NHL Trade Rumors: Updates from Around the League

Even though NHL free agency is just two days away, the action in the trade market will likely be the most exciting part of the offseason.

Since there have been so many big names in the rumors lately, this could be one of the most exciting offseasons in regards to blockbuster trades being made.

Let's check out the latest trade rumors from around the league.

Roberto Luongo

With the Vancouver Canucks reaching a new deal with Cory Schneider, the Roberto Luongo trade speculation will likely increase.

"

Canucks should be pleased with Schneider's 3 year, $12 mil contract. Up next...Luongo trade.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 29, 2012"

It was reported by Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Post-Dispatch that the Florida Panthers are a team Luongo will waive his no-trade clause for.

"

Only place Luongo is willing to be traded, as of today, is back to the Florida #Panthers.

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 25, 2012"

However, Florida general manager Dale Tallon doesn't seem willing to give up his best players for Luongo, according to George Richards of the Miami Herald.

"

#FlaPanthers Dale Tallon said he did speak with #Canucks about goaltending; says he won't part w/ top prospects #Luongo

— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) June 23, 2012"

Rick Nash

The Nash news has slowed down a bit since the draft ended. One team that made an interesting appearance in the Nash discussion around the draft was the Ottawa Senators, who have the right collection of goaltending and young forward prospects to make a deal happen.

However, it seems that a trade to the Senators is something Nash would have to think over first.

"

Told Ottawa is not on #CBJ Rick Nash's approved list, that he'd have to alter his list before he could be traded to #Sens.

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 23, 2012"

Ottawa has a lot of young talent and could be a superstar away from making a deep run in the Eastern Conference playoffs next season. They are probably the best trade partner for Columbus right now.

Jonathan Bernier

Since the Los Angeles Kings have agreed on a 10-year contract with Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Quick, backup Jonathan Bernier doesn't appear to have much of a future with the team.

According to Andy Strickland of TrueHockey.com, the Kings intend to move Bernier.

"

Next move the #LAKINGS will be to trade Jonathan Bernier who has asked to be moved. #devils #Leafs #blackhawks all possibilties

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) June 28, 2012"

This could be the worst possible situation for the Canucks because Bernier is younger and could cost less than Luongo.

Alexander Semin

After Zach Parise is signed, Alexander Semin might be the best unrestricted free agent forward available to teams that need goal scoring.

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Washington Capitals may try to trade his negotiating rights.

"

Far from newsbreaking, but, good possibility the Capitals trade Alex Semin's rights.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2012"

If he doesn't want to re-sign, then the Capitals might as well try to get a draft pick for his rights.

Bobby Ryan

Similar to Nash, the Bobby Ryan news cooled off a bit following the draft, but a tweet from Darren Dreger on June 21 makes perfect sense.

"

Bobby Ryan and Rick Nash linked. Same teams in on both, so, if one goes, the other may move soon after.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 21, 2012"

After the Philadelphia Flyers traded forward James van Riemsdyk to the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenseman Luke Schenn, it's hard to see the Flyers going after Ryan when they have enough offense.

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Nicholas Goss is an NHL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and was also the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Final in Boston.