NHL Trade Speculation: 5 Trades That Would Help the League

Throughout the NHL, there are players who simply aren't in a position that is advantageous to them or to the league.

Some players are stuck on a team with no chance at making the playoffs and would be better off suiting up for a club capable of making a serious run at the Stanley Cup. Other players have loads of talent but are stuck behind more talented and experienced players, cutting their ice time and preventing them from performing to their potential.

Then, of course, there are players who just aren't a good fit with their current team. Locker room issues, a lack of chemistry, being used out on the ice incorrectly and not fitting into a team's system are a few of the many ways in which a player can feel—and look—out of place.

For such players, the remedy is a change of scenery. A fresh start with a different club. A chance to prove themselves under better circumstances.

In addition to benefiting the players involved, these transactions would also be good for the league. High-end players being moved from struggling clubs to contenders would bring excitement and increased anticipation of the postseason. A poor hockey market acquiring a big-name player would increase the popularity and visibility of the team in question.

With that in mind, let's look at five trades that would help the NHL in one way or another.  

Kyle Turris to a Team in Need of Offense

Kyle Turris' situation with the Phoenix Coyotes is well-documented and is a storyline to keep an eye on this month. He has publicly requested a trade and, if he isn't signed by December 1st, will be ineligible to play in the NHL this season. 

Turris, who was drafted third overall in 2007, is a young center with huge potential and lots of offensive skill. He hasn't shown much at the NHL level yet, but that can be attributed largely to the lack of ice time he was given with Phoenix over the last two years, where he played primarily fourth-line minutes. 

If dealt to a club in need of offense and given top-six minutes, Turris could blossom into the second-line center we all know he's capable of becoming. This would not only be a huge step forward for his career, but would also benefit the league by ending a saga that has shed negative light on the Coyotes, general manager Don Maloney and Turris himself.

The man clearly doesn't want to play in Phoenix, so get him out of there and move on.   

Rick Nash to a Contender

Rick Nash is the perfect example of an elite player who has spent his entire career with a struggling franchise. He's one of the best power forwards in the game and has carried the Columbus Blue Jackets on his back ever since he emerged as a star player in 2003.

A two-time 40-goal scorer, Nash has been among the NHL's top scorers for the majority of his career, but has only seen playoff action once and his team was swept in the first round that year.

If you've played 606 games in the NHL and have a whopping 499 career points, but just four playoff games under your belt, you know you're in the wrong place.

Nash could be a key player for a Stanley Cup contender and he deserves to be given that chance. The NHL would love for that to happen, as well, because it would increase the exposure of one of the league's most electrifying stars.  

Cory Schneider to a Team in Need of a Starter

Cory Schneider is one of the best young netminders in the game, but he's stuck behind All-Star Roberto Luongo on the Vancouver Canucks' depth chart. 

He proved last year that he's capable of playing in a starting role and he could be a valuable addition to a club looking for a young starting goalie. After all, it'll be a while before he's given that chance in Vancouver.

Obviously, Schneider being moved would give him the opportunity to establish himself as an elite goaltender and the return the Canucks would receive by trading him would strengthen other areas of one of the league's top teams.

We all love watching stellar netminding. It can change the dynamic of a game and makes them more entertaining to view. Schneider being given more starts means more high-quality goaltending, benefiting the NHL in the process.  

Alex Semin to a Team in Need of Offense

Alex Semin possesses a tremendous amount of talent, but often looks disinterested and unmotivated out on the ice.

Maybe he wants out, maybe that's just the way he is. Who knows?

What is clear, though, is that he is a huge part of the negative reputation the Washington Capitals have across the league as a soft, low-effort, all-offense sort of team. The Capitals are trying to redefine themselves and rid themselves of this label, but Semin remains part of the problem.

If he were dealt to an offense-starved club, perhaps Semin would realize he's capable of more and change his style of play. Meanwhile, the Capitals would rid themselves of an enigmatic player and have an easier time changing their locker room culture.

The league would win, too, by virtue of one of its elite teams bettering themselves and cleaning up their reputation.  

Jarome Iginla to a Contender

At age 34, Jarome Iginla remains one of the best scorers in the world. He has enjoyed a highly successful career with the Calgary Flames, who were a top team in the Western Conference just a few seasons ago, but are now on the decline and headed towards a rebuild. 

Iginla has stated that he hopes to finish his career with Calgary, but the rugged power forward is unlikely to ever have a shot at the Stanley Cup again if he does so. 

If he were willing to be dealt to a contender, he could compete for one last chance at the Cup and the pieces Calgary would receive in return could help them as they retool their roster. This would make the playoffs that much more exciting and, in the long run, strengthen the Flames' depth as well as speed up the rebuilding process—an obvious plus for the NHL.