The 10 Most Intriguing Trade Rumors in the NHL

In recent weeks there's been some intriguing NHL trade rumors making the rounds. That's likely because Thanksgiving is only two weeks away. The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch cites a league executive claiming trade talk picks up a bit around that time, as some teams start getting nervous about their playoff chances.

Several teams in this ranking certainly qualify among those whose general managers could start worrying about playoff positioning. Factors like injuries, lack of depth in any one position or a need to move a pending free agent also account for many of these rumors.

In the following slides I'll examine the most intriguing recent NHL trade rumors, providing analysis and predictions as to the outcome of each. Player value, roster needs and plausibility factored into the compilation of this list.

10. Jared Cowen to the Arizona Coyotes

Francois Laplante/FreestylePhoto/Getty Images

The Rumor: The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch wondered if the Arizona Coyotes and Ottawa Senators had discussions regarding young Senators defenseman Jared Cowen.

Analysis: Garrioch noted the 23-year-old Cowen was a healthy scratch from several Senators games in October. General manager Bryan Murray received some calls about the young blueliner, but Garrioch claimed "at this juncture" Murray didn't want move the blueliner. 

Prediction: Cowen has the size (6'5” and 228 lbs) and promise to become a potential top-pairing defenseman. It's no wonder Murray doesn't want to part with him. Cowen has returned to the lineup in recent games. Don't expect to see him heading for Arizona anytime soon.

9. Maple Leafs Could Move Cody Franson

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

The Rumor: NBC Sports' Jason Brough cited Sportnet's Elliotte Friedman (via Nichols on Hockey) alluding to the Toronto Maple Leafs trading defenseman Cody Franson at some point this season.

Analysis: Brough notes Franson is eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer. He's also a right-handed shot, which could make him attractive for several NHL teams seeking that type of defenseman. The Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings are among such clubs.

Prediction: If the Maple Leafs trade Franson, they could seek return which provides immediate help to their roster. Given their current position in the Eastern Conference standings they can afford to wait for the right offer. If Franson is dealt it'll likely be near the March 2 trade deadline.

8. Chris Stewart to the Columbus Blue Jackets

Harry How/Getty Images

The Rumor: With Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Nathan Horton sidelined by a career-threatening back injury, the Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson wondered if they might target Buffalo Sabres winger Chris Stewart.

Analysis: Stewart is an unrestricted free agent at season's end. Matheson also reported the Boston Bruins had some interest in the winger. The Sabres set a high asking price for Stewart, as Matheson claims they want a player and either a draft pick or a prospect.

Prediction: As per TSN.ca, the Blue Jackets are currently decimated by injuries. That's sent them tumbling down the Eastern Conference standings; however, Blue Jackets management could ride this out hoping most of the injured players return in time to salvage the season. For now it's unlikely they'll consider replacing Horton.

7. James Reimer to the Anaheim Ducks

Kathy Kmonicek/Associated Press

The Rumor: USA Today's Kevin Allen recently suggested five emergency goalie options for the Anaheim Ducks to replace sidelined backup John Gibson. Among them was making a trade, as Allen wondered if they could make a pitch for Toronto Maple Leafs netminder James Reimer.

Analysis: Ducks starter Frederik Andersen recently returned to action from a leg ailment and call-up Jason LaBarbera is filling in for Gibson, who could miss six weeks with a groin injury. Prying Reimer out of Toronto could cost a roster player. Other short-term options include free agents Martin Brodeur, Tomas Vokoun and former Duck Ilya Bryzgalov.

Prediction: The Ducks will likely stick with Andersen and LaBarbera until Gibson returns. If Andersen gets hurt, they could consider a free-agent signing over a trade.

6. Andrej Sekera to the Rangers

Mike Stobe/Getty Images

The Rumor: On Nov. 1, Sportnet's Elliotte Friedman reported injuries to the the New York Rangers defense corps could spark their interest in Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Andrej Sekera.

Analysis: Sekera will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Hurricanes went winless through October, fueling speculation over the defenseman's future. However, during a recent interview with Sportsnet Fan 590 (via NBC Sports), Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis stated his intent to re-sign the 28-year-old defenseman.

Prediction: If the Hurricanes decide to trade Sekera, it'll likely be near the March 2 trade deadline. That won't help the Rangers right now. If they're still seeking a defenseman, they'll have to look elsewhere. 

5. Mike Richards on the Market

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

The Rumor: TSN's Bob McKenzie reports the Los Angeles Kings need some long-term cap relief, claiming veteran center Mike Richards could be available.

Analysis: McKenzie notes Richards has five years remaining at an annual cap hit of $5.75 million on his back-diving contract. He also points out there would be salary-cap recapture penalties if Richards retires before his contract expires.

The 29-year-old had a no-movement clause in his contract when he signed it. CapGeek.com indicates that clause may have been voided by his June 2011 trade to the Kings from the Philadelphia Flyers. 

Prediction: Richards' contract and his declining performance makes him tough to move. Factor in the New York Post's Larry Brooks reporting the $69 million salary cap might not increase for next season, and it becomes a more difficult task. 

4. Paul Martin to the San Jose Sharks

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

The Rumor: The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch speculates Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Paul Martin could be dealt by the trade deadline. He believes the San Jose Sharks could be a destination.

Analysis: Martin is eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer. Garrioch claims Sharks general manager Doug Wilson wants a top-four defenseman without giving anything up in return. During an appearance last month on the NHL Network, TSN insider Darren Dreger claimed Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford seeks a scoring winger to complement Evgeni Malkin.

Prediction: Given the Penguins depth in young defensemen, Martin could become a trade candidate. The Penguins are currently playing well, and Rutherford can take his time shopping for a scorer. If the Sharks or anyone else wants Martin, they could be forced to part with a forward. 

3. Mike Green to the Detroit Red Wings

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

The Rumor: On Oct. 31, TSN insider Darren Dreger expected trade speculation surrounding Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green to intensify. He believes the Detroit Red Wings are among the teams interested in Green.

Analysis: As MLive.com's Ansar Khan noted back on Sept. 1, Green was among the right-handed defensemen the Wings pursued during the summer. It seems unlikely, however, the Capitals will trade Green to the Red Wings while both clubs are jockeying for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. 

Prediction: It's far too early for the Capitals to consider moving Green. Interested teams could wait until midseason to seriously pursue him, as half his $6.25 million salary for this season will be paid out by then.

2. Tyler Myers to the Dallas Stars

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

The Rumor: In his Oct. 30 column, the Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson suggests the Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings as destinations for Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers.

Analysis: Matheson claimed at the time the Stars and Red Wings weren't in dire need of a defenseman right now. That's remains true for the Wings but not for the Stars, who've tumbled down the Western Conference standings. They lack a right-handed shot on their blue line.

Landing Myers, however, will prove costly. The Sabres are rebuilding and seek young players, prospects and draft picks. Matheson notes the Stars lack a high-end young forward except for Valeri Nichushkin and wondered if they would move him.

Prediction: Despite how desperate the Stars could be for defensive help, they won't part with the promising Nichushkin. General manager Jim Nill seems determined to address his current defensive issues from within. 

1. Eric Staal to the Arizona Coyotes

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

The Rumor: If the Carolina Hurricanes decide to trade center Eric Staal, the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch claims the Arizona Coyotes have genuine interest in him.

Analysis: The Coyotes lack depth at center and risk losing Antoine Vermette to free agency next summer. Garrioch claims they hope to re-sign Vermette, believing the addition of Staal could convince him to stay.

Prediction: It won't happen. As per CapGeek.com, Staal has a full no-trade clause. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman (via Kukla's Korner) reported Staal told Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis he wants to remain for the long term. In a recent interview with Sportsnet Fan 590 (via NBC Sports), Francis dismissed the trade speculation about his captain.