NHL Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz Heading into 2013 Offseason

The NHL season is drawing to a close, but as the 2013 offseason approaches, the trade rumors surrounding some of the biggest stars, prospects and draft picks have engulfed the hockey community.

All of the following rumors have started to pick up steam, and each will be a main focus of the league discussions leading into the NHL draft and beyond.

Anaheim Ducks Shopping Bobby Ryan?

The Anaheim Ducks are one of the most talented teams in the NHL, but with three young stars on the roster that deserve top money—Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry already got theirs, each signing an eight-year deal in excess of $65 million according to NHL.com—the odd man out could be forward Bobby Ryan.

There will be a litany of teams interested in the services of the talented winger, but the Philadelphia Flyers are the favorites to land Ryan, per CSN Philly’s Tim Panaccio:

"

Two NHL sources not associated with the Flyers tell CSNPhilly.com that the Anaheim Ducks are quietly shopping Ryan a week before the NHL draft in Newark, N.J., and that the Flyers are keenly interested. Among the scenarios that have been discussed is the Flyers moving defenseman Braydon Coburn and their 11th overall pick in the draft.

"

Philadelphia is always making offseason deals to improve the franchise and adding a younger scorer who could replace the production of recently amnestied Daniel Briere is a smart move for the future of the franchise.

It won’t be cheap to pull this deal off, but it could pay major dividends down the road.

Carolina Hurricanes Willing to Trade No. 5 Pick?

The Carolina Hurricanes know which players they would select at No. 5 if available, but if none of the desired stars are left on the board when the franchise selects, there is a serious chance the pick is traded.

The News & Observer's Chip Alexander is reporting that Carolina could consider a move on draft day if the team’s current plan doesn’t come to fruition:

Carolina has some stellar pieces in its puzzle, but the fact that the franchise is reportedly not going to reach for a prospect that it is not comfortable selecting is a great sign for its fans.

If the organization won’t settle in the draft, that game plan will begin to carry over into free agency and re-signing players. That’s how successful NHL teams build perennial contenders.

It may take a few seasons, but Carolina will be a serious championship contender with this mindset.

Follow @Donald_Wood