NHL Trade Rumors: Biggest Pre-Deadline Buzz Regarding Top Available Players

With the 2015 NHL trade deadline set for Monday, rumors and speculation are running rampant regarding the future of many potentially available players.

While it seems unlikely that many big names will be moved between now and the deadline, there are several useful pieces that are garnering interest across the league.

Since a number of teams are in a race to the bottom of the standings in order to better their chances of landing highly touted prospects Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel in the NHL draft, plenty of players figure to be switching locales.

Here is a closer look at some of the most noteworthy rumors concerning the top players on the trading block.

Curtis Glencross

Forward Curtis Glencross is in the midst of his seventh season with the Calgary Flames organization, but with unrestricted free agency on the horizon, it is difficult to imagine the 32-year-old veteran staying in Calgary beyond deadline day.

Glencross has twice scored 20 or more goals in a season with the Flames, but his production has waned over the past few years.

He has netted nine goals and 28 points thus far in 2014-15, and he has indicated that he isn't thrilled with his role on the team, according to Wes Gilbertson of The Calgary Sun.

"I'm disappointed in that circumstance," Glencross said. "I feel like I can give more to this team and I can be used more on this team."

The ninth-year NHL veteran may not be part of the plans in Calgary, but he is generating some interest across the league. Per Chris Kuc of The Chicago Tribune, the Stanley Cup-contending Chicago Blackhawks have shown some interest in him:

In order to land him, however, they may have to outflank the Washington Capitals. According to Andrew Walker of Sportsnet The Fan 590, the Caps may be favored to acquire Glencross, as he is willing to waive his no-trade clause to head to Washington:

Glencross may not be a top-six forward, but he is a good two-way player with goal-scoring touch.

He would be a strong complementary player on a team with top offensive producers, and both the Blackhawks and Capitals fit that description.

James Wisniewski

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James Wisniewski has been among the best offensive defensemen in the NHL over the past several years, but the Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly hoping to move the 31-year-old veteran prior to the deadline.

According to Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch, the Jackets have been making calls regarding the availability of the American blueliner:

Columbus is on the hook for a $5.5 million cap hit through the 2016-17 season, per NHLNumbers.com. With the Blue Jackets struggling through a difficult campaign, it is understandable why they would like to get that salary off the books.

Unfortunately for the Jackets, though, it may not be so easy to make it happen.

Wisniewski has a limited no-trade clause, and Portzline is reporting that the skilled rearguard is doing everything within his power to prevent a trade from Columbus:

Most players with limited no-trade clauses tend to use them in an effort to orchestrate trades to contending teams, but it appears as though Wisniewski has taken things to an entirely different extreme.

He isn't doing the Blue Jackets any favors, but it is his prerogative to block a trade since the organization was willing to give him so much power.

One can only assume that the Jackets will be working extremely hard to get a deal done, but it is tough to imagine anything coming to fruition based on Wisniewski's desire to stay put.

Antoine Vermette

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As part of a trade market that is light on top-flight talent, it can be argued that Arizona Coyotes center Antoine Vermette is the most prized catch available.

The 32-year-old veteran—who is set to hit free agency this offseason—is an extremely versatile player. He is equally effective in even-strength, power-play and penalty-kill situations. He also has big-game experience, having played in 58 career postseason games.

Vermette has 13 goals and 35 points this season, and he is also winning over 56 percent of his faceoffs. He is a borderline top-six center, but he can be a spectacular No. 3 pivot on a successful team.

According to Bruce Garrioch of The Ottawa Sun, the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Boston Bruins are all likely playoff teams that are interested in the possibility of acquiring Vermette.

The Blackhawks are an especially interesting option since ESPN.com reported star forward Patrick Kane will be out for up to 12 weeks with a fractured collarbone.

Per Mark Lazerus of The Chicago Sun-Times, they will likely have to part with a first-round pick in order to land him, though:

It is very easy to argue that the Blackhawks are the best all-around team in hockey when they are at full health, but being without Kane hurts significantly. While there is no way to truly replace him, Vermette could be a solid plug-in player in the meantime.

Even if the Blackhawks aren't willing to meet Arizona's asking price, though, it is likely that at least one team across the league will.

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