NHL Trade Rumors: 5 Teams That Would Love to Trade Up in the 2011 NHL Draft

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Adam Larsson and Johnathan Huberdeau aren't considered the type of elite prospects past drafts have provided, but the headliners of the 2011 NHL Draft could certainly cause a handful of teams to work the phones in an attempt to move up in the draft.

With the 2011 NHL Draft Lottery wrapped up, and the 2011 NHL Playoffs helping to determine the rest of the draft order, teams now know how far they need to jump to grab their most coveted prospects.

A number of teams have already expressed an interest in trying to obtain a higher selection in June's draft. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are almost guaranteed to hang on to their second straight first overall selection, and it will take a king's ransom to pry the second choice from the Colorado Avalanche.

However, after the top two picks, teams seem open about the possibility of swapping draft picks, given the depth at the top of this class.

The following teams are the most likely to trade up in the 2011 NHL Draft for a coveted prospect. Factors considered were rumored interest in moving up, having the ammunition to swing a deal, and being out of the draft range of a prospect that fits the system. 

5. Vancouver Canucks

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

BUFFALO, NY - NOVEMBER 15: Corey Schneider #35 of the Vancouver Canucks stands in goal against the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena on November 15, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. Buffalo won 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Why they Would Trade

After losing Michael Grabner last offseason via trade, the Canucks have very little depth in their prospect pool. Cody Hodgson, Jordan Schroeder, and Anton Rodin are promising prospects up front, but the blue line has very little to offer. 

The lack of depth is due at large to the Canucks not having a pick in the first three rounds of the 2010 NHL Draft. Vancouver has their first rounder in 2011 as well as a huge bargaining chip to move up the board.

Former Boston College goaltender Cory Schneider is highly coveted across the league. The 25-year-old butterfly goaltender has looked like a franchise net-minder in limited action for the Canucks.

However, Schneider is not doing Vancouver any good sitting behind Roberto Luongo. Considering the fact that Schneider's contract will be up shortly, it seems that the Canucks would be wise to get something in return for him while they still can.

Among those rumored to be interested are the Colorado Avalanche, who hold two of the draft's top 11 picks including the second overall selection. If the Avalanche don't win the bidding war for Tomas Vokoun, they could try and swing a deal with the Canucks for Schneider.

Who they would target

Adam Larsson, D, Sweden

Of Vancouver's top prospects, the most talented ones are at the forward positions. There is a definite lack of a truly elite blue line prospect in the Canucks' system.

Adam Larsson is not only the best defenseman in the 2011 NHL Draft, but he might be the best player overall. He stands a better-than-average chance of being selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers.

If he slips by the Oilers, however, don't be surprised if the Canucks move into Colorado's spot to grab the talented Swede.  

4. Minnesota Wild

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

ST PAUL, MN - MARCH 22: Brent Burns #8 of the Minnesota Wild skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Xcel Energy Center on March 22, 2011 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Why they Would Trade

The front office of the Minnesota Wild is visibly upset with the result of the 2010-2011 season, and rightfully so. The Wild finished off their third straight season without a playoff berth and appear to be heading towards a minor rebuilding project.

Brent Burns has recently come up in trade discussion, as the Wild are willing to part ways with the stud defenseman in order the obtain an elite talent on offense. Of course, it remains to be seen if Minnesota will target a proven commodity or attempt to move up in the 2011 NHL Draft.

The Wild would not have to move up far from the 10th pick they are currently holding in order to land an elite prospect. Between Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Gabriel Landeskog, Johnathan Huberdeau, Sean Couturier and Ryan Strome, the teams picking in the 7-9 range will be able to scoop up whichever player slips. At 10, Minnesota may not have that luxury.

It shouldn't take Brent Burns to move up a few spots, but the Wild could potentially swing a deal to have two picks in the top ten.

Who they would target

Sean Couturier, C, QMJHL

Out of all of the big-time forward prospects listed above, Sean Couturier appears to have the best chance of falling out of the top five picks come June. 

A big, physical center, Couturier was once considered the top prospect in this year's NHL Draft. However, after a disappointing season, the imposing forward has seen his draft stock slide a bit.

His combination of size and goal scoring ability would be a dream come true for the Minnesota Wild.

