NHL Trade Scenarios: 10 Teams with Cap Room to Deal at the NHL Draft

With the 2011-12 trade rumor mill producing nothing more than a few minor deals, the next spot for teams to start adjusting their rosters will be at the NHL Draft.

This year's edition of the draft will be held at Pittsburgh's Consol Energy Center June 22 and 23rd.

With this summer promising a plethora of free-agent talent, teams will look to unload some expiring contracts, and get "something for nothing."

Rather than let a star player walk away, a team can trade that player with the expiring contract to get some type of value versus getting nothing when said player signs with another team as a free agent.

These last minute transactions give teams exclusive negotiating rights with the potential free agents—more or less a "head start" on contract discussions. Some times teams can strike a deal, and sometimes the player just walks to negotiate freely with whomever he wants.

The list of buyers and sellers will be rather obvious as the draft approaches. While some teams are looking at gaudy numbers in available cap room,  they still need to fill their roster.

Some franchises also look at the salary cap as a suggestion rather than a goal. In order to remain profitable, a few teams dispel the urge to spend, unfortunately at the expense of their fanbase.

Here is a list of the top 10 teams with cap room to deal at the NHL Draft.

Note: All cap information via capgeek.com.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche are looking at the largest pile of money this summer, but also have the most roster space to fill.

Finding the balance and chemistry of role players mixed with game-changing talent is Colorado's task. $41.9 million looks nice on paper, but it's not a grocery list, folks.

Putting together a winner is paramount in the Mile High city as the Avs look to return to the success of years past. They have been struggling in recent years and have been non-factors in the playoffs when they have qualified.

General Manager Greg Sherman will look to put some of the locker room dissent to bed, as there have been more than a few chirps from players about the club's recent transactions

Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators find themselves in a tough position this summer.

They were one of the more active teams during the trade deadline activity, and are looking at a small mountain of money to secure roster spots.

With $32.3 million and eight spots to fill, Nashville would appear to be sitting pretty. However, the Preds have the matter of Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.

The rest of the NHL will be lining up to sign these two guys, and may outbid Nashville for one or even both.

It was thought that Nashville might even deal one of the two expiring contracts to get some sort of return. The Preds instead decided to upgrade the roster, hoping that the team's commitment to winning now could entice their soon-to-be free agent blue liners.

Nashville will find itself at or near the center of the NHL universe this summer, and Preds fans are hoping it is for the right reasons.

Carolina Hurricanes

A disappointing season in Raleigh can be an understatement, especially considering the success the Canes have had in their short existence in Tar Heel/Wolf Pack/Blue Devil country.

Carolina will miss the playoffs this year, but certainly have a strong nucleus of young, talented players that will keep ownership from the "rebuild" word that all fans hate to hear.

The Hurricanes have just under $22 million to spend this offseason on three roster spots.

Kirk Muller seems to have them playing some inspired hockey of late. There is no reason to think that with the right moves this summer, the Canes can't contend for a division title in 2012-13.

Edmonton Oilers

While a last-place finish in the Northwest division has become all to common for the once mighty Edmonton hockey club, optimism abounds around a core of young superstars on the OIlers' roster.

With all of the young guns under contract for the long term, Edmonton can look to fleece its roster of some under-performing dead weight.

Edmonton isn't what you would call a traditional destination for free agency, but the club has some money to spend and could lure some solid talent to the Pacific northwest to give their young franchise players some help moving forward.

The Oilers have $22.3 million to spend.

Dallas Stars

A solid second half has the Dallas Stars overachieving as they contend for the Pacific Division crown.

The self-proclaimed "Pesky Stars" have been a surprise this year, and could get stronger this summer with some fairly deep pockets.

Texas isn't a traditional hockey destination, but with no state income tax, it can be more attractive for a free-agent deal.

The Stars have about $23.7 million to spend for seven roster spots, so they are certainly a team to watch.

Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals can look at this season as nothing more than a disappointment.

If they manage to sneak into the playoffs, it will be based as much on another teams's failure as much as their own success.

Replacing coach Bruce Boudreau with former Cap Dale Hunter has been hit and miss for the bulk of Hunter's tenure.

Injuries have played a huge role this year, with top center Nicklas Backstrom concussed for a large chunk and Mike Green battling through hernia and groin injuries.

Coupled with uninspired play from the traditional Capital stars, look for owner Ted Leonsis and GM George McPhee to be buyers come summertime.

St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues have taken the NHL by storm this year.

Their roster was solid to open the season, but a stuttering start saw Ken Hitchcock replace Davis Payne behind the bench.

The hockey world will be interested to see if St. Louis can continue their regular season success into the playoffs. The Blues' offseason maneuvers will also hinge on the team's play in the postseason.

St. Louis has traditionally been a thrifty franchise, though they spent large to bring Jaroslav Halak over from Montreal last summer.

With roughly $28.5 million to fill four roster spots, the Blues can start supplementing their roster with new faces, and locking up their young core with contract extensions

Anaheim Ducks

With a roster full of talent and a new coach in Bruce Boudreau, the Ducks have a horribly slow start to thank for their season's failure.

After the All-Star break, the Ducks showed the NHL how talented they really are, and have been playing the role of spoiler as the season winds down.

With about $23.2 million to spend this offseason, the Ducks are in a good position to pad their roster for a fresh start to the 20123-13 season.

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings are in the enviable position of having $20.6 million available with a minimum of two roster spots to fill.

Of course, the biggest question every summer for the past couple years has been the future of all-world defenseman Nick Lidstrom.

Detroit General Manager Ken Holland is one of the best in the business in managing the salary cap, and will allow Lidstrom to choose whether he wants to come back or not.

The Wings will also have some tough decisions to make with several key players.

Do they re-sign the players who have helped the club in the past, or do they make a splash with a big free-agent acquisition?

I imagine a lot will depend on the success or failure of the Red Wings in this year's playoffs. There are always high expectations of the talented Detroit team. Another second-round exit could result in some significant turnover in Hockeytown.

Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens are the most storied franchise in the NHL, and almost all of professional sports.

Their performance this year has been nothing short of hideous, and the Hab faithful are screaming for a change.

Some bad contracts and worse play have low-lighted this season, as the Canadiens will absolutely be retooling this summer.

With just short of $19.6 million to spend on seven roster spots, we can be sure that the Montreal lineup will look a lot different when the puck drops next October.