NHL Trade Rumors: Breaking Down Buzz on James Wisniewski, Joffrey Lupul and More

The NHL trade deadline has pretty big shoes to fill. After all, the NBA trade deadline was pretty bonkers, so fans of the puck will be hoping for just as many fireworks when the NHL's deadline rolls around in a few days. 

While the names currently being floated on the trade market don't represent the brightest of stars the league has to offer, the players in the news right now are solid additions for teams nonetheless. Let's take a look at the latest buzz making the rounds in the NHL.

James Wisniewski

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With the Columbus Blue Jackets buried in the Eastern Conference standings and all but out of the postseason, the team appears willing to part ways with defenseman James Wisniewski. 

Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch has the report:

Wisniewski is having a solid season with seven goals and 20 assists in 52 games, so there should be a line of suitors waiting to bring him aboard this offseason. He's coming off a career high in points (51) last season with Columbus, so teams looking for a blueliner who can really bolster an offense will likely be calling up the Blue Jackets. 

Joffrey Lupul

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With the Toronto Maple Leafs near the bottom of the standings, the team could purge itself of many veteran players before the deadline. Joffrey Lupul seems like a prime candidate to be moved if the team goes that route. 

Darren Dreger of TSN has more: 

Lupul, to his credit, isn't ready to concede the ship is sinking in Toronto, as he told The Globe and Mail:

"

This isn’t the situation I thought I’d be in at all. But I don’t think this team is as bad as we’ve shown the past couple months. I think there’s some really, really positive pieces and some young guys playing better.

I’ve only read that it’s going to be a complete rebuild. No one’s come in here and said that we’re completely rebuilding this team. I would assume they’re listening to offers on everyone and going to take it from there. But there’s not much I can do if that’s the road they’re going down.

"

He'll certainly have suitors for his services. His nine goals and 10 assists in 33 games won't blow anyone away, but Lupul has been in his share of postseason battles and (when he's healthy) is a nice asset for a team needing an offensive boost. 

But, at least based on what he's said publicly, it sounds as though Lupul would be just as happy staying put. In a season of disappointments, that's at least something for Toronto fans to feel good about.

The Boston Bruins

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The Boston Bruins are 2-6-2 in their last 10 games and falling well behind the top seeds in the Eastern Conference in the race to the postseason. The Bruins are currently fourth in the conference, but more than a few teams are quickly catching up to them. Boston is expected to be a major player at the trade deadline.

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN has more on that front:

"

Judging from conversations with rival team executives around the league over the past few days, it’s certainly not from a lack of trying by Peter Chiarelli that the Boston Bruins' GM hasn’t made a trade yet. Chiarelli is contacting lots of teams trying to find a fit, both for a traditional hockey deal (harder to do at this time of year) and a rental deal (more likely). But so far nothing, as the prices are still too high.

"

LeBrun goes on to note that the Bruins have reached out to the Buffalo Sabres regarding Chris Stewart and to the Blue Jackets about Cam Atkinson, but the price was too high for both. Boston could also be in play for Erik Cole of the Dallas Stars. 

Expect the Bruins to be active right through the deadline. It's clear they need a spark. Often, bringing a bit of new blood into a locker room can provide a much-needed boost. The Bruins have the pieces in place to to be a contender in the East, but it seems adding another piece to the puzzle will make their playoff aspirations more achievable.