NHL Trade Rumors: Latest Trade Buzz for Each Team in the NHL

While we're just days away from learning who will be squaring off for the greatest prize in all of hockey, there is still a lot of talk about other players.

Teams are already figuring out which ways they can improve next season and figuring out if there are any personnel moves they might like to move.

Here is the latest trade buzz from around the league.

Anaheim Ducks

All seems quiet on the pond, so to speak, in Anaheim—something that is most likely welcome to the organization, especially after Anaheim's slow start that ignited a firestorm of rumors or a team blow up.

If there was a player who would be most likely to be dealt, it would be Bobby Ryan.

Corey Perry would just be foolish for the Ducks to move, and Ryan Getzlaf is team captain. While that doesn't make him immune from a trade, it definitely shows that the organization believes in him and his abilities.

Ryan went through some good and bad times last season and still carries a good trade value. Depending on who might trade for him, the Ducks could get some immediate roster help or draft picks—possibly both.

Boston Bruins

The goaltending situation is the thing that needs to be addressed in Boston.

It's hard to fathom seeing Tim Thomas playing for somebody other than the Bruins after he saw the best years of his career in Beantown, even leading them to a Stanley Cup. But will Tuukka Rask wait for Thomas to retire?

Rask is ready to be an NHL starter. And Tim Thomas could not only get some value back from a team that needs a goalie who could lead them deep into the playoffs, but he would free up a decent amount of salary cap space to allow the Bruins to be a bit more active in free agency.

Jimmy Murphy of ESPN Boston even tweeted a prediction that Tim Thomas will be traded during this offseason. So, which teams would be most interested in Thomas?

Teams that might be interested in the star goalie are the Chicago Blackhawks, whose goaltending was pretty abysmal all year, or the Toronto Maple Leafs.

If I were to guess, I'd guess Chicago is the most likely spot he'd land because Boston would still most likely want to do right by Thomas. And the Blackhawks are a playoff team that would immediately be Stanley Cup contenders with Thomas between the pipes.

Buffalo Sabres

Derek Roy was the center of trade discussions at the NHL trade deadline, but nothing came of that.

Even though there isn't much noise being made in the rumor mill concerning Roy, it is quite possible that the Sabres will look to shop him again.

Bleacher Report Contributor Jason M. Davis makes his case as to why the Sabres need to get rid of Roy before next season in this article.

Calgary Flames

This just might be the year when Jarome Iginla does finally get traded, and this is the first time that Iginla himself hasn't directly shot down the notion of not being in Calgary.

In a postgame interview done with NBC Sports, Iginla hinted at the possibility of not being in a Calgary sweater next season.

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"I have no idea; I don’t know what next year holds,” Iginla said. “Do I want to be on a team where we’re going to fully rebuild. I don’t know that I do.”

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Calgary seems to have finally embraced the idea of rebuilding its team. And though Iginla has been the Calgary franchise for years, letting him go would free up $7 million in cap space.

Matchsticks and Gasoline lays out possible trade partners with the Flames for Iginla's services in a very detailed article.

Matchsticks predicts that the Flyers or Penguins end up as the most likely spots for Iginla.

My prediction is that Iginla won't want to move too far from home and will likely want to stay out west. As much as it pains me, I could see him in a Red Wings sweater next year.

Carolina Hurricanes

Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is being a little hush-hush about which players he's interested in trading for, according to Hurricanes reporter Chip Alexander's Twitter account.

He does mention that finding a scoring winger for Eric Staal is the top priority for the Canes.

Whether this is through free agency or trade, we will just have to wait and see.

Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago may have an interesting plan in mind for this offseason. GM Stan Bowman has already stated that they aren't going to be bringing everybody back next season.

Steve Rosenbloom of the Chicago Tribune says that the Blackhawks not only should, but have to look at trading Patrick Kane this offseason.

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Kane’s goal production doesn’t match his hype or salary. Steven Stamkos had 60 this season and 45 and 51 in past seasons. Heck, Hawks castoff Radim Vrbata potted 35. Kane scored 30 goals. Once. And not this season.

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This isn't to suggest that Kane will definitely be on the move, but the fact his name is popping up is a big deal.

Colorado Avalanche

It shouldn't be a surprise for people to hear Paul Stastny's name in trade rumors, as he seems to always be the guy from the Avalanche in rumors.

The Fourth Period mentioned that Stastny was a piece that was in play at the trade deadline for the Avalanche and was, once again, not moved.

I still don't believe Stastny will be going anywhere, especially now that he has found such great chemistry with Jamie McGinn, but his name just won't go away.

Chances are good you'll hear something about the Avalanche dealing Stastny at the draft, but don't count on it happening.

