NHL Trade Rumors: Buzz and Analysis Surrounding Jeff Skinner, Bryan Bickell

It seems that the NHL trade market is experiencing a bit of a summer vacation, as the transactions have slowed significantly since their frantic rate at the beginning of July.

This does not necessarily mean that the market is all dried up. There are still some big names that could be switching cities in the upcoming days and weeks as the NHL settles into its offseason. A struggling side in the Eastern Conference and the defending Stanley Cup champions could be moving assets in the near future.

Jeff Skinner

Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner has been having problems replicating the success he found in his rookie season.

As an 18-year-old, Skinner recorded a career-high 63 points with 31 goals and 32 assists. Since then, he has only come as close as 54 points in 2013-14.

Last season, he recorded just 31 points in 77 games as the Hurricanes have now gone six seasons since they made the playoffs—an Eastern Conference Final appearance in 2009.

Skinner's lack of production has rumors surfacing that he might be on the way out, according to the Hockey News' Ken Campbell:

Skinner remains in Carolina, as Luke Decock of the News & Observer reports that Carolina is still listening to offers.

Teams that are in need of an injection of speed and skill up front should be inquiring about Skinner.

What Skinner might need is a change of scenery in order to regain his scoring touch. He must be experiencing some frustration with not getting to the playoffs in the first five years of his career.

Two teams that could be a good fit for Skinner are the Arizona Coyotes and Florida Panthers. Both teams were among the bottom of the league in scoring in 2014-15, with the Coyotes averaging 2.01 goals per game (29th) and the Panthers at a 2.42 mark (25th).

A small market that replicates the Carolina setting while providing a fresh start would ensure that there is not a ton of pressure placed on Skinner's shoulders when he arrives.

In Arizona, he would have time to flourish and get acclimated before 2015 draft pick Dylan Strome fully develops and rounds out the top six in a few years' time.

Skinner would have a better chance to make the playoffs in Florida, playing for a Panthers team that has a nice blend of youth and experience with the likes of Jonathan Huberdeau and Jaromir Jagr headlining its roster.

Bryan Bickell

Like with Skinner, it seems like the hockey world is waiting for Chicago Blackhawks left winger Bryan Bickell to be dealt.

After winning their third Stanley Cup in six years, the Blackhawks have encountered issues with the salary cap that have forced them to part with some of the most important players of their championship run.

The Blackhawks have just $231,540 to work with, according to General Fanager.

Brandon Saad was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets while Johnny Oduya elected to sign with the Dallas Stars. Patrick Sharp was traded to those same Stars a few days earlier.

There has been speculation that Bickell is next on the chopping block, but he has yet to be dealt, as the Chicago Sun-Times' Mark Lazerus reports:

"

Bickell is still a member of the Blackhawks. But according to multiple sources, it’s not for a lack of trying on Stan Bowman’s part. The Hawks general manager—who still needs to clear cap space before the season begins in October—has been unable to find a taker for the power forward’s $4 million cap hit. 

"

Bickell has plenty of qualities that teams around the league would love to have on their roster. A 6'4", 223-pound power winger, Bickell recorded 14 goals and 14 assists in 2014-15 for his best season since 2010-11.

Entering his ninth season in the league, Bickell could be a good fit for the Winnipeg Jets, who could use some added depth down the left wing.

After dealing Evander Kane to the Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg's top point-getter on the left wing behind team leader Andrew Ladd was Adam Lowry, who recorded 23 points.

A big, physical forward, Bickell would fit well with the Jets, who like to wear down their opponents with a bruising brand of hockey. It's worked so far in Winnipeg as the Jets finished with 99 points last season, losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Anaheim Ducks.

His postseason experience will prove invaluable to interested sides who are looking for role players who know how to participate in a winning system.

But for now, the Blackhawks will continue to weigh their options and scan the market for a suitable partner to clear space and deal Bickell.

Stats courtesy of Hockey-Reference.com.