NHL Trade Rumors: Buzz from Around League as 2016 Deadline Approaches

In a little leap-year twist, the 2016 NHL trade deadline falls at 3 p.m. ET on Monday, Feb. 29, in 2016. 

That gives teams an extra day to kick tires, wheel and deal and do everything else they do when they're trying to bring in new talent to help get their teams into the Stanley Cup playoffs. 

There's no shortage of rumors surrounding the moves as we enter the final days before the deadline, so let's break down some of the buzz as teams scramble to get their rosters in shape. 

Chicago Blackhawks Have 'Serious Interest' in Radim Vrbata

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

The Chicago Blackhawks could welcome back veteran and former Hawk Radim Vrbata before the trade deadline, according to a recent report from TSN's Farhan Lalji, who reported Chicago has "serious interest" in Vrbata. 

With the Vancouver Canucks this season, Vrbata has 12 goals and 12 assists in 57 games.

That's shaping up to be on par with or under the 13.5 goals and 29 assists he averaged over his two seasons with Chicago from 2005 to 2007, so the Hawks could seek to get Vrbata for something of a bargain.

However, his production hasn't dropped enough to the point he wouldn't be a valuable addition to the team.

He played on Vancouver's top line and could provide insurance for Chicago's equivalent unit as right winger until Marian Hossa recovers from a left-leg injury.

Boston Bruins and Loui Eriksson Still Far Apart on Terms

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

A few days out from the Feb. 29 trade deadline, it doesn't seem the Bruins know exactly what they want to do with pending unrestricted free agent winger Loui Eriksson. 

However, with the possibility of getting something of value in return for Eriksson becoming less and less likely as the clock counts down to the deadline, GM Don Sweeney needs to figure it out—and fast.

The likelihood of Eriksson signing an extension continues to wane, as NHL Insiders' Chris Nichols reported there remains a "considerable gap" in terms between the team and Eriksson's camp:

The best-case scenario for the Bruins, who are in need of a top defenseman, is to make a tit-for-tat trade with another team that unloads Eriksson and brings in that defenseman. 

There are a few partners around the league who could have interest in making such a trade with Boston.

The Minnesota Wild are in need of scoring help and have some defensemen who could pique the Bruins' interest.

Bill Bernardi of Fox Sports suggested Minnesota's Jonas Brodin or Matt Dumba could be used as bait to land Eriksson. The Wild are deep in defensemen and not an Eastern Conference team, making them an ideal trade partner for Boston.