NHL Trade Rumors: The Hottest Trade Rumor for Every Team in the NHL

The NHL Trade Deadline is almost upon us, and some big-time trades have already taken place.

Two things can come out all of these trades. There will be no more trades because the dust has settled and all the pieces that were supposed to move have moved; or there will be several more moves brought on by the recent activity.

Of course, we all hope it’s the latter and the trade deadline is a madhouse of player movement.

People can try to predict the playoff races, but you can’t see the whole picture until the player movement has been seized.

The following list is of the player on each team that is most available via trade. Enjoy.

Anaheim Ducks

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ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 16: Luca Sbisa #5 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Edmonton Oilers at the Honda Center on January 16, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Luca Sbisa

Luca Sbisa is a young defender that came to Anaheim from Philadelphia via the Chris Pronger trade and has played solid in his short career.

Sbisa has a ton of upside, and a trade for a more veteran defender might help their playoff push this season.

Whatever position the Ducks want to acquire, Sbisa would be a key piece to any big trade.

Atlanta Thrashers

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TORONTO, CAN - FEBRUARY 7: Nik Antropov #80 of the Atlanta Thrashers skates 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 Claus Andersen/Getty Im

Nik Antropov

The Atlanta Thrashers are in a position of building a franchise for the future, and I don’t know how Nik Antropov would fit into the new scheme.

Antropov is a solid player who would be a good addition to a team that is looking to add depth at forward.

His 28 points this season would be a welcome addition to any playoff-bound team.

The Thrashers could get some solid prospects and picks back for Antropov and for a team building for the future, which would be great.

Boston Bruins

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MONTREAL, CANADA - DECEMBER 16: P.K. Subban #76 of the Montreal Canadiens trips Marc Savard #91 of the Boston Bruins during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on December 16, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Bruins 4-3. (Photo

Marc Savard

The Boston Bruins are obvious buyers at the trade deadline, and they might be looking to use the contract of Marc Savard as a trade chip.

Marc Savard is a top 10 center when he is healthy, and he could be worth another solid defender on the open market.

Savard would be a good addition to a team where the pressure would be off of him, and he could concentrate on keeping healthy as much as playing the game.

Buffalo Sabres

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TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 06: Craig Rivet #52 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the Toronto Maple Leaf at the Air Canada Centre on November 6, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Craig Rivet

The Buffalo Sabres captain has been a disappointment for the team, and a new place to hang his hat would be the best thing for both parties.

Rivet would be a good addition to a team looking for a fifth or sixth defender who has playoff experience and is a good locker-room presence.

While his production and play in general has slowed, he can still be a shutdown defender and play on the penalty kill.

Calgary Flames

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CALGARY, CANADA - FEBRUARY 9: Jarome Iginla #12 of the Calgary Flames during the game against the Ottawa Senators on February 9, 2011 at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)

Jarome Iginla

Now that Tomas Kaberle is off the market, Jarome Iginla is now the biggest name in the trade rumor mill. He is also the longest tenured member of the trade rumor circle with the movement of Kaberle.

The Flames are making one last surge towards the playoffs, but if they start to tank, a move for the veteran winger may be on the horizon.

With 56 points this season, his scoring abilities would put a team close to winning the cup over the edge.

Carolina Hurricanes

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Jiri Tlusty #19 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)

Jiri Tlusty

The Carolina Hurricanes are fighting for their playoff lives, and a move to stay in contention might be on the horizon.

One of the biggest draft busts of the last 10 years, Jiri Tlusty has never lived up to the hype that surrounded him.

But maybe a team with a plethora of defensive players would want to take a flyer on this once-hyped prospect who has some offensive potential.

Chicago Blackhawks

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CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 16: Tomas Kopecky #82 of the Chicago Blackhawks fires a shot under pressure from Mikko Koivu #9 of the Minnesota Wild at the United Center on February 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 3-1. (Photo by J

Tomas Kopecky

Although I don’t believe the Blackhawks will be making any more trades before the deadline, the most likely to be moved in my opinion would be forward Tomas Kopecky.

