NHL Trade Deadline Speculation: Moves Each Team Can Make to Bolster Its Defense

As the 2011 NHL trade deadline approaches, each team is forced to consider whether or not a move would benefit their team.

One of the most important parts of hockey, especially in the playoffs, is the play of a team’s defense.

If a defense is strong when it counts, they can carry a team through the playoffs and make an average goalie look great.

The following list is of where each team’s defense is in need of help or looking good moving forward. Enjoy!

Anaheim Ducks

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ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Lubomir Visnovsky #17 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Washington Capitals at the Honda Center on February 16, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

As the playoffs approach, it looks more and more likely that the Anaheim Ducks will miss the playoffs.

One of the biggest reasons they will not make it is because of the play of the defense this season.

Expect the Ducks to start selling off the defenders that they don’t plan on keeping next season.

The one bright spot this season has been the superior play of Lubomir Visnovsky.  He has been the only consistent defender on the team.

Atlanta Thrashers

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TORONTO, CAN - FEBRUARY 7: Dustin Byfuglien #33 of the Atlanta Thrashers skates after a loose puck in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 7, 2011 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. The Leafs defeated the Thrashers 5-4. (Photo by

With the addition of Dustin Byfuglien and Brent Sopel, the Atlanta Thrashers defense is one of the best in the NHL.

Those two players along with Tobias Enstrom, Johnny Odoya and the rest have really made up one of the most consistent defensive groups in the league.

The problems for the Thrashers are on the offensive side of the puck and not the defensive.

Boston Bruins

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OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 18: Tomas Kaberle #12 of the Boston Bruins controls the puck at the blueline during a game against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place on February 18, 2011 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)

The Bruins had some depth issues at defense and they haven’t completely disappeared with the arrival of Tomas Kaberle, but they have been masked.

While Tomas Kaberle makes the Bruins one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference, it will still have to be seen how Kaberle can fit into the Bruins schemes.

While the top four defenders are as strong as anyone's in the league, the last pairing could be a real problem come playoff time.

Buffalo Sabres

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PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 04: Matt Cooke #24 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates his second period goal in front of Ryan Miller #30 of the Buffalo Sabres at Consol Energy Center on February 4, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Alle

The Buffalo Sabres defensive group is one of the weakest in the NHL and it’s a shame that they have left goalie Ryan Miller so ill-protected this year.

Sabres fans have to be disappointed by the group that the team puts out on the ice and a move this year wouldn’t help much.

The Sabres need to move some of their pricey contracts and try to make a run at some quality defenders if they want to be in contention next year.

Calgary Flames

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CALGARY, AB - FEBRUARY 20: Mark Giordano #5 of the Calgary Flames and David Desharnais #58 of the Montreal Canadiens battle for the puck during the 2011 NHL Heritage Classic Game at McMahon Stadium on February 20, 2011 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo

The Calgary Flames are clawing their way into contention again this year, and it is because the defense is finally playing to the potential everyone thought they could.

Of the big names on the defense, Mark Giordano, has been the standout star by doing all of the little things right. He will be the next Captain if he stays with the Flames.

Jay Bouwmeester has been a big disappointment offensively, but he is finally starting to contribute at both ends of the ice now.

Carolina Hurricanes

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Joni Pitkanen #25 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 16, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

As the Carolina Hurricanes continue to struggle to keep in playoff contention, teams will be asking about their defensive players.

Joni Pitkanen for one will be highly touted by a team looking to add depth at defense before the deadline.

If the Hurricanes don’t plan on signing him long term, then they should consider moving him while the stock is very high and the demand is just as high.

Chicago Blackhawks

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GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 12: Brent Seabrook #7 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates with the puck during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on February 12, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Blackhawks 3-2 in an ove

The Blackhawks are tight to the salary cap, and that will handcuff them from making any blockbuster moves at the trade deadline.

The problem I see arising at the end of this season is what they are going to do with restricted free agent Brent Seabrook.

One team in the NHL at least will send him a contract offer. If it is more than what he is getting paid now, the team will have to let him go.  That could be big trouble for the team next year.

