NHL Trade Rumors: Analyzing Buzz on Phil Kessel, Andrej Sekera and More

With the NHL trade deadline quickly approaching, many teams will have some interesting decisions to make. 

The teams right on the brink of the playoffs are perhaps the most compelling. Do they give up future assets for a veteran, even though the postseason isn't a lock? Do they trade that star on an expiring contract knowing that a deep playoff run is probably out of the question? Or do they simply stay put?

That said, there are other squads in different situations who may also shape the next two weeks. Teams near the top of the standings may still choose to add the final piece to the puzzle, while those out of contention could shake everything up with a good ol' fashioned FIRE...sale.

It's been an active start to the trade season, and that should only continue. Let's take a look at the most recent buzz. 

Phil Kessel

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With 51 points through 57 games, the Toronto Maple Leafs are out of the playoff picture. They already dealt Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli, and many believe that David Nonis isn't done making moves. 

Three-time All-Star Phil Kessel is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing name on Toronto's roster, and the Sun Sentinel's Harvey Fialkov reports that the Florida Panthers are interested: 

Kessel's 47 points in 57 games is actually his lowest point-per-game mark since the 2010-11 campaign, and he has been fairly ineffective since Peter Horachek took over as head coach.

Still, despite that disappointment, Kessel is in the midst of his seventh consecutive 20-goal season, he's only 27 and he's under team control through 2021. Even if he isn't in the Leafs' long-term plans, it's hard to imagine them shipping him off for nothing. Nonis has said that he won't trade unless the deal is right, via NHL.com's Chris Lund:

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We're going to make moves whenever they come about if we think they will help us. Whether there are a lot more between now and the deadline I really couldn't tell you. We're not trying to move out our whole roster - that's not the case. 

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A trade with Florida, though, would make sense. The Panthers have the young talent to entice Toronto, and at 27th in the NHL in goals per game, they could use someone with Kessel's scoring prowess as they chase the Boston Bruins for the final playoff spot in the East. 

Alas, as Sportsnet's John Shannon reported, it may be a long shot for now: 

Nevertheless, considering Kessel's talent, along with the belief Nonis will be "active and aggressive," per the Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons, rumors on this front will likely only increase as we get closer to the March 2 deadline. 

Andrej Sekera

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In a video with TSN, ESPN's Pierre LeBrun said that Andrej Sekera's name is the one that comes up the most when talking to teams in need of a defenseman. 

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman (transcript here) reported that the Dallas Stars are interested, while TSN's Bob McKenzie added the Los Angeles Kings to the mix:

Sekera, 28, has just 19 points (two goals, 17 assists) on the season, but he tallied 44 last year and is one of the best players available for contenders seeking help on the blue line. Moreover, with a contract set to expire after the season, he's a midseason rental who likely wouldn't cost much. 

Most playoff teams would gladly add some depth to their defense, so Sekera should get a lot of attention in the coming weeks. That should help the Carolina Hurricanes drive the price. 

Antoine Vermette

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The Arizona Coyotes are in full-on rebuilding mode, and soon-to-be unrestricted free agent Antoine Vermette makes sense as a piece for the team to move. 

Several teams have been linked to the 32-year-old center, but the Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson reports the Chicago Blackhawks are currently inquiring: 

Vermette has 13 goals and 22 assists in 58 games this season. He's a versatile player, brings a veteran presence and would be a really nice second-line option for most playoff teams.

The Blackhawks haven't had much trouble finding the back of the net this year, but adding some depth at center with 34-year-old Brad Richards underwhelming wouldn't be a bad idea. They will likely have plenty of competition for Vermette's services, though.