Calling Fact or Fiction on the Latest NHL Speculation: Early-Postseason Edition

With the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs now underway, there's growing speculation over potential moves in the coming offseason.

Some notable names, such as Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban (pictured above), have become grist for the rumor mill. Some of the trade chatter also involves players on current playoff teams, such as Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Dastyuk.

Potential destinations for several unrestricted free agents have also garnered some attention.

The following slideshow will examine the latest NHL postseason trade speculation to determine those with basis in fact or fiction.

Feel free to voice your opinion on this subject in the comments section below.

Will Andrew Shaw Become a Salary-Cap Casualty?

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The speculation: On April 15, Sportsnet's Luke Fox speculated that the Chicago Blackhawks could move right wing Andrew Shaw if his asking price proves expensive. The 24-year-old is a restricted free agent in July with arbitration rights. He's completing a two-year, $4 million contract.

Analysis: Shaw is a gritty checking-line winger who helped the Blackhawks win Stanley Cups in 2013 and 2015. Re-signing him should be an affordable move, but the Hawks already have nearly $67 million invested in 17 players for 2016-17. With next season's salary cap projected at $74 million, there's not much room to re-sign Shaw and fill out the remainder of the lineup.

Fact or fiction: Fact, unless Shaw accepts a hometown discount contract or the Hawks trade another player in a cost-cutting deal. If he's placed on the trade block, they won't get a salaried player in return. A draft pick or prospect would be the likely asking price.

Dennis Wideman to the Edmonton Oilers?

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The speculation: On April 12, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman wondered if it would make sense for the Edmonton Oilers to acquire Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman. Friedman noted that Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli acquired and later traded Wideman during his tenure as Boston Bruins GM.

Analysis: The Oilers lack skilled defensive depth, and Chiarelli could address that issue this summer via trade or free agency. Wideman's a puck-moving blueliner who tallied a career-high 56 points last season. He's also 33 with an injury history. He has a year left on his contract at an annual cap hit of $5.25 million.

Fact or fiction: Fiction. Wideman has a full no-movement clause and might be unwilling to join the perennially rebuilding Oilers. The Flames and Oilers are also longtime archrivals who almost never make deals with each other. Chiarelli probably has younger options in mind to address his blue-line issues.

James Reimer to the Flames or Hurricanes?

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The speculation: On April 9, the Boston Globe's Fluto Shinzawa suggested that San Jose Sharks backup goaltender James Reimer could interest the Carolina Hurricanes and Calgary Flames as a free agent in July. After joining the Sharks in a late-season trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs, the 28-year-old Reimer sported a record of six wins in eight games, with a 1.62 goals-against average, .938 save percentage and three shutouts.

Analysis: Reimer is completing a two-year, $4.6 million contract. He had decent numbers this season (11 wins, 12 losses and seven overtime losses, 2.49 GAA and a .918 save percentage) with the rebuilding Leafs. His improved stats playing with the Sharks will only bolster his value in this summer's free-agent market.

Fact or fiction: Fact. The Flames had a league-worst GAA of 3.13 this season, while the Hurricanes lacked consistency in the crease. Both could have serious interest in Reimer, who is the best goalie available in this summer's free-agent market. He's looking for an opportunity to become a full-time starter, which he won't get with the Sharks.

Could the Ottawa Senators Put Mike Hoffman on the Trade Block?

Chris Szagola/Associated Press

The speculation: On April 11, the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch suggested that Ottawa Senators left wing Mike Hoffman could become a trade candidate if he were unable to reach an agreement with management on a new contract. The 26-year-old is due to become a restricted free agent on July 1 with arbitration rights. He's completing a one-year, $2 million deal.

Analysis: Hoffman led the Senators in goal scoring in 2014-15 and 2015-16. However, he sometimes struggles through long offensive droughts. He went through the arbitration process last summer. Garrioch reported that contract talks between the two sides had been "minimal" to that point. If Hoffman's asking price proves expensive, the Senators could shop him.