He is having one of his best years offensively, and he could be a chip in a big-time trade.

Kopecky could draw in some veteran forwards or something along those lines, but the Blackhawks would be smart to hang on to him and ride out the season with their current lineup.

Colorado Avalanche

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DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 14: Brandon Yip #18 of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck against the Calgary Flames at the Pepsi Center on February 14, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Flames defeated the Avalanche 9-1. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Brandon Yip

The Colorado Avalanche look like they’re selling the team off, and I don’t think they will be making any more moves.

If they do make a move for the near future, they would probably package Brandon Yip with some prospects for a veteran forward.

I don’t think that would be a good move, and the Avalanche should stick with the players they have now.

Columbus Blue Jackets

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PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 8: Kristian Huselius #20 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)

Kristian Huselius

The Blue Jackets should be looking to add depth at defense, and moving a forward like Kristian Huselius for a veteran defender would make the Blue Jackets dangerous.

The team needs more help at forward, but Huselius has underperformed and Nash needs a big-time helper.

My idea is for the Blue Jackets to get ready to bid for Brad Richards so that Nash has a legitimate center with amazing passing skills for the first time in his career.

Dallas Stars

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DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 17: Left wing Jamie Benn #14 of the Dallas Stars skates the puck past Rob Scuderi #7 of the Los Angeles Kings at American Airlines Center on January 17, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Jamie Benn

The Dallas Stars have a legitimate shot at a good playoff run in the Western Conference with their depth at forward and their solid defense.

While Jamie Benn has been good all year for the Stars, he is currently on the IR, and moving him to a losing team for a solid offensive threat would be a smart move.

The move may be drastic, but with the injury to Brad Richards, the team needs to keep their foot on the throttle to head into the playoffs on a hot streak.

Detroit Red Wings

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DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 22: Jiri Hudler #26 of the Detroit Red Wings skates in a game against the Chicago Black Hawks on January 22, 2011 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Hawks defeated the Wings 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Jiri Hudler

The Detroit Red Wings have to be disappointed by the production of Jiri Hudler this season.

Word out of Detroit was that Hudler was going to be a big piece to the success of the team and that he would be a big offensive threat.

For the Red Wings, 26 points in 53 games won’t get it done.

Edmonton Oilers

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COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 05: Andrew Cogliano #13 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on February 5, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Andrew Cogliano

With Edmonton in last place in the Western Conference, they look to be obvious sellers at the trade deadline this season.

The Oilers will keep their young stars, but a player like Andrew Cogliano might have value to a team looking for another forward.

With only 24 points in 59 games, he has suffered on the Oilers, and an escape would be great for him.

Florida Panthers

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SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 27: Bryan McCabe #24 of the Florida Panthers takes his position in the face off circle against the Boston Bruins on December 27, 2010 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Bruins defeated the Panthers 3-2 in a shoot-ou

Bryan McCabe

As Florida falls further out of contention in the Eastern Conference, the unrestricted free agents in their lineup become more available.

This was a tough one because Panther goaltender Thomas Vokoun is just as available as McCabe and may be as sought after.

McCabe would bring a lot on the defensive end for a team, and his leadership abilities and shot from the point would look so dangerous in the playoffs.

Los Angeles Kings

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PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 10: Wayne Simmonds #17 of the Los Angeles Kings mixes it up with Ryan Craig #23 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center on February 10, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Wayne Simmonds

The Kings are very young, and dealing away any of their young players would be foolish. 

They may not be playing amazing hockey right now, but they are still in seventh place in the Western Conference.

A team like Los Angeles could get hot fast and make a big splash with a deep playoff run if the team stays intact for the most part.

If the Kings had to trade one piece for veteran leader/role player it would probably be Wayne Simmonds.

I don’t think it would be the right way to go, but we saw the Avalanche deal away some young talent.

Minnesota Wild

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COLUMBUS,OH - NOVEMBER 06: John Madden #11 of the Minnesota Wild skates with the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 6, 2010 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)

John Madden

Believe it or not, the Minnesota Wild are playing their way into contention in the Western Conference.

