score goals on a consistent basis because the team isn't getting enough offense from superstar Alexander Ovechkin, and star center Nicklas Backstrom has battled through injury for a lot of the season.

The Capitals could also use another defensive defenseman and should think about dangling Mike Green to acquire one. I would be shocked if Washington does nothing at the trade deadline.

Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets making the playoffs would be a great story for the NHL since it would be a fantastic ending to the team's first regular season in Winnipeg since the 1990s.

The Jets should look at acquire a defensive defenseman that can be physical in the defensive zone and have several trade assets to use in order to fill this need.

Winnipeg should make a strong push for the playoffs this season because the teams they are battling with, Toronto and Washington, both have greater issues.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets are shopping Rick Nash and Jeff Carter, and if neither of them is traded, then it will be a huge mistake for the team.

They need to rebuild, and that process needs to start as soon as possible. There are several contending teams who have been interested in Nash, and by getting a great return for him, the franchise could speed up their rebuilding.

Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators have a solid team, but they don't have enough offense to be able to defeat a highly-skilled team such as the Detroit Red Wings or Vancouver Canucks in the playoffs.

Although Nashville's goaltending and defensive depth is fantastic, they don't have a reliable goal scorer who can dominate in the playoffs against top competition.

The Predators must acquire a top-six forward before the trade deadline, or they won't make it past the second round in May.