NHL Trade Rumors: Breaking Down League Buzz Ahead of Trade Deadline

The sense of urgency around the NHL will soon begin to rise as 2015's March 2 trade deadline comes into focus. It's a chance for general managers to make the one or two moves that could put contending teams over the top.

Even though the rumor mill hasn't been overly active yet, things should begin to pick up over the next week. What's unclear is whether we should expect a busy trading period given the tight playoff races, especially in the Western Conference. That could decrease the number of sellers.

The picture should become much clearer a few days before the deadline. By then most teams will likely have decided what direction to go. For now, let's check out some of the latest trade talk from around the league and examine its potential impact.

Chicago Blackhawks Targeting Antoine Vermette

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Vermette is set to become a free agent at season's end. Since the Arizona Coyotes currently hold the third-worst record in the league, it makes sense he's on the block. They want to get something for him before he potentially walks away for nothing.

The fact he may not amount to anything more than a rental limits the market. Only teams with legitimate playoff hopes would likely be interested. Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal reports the Blackhawks, which certainly fit that category, have him on their wish list:

Vermette has 35 points in 58 games for the struggling Coyotes this season. He would represent a nice secondary scoring option for a contender like the Hawks. Whether they can find enough space under the cap before the deadline to fit him in is the question.

Chris Stewart Waits To Hear His Fate

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The Buffalo Sabres are well on their way to landing either Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel, the prized prospects in the 2015 draft. As the rebuild continues, general manager Tim Murray will look to move potential free agents like Stewart for future assets.

John Vogl of The Buffalo News confirmed that outlook from Murray:

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Tim Murray reiterates he will try to get something for all UFAs. List: Chris Stewart, Torrey Mitchell, Kaleta, Meszaros, Strachan, Benoit.

— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) February 11, 2015"

ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun reports the winger is still on the block, with the Boston Bruins among the interested teams. Murray isn't prepared to back off his asking price, however, which could mean the situation won't reach its conclusion until deadline day:

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Buffalo Sabres general manager Tim Murray will be proved either right or wrong in deciding to not accept the offers he had back in the fall, including one from the Boston Bruins. Murray is sticking to his price demand, which is believed to be a second-round pick plus a prospect in exchange for the pending unrestricted free-agent power winger.

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Some risk obviously comes with that strategy. Murray could end up overplaying his hand, get caught without a deal and watch Stewart walk away after the season. But he's betting a desperate team will raise it's offer before the deadline and give him the deal he's been waiting on.

The Bruins, who currently sit on the fringe of the playoff picture, could very well be that team.

Curtis Glencross On The Move?

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Glencross' numbers are down a bit this season. He's found the net just eight times in 48 games.

He was previously one of the league's most overlooked scorers. He scored 50 combined goals in two seasons from 2010-12 and had a similar pace the last two years but got derailed by injuries.

The question is whether this season's 13-goal pace is just a down year or a sign of decline at age 32. Plenty of teams are apparently willing to take a chance. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports no deal is imminent but that numerous teams have checked in on the winger:

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Glencross has no-trade protection, but that hasn't stopped the likes of Boston, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay (possibly) and Winnipeg from sniffing around at various points this season. No one is talking, but it doesn't seem like contract talks are gaining traction. It is believed Glencross prefers Anaheim, but it would surprise no one if he works with the Flames to widen that list.

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Between the injury woes and the fading numbers, it's an acquisition that wouldn't come without risk. Yet there's also plenty of upside if he can return to form down the stretch. A team like the Penguins, who need more secondary scoring, could be an ideal fit.