NHL Trade Rumors: Latest Trade Buzz for Each Team in the NHL
Jeff Carter, Niklas Backstrom, Mika Kiprusoff, Brent Burns, T.J. Oshie and Brad Richards. What do they all have in common?
Well, besides the fact that each of the players named above is a top line talent in the NHL, they could all potentially be playing in a different uniform next season.
That's right, the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals have not even been completed, yet the trade rumor mill is buzzing as loud as the city of Vancouver these days.
It's a huge offseason for many teams, and without a deep talented free agent class, teams will be forced to hit the trade market to fill their voids, and there is no shortage of talent on the trade market.
The big names, draft picks, and talk of cap space can be enough to make your head spin. So, here's your one stop spot for the latest trade buzz for each NHL team.
These trades are based on both speculation and rumors I have gathered from what I've read. I will not be projecting fantasy land trades. Feel free to inquire within and start some discussion in the comments.
Anaheim Ducks
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Things are quite calm on the trade front for the Anaheim Ducks at the moment.
The big story this offseason for the Ducks is the health of Jonas Hiller. If they deem him healthy enough to shoulder the load once again in the upcoming season, one or both of Ray Emery and Dan Ellis become expendable pieces.
Emery is set to become an unrestricted free agent while Ellis still has a year left on his contract. Based on Emery's play late in the season, a trade involving Dan Ellis seems likely if the Ducks can find a buyer.
Boston Bruins
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The Bruins are in the midst of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals against the Vancouver Canucks so it should come as no surprise that the trade rumors aren't exactly brewing in Beantown.
However, some interesting speculation has come up in terms of a potential deal involving one of the Bruins' two talented netminders, Tuukka Rask and Tim Thomas.
Tuukka Rask is going to need a new contract soon and Tim Thomas already carries a hefty price tag for a few more seasons. That's a lot of money to be spending on the goaltender position.
Of course, this is all speculation, and the Bruins should be able to work something out to retain both goalies, but if a team comes knocking will a deal the team can't refuse things could get interesting.
Buffalo Sabres
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The Buffalo Sabres are a team that will likely be more active in free agency than via trade.
With a need for depth at the center position, the Sabres would be wise to consider the free agent market since they do not have many pieces to trade away at this point.
Most of their valuable players are key young contributors to the team.
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Calgary Flames
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The Calgary Flames are set to begin a rebuilding process with new general manager Jay Feaster.
While it appears Jaroma Iginla will not be moved despite countless rumors, Mikka Kirpusoff may not be so lucky.
The Finnish goaltender carries a hefty cap hit and is getting up there in age but still plays at a high level and would bring in a healthy return.
Ryan Bright of Philly Sports Daily constructs a possible deal with the Philadelphia Flyers here.
Carolina Hurricanes
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Without too many holes to fill, the Carolina Hurricanes shouldn't be all that active on the trade market this season.
The main priority will be to resign Joni Pitkanen, or if they are unable to do so, replacing the star defenseman.
The free agent pool has a decent stable of defenseman for the Canes to choose from.
Chicago Blackhawks
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The 2010 Stanley Cup Champions were quite active a year ago, but this offseason should be the opposite for the Hawks.
Aside from the decisions on whether to retain a few UFA's, Chicago does not have a whole lot to take care of this offseason in terms of the trade market.
If the Blackhawks are looking to clear some cap space, Patrick Sharp's name is one that seems to come up quite a bit.
Colorado Avalanche
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With two of the first eleven selections in the 2011 NHL Draft, the Colorado Avalanche are in a position to make some trades this offseason, and after their performance at the trading deadline who would be surprised?
We'll see if the Avs are able to package a pick along with some players to acquire a goaltender or some defensive help. Also, plenty of folks have begun tossing Paul Stastny's name out there in trade rumors.
It should be an interesting offseason to be a Colorado Avalanche fan.
Columbus Blue Jackets
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The Columbus Blue Jackets will be active this offseason, and that's straight from the horse's mouth.
Jackets' GM Scott Howson told NHL.com he's willing to move his top-10 draft pick for a player or other picks.
Columbus desperately needs help on the blue line, but will not pigeonhole themselves at the 2011 NHL Draft.
Dallas Stars
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Surprise, surprise. All of the trade rumors surrounding the Dallas Stars involve Brad Richards.
This time though, team's are inquiring about trading for his rights in order to prevent him from hitting the open market.
The Dallas Stars would love to come away with some sort of compensation for Richards if he's going to walk as it is. However, it would still be a devastating loss to the franchise.
Detroit Red Wings
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All of the talk this offseason for the Detroit Red Wings will center around retooling the blue line, which has already lost Brian Rafalski and could lose Nick Lidstrom as well.
One player that has been deemed expendable is Jiri Hudler. However, he may not have much value.
Edmonton Oilers
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There is no reason for the Edmonton Oilers to make too many trades this offseason, save for some cap shaving deals to make their roster even younger.
This is just speculation, but Ales Hemsky has a hefty cap hit and is entering the final year of his contract. He could bring in some value for the Oilers.
Florida Panthers
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Despite having more cap space than any team in the NHL, the Florida Panthers will likely continue to shed salary this offseason.
The front runner to be moved is center Stephen Weiss, who was involved in plenty of trade talks at the trading deadline.
Plenty of teams would love to add the services of Weiss, who provides great depth at the center position.
Los Angeles Kings
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In addition to being among the front runners of the Brad Richards sweepstakes, the L.A. Kings could be making more moves this offseason.
Reports have indicated that the Kings could have interest in St. Louis Blues' forward T.J. Oshie, who would be a terrific consolation prize if the club was to lose out on Brad Richards.
Also, in the Flyers' search for a goaltender, Jon Quick's name has come up quite often, most likely because of Jonathan Bernier, the star goalie prospect in L.A.'s system.
Minnesota Wild
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According to Minnesota GM Chuck Fletcher, the team is willing to part ways with any player other than Mikko Koivu.
Among the biggest names on the block for the Wild are defenseman Brent Burns and goaltender Niklas Backstrom.
Minnesota is looking to improve their offense, and are willing to part ways with any contributor to make it happen.
Burns and Backstrom could bring in a big chip, potentially Flyers' forward Jeff Carter. Stay tuned.
Montreal Canadiens
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Trades will not be the story of the offseason for the Montreal Canadiens. Rather, the 17 free agents (including 8 unrestricted) the Canadiens have on their roster will be the center of attention.
The only trade talk will be in the way of compensation for restricted free agents.
Nashville Predators
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After the most impressive playoff run in Nashville Predators history the team heads into an important offseason.
The Preds need to add more offense after not having the fire power to match up with the Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference Semifinals.
Nashville will look to trade for a top-six forward this offseason to bridge the gap between the development of their stud prospects.
New Jersey Devils
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Last offseason, the New Jersey Devils made a big splash as they managed to sign top free agent, Ilya Kovalchuk.
This time around, the Devils ought to be looking to unload Brian Rolston and his five million dollar cap hit heading into the final year of his contract.
Rolston can still be productive ad may generate some interest on the trade market.
New York Islanders
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Earlier this year, Garth Snow decided to claim Evgeni Nabokov off of waivers despite having little use for him and the fact that the Islanders were well out of contention at the time.
Nabokov refused to report to Long Island and now the Islanders are looking to move the Russian goalie.
Plenty of teams are in the market for a goalie and Nabokov is looking for one last run at the Stanley Cup. He won't get that with the Islanders.
New York Rangers
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New York Rangers' fans are accustomed to free wheeling high spending offseasons from their team.
A product of that agressive spending is Marion Gaborik. Unfortunately, Goborik has been unable to live up to his billing without a capable center alongside him.
Enter Brad Richards. The frontrunners in the Brad Richards Sweepstakes, the Rangers have been rumored to be willing to trade for the rights to negotiate with Richards.
The Rangers will get their man again.
Ottawa Senators
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It's rebuilding time in Ottawa.
Bryan Murray has made a point that the Ottawa Senators are going to make the roster younger and start creating cap space.