3. Calgary Flames

Claus Andersen/Getty Images

TORONTO, CAN - JANUARY 19: Ryan Strome #16 of Team Cherry poses for a Head Shot prior to skating in the 2011 Home Hardware Top Prospects game on January 19, 2011 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Why they Would Trade

Another team that got left out of the muddled Western Conference playoff picture was the Calgary Flames. They now hold the 13th pick in June's draft and have a busy offseason ahead of them.

Calgary is in the a tough spot, needing to create cap space and add more young talent to their prospect pool. There are no elite prospects in the Flames' minor league system, one of the worst in the entire NHL.

Fortunately, with a number of aging veterans, the Flames could potentially move up in the 2011 NHL Draft and add an elite prospect to their repertoire.

If the Flames trade, it will likely be for additional picks, given how few promising youngsters they have in their system.

However, one player Calgary has said is not on the market is captain Jarome Iginla. The long time Flame would demand quite a return in a trade, but the Flames realize he is the centerpiece of that franchise.

Who they would target 

Ryan Strome, C, OHL

Without the ammunition to move into the top five picks, the Flames would have to settle for a second tier offensive prospect in the top 10.

Ryan Strome fits the bill. The 5'11'', 160-pound center has the skills to be a top line forward in the NHL. He has flown up draft boards much like Tyler Seguin a year ago.

Strome lack some strength, but a summer in an NHL weight room will do wonders for the youngster.

2. Montreal Canadiens

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL- NOVEMBER 9: Andrei Markov #79 of the Montreal Canadiens waits for a faceoff during the NHL game Vancouver Canucks at the Bell Centre on November 9, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Canucks 2-0. (Photo by Richard Wo

Why they Would Trade

The Montreal Canadiens will need to address their cap situation this offseason. There are a handful of restricted free agents that the Habs could potentially use to move up in June.

Among those that could bring in a return are Andrei Kostitsyn and Scott Gomez—both of which have a significant cap hit.

Of course, moving those big contracts will not be easy, but you have to believe that Montreal will do its best to swing a deal. It is unlikely they would be able to make a significant jump up the draft board, but a swap with a team in the 8-15 range is not out of the question.

Who they would target

Mike Zibanejad, C, Sweden

Mika Zibenejad is a talented skater with soft hands that could fit into the Montreal Canadiens target draft range.

The Swedish born center has the upside to develop into a top line guy at the NHL level. He is tremendous in the faceoff circle and plays a physical two way game.

When the 2011 NHL Draft rolls around Zibenejad could hear his name called earlier than some expect.

1. Ottawa Senators

Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images

OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 15: Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray informs the media that Chris Kelly #22 of the Ottawa Senators has been traded to the Boston Bruins after a game against the New York Islanders at Scotiabank Place on February 15, 2011 in Ottawa, O

Why they Would Trade

The Ottawa Senators were among the unfortunate ones when the ping pong balls stopped bouncing at the 2011 NHL Draft lottery. The Senators moved down to the sixth pick in the draft, but they have already expressed interest in moving up.

Ottawa GM Bryan Murray stated, "If there is a guy that we like, and he's still there at No. 3 or No. 4, we'll make overtures to those teams to see if they're interested in talking."

Ottawa is undoubtedly hungry to add an elite offensive weapon to their prospect pool, and it appears they do not feel comfortable waiting around at No. 6 to do so.

The Senators possess five picks in the first two rounds, so they certainly have the amo to move up and grab their guy if he falls.

Who they would target

Gabriel Landeskog, LW, OHL

With the Ottawa Senators voicing their desire to move up in the draft, the question becomes, which player are they targeting?

There are a number of different answers to that question, but the most likely candidates are Kitchner's Gabriel Landeskog and Saint John's Johnathan Huberdeau.

Sean Couturier would most likely be available at No. 6 if they were targeting him, and it is highly doubtful that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins escapes the top two picks.

Gabriel Landeskog is one of the most NHL ready forwards in this draft. He is a tough, powerful, gritty leader on offense capable of making plays in the offensive zone. The knock on Landeskog is his lack of elite upside. However, any way you slice it, the Swedish born power forward is one of the safest picks in the top 10.