The Hottest NHL Trade Rumors as Training Camp Begins

It's been a slow offseason for NHL trade rumors. With the start of training camps fast approaching, media speculation is starting to pick up.

The contract status of several potential free agents, such as Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (pictured above), has prompted questions over their long-term future with their current teams. Other players, like Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard, could hit the trade block if unable to fend off challenges from younger rivals.

Here's a look at the hottest NHL trade rumors as training camp begins, with analysis and potential outcomes. Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section.

Is Ladislav Smid the Odd Man out on the Flames Defense?

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The rumor: The Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson reported defenseman Ladislav Smid hopes to rejoin the Calgary Flames' blue line this season. Injuries sidelined Smid for most of 2014-15. Given the Flames' defensive depth, Matheson speculated one of their rearguards could be moved. 

Analysis: Smid could be the odd man out. As Matheson noted, the Flames defense corps also consists of Mark Giordano, Dougie Hamilton, T.J. Brodie, Kris Russell, Dennis Wideman and Deryk Engelland. With over $29 million invested in that blue line, Smid ($3.5 million) could be shed for a more affordable option.

Potential outcome: The Flames can afford to carry Smid this season, but that could change if a need arises to address depth elsewhere on the roster. An up-and-coming defenseman could also challenge Smid for a spot. 

Could the Bruins Deal Chris Kelly?

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

The rumor: CSNNE.com's Joe Haggerty recently profiled Boston Bruins center Chris Kelly. He wondered if Kelly might be dealt before the start of the season to free up money for other moves. 

Analysis: Haggerty speculated the Bruins might have to absorb part of Kelly's $3 million cap hit this season. He felt that wouldn't make sense, as the 34-year-old is an unrestricted free agent next July. It's worth noting Kelly also has a partial no-trade clause, giving him control over potential destinations.

Potential outcome: Kelly will start 2015-16 with the Bruins. Later in the season, perhaps closer to the Feb. 29 trade deadline, they could investigate his value on the trade market.

Could the Red Wings Trade Jimmy Howard?

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

The rumor: MLive.com's Ansar Khan reported veteran Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard could face a tough battle reclaiming the starter's job from promising Petr Mrazek. Howard's future with the Wings appears in doubt.

Analysis: Khan observed the Wings opted not to shop Howard this summer, preferring to keep him while evaluating Mrazek's performance throughout the coming season. While Howard has an annual salary-cap hit of over $5.291 million, the Wings can afford to carry both goalies for 2015-16.

Potential outcome: As long as the Wings stay in playoff contention, Khan believes they'll stick with Howard as insurance for 2015-16. If the Wings decide to put Howard on the trade block, his contract (which also contains a full no-trade clause) could prove difficult to move this season.

Milan Lucic's Tenure with the Kings Could Be Short

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

The rumor: The Boston Globe's Fluto Shinzawa speculated left wing Milan Lucic, whom the Boston Bruins dealt in June to the Los Angeles Kings, could have a short tenure with his new team.

Analysis: Shinzawa noted Lucic and Kings' top-line center Anze Kopitar are both eligible next July for unrestricted free agency. The Kings have limited cap space beyond this season, and re-signing Kopitar is their priority. They might not have sufficient room to re-sign the 27-year-old Lucic. 

Potential outcome: Kopitar could cost the Kings around $10 million per season on a long-term deal. Unless they shed salary elsewhere, they can't afford a contract extension for Lucic. If the Kings are out of playoff contention by the Feb. 29 trade deadline, Lucic could become available.

Could the Islanders Shop Kyle Okposo Before the Season Begins?

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

The rumor: SI.com's Allan Muir speculated New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo could be dealt before the regular season begins if he hasn't re-signed by then.

Analysis: Okposo, 27, is eligible next summer for unrestricted free agency. His current annual salary-cap hit is $2.8 million, but he'll earn $4.5 million in actual salary this season. Muir suggested the winger could seek a six-year deal worth around $40 million. He also noted there was trade chatter earlier this year regarding Okposo.

Potential outcome: Muir observed Okposo's physical style and offensive abilities would be attractive in the trade market. However, those attributes could also help the Islanders reach the playoffs. Unless a youngster emerges to challenge Okposo's position on the roster, the Isles will retain him for this season, even at the risk of losing him in July to free agency.

David Backes for Brayden Schenn?

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

The rumor: NJ.com's Randy Miller reported an Internet-generated rumor had the Philadelphia Flyers interested in St. Louis Blues center David Backes, with the Blues wanting Flyers winger Brayden Schenn in return.

Analysis: Miller also reported Flyers general manager Ron Hextall dismissed that story, reminding reporters he's not interested in trading young players for older veterans. The Flyers also have limited cap space this season. They cannot afford a swap of Schenn ($2.5 million this season) for Backes ($4.5 million). Backes would also have to waive his no-trade clause, according to General Fanager.

Potential outcome: There won't be a Backes-for-Schenn swap. The dollars don't fit, and Backes is unlikely to agree to a move from a potential Cup contender to a rebuilding team.

Buffalo Sabres Interested in Steven Stamkos?

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

The rumor: Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported a recent rumor of trade talks regarding Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos leading up to the 2015 NHL draft. Some of Friedman's sources speculate the Buffalo Sabres were among the interested clubs.

Analysis: Stamkos, 25, is eligible next summer for unrestricted free agency. As Friedman observed, if there was some trade chatter, it didn't go very far. NHL.com's Dan Rosen reported Stamkos said there's been contract extension talks with Lightning GM Steve Yzerman, but the discussions are being kept private. 

Potential outcome: While re-signing Stamkos could prove a very expensive undertaking for the Lightning, there's no indication Yzerman intends to shop his captain. As per General Fanager, Stamkos has a full no-movement clause this season. He won't waive it to go from a Stanley Cup contender to a rebuilding team like the Sabres.  

5 Teams Interested in Patrick Kane

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

The rumor: The Chicago Sun-Times' Mark Lazerus reported “at least five teams” contacted the Chicago Blackhawks expressing interest in winger Patrick Kane. Kane, 26, is currently the subject of a sexual assault investigation.

Analysis: Lazerus claims the unnamed teams approached the Blackhawks to say they're “willing trade partners” if the club opts to cut ties with the troubled winger. ESPN.com's Scott Powers subsequently reported management hasn't approached Kane about waiving his no-movement clause.

Potential outcome: At this point, the Blackhawks won't trade Kane. Like the league, they're likely awaiting the outcome of the investigation before deciding upon a course of action. No word as to who the interested parties were, but it appears they were simply doing due diligence.

Unless otherwise indicated, player and team salary information via war-on-ice.com.