John Madden is the ultimate utility man and can do anything a team like the Wild will ask him.  Madden is a great forechecker and he doesn’t mind getting dirty in the corners.

That’s why I don’t think the Wild will make changes, but if one player goes, Madden will demand the most from a team on the cusp of a Cup.

Montreal Canadiens

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MONTREAL - NOVEMBER 9: Andrei Markov #79 of the Montreal Canadiens defends against Jannik Hansen #36 of the Vancouver Canucks during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on November 9, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

Andrei Markov

As the Montreal Canadiens continue to lose key defenders to injuries, the team might try to test the water with a deal involving Andrei Markov.

The often-injured defender is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and if the Montreal Canadiens don’t plan on signing him long-term, a move might be possible.

The value for Markov is unknown but if an agreement, can be worked out to sign an extension before a trade, it may open up the market.

Nashville Predators

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 22: Steve Sullivan #26 of the Nashville Predators tries to control the puck under pressure from Brent Seabrook #7 of the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on December 22, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the

Steve Sullivan

The Nashville Predators will probably not make a move.  That’s just how they work.

If they do make a move, it would have to be a forward, and Sullivan seems the most likely.

The team is playing solidly, and Nashville has never been known for blockbuster deals midseason.

New Jersey Devils

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 11: Dainius Zubrus #8 of the New Jersey Devils skates during an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks on February 11, 2011 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Dainius Zubrus

The New Jersey Devils are playing great right now, but the truth is they still won’t make the playoffs.

If they start looking ahead, Zubrus and his $3.5 million a year salary would look better elsewhere.

Zubrus is a solid player, but he is not worth that money, and you can go out and get another big name to complement Ilya Kovalchuk (Brad Richards).

New York Islanders

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UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 05: Rob Schremp #44 of the New York Islanders celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators at the Nassau Coliseum on February 5, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo

Rob Schremp

The Islanders are very young, and their season was stifled early by key injuries.

If anyone had to be traded, I’m sure the Islanders would want it to be Rick DiPietro, but more than likely they will be silent as the deadline approaches.

If the team would let anyone go to get some picks and prospects in return, it would be Schremp.  He would be a good fit on a veteran team, and he would play hard wherever he went.

New York Rangers

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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 25: Steve Eminger #44 of the New York Rangers and Rostislav Olesz #85 of the Florida Panthers play for possession of the puck along the boards during the first period at Madison Square Garden on January 25, 2011 in New York City. (P

Steve Eminger

Steve Eminger is not the answer for the New York Rangers, and they know that. He is like a human pylon out there.

If New York can find a team that doesn’t know any better and is looking to add defensive depth (Montreal), it might be a smart move.

Eminger doesn’t fit the young player theme of the Rangers, and he will taint all of the young players. On second thought, keep him, New York.

Ottawa Senators

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UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 05: Alex Kovalev #27 of the Ottawa Senators waits for a faceoff during an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum on February 5, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Alexei Kovalev

The Ottawa Senators made a big move acquiring Craig Anderson, and there may be more moves in store for the people of Ottawa.

Veteran forward Alexei Kovalev looks to be on his way out at the end of the season, so the team would be wise to try to make a move.

Sending him to a team in contention with scoring deficiencies and good prospects could yield some key pieces for the future of the Senators.

Philadelphia Flyers

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 25: Nikolay Zherdev #93 of the Philadelphia Flyers waits during warmups before an NHL hockey game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Wells Fargo Center on January 25, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Paul Beres

Nikolay Zherdev

The Philadelphia Flyers are deep at every position, and they are getting close to the salary cap.

Zherdev has played well at times this season but hasn’t fit into the defensive-minded scheme of head coach Peter Laviollete.

The Flyers have traded away a lot of their picks, and sending Zherdev away for a few draft picks might help replenish the farm system.

