
NHL Rumors: Top Trade Buzz Regarding Brayden Schenn, Bryan Bickell and More
NHL teams continue to put the finishing touches on their rosters with the start of the regular season on the horizon, and that could potentially lead to some last-minute deals as organizations attempt to get something for their extra pieces rather than losing them via waivers.
Organizations are somewhat restricted by the fact that only 23 players can be kept on an NHL roster, which means some difficult decisions will have to be made. At the same time, it opens the door for teams with roster space to land some talented players for what could be a discounted price.
As general managers attempt to put a bow on their rosters for opening night, here is a rundown of the top players who could be on the move if the numbers don't fall in their favor.
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Brayden Schenn
Philadelphia Flyers fans have expected Brayden Schenn to develop into a star since the franchise acquired him from the Los Angeles Kings, but not everything has clicked yet for the 24-year-old forward.
With Schenn set to become a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the season, his name has come up often in trade talks. According to TSN's Darren Dreger (h/t Mark Easson of MyNHLTradeRumors.com), Philly has shopped Schenn, although there is no indication that a trade will definitively happen.

Schenn set a career high last season with 47 points, although that is well off the type of production he is supposed to put up as a former first-round pick. Based on the fact that he hasn't often skated with top-flight linemates leading up to the season, it can be argued that the Flyers have grown disillusioned with his lack of progress.
He did put up three goals and one assist during the preseason, but when asked about Schenn last week, Flyers general manager Ron Hextall didn't exactly offer a ringing endorsement, per Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post:
"Brayden, I think Brayden's been OK," Hextall said. "It's training camp. It's early. I didn't really see the game up in Brooklyn there, but I think we kinda know where Brayden is and what he is and that he prefers to play the right side so we'll see where it goes."
What Hextall did offer, though, is a reason why some teams might find Schenn to be an attractive trade option, according to Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer:
In addition to Schenn's versatility, the fact that he will become an RFA once the season ends means that a team won't have to make a huge investment in him just in case he doesn't make strides.
If Schenn does finally start to look like the player the Flyers thought they were getting, though, the fact that he's restricted would make him easier to retain in all likelihood.
Giving up on a player with the talent level of Schenn would be a gutsy move on Philadelphia's part, but if it doesn't feel as though he will ever become more than what he is right now, then it may be best to trade him while he still has some value.
Bryan Bickell

The Chicago Blackhawks knew they would have an extremely difficult financial situation to navigate this offseason, and even after already trading away the likes of Brandon Saad and Patrick Sharp, they may not be done reconstructing their roster.
According to Mark Spector of Sportsnet, the Blackhawks recently attempted to deal forward Bryan Bickell to the Edmonton Oilers:
That trade never came to fruition, which prompted Chicago to place Bickell on waivers. He ultimately cleared, which means he will begin the 2015-16 season on the Blackhawks roster, per Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune.
The 29-year-old winger has been a solid contributor for the Blackhawks, as he netted 14 goals last season and put up 17 points in 23 playoff games during their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2013.
Despite that, it isn't financially feasible for Chicago to have a bottom-six guy with a $4 million cap hit for the next two seasons, according to NHLNumbers.com. If the Blackhawks can't find any takers, however, there isn't much they can do.
Provided Bickell does remain with the team, he is motivated to be an important piece of a championship puzzle once again, per ESPN.com's Scott Powers:
"(Getting waived) was a little bit of a shock, but again, we always talk about those business calls. There's always two sides of it. Guys move and players stay. To be put on (waivers) and clear, it's kind of deflating, but I get some spark here and say I'm still here and looking forward to play and prove myself. ... I want to be a Blackhawk forever and (it's a) second opportunity.
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Chicago is likely to continue exploring trade possibilities in order to gain more salary-cap flexibility, but unless it is willing to eat a large chunk of Bickell's salary, it is difficult to envision anything getting done.
The Blackhawks made their bed with regard to Bickell's contract, and every indication is that they'll have to continue lying in it.
Jarred Tinordi

Defenseman Jarred Tinordi looks to be one of the odd men out for the Montreal Canadiens, and that has naturally led to rumors and speculation that the 23-year-old rearguard could be on the block.
According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, he has been given the impression that multiple teams have called the Habs with interest in potentially acquiring the American blueliner.
Since Tinordi would have to clear waivers if sent down to the minor leagues, the Canadiens are in a tough spot. He hasn't necessarily played well enough to earn a spot on the roster, but losing a former first-round pick for nothing wouldn't be a smart move either.
There doesn't appear to be a path toward regular playing time for Tinordi unless there are injuries, so Brian Wilde of CTV doesn't see the big, physical defenseman reaching his ceiling in Montreal:
While Tinordi is brimming with potential, he has just six points in 43 career NHL games and almost certainly wouldn't bring back the type of value the Habs would hope to get out of a high pick.
Trading Tinordi would be the best move for the player and the organization if something good comes back in return, but if the Canadiens can't pry a useful asset away from another team, then they really have no other choice than to keep Tinordi in the press box for now.
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