NHL Trade Rumors: Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Kesler and More Deadline Chatter

The 2014 NHL trade deadline is on Wednesday, March 5, and the focus for most hockey fans has shifted to the rumored deals that could come to fruition before the deadline.

With top stars like Winnipeg’s Dustin Byfuglien, Vancouver’s Ryan Kesler and Carolina’s Cam Ward reportedly on the market, the chances of a blockbuster deal coming to fruition continue to grow exponentially by the hour.

Here are the latest rumors surrounding the biggest names.

Philadelphia Flyers Interested in Dustin Byfuglien?

Lance Thomson/Getty Images

The Philadelphia Flyers will be looking to add some depth and talent to the defensive group before the postseason run, and there are few options on the market as intriguing as Winnipeg Jets versatile defender Dustin Byfuglien.

Byfuglien has the offensive skill to play the wing on a third line or jump into the play as an offensive defenseman, but he has been susceptible to turnovers and takeaways. Despite his flaws, he is drawing interest as the deadline approaches.

According to Sam Carchidi of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Flyers’ need for another defender could result in the team paying Winnipeg’s steep asking price:

"

There are rumblings that he can be acquired for a roster player and a first-round draft pick. With this year's draft in Philadelphia, the Flyers figure to be reluctant to deal their No. 1 choice in 2014 but might be willing to part with one in future years.

"

As well as Byfuglien has played over his career, he has been marred on bad teams and has been criticized for his lack of consistency. Trading for the versatile defender would be a risk, but it will be interesting to see how Byfuglien plays on a team with legitimate hopes of contending.

Byfuglien has still managed to rack up 44 points in 62 games this season, but the lack of offensive prowess around him has left him on an island for most of his career. If he found his way to a stacked roster like Philadelphia’s, the Eastern Conference would be put on notice.

Pittsburgh Penguins Interested in Ryan Kesler?

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

While the Vancouver Canucks deal with injuries and contending for a spot in the Western Conference playoffs, the rumors that forward Ryan Kesler has asked for a trade are engulfing the franchise.

The initial report from Louis Jean of TVA Sports claims that Kesler asked for a trade, but Adrian Dater of Bleacher Report was told by Kesler’s manager that the reports are false. No matter what you believe, teams are showing interest in Kesler.

According to Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, there is mutual interest from the Pittsburgh Penguins and Kesler’s camp pertaining to a possible trade:

After shining for Team USA in the Winter Olympics, Kesler was forced to miss the Canucks' first game back since the break while recovering from an injury. He regained his elite form upon his return on Feb. 28, though, and added a short-handed goal.

Kesler has not lived up to expectations in 2013-14, only amassing 39 points in 62 games for Vancouver, and he has failed to make his teammates around him better.

While moving an elite talent like Kesler won’t be easy, Vancouver could acquire premiere for picks and prospects for the future in a potential deal.

Carolina Hurricanes Open to Dealing Cam Ward?

Mike Stobe/Getty Images

The Carolina Hurricanes are once again falling out of contention in the Eastern Conference, and the fire sale has already begun with the rumors surrounding Stanley Cup winning goaltender Cam Ward and his availability.

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Carolina will move anyone, including a stalwart like Ward:

Ward has been one of the most consistent netminders in the NHL over the last several years, despite an ever-changing cast in front of him. No matter how little talent the team possessed in front of Ward, he has always stood tall in key situations for the franchise.

While Carolina may be open to dealing Ward, pulling off a trade won’t be easy.

Not only is there a no-trade clause in Ward’s contract, but he also has makes an average of $6.3 million per year for the next two full seasons. The team that is looking to acquire him must have cap space to burn.

Ward is a great goalie, but finding the right partner may be difficult.

*Stats via NHL.com. Salary information via CapGeek.com.