NHL Trade Rumors: 10 Forwards Most Likely To Be Traded

The NHL trade deadline is February 28.  As the deadline approaches, teams still in the hunt for a playoff berth will look to make moves to further help their position. 

Teams that are out of the race may look to dump salary, get younger or completely change the direction of a team. Between now and then, as team decide if they are in or out of the playoff chase, the phone lines will heat up.

The following is a list of forwards who may be on the move.

Rolston

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NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 09: Brian Rolston #12 of the New Jersey Devils skates past Mattias Ritola #21 of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first period of an NHL hockey game at the Prudential Center on January 9, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Ber

Brian Rolston—New Jersey only has 24 points and is going nowhere this season.  Rolston, age 37, has already cleared waivers.  Although having a down year, he did score 20 goals and 37 points last season.

Ottawa Is Willing To Deal

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OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 27: Alex Kovalev #27 of the Ottawa Senators battles for the puck along the near boards with Mikhail Grabovski #84 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during a gam eat Scotiabank Place on November 27, 2010 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo

Ottawa—Ottawa sits out of a playoff spot with only 38 points, 11 behind the eighth spot.  GM Bryan Murray is willing to move just about anyone on the team. 

With Jarkko Ruutu, Daniel Alfredsson and Alexi Kovalev all 35 or older, Ottawa would be wise to move any of them in a youth movement.  Alfredsson and Kovalev could intrigue some teams.  Kovalev and Ruutu will be free agents at the end of the season.

Kris Versteeg

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TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 06: Kris Versteeg #32 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Buffalo Sabres at the Air Canada Centre on November 6, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Kris Vertseeg—Toronto has 36 points, 13 out of a playoff spot.  Versteeg has been on a roll with 11 points in 11 games.  It does not appear that Toronto is actively shopping him, but the team has reportedly received at least one offer.  If some team brings an offer tempting enough, the Leafs may make a move.

Clarke MacArthur

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WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 06: Clarke MacArthur #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs brings the puck down the ice against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on December 6, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Clarke MacArthur—Another Toronto player makes the list, this time their leading point scorer. He is a free agent after the season; it is hard to imagine the Leafs letting him get away without getting something in return.

Would the Panthers Part With Booth?

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BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 23: David Booth #10 of the Florida Panthers waits for a faceoff against the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena on December 23, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. Florida won 4-3. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

David Booth—Good talent on a not-so-good team. Florida has 38 points, nine off of a playoff spot.  The Panthers may not be looking to move him yet, but look for hungry playoff teams to come shopping.

Is Parise Happy?

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NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 23: Zach Parise #9 of the New Jersey Devils warms up before a game against the Buffalo Sabres on October 23, 2010 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The Sabres defeated the Devils 6 - 1. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Im

Zach Parise—New Jersey is a mess right now, having only 24 points, which is the lowest in the league.  They have already traded away their captain Jamie Langenbrunner. 

There have been reports that Parise is unhappy in New Jersey, but he has denied making any trade demands.  He is a restricted free agent after the season; however, his current injury prevents an immediate trade.

Nicklas Bergfors

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 10: Niclas Bergfors #18 of the Atlanta Thrashers against the Colorado Avalanche at Philips Arena on December 10, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Nicklas Bergfors—At 23, he is young and has lots of potential.  For whatever reason, he does not seem to fit in well with the Thrashers system.   They should be able to find several teams interested in his talent.

Is It Time for a Change in Calgary?

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COLUMBUS, OH - DECEMBER 21: Jarome Iginla #12 of the Calgary Flames skates with the puck during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 21, 2010 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)

Jerome Iginla—New management, a bad record and a team in need of rebuilding could spell the end for Iginla in Calgary.  Publically, the Flames are stating that they have no intentions to trade him; however, the rumors are everywhere.  A team needing depth or a spark for a playoff run could greatly use Iginla, and it's hard to image the Flames will not listen to offers.

Devin Setoguchi

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DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 16: Right wing Devin Setoguchi #16 of the San Jose Sharks on December 16, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Devin Setoguchi—Reports have it that there have already been talks between the Sharks and Leafs. Such talks are being denied by GM Brian Burke.  Is this a case of where there is smoke, there is fire? 

Will a Contract Come in Time?

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 11: Brad Richards #91 of the Dallas Stars during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on December 11, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Brad Richards—Dallas has no desire to trade Richards, but he is a free agent after the season.  Contract talks are currently under way.  If these talks don't go as hoped, the Stars may be forced to trade him, rather then let him walk away without getting something in return.