NHL Rumors: Latest on Jaroslav Halak, Ondrej Pavelec, Canucks' Scoring Search

It may be early in the 2016-17 NHL season, but that doesn't mean that the trade market is dormant. 

Early-season injuries and struggles have forced teams to look for alternative options in an attempt to fill a roster spot or find a spark.

Here is the latest on some of the league's latest rumors.

Jaroslav Halak

The New York Islanders have been carrying three goaltenders to start the season, much to the chagrin of Jaroslav Halak's agent, Allan Walsh, who recently took to Twitter and bashed the team's strategy. 

Shortly after, Islanders general manager Garth Snow made Halak available, even though New York's former starting goalie told Newsday's Arthur Staple that he didn't request a trade. 

Lyle Richardson, writing for the Hockey News, noted that the Arizona Coyotes, Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes and Los Angeles Kings are in need of goaltending help, but TSN's Darren Dreger reported that there is little interest in Halak. 

The 31-year-old was having a stellar 2015-16 season before an injury opened the door for Thomas Greiss to step in as the Islanders' starter. Through 36 games, Halak posted a .919 save percentage and a 2.30 goals-against average before a groin injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. 

Greiss, with J.F. Berube backing him up, anchored the Islanders to the their first appearance in the second round of the playoffs since 1993 and has been the better man in goal this year despite Halak's stellar performance for Team Europe at the World Cup of Hockey. 

For a New York team that has taken just eight points from their first 10 games, Halak could be a used as a chip to gain some offensive help for captain John Tavares, as the Islanders are averaging just 2.8 goals per game.

Ondrej Pavelec

After being the main man in net for the Winnipeg Jets franchise for the past decade, including their time as the Atlanta Thrashers, Ondrej Pavelec didn't just lose his starting job to Connor Hellebuyck and Sam Hutchinson this season but lost an NHL roster spot. 

Pavelec hasn't been anywhere near an All-Star goalie, having led the league in goals allowed from 2011 to 2014, but he has provided consistent starting experience, which has made him an interesting target. 

According to TSN's Gary Lawless, injuries around the league have "increased tire kicking" around the Jets' goaltending situation. He added that Winnipeg would be more willing to make a move if they were completely comfortable with Hellebuyck and Hutchinson. 

The duo has allowed 29 goals in 11 games this season, which is tied for ninth-most in the NHL. If the two stabilize and improve on that number, it's likely Pavelec will be shipped out of town. 

Canucks Need Scoring

Ten games into their season, it's already crystal clear the Vancouver Canucks cannot score. They're just one game under .500 at 4-5-1 despite scoring just 17 goals, which is worst in the league. 

Only five players have more than one goal through those 10 games, and only eight players have scored at all.

It appears the Canucks are looking to remedy the situation, though. ESPN's Pierre LeBrun told hockey writer Chris Nichols that Vancouver would "like to add a 20-goal scorer to that lineup" in the coming months. 

The market seems empty of such talent, and to make matters worse, the Canucks had opportunities to acquire scoring help earlier. 

PA Parenteau, who scored 20 goals and added 21 assists with the Toronto Maple Leafs last year, was waived by the New York Islanders before getting snapped up by the New Jersey Devils in October. Through eight games this season, he has three goals, which would tie him for second on the Canucks roster. 

Brandon Pirri was also available during the offseason but went to the New York Rangers for just $1.1 million, per Spotrac. He has 10 points in his first 10 games, which is five points better than Vancouver's team leaders, Henrik Sedin and Brandon Sutter. 

Stats courtesy of Hockey-Reference.com.