Colorado Avalanche

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ST. LOUIS, MO - FEBRUARY 11: Erik Johnson #6 of the St. Louis Blues moves the puck up the ice against the Minnesota Wild at the Scottrade Center on February 11, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Wild won 5-4 in a shootout. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty

While it may seem like a lopsided trade, I think the Avalanche got the better of this trade.

Erik Johnson never had a chance to develop as a defender on such a terrible defensive team.

Now that he is surrounded by better quality defenders, he should be able to pick the game up the right way and become a great defender. 

The Avalanche need to address their problems in net and at forward before they make any more defensive moves.

Columbus Blue Jackets

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PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 8: Marc Methot #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 8, 2011 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

A person unfamiliar may not know a lot of the names of the defenders on the Columbus Blue Jackets, but they have played very solid this season anyway.

The team has problems scoring and with the depth at forward, but they have been very consistent defensively.

The Blue Jackets also have one of the most underrated defenders in Marc Methot.  He is a young defender has the potential to be a big time shut-down defender in the NHL for a long time.

Dallas Stars

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CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 20: Alex Goligoski #3 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks to pass in front of Ryan Johnson #17 of the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on February 20, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Dallas Stars are better now defensively after the acquisition of Alex Goligoski from Pittsburgh.

Goligoski becomes the points leader of the defense and their No. 1 offensive defender going forward.

While injuries have derailed their hopes of winning the conference, they are still in the playoff hunt and if they can get healthy they could be dangerous.

Detroit Red Wings

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DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 08: Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings watches the game from the bench against the Nashville Predators at the Joe Louis Arena on December 8, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Predators defeated the Red Wings 3-2. (Photo by

For now, the Detroit Red Wings defense is going to be adequate enough to get them deep into the playoffs.  The pressure will fall on the shoulder of sophomore goalie Jimmy Howard.

The Red Wings will face their biggest question mark in years at the defensive position if veteran defender and future Hall of Famer Nick Lidstrom decides to hang up his skates this offseason.

The Red Wings may be looking to sign a big-time free agent this offseason, but if I were in charge of the Red Wings, I would do anything to get Shea Weber to take the helm from Lidstrom.

Edmonton Oilers

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EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 3: Defenseman Sheldon Souray #44 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up in a game between Calgary and Edmonton in the first period during an NHL game on October 3, 2009 at Rexall Arena in Edmonton, Canada. The Calgary Flames defeated the

As goes the rest of the team, the Oilers defense stinks.

They are bottom of the barrel defenders, for the most part, and the Oilers will definitely be looking to add defensive leadership and talent.

If the management of the Oilers didn’t ruin the relationship with Sheldon Souray, they would have a great point man and a person to teach the young defenders you will try to bring in.

Edmonton has a lot of work to do on their defense.

Florida Panthers

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SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 29: Bryan McCabe #24 of the Florida Panthers skates against the Nashville Predators in the second period on March 29, 2010 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Predators defeated the Panthers 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by J

The Florida Panthers will miss the playoffs again this year, and that will lead to the fire sale of all of the unrestricted free agents on the roster.

The most likely to be shipped out is veteran defender and team captain Bryan McCabe.

McCabe would be a great addition to any team and the hole that he leaves would put the Florida defense as one of the five worst defenses in the league.

Los Angeles Kings

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UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 19: Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings waits for a faceoff during an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on February 19, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

While the Kings defense is one of the youngest in the NHL, they also have some solid veteran defenders to help lead the charge.

With young stars like Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty, the future looks bright for the Los Angeles Kings.

If they do go out and get someone to help on the point, they may look to the Eastern Conference and see what the Florida Panthers would want for Bryan McCabe.

Minnesota Wild

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RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 30: (EDITORS NOTE: A special effects camera filter was used for this image.) Brent Burns #8 of the Minnesota Wild for Team Lidstrom poses for a portrait before the 58th NHL All-Star Game at RBC Center on January 30, 2011 in Raleigh,

The Minnesota Wild have always been a very defensive-minded team, but they got away from that ideology this season.

