NHL Trade Rumors: Buzz Surrounding Antoine Vermette, James Wisniewski and More

The NHL trade deadline is March 2, an ultra-late date that allows buying teams time to spring for one final puzzle piece—or, if you're a seller, hoard prospects—after a long winter assessing the team's place within the current structure of the league. It's a procrastinator's dream.

While most of the league's activity likely won't take place until the last minute—the NBA trade deadline this year is certainly a tough act to follow—rumors and speculation continue to accumulate in the buildup to the big day.

Before the final flurry of deals and the subsequent deep trading freeze sets in, let's take a look at some of the latest trade buzz from around the NHL.


Antoine Vermette

Tom Mihalek/Associated Press

The Arizona Coyotes, mired in the doldrums of the Western Conference, could be one of the top sellers this trade deadline. One player who appears likely to move on from the team before the deadline is center Antoine Vermette, a slick forward who is reportedly unlikely to re-sign with the team this offseason and is sought after by several teams, per the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch:

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The biggest chip on the market remains Arizona (don't call me Phoenix) Coyotes centre Antoine Vermette. Yes, he's been there all year, but he likely isn't going to re-sign with the Coyotes so GM Don Maloney is trying to get what assets he can in return.

The Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Boston Bruins have all shown different levels of interest. They aren't alone because the Pittsburgh Penguins wouldn't mind a forward as well.

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The 32-year-old lefty has 13 goals and 22 assists in 61 games this season. His production has slowed a bit as of late, with just one point coming in his last seven contests, despite seeing ice time consistent with what he's garnered over the course of this season. If there is one thing Vermette does particularly well, it's win possession. Vermette ranks seventh in the league in faceoff win percentage (56.1), per NHL.com.

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Vermette is a solid rental piece, and Garrioch names several interested parties, but there is one team that appears likely to play it safe regarding Vermette, according to ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun:

"The New York Rangers are keeping tabs on top rentals Andrej Sekera and Antoine Vermette, but a source told ESPN.com Tuesday that it appears unlikely the Blueshirts can get into the bidding on either player unless the price drops significantly."

SB Nation's Adam Herman recently noted the Rangers may have bigger needs if they are to make a run at the top overall seed in the Eastern Conference:

Since it appears that few major pieces are likely to move at this deadline, the bidding war for Vermette could reach a fever pitch, possibly ending with one team overpaying for his declining services. Just don't expect that team to be the Rangers.


James Wisniewski

Keith Srakocic/Associated Press

Teams in need of a defenseman (looking at you, Rangers) may have some hope for pulling off a deadline-day deal. According to Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch, the Columbus Blue Jackets are shopping defenseman James Wisniewski:

Wisniewski would make a valuable addition to a contender looking for more scoring from the back end. The 31-year-old has 28 points in 53 games this season.

However, Wisniewski is owed $8 million over the next two seasons with an $11 million cap hit, per Spotrac, so he's no rental.

Any team looking to trade for him will take on a risk at a significant cost. He appears highly unlikely to reach a total anywhere near the 51 points he put up last season and has missed significant time since coming to the Blue Jackets in 2011. He played in just 78 games across the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons.

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TheScore.com's Josh Gold-Smith noted that the Minnesota Wild, among others, could use Wisniewski:

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The Wild have are 11-1-2 in their last 14 games, a run that has vaulted them into the seventh seed in the Western Conference. They should be buyers at the deadline, and could use another well-rounded defenseman.

The Wild's top pairing is comprised of two left-handers in Ryan Suterand Jonas Brodin. While their contrasting styles complement each other well, Minnesota could use another right-handed shot on the blue line, particularly on the power play where Wisniewski excels.

The club has over $6 million in cap space, so they could trade picks or prospects without giving up a rostered player.

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The stats back up Gold-Smith's claim that Wisniewski is a fine power-play boost. According to NHL.com, Wisniewski is tied for third among defensemen with six power-play goals this season. In fact, nearly half (13 of 28) of his points this year have come on the power play.

Gold-Smith also highlighted the Anaheim Ducks and Tampa Bay lightning as worthy landing spots, although both teams are near the salary cap and would have to give up a roster player in return.

Considering the Wild have the cap flexibility to absorb Wisniewski's contract, they may very well be one of the top potential trade partners. However, Minnesota must be careful not to hamstring their roster by bumping up so close to the salary cap. Sending a scoring forward the Blue Jackets' way could prove to be a wise deal, alleviating the cap issue and sweetening the pot in the process.

Jeff Petry

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Defenseman Jeff Petry is one of the most talented players on the Edmonton Oilers, but he may not be on the team for much longer. Petry will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if no new contract is signed, and with Edmonton garnering just 46 points in 62 games this season and a long way from righting the ship, it may be in the best interest of both parties if a deal is struck.

According to Garrioch, the Oilers have tried and failed to sign Petry and could be resigned to moving him:

"The Oilers tried to see if they could sign UFA defenceman Jeff Petry but had no luck so he'll be dealt. The Ducks, Penguins, Habs and Bolts have all shown interest. Petry has been excellent of late but don't expect Edmonton to do much."

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Assuming Petry is a tradeable asset at this point, he would make an excellent rental for a great many contenders. The 27-year-old is entering his prime years and—recent rib injury notwithstanding—has proved to be fairly durable over the course of his career. The right-handed D-man has 15 points in 52 games this season.

This potential deal may not even be a particularly hard sell for fans. As Bruce McCurdy of the Edmonton Journal noted, he's not necessarily a favorite of the Oilers faithful:

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Petry is not universally loved in Oil Country. His supporters suggest that he is by some margin the best rearguard currently in Oilers silks, noting that he is top two among Oilers defencemen in ice time, points, shots, takeaways, giveaways and hits. His detractors point to his perceived “soft” play, his giveaways, and his -25 rating in identifying him as part of the problem.

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Giveaways are a definite problem for Petry. His 64 giveaways put him at sixth worst among NHL defensemen this season, per NHL.com. However, he somewhat makes up for his penchant to give up the puck with a decent eye for the takeaway (29) and plenty of grit and tenacity.

Petry is a veteran player who might not be willing to stick around for a rebuild. He's yet to make the postseason in his five-year career.

Then again, Edmonton is the only home he's ever known in his NHL career. If Petry gets an inkling that a contender will come calling for his services, he and his team could presumably put their foot down and demand a trade is made. He will still have the flexibility to sign with another team this offseason should he reach free agency.

As for what Edmonton may ask a contender for in return, well, Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish doesn't appear to be willing to kick the rebuild down the line any further, as he is looking for immediate contributors, per McCurdy:

"My preference would be on any of these moves to add players who are more ready to come in and fill a role with our hockey club. Draft choices are very liquid at the draft, so I view both of those things as substantial assets for our hockey club."

If the Oilers can capture a few assets or an NHL-ready rebuilding piece for Petry, they may have to pull the trigger, even though an already porous defense—206 goals allowed, tied with the Coyotes for worst in the league—will likely suffer even more in the short term.