Rumor Mill: Possible NHL Trade Deadline Scenarios

As Maple Leaf Nation gets closer to imploding, the rest of the 29 teams in the NHL are quickly gathering as many inquiries as humanly possible regarding the possible moves to be made before February 26th.

Considering all the big deals from last year on Deadline Day involving key players in Ryan Smyth, Keith Tkachuk, Peter Forsberg and Danius Zubrus, don't be surprised if you see some more big names on the move this time around. 

Here are some potential moves that could possibly be discussed when you tune in to watch Darren Dreger, James Duthie, John Ferguson Jr., Mike Milbury and Bob McKenzie blabbering at each other on TSN on the NHL Deadline Day:  

Michael Ryder On His Way To Edmonton?

There's been a rumor floating around in the NHL that the Edmonton Oilers are interested in the young Canadian's services. Depending on whether the Oilers are buyers or sellers, Ryder would add some much needed secondary scoring in Edmonton--considering the absence of all-stars Sheldon Souray and Shawn Horcoff.

Whether or not Montreal GM Bob Gainey is ready to part with his sniper remains to be seen. Les Habitants are looking to make a strong push into the post-season and need all the depth they can find. 

Aleksey Morozov Coming Back To North America?

While the Russian Hockey Federation were stripped of their greatest prize in Evgeni Malkin, they still have some fantastic players capable of playing in the world's most competitive league. Former Pittsburgh Penguin Aleksey Morozov has been lighting the lamp back home in Russia and would immediately provide firepower to any team in the NHL. 

In spite of this new found confidence that Morozov has discovered, one has to wonder whether he even wants to leave his comfortable surrounding of home. Leaving behind his five million a year contract for a chance at a Stanley Cup ring might just be intriguing enough to cause him to pack his bags and fly across the pond. 

Dwayne Roloson Left Out In The Cold

After leading Edmonton to their inspiration run to the cup finals in 2005-2006, Dwayne Roloson has been sitting off to the side after the emergence of backup goaltender Mathieu Garon. The age factor is starting to kick in for Roli the Goalie and a potential move to team in need of depth at the goaltending position is never out of the question. Don't be surprised to see Roloson packing his bags by the end of Deadline Day. 

Mats Sundin...and the rest of the Toronto Maple Leafs

Nobody on the Toronto Maple Leafs is safe nowadays. We've all heard about the constant rumors about whether or not captain Mats Sundin would leave the Blue and White. Despite constant assurances that the 37-year-old Swede was unwilling to move out of Toronto, interim GM Cliff Fletcher is still looking around to find possible suitors as the Leafs are looking to build for the future.

Vancouver, Calgary, Detroit and pretty much every team in the NHL is interested in acquiring Sundin's services for the stretch run. 

Along with Sundin, the younger stars of the Leafs are beginning to be shopped around as well. Rumors have it that Alexander Steen and Matt Stajan could possibly be on their way out if a proper deal could be made. Failing to live up to their ridiculously high expectations, it wouldn't be outrageous to assume that they could be booking a ticket out of Toronto.

Star defensemen Tomas Kaberle and Bryan McCabe were also rumored to be leaving in their own separate deals. It was only recently that Kaberle dismissed a report in the New York Post regarding a possible move to play for the Rangers in the Big Apple--while agreeing to waive his no trade clause (NTC). McCabe also had a rumor to dismiss of his own when the Toronto media looked into whether or not he was asked to waive his own "no-movement" clause in his contract. Like Sundin, the blueliners have both reiterated that they insist in remaining in Toronto.

Then again, like I stated earlier, nobody is safe in Toronto. Absolutely nobody.

Peter Forsberg Returning To Philly? Or To Vancouver?

Everybody in the NHL is interested in Peter Forsberg. Recovering from the dozens of injuries that have hampered his career in the NHL, Forsberg would provide size, strength and natural playmaking ability if he were to return to North America.

The obvious front runners in acquiring Forsberg would be Philadelphia but Vancouver should not be counted out of the race. Vancouver Canucks captain Markus Naslund, a long-time friend and international teammate, has been strongly encouraging GM Dave Nonis to make a bid for the big man. Whether he will beat out Philadelphia in the race for Forsberg remains to be seen. Whoever ends up getting Forsberg would have strengthened their squad immensely.

Olli Jokinen Leaving South Florida?

As an alternative to the Mats Sundin Sweepstakes, teams are turning their attention to an unlikely source—Olli Jokinen. Despite his long term deal with the Panthers, the Finnish center is rumored to be wanting a possible chance to win the Stanley Cup with a legitimate contender. Of course, convincing Florida to move their franchise player will be no easy task.

The ideal suitor for Jokinen would be the Calgary Flames. Needing a linemate to maximize the production of team captain Jarome Iginla, Jokinen would be the ideal fit to an already strong squad in Southern Alberta. He would also be reunited with his old coach Mike Keenan—with whom he enjoyed some of his most productive seasons as a Panther.

Marian Hossa Unlikely To Return

The Slovakian superstar has reiterated yet again that the possibility of him re-signing in Atlanta is "very slim". However, he has indicated that he wouldn't be opposed to staying in Atlanta but would prefer to move abroad. Thrashers GM Don Waddell could be tempted to move Hossa if he finds the puck-moving defenseman that he has sought after for quite some time.  

Boyle and Prospal Attracting Attention

Needing to trim away at their payroll, the Tampa Bay Lightning wouldn't be hesitant in trading either defenseman Dan Boyle and forward Vinny Prospal. In a squad consisting of three key players locked up on expensive long-term contracts, Boyle and Prospal have been deemed expendable to make room. 

The Lightning certainly won't have any trouble finding potential suitors to both these players. In Boyle, teams would acquire a puck-moving defenseman with good offensive hockey sense. Considering the moves made in the past between these two teams, Philadelphia would once again be ideal trading partners for Tampa Bay.

For Prospal, suitors would get a versatile forward who is capable of playing either center or on the wing. He also provides a good scoring and playmaking touch to his game--something that a lot of teams need during this time of the season as they push on to the playoffs.