NHL Rumors: Danny Briere, Ryan O'Reilly and More Buzz Around the League

Is the lockout-shortened season going to ruin the NHL trading deadline?

It sure seems that way. While a few players continue to pop up here and there on the rumor mill, things have generally seemed very quiet, as general managers and league executives remain cagey.

Frankly, it's all getting a little bit boring. We need buzz, NHL teams! Shake things up, make some moves, don't be lame like the NBA trading deadline!

Of course, there is always a rumor here and there, and I've found a few tantalizing ones to satisfy your need for some NHL buzz today. 

Danny Briere, Philadelphia Flyers

It's virtually a guarantee that Danny Briere wouldn't accept a trade that would end his tenure with the Philadelphia Flyers.

But that hasn't stopped other teams from knocking on his door, according to Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News:

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The Blues are a different story. General manager Doug Armstrong visited Philadelphia for the second time in three home games, and also caught the Flyers in Toronto on Feb. 11.

According to sources, Armstrong has been asking for forward Danny Briere. He isn't the only one. Boston inquired about Briere last week, among others.

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In that same article, Briere is quoted as saying "My heart belongs in Philadelphia with the Flyers. I can't see myself playing anywhere else," so it's hard to imagine him being traded.

Still, if the Flyers—tied with a slew of teams at eighth in the Eastern Conference with 18 points on the season—struggle this year and decide to ship out some veterans and rebuild for next year, Briere could be asked to potentially waive that no-movement clause if the Flyers are offered an enticing package for him.

I doubt Briere goes anywhere, but if the Flyers continue to struggle his name is one to keep an eye on.

Kevin Shattenkirk, St. Louis Blues

If the Flyers ever do make a deal with the St. Louis Blues, one player they will have major interest in acquring is Kevin Shattenkirk.

According to Seravalli, "The Flyers are interested in Blues blue-liner Kevin Shattenkirk, but it would take a lot more than Briere to pry him. Shattenkirk, 24, is second in team scoring with 15 points in 18 games."

It's hardly surprising that the Flyers, who have given up 66 goals this season (the second most in the NHL) would want to bolster the blue line. I would just be very, very surprised if the team is able to do so by trading for Shattenkirk.

Ryan O'Reilly, Colorado Avalanche

BREAKING NEWS, folks! Ryan O'Reilly still hasn't been traded by the Colorado Avalanche, but teams are interested!

Oh, wait, that's not breaking news at all. But according to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, that's where we continue to stand on that front:

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In the meantime, everyone is waiting to see if/when Colorado moves Ryan O’Reilly. Teams have inquired—the likes of Ottawa, Toronto, Philadelphia and the Rangers, among other clubs—but have been put off by the high asking price. 

"I just think they don’t really want to move him unless it’s a home-run offer," said one Eastern Conference GM. "That’s their prerogative, really." 

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At some point, you would think the Avalanche would begin asking for a more realistic return in exchange for O'Reilly. If the rumored asking prices are any indication—check out some of the crazy deals the Avs are trying to pull off, as compiled by Brian Stubits of CBS—the Avs are being unrealistic.