Hypothetical Trades Based on the Latest NHL Rumors

With NHL training camps well underway, the trade rumor mill is grinding back to life. That means it's time to have some fun and put together several hypothetical deals based on the latest speculation.

Some of these deals involve pending unrestricted free-agent stars like Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Staal. Others involve players under contract beyond this season like New Jersey Devils center Travis Zajac.

The following slideshow lists several hypothetical trades based on recent NHL rumors. Player skill, roster needs and salary factored into the compilation.

As always, feel free to weigh in with your opinion in the comments section below.

Jonas Hiller to the San Jose Sharks

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Calgary Flames trade goaltender Jonas Hiller to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for left wing Raffi Torres.

Basis: The Flames currently have three goalies in Hiller, Karri Ramo and Joni Ortio under contract this season. Sportsnet's Mark Spector reported that the Flames tried trading Hiller last season and during the 2015 NHL draft. He speculated they could pick up half of the 33-year-old netminder's $4.5 million salary to facilitate a deal.

Analysis: The Sharks' tandem of Martin Jones and Alex Stalock lacks experience. Hiller could be a short-term backup and mentor for the promising Jones, allowing the Sharks to demote or trade Stalock. Swapping the $2 million cap hit of Torres, who's recovering from knee surgery, for half of Hiller's could fit for the Sharks. The Flames would shed Hiller and add experienced, short-term depth at forward.

Cam Atkinson to the New Jersey Devils

Paul Vernon/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Columbus Blue Jackets trade right wing Cam Atkinson to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Eric Gelinas.

Basis: The Columbus Dispatch's Aaron Portzline reported last week that the Blue Jackets were still talking trade with teams seeking forwards. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, meanwhile, suggested the Devils have the contract room to make “an interesting move or two.”

Analysis: The Jackets are well-stocked with promising forwards but could use depth on defense. The Devils possess good young blueliners but lack scoring punch on right wing. This move should address the needs of both clubs. It would also allow the Jackets to shed Atkinson's $3.5 million annual cap hit for Gelinas' more affordable $1.575 million.

Luke Schenn to the Los Angeles Kings

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Philadelphia Flyers trade defenseman Luke Schenn to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a draft pick.

Basis: With Slava Voynov returning to Russia, the Kings could use an experienced blueliner to fill the void. NJ Advance Media's Randy Miller reported that the Flyers have been trying to move Schenn and his $3.6 million cap hit for some time. He speculated that the best they might get in return is a third-round draft pick.

Analysis: Voynov's salary coming off the books means the Kings can afford Schenn, who'll become an unrestricted free agent next July. The 6'2", 229-pounder is a physical blueliner with a big shot, making him a decent short-term addition to the Kings' blue line. The move would also create much-needed cap room for the Flyers while creating a spot on their defense for one of their affordable young rearguards.

Travis Zajac to the Toronto Maple Leafs

Adam Hunger/Getty Images

Hypothetical trade: The New Jersey Devils trade center Travis Zajac to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for center Tyler Bozak.

Basis: Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that there's a belief Maple Leafs general manager (and former Devils GM) Lou Lamoriello would love to acquire the 30-year-old Zajac. The Toronto Sun's Lance Hornby reported that Bozak, 29, acknowledged he's been mentioned in trade rumors for the past six years.

Analysis: This would be a swap of two centers in need of a change. Both have had their struggles to reach expectations in recent years. Zajac, however, has a cap hit of $5.75 million through 2020-21, while Bozak's is $4.2 million for three more seasons. The Devils might have to pick up part of Zajac's salary to make this more palatable for the Leafs.

Dustin Byfuglien to the Boston Bruins

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Hypothetical trade: The Winnipeg Jets trade defenseman Dustin Byfuglien to the Boston Bruins in exchange for winger Loui Eriksson and prospect center Alexander Khokhlachev.

Basis: The Boston Herald's Steve Conroy reported that veteran blueliner Dennis Seidenberg will miss about eight weeks recovering from back surgery. If the Bruins' young defenders fail to step up, CSNNE.com's Joe Haggerty speculated that could stoke rumors of Byfuglien coming to Boston. The 30-year-old Jets defenseman will be eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer.

Analysis: It'd take a substantial offer to pry Byfuglien out of Winnipeg this early in the season. The Jets need experienced scoring depth, and Eriksson could be a short-term fix. Returning to the Western Conference might also improve his game. Khokhlachev recently voiced his displeasure to WEEI.com's DJ Bean over his limited NHL action. He could benefit from a change of scenery.

Eric Staal to the Nashville Predators

Danny Moloshok/Associated Press

Hypothetical trade: The Carolina Hurricanes trade forward Eric Staal to the Nashville Predators in exchange for forward Colin Wilson, prospect center Colton Sissons and a second-round pick in the 2016 NHL draft.

Basis: Staal will be eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer. SI.com's Allan Muir suggested the Predators as a possible trade partner if the Hurricanes decide to trade Staal rather than re-sign him. He feels the Preds have the weakest depth at center among this season's playoff contenders.

Analysis: The earliest Staal could be moved is near the Feb. 29 trade deadline, provided he waives his no-movement clause and the Hurricanes are out of playoff contention. With a team cap hit of just over $59 million, the Predators can afford Staal's $8.25 million cap hit. Wilson could become available if Kevin Fiala proves ready for second-line duty. Sissons can potentially provide a long-term boost at center for the Hurricanes.

Players stats via NHL.com and salary info via General Fanager.