10 NHL Players Most Likely to Switch Teams By the End of Training Camp

With competition heating up for training camp spots, expect some players to be beaten out of their jobs and end up with new teams. Here are the 10 players most likely to be wearing new jerseys when the season opens:

1. Mathieu Schneider (ANA)

Already having been placed on waivers, it is obvious Anaheim wants him out to clear cap room for Teemu Selanne. It will be interesting to see who finally takes him on, and if the Ducks get anything in return.

2. Jaroslav Halak (MON)

If Marc Denis can prove he is still able to play, Halak is gone. Montreal wants Carey Price to have a veteran backup, and Denis fits that role much better than Halak. An injury or inconsistent backup will be all that is needed to for a team to call Bob Gainey and make him an offer.

3. PJ Axelsson (BOS)

Boston is tight on cap room and have a surplus of forwards who can play on their NHL roster. Peter Schaefer would be the ideal player Peter Chiarelli would want to move, but Axelsson has much more value.

4. Ian White (TOR)

The Maple Leafs have a ridiculous number of defensemen, and it looks like Ian White is the odd one out. Only a very strong camp or a preseason injury can save White's Maple Leaf career.

5. Jussi Jokinen (TB)

It is obvious that Tampa Bay has too many forwards, and Jokinen is the player owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie want to move. He has trade value, and if teams find they need a speedy winger for some secondary scoring, the Lightning should get something in return.

6. Jason Ward (TB)

Another surplus forward in Tampa Bay, Ward does not have as much skill as Jokinen. He will probably be sent to the minors—but if a team needs a gritty fourth-line winger, he may receive some consideration.

7. Andreas Lilja (DET)

With nine NHL-caliber defenseman in Detroit, rumours have circulated that Lilja was simply an insurance policy if Brad Stuart could not be re-signed. However, Stuart was re-signed—and Lilja could be on his way out to make room.

8. Patrick O'Sullivan (LA)

The young stud is being difficult with his contract demands, and is refusing to report to Kings camp. If Dean Lombardi cannot rectify the situation soon, he will not be afraid to deal O'Sullivan, considering the amount of quality youth the Kings already have and the value O'Sullivan could bring back.

9. Kevin Bieksa (VAN)

The Canucks are in desperate need of offense, and are looking to trade parts of their defense to get that. If Mats Sundin doesn't sign, Bieksa—the only blue-liner in Vancouver without a no-trade clause—will be offered to teams for a potent offensive scorer.

10. Nikolai Khabibulin (CHI)

The Blackhawks say they want to keep him—but if someone wants him, they can have him. Corey Crawford is knocking on the door, and Cristobal Huet has the number-one job.  Given Khabibulin's salary, the Hawks will be listening to offers. However, if no teams have goalie problems after camp, he will remain a Blackhawk—for now.