Calling Fact or Fiction on the Latest NHL Rumors

As the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs progress and more teams fall by the wayside, the trade rumor mill grinds back into action.

Most of the recent speculation concerns possible offseason moves by teams recently eliminated from the postseason. Some of the chatter involves players frequently mentioned in trade rumors throughout this season, while some involves those appearing for the first time.

Here's a look at the latest NHL trade rumors, along with analysis as to their basis in fact or fiction. Player value, team requirements and salary-cap space were among the factors here. As always, feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section. 

10. Minnesota Wild Could Trade Niklas Backstrom

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Rumor: StarTribune.com's Michael Russo reports the Minnesota Wild could attempt to trade goaltender Niklas Backstrom this summer to provide roster flexibility.

Analysis: The oft-injured Backstrom, 37, has one year left on his contract worth $4 million in actual salary and an annual cap hit of $3.417 million. The Wild must clear cap space to re-sign key free agents like goalie Devan Dubnyk and center Mikael Granlund. With young Darcy Kuemper to back up Dubnyk, the Wild no longer require Backstrom's services.

Fact or Fiction: Fact, though Russo admits it's a long shot even if the Wild pick up part of Backstrom's remaining salary. He will most likely be bought out during the contract-buyout period in June. As there are no longer compliance buyouts, it will be at two-thirds the remaining value over twice the remaining term. 

9. New Jersey Devils Could Trade Eric Gelinas for a Scoring Forward

Andy Marlin/Getty Images

Rumor: NJ.com's Rich Chere notes the New Jersey Devils must address their anemic offense this summer. He speculates that Devils defenseman Eric Gelinas seems the most likely to be packaged for a scoring forward. 

Analysis: Chere made his suggestion days before the Devils replaced longtime general manager Lou Lamoriello with former Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero. Despite the management change, NHL.com's Michael G. Morreale reports that Shero also believes the Devils must improve their scoring punch. 

Fact or Fiction: Fact. While Chere believes any of the Devils defensemen could be dealt for the right offer, Gelinas could be the one who moves. He might be packaged with a draft pick or prospect to land a reliable top-six forward.

8. New York Islanders Could Trade Michael Grabner

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Rumor: Newsday's Arthur Staple suggests winger Michael Grabner, who was sidelined most of this season, could be the odd man out on the New York Islanders' crowded forward lines. 

Analysis: Young forwards like Brock Nelson, Ryan Strome and Anders Lee had breakout performances this season. Though only 27, Grabner will be hard-pressed to return among the top-six forwards. With only a year remaining on his contract, Grabner is likely expendable.

Fact or Fiction: Fact. ESPN.com indicates the Islanders lack first- and second-round picks in this year's NHL draft. Grabner could be shopped for a second- or third-rounder before the draft.

7. Philadelphia Flyers to Shop a Defenseman?

Len Redkoles/Getty Images

Rumor: CSNPhilly.com's Tom Dougherty believes the Philadelphia Flyers will attempt to trade a veteran defenseman. The move is necessary to free up cap space while creating room for one or two younger rearguards in their system. 

Analysis: Dougherty suggests Flyers general manager Ron Hextall will find suitors for Nicklas Grossmann (earning $3.5 million next season) and Luke Schenn ($3.35 million). Moving them will create room for promising (and more affordable) blueliners like Brandon Manning, Shayne Gostisbehere or Samuel Morin.

Fact or Fiction: Fact: Hextall should be able to move Grossmann or Schenn. Teams with salary-cap space next season seeking experienced blue-line depth could acquire either one in exchange for a draft pick, prospect or both. The Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars could be among the suitors. 

6. Ottawa Senators Could Trade a Goaltender

Jana Chytilova/Getty Images

Rumor: In the aftermath of the Ottawa Senators' signing Boston University goaltender Matt O'Connor, the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reports they could trade a goalie this summer.

Analysis: Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner make up the Senators' current goalie tandem. The Sens could also re-sign unrestricted free agent (and season savior) Andrew Hammond. O'Connor is expected to join their farm team in Binghamton next season. If Hammond is re-signed, Anderson or Lehner could be dealt.

Fact or Fiction: Fact. The Senators can't carry three goalies throughout next season. Garrioch speculates Lehner, who's younger and has more upside, could be dealt. Teams in need of goaltending depth (Edmonton Oilers, Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks) could be interested in his services.

5. Vancouver Canucks Could Deal Kevin Bieksa or Dan Hamhuis

Rich Lam/Getty Images

Rumor: In the wake of the Canucks' first-round playoff elimination by the Calgary Flames, The Province's Jim Jamieson believes that rebuilding the defense is in order. He speculates that Kevin Bieksa or Dan Hamhuis could hit the trade block this summer.

Analysis: Bieksa (33) and Hamhuis (32) each have a year left on their contracts and carry no-trade clauses. Canucks general manager Jim Benning isn't afraid to ask players to waive those clauses. Last summer, he convinced blueliner Jason Garrison to accept a trade to Tampa.

Fact or Fiction: Fact. The Canucks are still rebuilding and will slowly cycle out aging veterans for younger talent. Their current defensive corps struggled against swift opponents. While Bieksa and Hamhuis could be reluctant to move, Benning could convince one of them to accept a trade this summer.

4. Detroit Red Wings to Trade Jimmy Howard?

Scott Audette/Getty Images

Rumor: In the aftermath of the Detroit Red Wings' first-round elimination by the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Detroit Free Press' Helene St. James speculated over goaltender Jimmy Howard's future with the Wings. 

Analysis: Howard, 31, lost his starter's job to backup Petr Mrazek in the Wings-Lightning playoff series. However, ESPN.com's Craig Custance reports that Howard has no intention of requesting a trade. He is keen to return next season and reclaim the starter's role.

Fact or Fiction: Fiction. NHL.com's Paul Harris reports that Wings GM Ken Holland said he expects Howard and Mrazek to compete for the starting role next season. Should Mrazek best Howard, Holland could consider trade options over the course of the season. 

3. Could the St. Louis Blues Trade a Top Defenseman?

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Rumor: The Boston Globe's Fluto Shinzawa believes the St. Louis Blues need "more energy and bite on defense.” They must also free up cap space to re-sign superstar Vladimir Tarasenko. Shinzawa suggests rearguards Alex Pietrangelo and Kevin Shattenkirk would attract the most interest, believing either would command a good return.

Analysis: Where the Blues need a shakeup is not among their top defensemen but on their forward lines. More likely trade candidates are core forwards like David Backes, Alex Steen, T.J. Oshie and Patrik Berglund, who have come up short in playoff competition.

Fact or Fiction: Fiction. Moving their best all-around defenseman (Pietrangelo) or their top puck-moving blueliner (Shattenkirk) won't improve the Blues defense. It also won't address their need to upgrade their core forwards.

2. Dion Phaneuf to the Edmonton Oilers?

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Rumor: Sportsnet's Damien Cox reports that Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli, while GM of the Boston Bruins, had interest in Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf. Cox speculates that Chiarelli could pursue a deal to bring Phaneuf to the defense-hunger Oilers.

Analysis: The Maple Leafs could attempt to trade Phaneuf this summer. The Oilers are lacking skilled blue-line depth. However, the Edmonton Journal's David Staple doubts Phaneuf will land in Edmonton, citing his contract (six years remaining at $7 million annually) as the main stumbling block. 

Fact or Fiction: Fiction. Even if the Leafs were willing to absorb a significant chunk of Phaneuf's salary, he has a partial no-trade clause. The Oilers could be on his “do not trade” list. The Detroit Red Wings appear the more likely destination. They tried to acquire Phaneuf at the trade deadline and could revisit their interest this summer.

1. Should the Pittsburgh Penguins Trade Evgeni Malkin?

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Rumor: Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believes the Pittsburgh Penguins should seriously explore trading superstar forward Evgeni Malkin. Colleague Mike Johnston lists St. Louis, Nashville, San Jose, Calgary, Vancouver and Florida as clubs with cap space and depth in young talent as possible destinations for Malkin.

Analysis: Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Penguins CEO and president Ron Morehouse said Malkin, captain Sidney Crosby, general manager Jim Rutherford and coach Mike Johnston will all return next season. 

Fact or Fiction: Fiction. The Penguins have no intention of shopping Malkin, preferring to build around him and Crosby. Malkin also has a full no-movement clause and has given no indication he wants out of Pittsburgh. While trade suggestions involving a superstar like Malkin spice up the rumor mill, it's obvious the Penguins aren't going that route this summer.