NHL Trade Rumors: Possible Landing Spots for Jose Theodore

Jose Theodore is proving he still has a lot to offer at the age of 35, and possesses a lot of experience that could help a team in search of a netminder.

While young Jacob Markström waits in the wings as the Florida Panthers' future No. 1 goalie, the former Hart Trophy winner has already provided a lot of optimism to the future star. Even though his own career has fallen a bit since that MVP season in 2002, that doesn't prevent Theodore from being a positive force in the dressing room.

Here are six teams who could turn to Theodore to fill a vacancy between the pipes.

Winnipeg Jets

With the Winnipeg Jets struggling to find a rhythm in their inaugural NHL season, it's undeniable that Ondrej Pavelec is the No. 1 guy there right now despite the fact neither he nor backup Chris Mason have dazzled between the pipes this season. Neither netminder has a save percentage over .900.

Being the fourth youngest team in the league the Jets could use a legitimate veteran like Theodore—who is 6-3-2 with a .921 save percentage along with a shutout—to help provide some stability not only on the ice, but also in the locker room.

Detroit Red Wings

Remember when the Red Wings had this guy, Chris Osgood? The likely future Hall of Famer was one of many crucial veteran presences in the Detroit locker room that helped comprise a championship-caliber team for decades.

Now with Ty Conklin to back up Jimmy Howard in the D, there isn't as much confidence every night in net as there used to be. Conklin has only played three games thus far, going 1-2, with below par numbers.

Since the Islanders claimed Evgeni Nabokov off of waivers last year, it ruined the Red Wings' chance at a legitimate backup goaltender for Howard. Trading for a backup now would still be a magnificent move, especially if Conklin continues to play poorly.

As seen in Florida right now, Theodore could work wonders for Jimmy Howard's game, and also for the Red Wings as a whole.

New Jersey Devils

Future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur has been struggling in recent years, largely due to injury and will turn 40-years-old at the end of the season.

With no immediate heir to replace Brodeur, the Devils are left with Johan Hedberg in net, who is surely not a No. 1 goaltender. 

Perhaps the struggling Devils could use another veteran voice in the locker room to help share some of the load this season, and provide Brodeur an extra night off from time to time.   

Columbus Blue Jackets

It will take much more than a goaltender acquisition to fix the disaster that is the Columbus Blue Jackets.

However, Jose Theodore would be a step in the right direction. With no legitimately solid backup for Steve Mason (who hasn't played well in his own right), the Blue Jackets could use a veteran presence to help the leadership core in Columbus, and to also mentor the young Mason as he tries to get his game back on track.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Starting goaltender James Reimer is out with a concussion; Jonas Gustavsson has been inconsistent; and rookie Ben Scrivens has not yet shown he belongs in the NHL. The Toronto Maple Leafs could clearly use another hand on deck.

It appears they're looking, too.

With a veteran presence like Jose Theodore in Toronto, it would not only add a great personality to the locker room, but also provide some relief for Reimer. 

How About the Florida Panthers?

With the way Jose Theodore has impacted this newly-revamped Florida Panthers team, both on and off the ice, it's easy to make a strong case for him to stay put.

And why shouldn't he? The former all-star goaltender has been reminiscent of his 2002 self, registering a .921 save percentage, a 6-3-2 record, a 2.45 goals-against average, and a shutout. The save percentage obviously tells a lot more than the goals-against average does there.

For having such a positive influence on young Jacob Markstrom, along with the entire Panthers team in the dressing room, it may be a mistake to move Theodore now.

It has been rumored lately that Panthers backup Scott Clemmensen, who is coming off an injury, will be the one on the move. Perhaps the aforementioned Toronto Maple Leafs will inquire about his services, as suggested on SunSentinel.com.