Star Players That Could Be Dealt Before the Deadline

Star players in the NHL don't usually get traded, but every so often a team is so desperate for a change that they trade their star player for a package of prospects and picks. Most of these trades are never seen coming and are remembered for a long time. Sometimes not even for the star player, but for the picks or prospects involved, usually for a silly reason. Toronto and Boston fans, I'm talking to you.

There are plenty of teams that, before the season started were slated to contend for the playoffs but have gotten off to a slow start and are in the mood to shake things up. That could mean that some players you would never think that could be traded will be traded. Does that mean they're available? No, but teams will be asking, and a general manager in a bad position would not be doing his job if he didn't listen to offers.

Ryan Getzlaf

Team's Place in Standings: 29th

Stats: 23 games played, 4 goals, 12 assists, 16 points

The captain of the Anaheim Ducks might be the most untouchable player on this list, but if another team were to send the Ducks a great offer, then Ryan Getzlaf will be on his way out.

Teams that could be interested: Toronto, Montreal

Chances of being moved: Low

Bobby Ryan

Team's Place in Standings: 29th

Stats: 23 games played, 7 goals, 4 assists, 11 points

There have been rumors of Bobby Ryan being moved at least once each season for the past few years. If the Ducks have to move any of the RPG line, they would probably prefer to trade Ryan, rather than Getzlaf or Corey Perry.

Teams that might be interested: Columbus, Toronto, Calgary, any rebuilding team

Chances of being moved: Medium-High

Jarome Iginla

Team's Place in Standings: 27th

Stats: 22 games played, 7 goals, 4 assists, 11 points

Jarome Iginla has been everything for the Calgary Flames for the past decade. Unfortunately, the Flames have not been able to be a championship contender for the majority of his career there. I think it's time that Iginla moves and goes to a team where he has a chance to win the Stanley Cup.

Teams that might be interested: Detroit, Pittsburgh, Chicago, any championship contender

Chances of being moved: Medium-Low

Paul Stastny

Team's Place in Standings: 25th

Stats: 23 games played, 7 goals, 7 assists, 14 points

Involved in rumors over the offseason, Paul Stastny might be back on the trading block. After a great start, the Avalanche have fallen hard and they definitely need a shakeup. They're not moving any of their younger stars, so Stastny seems like the player most likely to move.

Teams that might be interested: Toronto, Montreal, Buffalo

Chances of being moved: Medium-Low

Rick Nash

Team's Place in Standings: 30th

Stats: 23 games played, 7 goals, 10 assists, 17 points

Rick Nash has has always said that he wants to stay in Columbus and help the team win. The problem is, by the time Columbus is ever able to contend, Nash's eight-year contract might be over. I understand the loyalty Nash has to his team, but he deserves better.

Teams that might be interested: Toronto, Pittsburgh, Ottawa

Chances of being moved: Low

Eric Staal

Team's Position in Standings: 26th

Stats: 25 games played, 5 goals, 6 assists, 11 points

Eric Staal is off to one of the slowest starts of his career. The Hurricanes aren't doing that good either. Paul Marice has already paid the price for their start, getting fired this morning. If things don't change soon, Staal could be out of Raleigh as well

Teams that might be interested: New York Rangers, Pittsburgh, Toronto

Chances of being moved: Low

Zach Parise

Team's Place in Standings: 19th

Stats: 22 games played, 6 goals, 6 assists, 12 points

Zach Parise is definitely the player most likely to be traded on this list. An unrestricted free agent come July 1, if the Devils are out of a playoff spot come the trade deadline, then the Devils might have no choice but to trade their captain.

Teams that might be interested: Toronto, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, New York Rangers

Chances of being moved: High