It seems like they have got it turned around now, but the defense is definitely playing a lot better.

The Wild have one of the best all-around defenders in Brent Burns and some of the best young defenders in the league.

Montreal Canadiens

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PITTSBURGH - APRIL 30: Travis Moen #32 of the Montreal Canadiens squares off with Mark Eaton #7 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at center ice as Andrei Markov #79 of the Canadiens lies injured in the background in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals

The Montreal Canadiens defense has been destroyed this year by injuries, and the problems are still going on right now.

If they want to stay in contention in the Eastern Conference, then they are going to have to go out and get another defender to help with depth and strength.

It might be a good idea for the Canadiens to contact the Anaheim Ducks and check the availability of Luca Sbisa.

Nashville Predators

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SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 08: Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators in action against the San Jose Sharks at HP Pavilion on January 8, 2011 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The biggest question facing the Nashville Predators as a team, not just on defense, is the possibility of re-signing defender Shea Weber long term.

If the team doesn’t feel like they can afford to keep the star player, then a move now would probably garner some heavy interest across the NHL.

The team should lock him up for a long time, but if they can’t, moving him could get a lot of great pieces for the future.

New Jersey Devils

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 08: Ryan Carter #29 of the Carolina Hurricanes goes down as he checked Andy Greene #6 of the New Jersey Devils during the first period of an NHL hockey game at the Prudential Center on February 8, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo

The New Jersey Devils have really turned their season around and they may still be in contention in the Eastern Conference.

It wasn’t long ago that I though they could’ve had the worst season in history, but a lot of their recent success has to be attributed to their defense.

If I were Lou, I would touch the team until the offseason and see if the team can’t claw their way back into the playoff hunt.

New York Islanders

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NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 10: Mark Streit #2 of the New York Islanders skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on April 10, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The New York Islanders' defensive corps was struck hard this season by injuries, and it is evident by the lack of structure on the team.

Veteran Mark Streit will be a key going forward, but the Islanders should be looking to get some players or picks for the future.

As the Islanders continue to rebuild, they should look to bring in young defenders or ship out the defenders who have no future with the team.

With all due respect, the Islanders have bigger problems than their defense.

New York Rangers

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NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 13: Marc Staal #18 of the New York Rangers shoots past Jordan Staal #11 ofthe Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden on February 13, 2011 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Penguins 5-3.(Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty

The New York rangers have one of the youngest defensive groups in the NHL, and at times, it shows.

If the Rangers want to add veteran leadership, they could look to the Buffalo Sabres to acquire Craig Rivet.

Rivet would be a third pairing defender that would bring experience and grit to a team that could use it. His leadership would help a young defensive group form into a real powerhouse.

Ottawa Senators

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 01: Sergei Gonchar #55 of the Ottawa Senators skates in an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 1, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

The Ottawa Senators may be sellers at the deadline and may be building for the future.

Although the team just signed Sergei Gonchar to a hefty contract, they may test the waters to see what pieces they could get back for the future.

I know they could have claimed him before, but I think it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that the Senators keep Gonchar and claim veteran Sheldon Souray later in the season.

Philadelphia Flyers

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BOSTON - MAY 01: Chris Pronger #20 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrates his goal with teammate Kimmo Timonen #44 in the second period against the Boston Bruins in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at

Nothing. The Flyers have to do nothing to improve their defensive group this year.

The Philadelphia Flyers have the deepest defensive group in the NHL and the depth is unbelievable.

The mix of veterans and younger defenders has been great for the Flyers and the added depth has been able to keep the veterans fresh for the playoff run to come.

Phoenix Coyotes

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GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 14: Keith Yandle #3 of the Phoenix Coyotes during the NHL game against the Washington Capitals at Jobing.com Arena on February 14, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Capitals 3-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Ge

In a tough Western Conference that will force the Coyotes to beat at least one of the top two teams in the league to reach the Stanley Cup, defense is at a premium.

