NHL Trade Rumors: Winnipeg Jets and Surprising Trade Deadline Buyers

The Winnipeg Jets did not start of the 2011-12 NHL season very well but they could be one of several surprise trading deadline buyers as teams look at where their rosters are at prior to the new year.

It's never too early to take a look at what the needs of your team are as the season enters the new year and players start to get tired and even injured as wear and tear takes a toll on them.

There have been a few trades already this season but we could really start to see a few more as we approach January.

Let's look at three teams who you would not have thought to be considered buyers at the trading deadline before the season, but certainly will be this year.

1. Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers have taken advantage of a poor Southeast division this season and as a result find themselves in first place, and are third overall in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Panthers could be looking to add some more offensive depth before the deadline, and might be interested in acquiring Columbus Blue Jackets forward Derick Brassard.

Brassard has three goals and four assists this season for the struggling Blue Jackets, and would be helped by a change of scenery.

He could be the next player to go after Kyle Turris was traded from the Phoenix Coyotes to the Ottawa Senators last week.

2. Dallas Stars

After losing Brad Richards in the summer via free agency and with ownership issues surrounding the team, few people expected the Dallas Stars to be a top-three team in the Western Conference at this point in the season.

The Stars have not let up after a hot start to the season, and could be buyers at this year's trade deadline. 

A potential deal with the Philadelphia Flyers could give the Stars some added offensive depth. The Flyers need a defenseman after the news that captain Chris Pronger has been lost for the season, and Philly could be interested in Nicklas Grossman.

3. Winnipeg Jets

There has been talk in Winnipeg about the Jets acquiring Anaheim Ducks forward Teemu Selanne for the playoff run if the Ducks fall beyond playoff contention close to the trading deadline.

The Jets are just one point out of a playoff spot and have really played better after a bad start to the season. They are getting good years from stars like Evander Kane, but still need another veteran offensive player who can provide leadership and Stanley Cup experience.

Selanne would be a perfect fit for that roll, but he seems quite comfortable with finishing his career in Anaheim.

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Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist for Bleacher Report and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston.