The Hottest NHL Trade Rumors at the Start of the 2015-16 NHL Season

The NHL preseason is over and the curtain is about to rise on another regular season. As teams prepared their rosters for the upcoming schedule, several trade rumors made the rounds.

Some of the speculation focused on potential 2016 free agents, including Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos and Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn (pictured above). Some involved teams attempting to free up salary-cap room, such as the Chicago Blackhawks. Others involved struggling young players, like Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jarred Tinordi.

Here's a look at the hottest NHL trade rumors at the start of the 2015-16 season, providing analysis and examining the potential outcomes. As always, you can weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section below.

Could the Montreal Canadiens Trade Jarred Tinordi?

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The rumor: Sportnet's Elliotte Friedman speculated a few teams may have inquired about Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jarred Tinordi. CTV's Brian Wilde suggested the 23-year-old blueliner should be dealt in order to have a fresh start.

Analysis: For the past couple of seasons, the 6'6”, 230-pound Tinordi has struggled to crack the Canadiens lineup. He's on a one-year, two-way contract for 2015-16 and must pass through waivers before being demoted again. Friedman doubted Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin would risk a rival club plucking the big defenseman off the waiver wire.

Outlook: It appears Tinordi will be on the Canadiens roster when the season opens. This could be his final opportunity to establish himself as a regular member of their blue line. If he struggles again, Bergevin could put him on the trade block.

Bryan Bickell for Nikita Nikitin?

Joe Raymond/Associated Press

The rumor: Sportsnet's Mark Spector reported the Chicago Blackhawks were still trying to trade left wing Bryan Bickell and his $4 million annual average salary. Spector claimed they made a failed attempt to swap Bickell to the Edmonton Oilers for defenseman Nikita Nikitin.

Analysis: The Blackhawks are pressed against the salary-cap ceiling. While Nikitin's salary ($4.5 million) is more expensive than Bickell's, it's only for this season. As Spector noted, the Blackhawks are also thinking ahead to next summer, when they must re-sign restricted free agents Andrew Shaw and Marcus Kruger. 

Outlook: This trade possibility probably won't be revisited. The Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson reported the Oilers demoted Nikitin to their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield, California. The Chicago Tribune's Chris Hine reported Bickell cleared waivers but will start the season with the Blackhawks. Perhaps they can find an interested party for him elsewhere. 

Brayden Schenn to the St. Louis Blues?

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The rumor: On Sept. 29, Chris Nichols of Today's Slapshot cited TSN's Darren Dreger speculating on the possibility of the Philadelphia Flyers trading forward Brayden Schenn this season. While suggesting the St. Louis Blues as a potential destination, Dreger noted Schenn's contract could be too expensive to move. 

Analysis: The Flyers need to reach the 23-man limit and free up some salary-cap room. Trading Schenn, however, would potentially weaken their scoring depth. With limited cap space of their own, the Blues can't afford to take on his $2.5 million cap hit.  

Outlook: On Oct. 5, the Flyers placed defenseman Andrew MacDonald on waivers and demoted him to their AHL affiliate. They won't get much salary-cap relief from this move ($950,000), but it negates any reason to trade Schenn. While he could be dealt if he underachieves this season, that move won't happen any time soon.

Is This Jeff Skinner's Last Season with the Carolina Hurricanes?

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The rumor: The News & Observer's Luke DeCock included winger Jeff Skinner among several Carolina Hurricanes players whose future hangs in the balance this season. He suggested the 23-year-old could be moved if he fails to improve.

Analysis: Since winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in 2011, Skinner's been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. He followed up a career-high 33-goal performance in 2013-14 with an 18-goal, 31-point effort in 77 games last season. Skinner has four seasons remaining on his contract at an annual cap hit of $5.75 million. 

Outlook: The Hurricanes won't move Skinner now. Management will assess his performance over the course of the season before making any decision on his future. If he struggles again, however, he could be shopped, though his contract won't be easy to move.

Steven Stamkos to the Buffalo Sabres or Calgary Flames?

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

The rumor: The Tampa Bay Times' Joe Smith reported of recent speculation claiming the Tampa Bay Lightning had a deal in place following the 2015 NHL draft that would've sent center Steven Stamkos to the Buffalo Sabres. Another rumor had him heading to the Calgary Flames. In both, Stamkos reportedly refused to waive his no-movement clause.

Analysis: Stamkos told Smith there was no truth to either story. The 25-year-old superstar is an unrestricted free agent next July, entering the final year of his contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $7.5 million. Re-signing him will be expensive for the Lightning. The two sides have publicly declined to discuss details of their negotiations with the media, per Smith.

Outlook: Perhaps the Sabres and Flames looked into Stamkos' availability earlier this summer. If they did, it's apparent nothing came of it. Regardless of the status of his contract talks, it's clear he's not seeking a trade. He and Lightning management seem intent on working out a new contract, even if negotiations carry on throughout the season. 

Unless otherwise indicated, player stats and news via NHL.com. Salary info via General Fanager.