Phoenix Coyotes

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 25: Magnus Paajarvi #91 of the Edmonton Oilers passes the puck under pressure from Scottie Upshall #8 of the Phoenix Coyotes during the NHL game at Jobing.com Arena on January 25, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Oilers defeated the

Scottie Upshall

As the playoffs approach, the Phoenix Coyotes are in a good position in the Western Conference.

If anyone gets moved, it could be forward Scottie Upshall, but I doubt anyone will be moved.

The Coyotes are content with what they have, and as long as they stay healthy, they will have a good chance to go deep into the playoffs this season.

Pittsburgh Penguins

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PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 8: Matt Cooke #24 of the Pittsburgh Penguins checks Fedor Tyutin #51 of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first period on February 8, 2011 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Cooke was assessed a five-minute majo

Matt Cooke

Matt Cooke may have worn out his welcome in Pittsburgh after his last suspension.

The Penguins will be in the market for a big offensive threat with the loss of Evgeni Malkin.

Cooke may be a chip that sweetens the pot for another team to ship a player to Pittsburgh.

One rumor I heard was Alex Kovalev to the Penguins, but I don’t know how that would work.

San Jose Sharks

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 11: Jamal Mayers #10 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)

Jamal Mayers

The San Jose Sharks got their new tough guy in Ben Eager, and it may spell the end for Jamal Mayers.

He could go to a team like Chicago, who could use the grit and attitude to help them back into playoff contention.

Wherever he goes, the Sharks will be hunting for more defensive help.

St. Louis Blues

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ST. LOUIS, MO - FEBRUARY 11: Jose Theodore #60 of the Minnesota Wild makes a save against Andy McDonald #10 of the St. Louis Blues during a shootout at the Scottrade Center on February 11, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Wild won 5-4 in a shootout. (Ph

Andy McDonald

The St. Louis Blues have made one of the biggest moves this season, sending first overall pick Erik Johnson to Colorado for Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk.

It looks like the Blues have made their big deal and will probably remain quiet for the remainder of the training periods.

Andy McDonald is the most likely to be traded, but I still don’t think anyone will be moved.

Tampa Bay Lightning

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UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 22: Simon Gagne #12 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on December 22, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Simon Gagne

Simon Gagne has come on more recently, but I don’t think the Tamp Bay Lightning will make any more moves this season.

The Lightning have made the moves they thought they needed, and it doesn’t appear they will make any more.

If anyone does go, Gagne will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, and he would be the prime suspect.

Toronto Maple Leafs

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TORONTO, CAN - FEBRUARY 7: Colby Armstrong #9 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates in a game against the Atlanta Thrashers on February 7, 2011 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. The Leafs defeated the Thrashers 5-4. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty

Colby Armstrong

With the departure of Kris Versteeg and Tomas Kaberle, it is obvious that the Toronto Maple Leafs are sellers at the deadline.

Colby Armstrong might be the next to be shipped out of Toronto in order to make space for free agents this offseason.

Armstrong is a solid forward who would be a good for a team looking for some scoring depth and grit.

Vancouver Canucks

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UNIONDALE, NY - JANUARY 11: Raffi Torres #13 of the Vancouver Canucks tries to poke check the puck during an NHL game against the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum on January 11, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Raffi Torres

The Vancouver Canucks will not make any more moves unless it’s a move for a top-tier defender.

Raffi Torres is one of the best two-way forwards in the league and would be a great trade chip if they were hunting for a veteran defender.

I don’t believe they will make any moves, but I think the injuries will catch up with the team in the playoffs.

Washington Capitals

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GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 14: Matt Bradley #10 of the Washington Capitals looks to pass the puck under pressure from Sami Lepisto #18 of the Phoenix Coyotes during the NHL game at Jobing.com Arena on February 14, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris

Matt Bradley

The Washington Capitals need to find a spark, and they need it to come from the offensive end of the ice.

Matt Bradley is a solid defensive forward who could help add depth and even penalty-killing abilities to a team that is lacking in that area.

The Capitals need scoring or playmaking, so Bradley for a younger, more offensive-minded player would be a good move.