Fact or fiction: Fact. Hoffman's streaky scoring combined with the recent changes in Senators management and coaching suggests a roster shake-up could be coming this summer. They allowed a league-worst 32.8 shots against per game. Hoffman could be swapped for a skilled blueliner.

Loui Eriksson to the Vancouver Canucks?

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

The speculation: On April 12, the Vancouver Province's Jason Botchford reported that there's talk the Vancouver Canucks could pursue Boston Bruins right wing Loui Eriksson via free agency this summer. The 30-year-old winger enjoyed a 30-goal, 63-point campaign in 2015-16.

Analysis: Botchford reported that Canucks GM Jim Benning declined to comment about other teams' players. However, the Canucks need an experienced scoring winger on their top two forward lines. Eriksson could help them buy time to allow young forwards Bo Horvat, Jared McCann and Jake Virtanen to mature.

Fact or fiction: It's a fact that the Canucks could use a winger like Eriksson to skate alongside the Sedin twins. If he's interested in joining the retooling Canucks, they'll have to pay steep price. He's coming off a six-year, $25.5 million contract and could seek upwards of $6 million annually on a five-year deal.

Could the Detroit Red Wings Trade Pavel Datsyuk's Contract?

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

The speculation: On April 10, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press suggested that the Detroit Red Wings should try to trade Pavel Datsyuk's contract if he decides to play in Russia next season. The 37-year-old Datsyuk has one year remaining on his NHL contract carrying a cap hit of $7.5 million, though it's worth $5.5 million in actual salary.

Analysis: Because Datsyuk was 35 when he signed his current contract, the cap hit remains with the Red Wings even if he plays in Russia. The Wings could bundle the remainder of his contract with a young player or top prospect to a team in need of reaching next season's cap floor.

Fact or fiction: Fact. If Datsyuk heads to Russia, the Wings could try to shed his contract. Such salary-dumping deals are common. Last summer, the Philadelphia Flyers shipped Chris Pronger's contract to the Arizona Coyotes in a multiplayer move. If Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos becomes a free agent in July, St. James suggested that the Wings use the cap space to pursue him.

Will the Boston Bruins trade Zdeno Chara?

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

The speculation: On April 10, CSNNE.com's Joe Haggerty suggested that the Boston Bruins should try to trade defenseman and team captain Zdeno Chara. With the Bruins having missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons, Haggerty believes they need sweeping changes.

Analysis: Haggerty acknowledged Chara's no-movement clause in his contract. However, he speculated that Chara might waive it to join "one of his Slovakian buddies" with the Los Angeles Kings (Marian Gaborik) or Chicago Blackhawks (Marian Hossa). He also wondered if the 39-year-old blueliner would accept a trade to the Florida Panthers or Tampa Bay Lightning, as he owns a home in Florida.

Fact or fiction: It's pure fiction to assume the cap-strapped Kings and Blackhawks can afford Chara's $6.9 million cap hit for 2016-17. The Lightning have cap issues of their own over the next two years. The last thing they need is an aging and expensive defenseman. Chara's also given no indication he wants to leave the Bruins. If he won't waive his no-movement clause, he won't be going anywhere.

Could the Montreal Canadiens Shop P.K. Subban?

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

The speculation: During an April 8 appearance on TSN 1050 (h/t Chris Nichols of Today's Slapshot), Bob McKenzie wondered if the Montreal Canadiens might listen to offers for defenseman P.K. Subban. He noted that Subban's no-trade clause goes into effect on July 1.

Analysis: Trading Subban would certainly be a bold move. The Canadiens lack depth in offensive forwards and could seek a top-line scorer in return. While trading Subban would address that need, his departure would also create a huge gap in their blue line that could take years to fill.

Fact or fiction: Fiction. While Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin could listen to offers, it's highly unlikely he'll find a suitable one that helps his club. On April 11, the Montreal Gazette's Pat Hickey reported that Bergevin said he's not shopping top stars such as Subban.

Player and team stats via NHL.com. Salary info via CapFriendly.