NHL Trade Speculation: 13 Teams Who Will Be Sellers at the Deadline

As the NHL season nears the 20-games-played mark, there are several teams such as the Columbus Blue Jackets who will be sellers as the trade deadline approaches.

The Blue Jackets are just one of many teams underachieving so far, and may be forced to give up some high-priced talent for draft picks or young players with promise.

Let's look at 13 teams who will be sellers at the deadline. Is your team one?

New York Islanders

The New York Islanders were supposed to take the next step and contend for a playoff spot this season, but they have struggled in the early going.

The Islanders currently have just 11 points and are second to last in the entire NHL.

With talented and playoff-experienced goalie Evgeni Nabokov sure to be in demand, it would not be surprising to see him moved from New York soon.

Calgary Flames

Let's face it, the Calgary Flames won't make the playoffs and even if they miraculously did, they would not advance past the first round.

It's time to rebuild in Calgary, and with stars such as forwards Jarome Iginla, Rene Bourque and goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff to trade, the Flames could reel in a ton of talent to rebuild a future winner with.

Colorado Avalanche

Despite all their young talent, the Colorado Avalanche will not make the playoffs this season.

They will be sellers at the trading deadline and try to acquire more young talent and draft picks to make a serious playoff push for the 2012-13 NHL season.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers got off to a hot start this season, but have struggled of late and are currently on a three-game losing streak.

Their young talent will make the playoffs next season, but this year they will be sellers at the deadline.

They have some veterans who could be in high demand, and the Oilers could get even more talent in exchange for them from a desperate contender.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes do not have enough talent to make the playoffs this season, and would be better suited selling at the deadline and getting some building blocks for the future.

With Eric Staal and Jeff Skinner leading the offensive charge, they need more goal scoring depth so they don't have to rely on those star players too much.

Although it may be tough to do, I would not be surprised to see Carolina try to move defenseman Tomas Kaberle at the deadline because the contract he received from them in the summer was way too much.

Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference standings, but they won't be there for long.

The Panthers are always sellers at the deadline and this year will be no different.

They have a number of veteran players who could be in demand, or younger players they would be willing to give up on for high draft picks.

Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets are tied for second to last in the Eastern Conference, and will certainly be sellers at the deadline.

They have no shot at making the playoffs and certainly could use more young talent at each position.

It is possible a contender would want to deal for one of their few stars, such as Evander Kane, who might benefit and reach his potential with a change of scenery on a better team.

Ottawa Senators

Do not be fooled by the Ottawa Senators' good start to the season. They are currently just a few points out of a playoff spot, but they are overachieving.

They have gotten many lucky bounces this season and have not been consistent. Jason Spezza is a player who could be moved, but his contract is massive. 

The Senators have a good amount of salary cap room, so they could make a deal and take on the salary of an expiring contract.

Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators are in an interesting situation this season. They have a talented team that can compete for the Western Conference title, but defensemen Shea Weber and Ryan Suter are free agents this summer.

They likely won't be able to sign both unless Weber and Suter take discounts, especially since the team gave goaltender Pekka Rinne a massive seven-year deal earlier in the season.

Nashville would be smart to trade Suter or Weber this season and get a ton of value—preferably offensive talent—to build on for the immediate future.

The Predators could trade either Weber or Suter and still contend for the Western Conference if they get a good enough package in return.

Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks are currently in third to last place in the Western Conference and need better defensive talent and more depth on offense.

Their top line provides a lot of the offense and they have to acquire some more goal scoring for the second and third lines to compete for a playoff spot.

St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues have underachieved this season and they did so last season. Their current roster is not one that can win in the playoffs, if they even make the postseason.

It's time to clean house and get some better offensive talent, and there will be a contender that will want TJ Oshie if he can prove his health is not a concern.

New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils are in a three-way tie for eighth in the Eastern Conference and do not have enough talent to make the playoffs. It is very unlikely that the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins do not pass them soon.

The Devils will have to re-sign Zach Parise to a deal before next summer when he can become an unrestricted free agent.

Martin Brodeur is also a free agent next summer and could leave New Jersey. The Devils could trade Parise if it becomes clear that he is leaving, and acquiring a star goalie for the future would be a wise move.

Columbus Blue Jackets

After making a number of good offseason moves to improve the club, the Columbus Blue Jackets are 3-13-1 this season and sit at the bottom of the NHL standings.

Superstar forward Rick Nash could be traded this season, and there will be teams who could certainly use a power forward like him at the trade deadline.

The Bruins could possibly offer Tuukka Rask and a good prospect or two for Nash, who would flourish in a real hockey city like Boston.

Columbus needs goaltending, so Boston with Rask and Vancouver with Cory Schneider could be possible trade partners.