The NHL season may have just gotten underway, but several rumours have already emerged (or re-emerged) on the trade front. Most teams take a few weeks to assess their team before turning to the trade market, but here are eleven names that are already bubbling to the surface.
Martin Hanzal - C - Arizona
Hanzal is a big part of what the Coyotes are doing this season, but as a pending UFA the Coyotes will want to get something in return for him. He was almost moved at last year's deadline, and his expiring contract could be appealing to many contenders this year.
Tyler Bozak - C - Toronto
He might have found a role as the Leafs third line center, but he's not a part of the team's future and will generate a lot of trade buzz. Several teams have kicked tires of the past few years, and Bozak could be a top asset closer to the trade deadline.
Ryan Miller - G - Vancouver
Between declining performance and a gigantic cap hit, the teams won't be lining up for Miller, but he could have value in a (salary retained) rental trade. He could stay put if the Canucks are still in the playoff hunt.
Kevin Shattenkirk - D - St. Louis
It seemed like a foregone conclusion that Shattenkirk was getting moved this past offseason, but the Blues asking price seems to have scared teams off. Several NHL clubs, including the Oilers and Rangers, seem to have significant interest. We'll see where this one goes as we get closer to the deadline.
Steve Mason - G - Philadelphia
This one may depend on whether the Flyers are contending for a playoff spot this year. If they aren't, look for the Flyers to divest of one or two of their pending UFA goalies. Mason seems to be the one more frequently in the rumour mill.
Rick Nash - W - NY Rangers
The Rangers have explored trading Nash for quite a while now, but his massive cap hit makes him difficult to move. The Sabres and Panthers have been linked to Nash in the past.
Dennis Wideman - D - Calgary
Wideman hasn't been the same players since his 30 game ban for shoving a referee last season. He continues to slip down the depth chart in Calgary, and the team would like to divest of the pending UFA at some point. The Bruins are a possibility.
Ben Bishop - G - Tampa Bay
The fact that the Lightning were able to get Nikita Kucherov under contract at a major bargain has taken a bit of pressure off Steve Yzerman to find a deal for Bishop. The pending UFA goalie would be highly sought after if dangled, but he may stick around for one last crack at the Cup with Tampa Bay.
Cam Fowler - D - Anaheim
The Fowler rumours continue to grow as the season gets underway. With RFA defenseman Hampus Lindholm still looking for a big contract, there may not be enough money or ice time to go around in Anaheim. As a spending conscious team, the team may need to move Fowler in the not so distant future. The Red Wings and Sabres have been linked to Fowler, although many more teams are likely to get involved.
Ondrej Pavelec - G - Winnipeg
Pavelec has been banished to the AHL after several seasons of underperformance for the Jets. Several teams have interest in the veteran goalie nonetheless, if for nothing more than to be a stopgap while their regular goalies recover from injury (Los Angeles, maybe Arizona?). Without question, the Jets would have to take a bad contract or retain salary to facilitate any such deal.