Columbus Blue Jackets

No shock that Rick Nash is the big rumor out of Columbus, especially after his asking to be traded at the deadline.

Though he wasn't able to be moved at the deadline, the Sharks, who were in on the sweepstakes in February, have apparently promised to "sweeten the deal" in June.

Nash wasn't dealt in February because the Jackets didn't get enough in the deal that they wanted. And good for them for not settling.

Nash has a huge upside, and the Jackets need to make sure that they get a fair deal for him and not just unload him because he's unhappy.

It should be interesting to see how this plays out come June.

Dallas Stars

According to Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Stars may be one of the many teams interested in acquiring Rick Nash.

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Because there are so few top-end scorers available in free agency (Zach Parise, Alexander Semin, Shane Doan, Ryan Smyth, Brad Boyes) and because those scorers may not end up on the open market if they re-sign with their own teams, I think the Stars have to at least be open to a trade for a player like Nash.

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Dallas has some good, young talent that it could send back to Columbus for Nash, but would its prospects and draft picks be enough? Or would Columbus be asking for a guy like Mike Ribeiro in return?

It will be interesting to see how far Dallas pursues Nash.

Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings are a team that has made one of the best adaptations to the salary cap era of any franchise in the league.

The Wings used to make the huge deals at the trade deadline and spend out the nose, but they have changed to fit the times.  The Wings don't make huge trades anymore; they build from within and make savvy free-agent signings.

Likely more of the same should be expected from them this offseason. But with the potential to get a player like Jarome Iginla, as I mentioned on the Calgary slide, the Wings might find it hard to pass up a guy like Iginla who could be available for prospects and draft picks—something the Wings are rich with.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers hold the first overall draft pick in this year's NHL draft, but it might be smartest for them to consider using the pick as a bargaining piece to gain a different piece to their puzzle.

The Oilers have a lot of young talents that are based on finesse and skill in Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Another player like Nail Yakupov, who is the consensus first overall pick in this year's draft, might not benefit them.

The Edmonton Journal's David Staples suggest that the Oilers should trade the pick for Jordan Staal of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and he has a point.

Staal has played behind two of the best players in the world in Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby and managed to come into his own during Crosby's injury. Perhaps it is time for the 25-year-old center to become the big man on a team.

The Oilers need a guy like Staal who plays a power forward game to draw more attention away from the likes of Nugent-Hopkins and free up more ice for Hall.

Going out and bringing in a guy like Jordan Staal might be the smartest idea of the offseason for the Oilers.

Florida Panthers

This last season was an improbable one for the Florida Panthers. Despite their many free-agent moves, almost nobody gave them a shot to win their division, which is exactly what they went on and did.

According to George Richards of The Miami Herald, GM Dale Tallon seems to like the roster he has and doesn't plan to make too many changes.

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This year, Tallon will tweak—not remake. Florida’s core is in place, for the most part, with no coaching search under way and no roster to fill out.

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With a core in place, it seems unlikely the Panthers will do too much wheeling and dealing. Expect to see most of their "tweaks" show up in free agency.

Los Angeles Kings

The L.A. Kings are one of those rare teams blessed with the abundance of two fantastic goalies who could be NHL starters.

Let's face it, though. The Kings have their guy in Jonathan Quick and have no intention of letting him go. So that leaves Jonathan Bernier, who is ready to step into the spotlight himself, as the guy who will be traded.

Jim Matheson, who primarily covers the Edmonton Oilers, tweeted recently that though the Lightning is a team on Roberto Luongo's short list, the fact that Vincent Lecavalier already has a big long-term contract with the team will be enough to keep the Lightning from going after Luongo.

Instead, Matheson believes that they will try and go younger and make a run at Bernier.

Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild could be one of the teams that might want to get in on the Jordan Staal sweepstakes, according to Josh Yohe of the Tribune-Review.

Minnesota made a big splash at the draft last season when it traded for Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi to add a couple of actual names to its squad.

A move to gain Jordan Staal could help the team greatly, and Staal could be a good player to add. He definitely has an offensive upside, but his years as the third center on the Penguins have definitely made him a defensively responsible forward capable of playing well on both ends of the ice.

The Wild could also use his leadership skills to bring their team closer to a playoff berth. 

Montreal Canadiens

With all the hype of finding a new GM and head coach, there isn't a lot of big noise being made around Montreal.

The most interesting rumor of note from the Habs concerns Tomas Plekanec.  His point total dropped off this year, and the Habs may be looking to deal him rather than pay him the $5 million that he is owed next season, according to Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal.

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It should be interesting to see what Montreal does with Tomas Plekanec. Was this past season, when he scored 52 points, an aberration, or does the Czech centre still have the goods to be a No. 2 guy?

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That is the question that teams must answer if they are to try and deal for Plekanec.

Nashville Predators

Everything in Nashville revolved around three guys this offseason. The first two are the obvious ones, Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.

The third name really came into light after he was suspended by the team because he missed the team's curfew while on the road—Alexander Radulov.

The Predators went to great lengths to bring this guy back into the lineup after the NHL trade deadline, and he was supposed to be one of the big sparks that could lead the Predators into the Stanley Cup Finals.

After this recent slip-up earned Radulov and teammate Andrei Kostitsyn a suspension from the Predators and a tongue lashing from several media members, now there is a question as to whether or not Radulov even has a spot on the Predators roster anymore.

Radulov is an unrestricted free agent this year and could easily see his rights traded after his selfish behavior during the playoffs.

New Jersey Devils

Everything revolving around the Devils right now that doesn't have to do with their playoff run involves only one man, Zach Parise.

Parise is scheduled to be the prize of free agency this year, but that shouldn't necessarily make any of us believe that he won't be traded.

After all, it was just a year a go that the Philadelphia Flyers traded to acquire the rights to negotiate a contract with Ilya Bryzgalov.

If the Devils give up on the ability to sign Parise to a contract, then they really should consider the possibility of receiving something in exchange for Parise's rights.

New York Islanders

There doesn't seem to be much noise on the Island as far as trade rumors at this particular time, so speculation will have to be the way to go.

The Islanders currently have four goalies, two of whom will become free agents this season. And then there are Evgeni Nabokov and Rick DiPietro.

Nabokov played pretty decently for the Islanders last season and seems to be the incumbent, and we're all familiar with Rick DiPietro's inability to stay healthy and his huge contract.

DiPietro still has until 2021 on his contract, and it is highly unlikely anybody trades for an injury prone backup with a $4 million cap hit through 2021.

Something has to give, though. It's just hard to see exactly what.

New York Rangers

The Rangers were one of the big suitors for Rick Nash at the trade deadline and didn't pull the trigger because the price seemed too high.

That was at the trade deadline when the Rangers were making a push for the President's Trophy; this would be in the offseason trying to reload for a new year.

The Rangers could be tempted to up the ante for Nash, especially if they end up being eliminated by the Devils, which could leave the team and fans wondering whether or not they should have pulled the trigger on Nash earlier.

Ottawa Senators

Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun suggests that now is the time to move Craig Anderson.

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It might take some Murray smooth-talking, but who knows, trading Anderson, even as part of a package, could answer the need for both a proven, point-producing forward and a defensive defenceman.

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Brennan brings up a valid point, especially if captain Daniel Alfredsson retires. The Senators will need to replace his scoring and have a little bit of shoring up to do on the blue line.

Why not take a shot at dealing Anderson, especially when there have been a couple of younger goalies who stepped in for him during this season and seemed equal to the NHL task.

Philadelphia Flyers

James van Riemsdyk had a disappointing year this past season, both from a games played standpoint and from a production standpoint.

JVR played in only 43 games due to injuries and managed only 24 points.

He has produced decently in the past, logging 21 goals just one season ago.

According to NHLtradereport.com, van Riemsdyk could be available for trade as his new deal kicks in next season, which will take him from a $1.6 million cap hit to a $4.25 million cap hit.

The Flyers may need the cap space to try and potentially replace Chris Pronger, should he be unable to return to the lineup.

Phoenix Coyotes

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal suggests that the Coyotes showed in the playoffs that a No. 1 center should be their biggest offseason focus.

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What the playoffs is proving to the Phoenix Coyotes is the need for a true No. 1 centre. Antoine Vermette is a No. 2, Martin Hanzal really is a big No. 3, with little offensive juice. They thought they had it in Kyle Turris, but he didn’t pan out before they moved him to Ottawa. The Coyotes should be trying to get David Krejci from Boston because the Bruins could move Tyler Seguin (even if they like his speed and shot on the wing) to the middle with Patrice Bergeron. How about trading Canadian national junior teamer Brandon Gormley (Shawinigan Catatactes) and a draft pick for Krejci?

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Phoenix definitely wasn't known for its scoring this season and won primarily because of defense and good goaltending.

A guy like Krejci wouldn't hurt the Coyotes' defensive system. As he is a responsible two-way player, it would solidify their up-the-middle presence with a guy who can get you 60-plus points per season.

This would be a strong move for the Coyotes.

Pittsburgh Penguins

There could be a competition of sorts to acquire Jordan Staal from the Pittsburgh Penguins, whose name popped up very fast after the Pens were eliminated from the first round of the playoffs.

The Edmonton Journal was one of the first to get in on the rumor mill, suggesting that the Oilers should trade their top pick to acquire Staal rather than draft Nail Yakupov.

The ugly truth of the matter is that the Penguins don't have a lot of cap space at the moment, and both Staal and Sidney Crosby become unrestricted free agents at the end of next season. Which player do you think is going to be focused on more?

With the Penguins likely needing to move somebody in order to free up some more salary space, Staal seems like the perfect candidate since he still has good value and their other two centers are Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby.

This could work out for both sides. Staal finally gets to a place where he can contribute more offensively, and the Penguins can get some good value in return.

San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks were another team that in play for Rick Nash around the trade deadline but were unable to pull a deal out.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Sharks will renew their pursuit of the Blue Jacket captain come June.

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Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson has been quietly trying to peddle unhappy captain Rick Nash but it’s difficult to find serious interest now. Sources say Sharks GM Doug Wilson, who made a serious pitch in February, is willing to revisit talks after a first-round exit. I’m told Wilson informed the Jackets the Sharks would sweeten the offer in June.

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Who the Sharks send back for Nash will be an interesting point of speculation over the coming weeks. With the size of Nash's contract, it seems the Sharks will have to unload somebody in order to make room.

Could that possibly mean Patrick Marleau or Martin Havlat? We shall see.

St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues have a new owner, and with a new owner can come a new vision and direction for the team.

Andy Strickland, in an article posted by St. Louis Today's Roger Hensley, thinks that there could be a small personnel shakeup in the works.

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Tom Stillman's first priority will be getting the business on sound financial footing. Making the Blues sustainable moving forward will go a long way in helping to ensure a competitive product stays on the ice. Until Stillman corrects the business model and finds smarter ways to run the organization, fans can forget about high-priced free agents.

The first order of business on the hockey side will be keeping your own free agents. It's very possible we see one of the young core players traded this summer in an effort to improve the roster.

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Not exactly a clear picture as to whom the Blues might move, but the words "young core player" might raise a few eyebrows.

Tampa Bay Lightning

According to TSN, Steve Yzerman might not be interested in going after Roberto Luongo as a means of fixing the Lightning's goaltending woes.

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My philosophy is I’m trying to find that Hall of Fame goaltender. But good luck trying to do that, it takes time. We’ll find that guy through the draft or unrestricted free agency — that guy isn’t there at this time.

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Other options the Lightning might explore could be Jonathan Bernier or even Tim Thomas. 

Toronto Maple Leafs

Though Toronto is on Roberto Luongo's short list of teams he would accept a trade to, Bob McKenzie doesn't think that the Leafs are going to bite.

According to a podcast he appeared on, McKenzie believes that the Leafs may go after Tomas Vokoun rather than try and take on Luongo's gigantic contract.

Though, with Brian Burke you can never really tell.  Once he gets his mind set on acquiring somebody, he makes it happen come hell or high water.

Vancouver Canucks

Perhaps the rumors of Roberto Luongo's demise in Vancouver have been greatly exaggerated. Or, perhaps the Canucks are trying to drive the price of Luongo back up. But either way, the Canucks may not be totally set on getting rid of Luongo.

Cory Schneider's agent, Mike Liut, had this to say on the matter, from The Province:

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Having both goalies back in Vancouver next year is definitely a possibility and probably the leading possibility.

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They've made a good tandem in the past, so perhaps this duo was meant to stay together. Or, perhaps this is just a way to push Luongo's price as high as they can.

Washington Capitals

This season was a soul-searching one for the Capitals, who just barely squeaked into the playoffs after being favorites to win the conference each year before.

With several interesting names up in free agency, as well as the way Alexander Ovechkin was demoted during the playoffs, the Capitals have several difficult decisions to make.

The Fourth Period believes that Mike Green might be available for a trade depending on the route that the Capitals take with their free agents.

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Washington's most eye-catching asset might be defenseman Mike Green, a restricted free agent. The Capitals could look to re-sign Wideman this off-season, a move that could make Green expendable.

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Green could provide some interesting return for the Capitals, as his offensive skills are well documented. 

This offseason will be quite the interesting one for Washington.

Winnipeg Jets

Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun believes that the Winnipeg Jets might be interested in a trade package that would include Craig Anderson.

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It might take some Murray smooth-talking, but who knows, trading Anderson, even as part of a package, could answer the need for both a proven, point-producing forward and a defensive defenceman.

At a glance, Tampa Bay, New Jersey, Winnipeg and Columbus are among the teams that should be eager to talk.

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I'm not sure the Jets would be terribly eager since they do currently have Ondrej Pavelec, though he is a free agent this summer.

Still, I guess if the price is right and the package fits, then anything is possible.