One player that needs to go is Sergei Gonchar. He's over the hill and carries with him a cap hit of over five million dollars.
Philadelphia Flyers
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Is anyone surprised that each and every trade rumor involving the Philadelphia Flyers has to do with them acquiring a goaltender?
The issue is cap space.
No team in the league has less cap space than the Philadelphia Flyers. Thus, Paul Holmgren will have to work his magic.
Jeff Carter is the most likely victim of the purging. His five million dollar salary and disappointing play in the postseason has earned him plenty of criticism from the relentless Philly fans.
Matt Carle will likely be dealt as well.
The goaltending situation has become desperate. The Flyers must acquire a starting caliber goalie at all costs.
Phoenix Coyotes
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Unfortunately for the Phoenix Coyotes, most rumors surrounding the team involve either relocation or the departure of free agent goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov.
On the bright side, Bryzgalov's departure will free up even more cap space for the Coyotes, who already have plenty.
Phoenix will be able to make moves in free agency and the trade market with the funds available to them.
Pittsburgh Penguins
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Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are still recovering from season ending injuries and their health is more important than any trade the Penguins could make.
That being said, the team needs to add some talent on the wing after the James Neal experiment was far from successful.
With Pittsburgh's shortage of cap space and surplus of free agents, not many trade rumors have surfaced.
San Jose Sharks
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The San Jose Sharks may have been stopped short of their ultimate goal again this season, but don't expect wholesale changes from the club.
The Sharks do have a decent amount of cap space, but not enough to round out the bottom six the way they would like.
That's why Joe Pavelski's name continues to surface in trade rumors. He is paid like a top six player, but because of the talent on San Jose, he is a third liner.
Don't be surprised if teams that lose out on Brad Richards come knocking on San Jose's door for Pavelski.
St. Louis Blues
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After missing most of the season due to injury and skipping out on some team meetings, T.J. Oshie has been place firmly in the doghouse and stands a real chance of being moved this offseason.
It seems farfetched, but if the Blues are unable to get a deal done with the talented two way forward, they may not have a choice but to deal him to the highest bidder.
Tampa Bay Lightning
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Most of the speculation surrounding Tampa Bay's offseason activity seems suspect at best.
The team is said to have interest in Brad Richards, but who doesn't right? However, Tampa Bay needs to re-sign Steven Stamkos, making the deal unrealistic.
Another thing, the Tampa Bay Lightning will not let Steven Stamkos slip away. Don't even think about it.
Toronto Maple Leafs
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There's never a dull moment in a Brian Burke offseason.
In addition to Toronto's heavy interest in Brad Richards, the Maple Leafs have come up in rumors surrounding Jeff Carter.
The Leafs need a playmaking center for their top line and have two first round picks, the prospects, and the cap space to get a deal done.
Vancouver Canucks
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It's going to be a busy offseason for the Vancouver Canucks, but not in the way of the trade market.
The Canucks have plenty of unrestricted free agents on their roster, especially on the blue line, that need to be adressed before the team starts thinking about trades.
That being said, Vancouver will almost certainly try to move Cory Schneider. He is entering the final year of his contract, and the Canucks will not be able to pay him and Luongo, so they may as well get some value for him while they can.
There will be no shortage of interest in Cory Schneider, who has proven that he is capable of starting in the NHL.
Washington Capitals
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The Washington Capitals have consistently underwhelmed, namely in the postseason, and two of the key players on the roster, Mike Green and Alex Semin, are entering the final year of their contracts. Is it time for them to be traded?
The Washington Examiner analyzes the situation here.
Depending on the value, I think trading Mike Green or Alex Semin would be a great move. The Washington Capitals need to bring in a new attitude. Losing the way they have should not be tolerated.
Winnipeg Thrashers (Whiteout?)
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With everything surrounding this franchise focused on the move to Winnipeg, the media hasn't had time to speculate on any trades the team may look to make this offseason.
However, Winnipeg will be switching general managers, which could bring some wholesale changes.
We'll take a wait and see approach with this club.
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