NHL Trade Rumors: Impact Players Who Could Be Available

As teams are jockeying for playoffs spots, eyes turn toward the trade deadline.  While we are still several weeks away from the February 28 deadline, the whisper of possible moves are everywhere.

Expect things to get interesting in the West, as Nashville holds the fourth spot, but there are eight teams within six points of them.  A small streak, good or bad, can switch a team from buyers to sellers or vice versa very quickly right now 

The following six players have the ability to help a team make a run.

Thomas Vanek

Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 17: Thomas Vanek #26 of the Buffalo Sabres skates prior to the game against the Florida Panthers on December 17, 2010 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Sabres 6-2. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Gett

Rumors are out there that the Kings have been in contact with Buffalo.  Buffalo is 10 points out of a playoff spot and may look to dump his seven million dollar salary.

Will Elias Be Another Salary Move?

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 09: Patrik Elias #26 of the New Jersey Devils skates during an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Prudential Center on January 9, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Elias was named to the All-Star Game this week and leads the Devils with 31 points.  The main reason to move him is that next season, the team will take a six million dollar cap hit for him.

Twittering Away

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 08: Martin Havlat #24 of the Minnesota Wild skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 8, 2011 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Earlier this season Havlat’s agent Allan Walsh went wild on Twitter complaining, about among other things, playing time for his client.  Havlat did not comment on the situation at the time.   Things have quieted down, and with the team making a small move to get within two points of a playoff spot, Havlat is likely to stay put.   

However, if things fall apart or if the Twitter attacks start up again, the team may look elsewhere.

Another Devil on the Move?

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Jason Arnott #25 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the Atlanta Thrashers at the Prudential Center on December 31, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

After New Jersey traded Jamie Langenbrunner, all eyes have turned to Jason Arnott.  He has a no-trade clause but reportedly will waive it in order to go to a playoff team.  His stats are not the greatest this season, but playing on such a bad team can have that effect. 

Expect some team to make an offer for him as he is in the last year of his contract, so the risk is minimal.

Would a Change Help?

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 08: Andrew Brunette #15 of the Minnesota Wild skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 8, 2011 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Andrew Brunette has not lived up to the production that the Wild hoped they would get from him when he came over from the Avalanche.  Reportedly, there are already several teams interested in him.

Vertseeg Is a Hot Topic

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 23: Kris Versteeg #32 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in a hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 23, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

While it appears that Toronto is not actively shopping Kris Versteeg, there are several rumors that teams are making offers.  He is on pace to set career highs in goals and assists. If some team brings an offer tempting enough, the Leafs may make a move.