NHL Trade Rumors: Deciphering Latest Buzz from Around the League

As the April 3 trade deadline rapidly approaches, general managers and scouts are on the hunt searching for additions for what they hope to be a deep playoff run.

There’s been a flurry of speculation over the last few weeks concerning teams looking to sell, and those who want to buy.

A few names have surfaced. Most notably is current Calgary defenseman Jay Bouwmeester—a physical and aggressive defender.

Jeremy Rutherford, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, believes the Blues could add Bouwmeester, but his future contract status remains murky. The Blues are in need of an upgrade to their defense, which has struggled for the majority of the season. If the Blues somehow trade for Bouwmeester, they would receive an offensive boost. Bouwmeester is currently tied for second among all defensemen with six goals on the year.

However, the market for Bouwmeester’s services appears large. According to Randy Sportak, of the Calgary Sun, Philadelphia, Detroit and Ottawa are also showing interest in the Flames’ star defenseman.

San Jose’s Dan Boyle is another name mulling around.

According to Tim Panaccio, of CSNPhilly.com, the Philadelphia Flyers are showing signs of interest.

“Both Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren and hockey operations director Chris Pryor, were scouting the Sharks in Minnesota [last] weekend and are interested in the 5-foot-10 Boyle beyond this season," Panaccio wrote. 

It’ll be interesting to see what the Flyers end up doing. According to Panaccio, Boyle boasts a limited no-trade clause in his contract—meaning he’d only accept a trade to eight teams.

Adding more confusion to the situation is the fact that the Flyers are still breathing in the Eastern Conference playoff race, sitting just seven points behind a tie for the eighth spot with the Rangers.

Teams in need of a goaltender could turn to Calgary and Miikka Kiprusoff. 

However, according to Luke Fox, of SportsNet.ca, Kiprusoff is reluctant to be traded. 

If, say, a team comes calling with a deal too good to turn down, Flames general manager Jay Feaster might not have another option but to listen.