NHL Rumour Report - NHL Trade Rumours and Speculation

Pinpointing the source of Simmonds-to-Montreal rumours: Any truth?

Simmonds after seeing his name in trade rumours

Is there any truth to the Wayne Simmonds to Montreal rumours?

Indeed, Habs GM Marc Bergevin was in Philadelphia several weeks ago to watch the Flyers play, encouraging some Canadiens bloggers to speculate that he might have interest in winger Wayne Simmonds.

It wouldn't be a huge surprise to see the first defenceman domino drop before the December 19th trade freeze. Talks continue virtually throughout the league and although nothing is imminent, several teams are inching closer to making something happen. Keep an eye on the Flyers, Senators and Blackhawks in this regard. The Panthers have crept into defenseman trade rumours in the last few days, although it's not clear whether anything is on the frontburner there.

Reports emerged on the weekend that pending RFA defenseman Tyson Barrie could be traded by the Avalanche if they fail to resign him. This is not the first time Barrie has seen his name in trade talks, with some close to the scene in Colorado predicting a Barrie trade as early as last season. It would certainly take a lot for the Avs to trade their top puck mover, but it's rumoured the two sides are not on the same page in terms of dollar figures.

The Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau rumours have been simmering for years now, but the rumour mill got fired up a little when word broke out of San Jose that Marleau would consider a deal to the LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks or New York Rangers. Other reports indicate the Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators could be teams Marleau would at least consider as well.

Another three potential suitors have surfaced - rather quietly - over the past weeks and months.

Latest on the defenseman market

Teams most interesting in adding a defenseman: Columbus, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Dallas, Detroit, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Boston

Teams willing to trade a defenseman in-season: Calgary, Toronto, St. Louis, Edmonton, Carolina

Would the Penguins trade winger David Perron? Quiet rumblings out of Pittsburgh have the team debating putting Perron on the market. The Penguins' big acquisition at the 2014 trade deadline doesn't seem to be a fit in the top six, but would still hold value around the league as a reclamation project. The Penguins are eager to acquire a defenseman and would be willing to move Perron in return.

It's no secret that the Blue Jackets are working really, really hard to acquire a defenseman right now. After seven straight losses to start the season, the panic button has officially been pushed in Columbus.

It sure seems dead on the NHL trade front, but that's to be expected this early in the season. Teams continue to assess what they've got in house before they go out and use assets in a trade.

Doesn't seem like a ton of things are happening out there, but here are a few situations worth keeping an eye on: