NHL Trade Rumors: Pre-Deadline Chatter for Jaromir Jagr, Dion Phaneuf and More

The NHL trade front is already heating up ahead of the March 2 deadline, but with a number of big names on the block, there is little doubt that there are many significant deals yet to come.

With so few teams legitimately out of the playoff race, the market figures to be strong for teams that are looking to sell assets. Contenders only have so many teams to pick from, and that should make for an interesting few weeks.

Now that the seal has been cracked in terms of big trades with the Buffalo Sabres acquiring forward Evander Kane from the Winnipeg Jets, one can only assume that there are more to follow.

As the deadline approaches, here are the latest rumors regarding some of the top names on the trading block.

Jaromir Jagr

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He is just days away from his 43rd birthday, but New Jersey Devils winger Jaromir Jagr continues to produce. The Czech legend has been among the Devils' best offensive producers this season, with 11 goals and 29 points, and there is little doubt that he will generate some interest on the trade market.

The Devils aren't in realistic position to make a run at the playoffs, so getting something in return for Jagr is their best option. According to TSN's Darren Dreger (h/t SI.com), the NHL's No. 5 all-time points scorer would welcome a trade from New Jersey, particularly to an Eastern Conference contender.

Roman Jedlicka of TV NOVA Sport in the Czech Republic backed up Dreger's report by confirming that Jagr would like to be dealt:

What Jagr wants and what he is saying publicly seem to be two different things, though. Per Rich Chere of NJ.com, the veteran forward is more than willing to let things play out rather than demanding or ever asking for a trade.

"I feel I don't have to ask. If it's good for the team, I'm gone," Jagr said. "If they feel like they've got a good offer, they'll trade me. I don't have to ask. Do we still have a chance (at making the playoffs)? I don't know. Regardless, it's out of my control."

Unless the Devils go on a huge run prior to the deadline, there is no reason to keep Jagr. He is nearing the end of his career, and he is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. He also put up 67 points in 2013-14, which means teams won't hesitate to take a run at acquiring him.

He won't command a massive return at this juncture, but expect a mutually beneficial resolution, with Jagr going to a playoff team and the Devils getting a pick or prospect for him.

Dion Phaneuf

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the midst of another season that will end without a playoff berth. Their current makeup clearly isn't working, which is why they appear to be on the verge of a total rebuild.

According to Sportsnet, Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment is behind the notion of selling off assets in an effort to build toward a brighter future for the franchise:

A number of high-priced veterans could be on the move, but defenseman Dion Phaneuf likely tops the list. The 29-year-old captain has had a good run in Toronto, but with a contract that carries an annual cap hit of $7 million through the 2020-21 season, per NHLNumbers.com, he simply doesn't fit into a rebuild.

According to TheFourthPeriod.com, one team in particular has emerged as a possible landing spot for Phaneuf. The Dallas Stars are very interested in acquiring him to fill a top role on their blue line. One potential sticking point, though, is the fact that Phaneuf has a limited no-trade clause, which means he could potentially veto a deal.

In addition to that, Phaneuf is currently injured. Per Dreger, he will be on the shelf for at least one more week with a hand ailment:

If the hand injury is something that will nag him for the remainder of the season, then the Stars and any other possible suitor could sour on Phaneuf. Dallas is in a battle to make the playoffs, and an injured defenseman won't help in that regard.

As long as Phaneuf is healthy by the deadline, though, one can only assume that Toronto will do everything in its power to move him in order to activate a much-needed rebuild.

Chris Stewart

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The Buffalo Sabres are currently in last place in the NHL as they look to secure the chance to draft either Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel. In an effort to solidify their positioning, there is little doubt that they will look to sell off their remaining assets leading up to the deadline.

Buffalo's biggest remaining trade chip is winger Chris Stewart. The 27-year-old power forward is a former 28-goal scorer who has been playing very well as of late. His numbers of nine goals and 13 assists are modest, but he can produce alongside talented players, and he has size that simply can't be taught.

One possible destination that seems like a perfect fit is the Boston Bruins. It is no secret that Boston likes big, skilled forwards, and Stewart fits the mold. The Bruins also need some help up front as they try to improve their playoff positioning.

According to Fluto Shinzawa of The Boston Globe, the Bruins have liked Stewart dating back to last season, and they have made multiple attempts to acquire him.

The Sabres have held off, which may prove to be a good strategy, since other teams figure to get involved in the sweepstakes. When push comes to shove, though, Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com believes the Bruins will come away with his services:

Stewart will be a free agent this offseason, and unless Buffalo plans on signing him to a new contract, there is no benefit to keeping him.

The Sabres continue to stockpile future assets, and trading Stewart should ultimately net them at least a couple of others.

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