Not only do they have veteran leadership in Ed Jovanovski, but also the emergence of Keith Yandle as a star in this league has been epic.

Yandle could be one of the best defenders in the league and the Coyotes future is bright as long as Yandle is still patrolling their blue lines.

Pittsburgh Penguins

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CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 20: Corey Crawford #50 of the Chicago Blackhawks stops a shot in the shootout by Kris Letang #58 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at the United Center on February 20, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Penguins 3-2 in

The Penguins have shipped away one of their top-five defenders in Alex Goligoski to the Dallas Stars for more scoring help.

The top four defenders are still very tough, but the depth after that is a great concern.  If the third defensive paring plays well, they can allow the top four defenders to rest and not be overworked.

The Penguins might look to the Florida Panthers as the deadline approaches because of Bryan McCabe. If the Penguins can make a move for McCabe, their defense would be top-10 in the league, maybe even better.

San Jose Sharks

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 11: Dan Boyle #22 of the San Jose Sharks skates during an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils on February 11, 2011 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

The San Jose Sharks have been trying to fill the gap left by Rob Blake since the day he retired.

Dan Boyle is a great offensive defenseman, but the Sharks lack a real shut-down defender to skate out there against an opposition’s top scorer.

The Sharks may be looking to Carolina to try to pry away Joni Pitkanen if they fall out of contention to add some depth and talent to a middle-of-the-pack defensive group.

St. Louis Blues

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GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 07: Kevin Shattenkirk #8 of the Colorado Avalanche loses the puck against the Phoenix Coyotes at the Jobing.com Arena on February 7, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The St. Louis Blues are in a transitional period and the defense has really suffered because of it.

While they may have traded away their top two defenders in Eric Brewer and Erik Johnson, but they have some good young talent coming through the minors and currently with the club.

One of the biggest pieces of the Erik Johnson trade was Kevin Shattenkirk.  The kid has a ton of talent and will be a great addition to the Blues.

Tampa Bay Lightning

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SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 8: Eric Brewer #4 of the St. Louis Blues waits for a face off against the Florida Panthers on February 8, 2011 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Blues defeated the Panthers 2-1. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

Everyone knows the Tampa Bay Lightning are one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the league, but it’s the defense that makes me think they can’t win it all this year.

The acquisition of veteran Eric Brewer is a great move, but I think another piece or two to add depth will be necessary.

Although the Panthers are a division rival, Tampa Bay may want to look into what it would cost to bring Bryan McCabe aboard.

Toronto Maple Leafs

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MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 12: Dion Phaneuf #3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs high sticks Tomas Plekanec #14 of the Montreal Canadiens during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on February 12, 2011 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty

The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be preparing for a blockbuster move, and I think it has something to do with Shea Weber.

Toronto GM Brian Burke is just crazy enough to make a move like this, and now, with the picks from Philadelphia, he could make a package to deal to get Weber from the Predators.

The move may not take place until the offseason if it ever comes to fruition, but the combo of Dion Phaneuf and Shea Weber would be unbelievable.

Vancouver Canucks

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GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 02: Dan Hamhuis #2 of the Vancouver Canucks skates with the puck during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on February 2, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Canucks defeated the Coyotes 6-0. (Photo by Chris

The biggest problem this season for the Vancouver Canucks' defensive group has been injuries.

They had a big time offseason signing with Dan Hamuis, and he will be coming back into the lineup soon after getting hurt earlier this season.

With five defenders being injured this season, the Canucks haven’t missed a beat.  If they get hot now, they will be hard to stop in the playoffs.

Washington Capitals

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 12: Mike Green #52 of the Washington Capitals handles the puck against Wayne Simmonds #17 of the Los Angeles Kings at the Verizon Center on February 12, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

The Washington Capitals' defensive flaws were covered up last season by the amazing scoring of their forwards like Alex Ovechkin.

It wasn’t until the playoffs that teams exposed the defense for what they really were: a mediocre defensive group that had trouble with fast teams.

This season the Capitals went out and got Scott Hannan, but they should be looking to add more depth and more solid two-way defenders.