In part two we look at the trade deadline game plan for another handful of NHL teams.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Though they're battling for a playoff spot, the Blue Jackets have a bit of selling to do. Jack Johnson has reportedly asked for a trade, and the team is willing to give him a fresh start. The Maple Leafs and Lightning are rumoured to be among the teams with interest. Boone Jenner, Pierre-Luc Dubois (believe it or not) and Ryan Murray have come up in the odd trade rumour, but it has been otherwise relatively quiet on the Blue Jackets front.
Dallas Stars
Seem to be in the mix for a lot of the top names available, including Rick Nash and Michael Grabner. Have tried to pry Chris Tanev away from the Canucks in the past; it will be curious to see if they revisit this.
Detroit Red Wings
Mike Green is the top rental defensemen available at this year's deadline, and the Wings are understandably taking their time before shipping him out. The Lightning, Maple Leafs and Predators have been linked to Green, though many more teams are likely to surface. The Wings are all ears on goalies Jimmy Howard and Petr Mrazek, with the Oilers kicking tires on the latter. Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist could be on the move as well, with the Predators and Blackhawks showing some interest. Luke Glendening may be a target for the Stars or Maple Leafs.
Edmonton Oilers
Reluctant sellers at this years deadline, the Oiler will explore the trade market for Mark Letestu and Patrick Maroon. Maroon has generated interest from at least St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Tampa Bay, Boston and Toronto. Some minor rumblings suggest Adam Larsson or Oscar Klefbom could be dangled for help up front, in a seemingly odd 180 from GM Peter Chiarelli.
Florida Panthers
Barring a major push, the Panthers will be sellers at this year's deadline. Alex Petrovic has been in rumours for quite some time, while Radim Vrbata and Mark Pysyk could be available for cheap. Most of Florida's core is locked in, so don't expect a major sell off.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings made their move to shore up the blueline by dealing for Dion Phaneuf, but they'd also like to add a bit of scoring punch up front. The Kings have been linked to Evander Kane, Rick Nash, Max Pacioretty and James Neal. Earlier in the year it sounded like Jake Muzzin or Alec Martinez could be available for forward help, but it's much more likely they use picks and prospects to grab a rental.
Minnesota Wild
They've been tied to Evander Kane, and Alex Galchenyuk in trade rumours, while they'd consider moving out Marcus Foligno and Tyler Ennis. Pittsburgh would love to pry Matt Cullen away from the Wild, but with his ice time growing in recent weeks it's starting to look unlikely. Never out of the rumour mill entirely, Matt Dumba and Jonas Brodin are always players teams inquire on.
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens are ready to make big moves following a catastrophic season that fans can't wait to be over. Rentals like Tomas Plekanec and Antti Niemi are expected to move, but the cuts will likely go a lot deeper than that. Max Pacioretty has been linked to plenty of teams, while Alex Galchenyuk, Andrew Shaw could be shipped out as well. If the Habs don't get what they're looking for, however, some of their bigger moves may wait until the offseason.
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