NHL Trade Bait

Rick Nash

As the Feb. 27 NHL trade deadline nears, here are 15 of the biggest and most intriguing names that have been in the rumor mill. But if this year is anythiing like last, there will be few marquee deals and mostly spare parts and useful role players changing hands. That said, with the Blue Jackets in need of a total rebuild, Rick Nash, the franchise's cornerstone and captain, is said to be unhappy and willing to accept a trade. The Kings and Rangers are reportedly interested in the six-time 30-goal and two-time 40-goal scorer, but Nash's $7.8 million salary cap hit will make him a challenge to fit. CLICK HERE to read Stu Hackel's take on the Rick Nash trade rumors.

Zach Parise

The Devils are in financial distress amid ownership issues and the 30-plus goal scorer will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. But with a playoff berth in sight, GM Lou Lamoriello has said he won't trade Parise, and the winger has said he wants to stay. Even if he does, will the Devils be able to come up with the money to keep him? Stay tuned. CLICK HERE for Stu Hackel's team by team roundup of trade deadline needs and rumors.

Evgeni Nabokov

The veteran netminder came to Long Island under less than ideal circumstances (claimed on waivers after agreeing to a deal with Detroit), but he's warmed to the young Islanders, is playing well, and has a no-trade clause. Surely coveted by the Blackhawks and perhaps the Red Wings, Nabokov, an impending UFA, is an easy cap fit at $570,000. CLICK HERE for Stu Hackel's team by team roundup of trade deadline needs and rumors.

Ryan Suter

In the final year of his contract, Suter, an impending UFA, has said he won't negotiate a new deal before the deadline, and that puts the Predators on the spot. He's one of their defensive cornerstones and GM David Poile's task is to convince Suter that the Preds are serious about building on their modest playoff success of last season by acquiring needed offensive help. No new deal means Suter could walk for nothing next summer. Does Poile trade him and hope to work out a long term deal with Shea Weber? CLICK HERE for Stu Hackel's team by team roundup of trade deadline needs and rumors.

Shea Weber

A corrnerstone blueliner with a booming shot, Weber could fetch Nashville the scoring it needs and then some. He'll be a restricted free agent after the season and is earning $7.5 million against the cap, thanks to an arbitration award, the highest in NHL history. The tight-budget Preds must make the most of their resources and it might be wise to deal Weber to a contender (Detroit and Philadelphia have been named as possible destinations) for a variety of more affordable help. CLICK HERE for Stu Hackel's team by team roundup of trade deadline needs and rumors.

Jarome Iginla

When the Flames' playoff hopes were flickering, Iginla's name was front and center, but now that the postseason is a possibility, the focus turns more to finding an elite center for him. Injuries, six pending UFA's and cap issues complicate the picture, but if the Flames fizzle suddenly before the deadline, Iglina could be moved, although the odds are long. CLICK HERE for Stu Hackel's team by team roundup of trade deadline needs and rumors.

Steve Mason

No Jacket is safe after the shipwreck season the team has had, and with goaltenders in demand, the 2009 Calder Trophy winner is likely to be available, at a cap hit of $2.9 million. He has struggled, however, for some time to regain his rookie form but could be a useful pickup for a team willing to take on a reclamation project with upside. CLICK HERE for Stu Hackel's team by team roundup of trade deadline needs and rumors.

Bobby Ryan

His name swirled in rumors for months as the Ducks struggled to get into playoff contention. A 30-goal scorer with a $5.1 million cap hit, Ryan got off to a slow start before regaining his form. The Rangers, have been cited as a possible destination, but his fate is linked to the Ducks' postseason outlook, which has seemed brighter. CLICK HERE for Stu Hackel's team by team roundup of trade deadline needs and rumors.

Ryan Getzlaf

Like his teammate, Bobby Ryan, Getzlaf has been a frequent subject of trade rumors. A big (6'4", 240 lbs.), tough playmaker, he's said to be coveted by the Maple Leafs. Another "name" Duck in the rumor mill is Teemu Selanne, the 41-year-old sniper, who has said he would hold out hope for a playoff berth rather than request a trade to a Cup contender. CLICK HERE for Stu Hackel's team by team roundup of trade deadline needs and rumors.

Shane Doan

The 35-year-old captain and impending UFA has been with the Jets/Coyotes since 1995, but with the franchise's future in question and no new contract on the table, he could be moved with a cap hit of $4.55 million, but not after careful consideration. Phoenix is on the playoff bubble and Doan is the team's heart and soul. CLICK HERE for Stu Hackel's team by team roundup of trade deadline needs and rumors.

Ryan Smyth

The 17-year veteran was rumored to be Broadway-bound, but as one GM told the CBC, "That team has great chemistry. They're greater than the sum of their parts, a true team where players accept their roles. He'll force roles to change because of where you need to use him. It doesn't always work." Now it looks like it won't get the chance to not work. Smyth was reportedly told by Oilers GM Steve Tambellini that he won't be asked to waive his no-trade clause and move on. Another Oiler in the mill is winger Ales Hemsky, a 28-year old impending UFA with a cap hit of $4.1 million. CLICK HERE for Stu Hackel's team by team roundup of trade deadline needs and rumors.

Ryan Malone

Malone, 32, is a rugged 6-4, 219-pound winger with some scoring touch and playoff experience who carries a $4.5 million cap hit. With Tampa Bay's season slipping away, he's reportedly been eyed by Toronto, Los Angeles, Detroit and Vancouver. The only concern is that injuries have limited him in recent seasons and he's been battling an upper body injury. His teammate, forward Dominic Moore, is also said to be on the block. CLICK HERE for Stu Hackel's team by team roundup of trade deadline needs and rumors.

Tuomo Ruutu

One of the most oft-mentioned names on the trade block, Ruutu, Carolina's leading goal scorer, recently told Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford that he wanted to stay and a contract extension is reportedly in the works. The physical, versatile forward is earning $4.4 million this season. Trading him will be complicated by the upper body injury that is expected to sideline Ruutu for three weeks. CLICK HERE for Stu Hackel's team by team roundup of trade deadline needs and rumors.

Marek Zidlicky

Zidlicky may have earned himself a ticket out of Minnesota by publicly airing his beefs with Minnesota Wild coach Mike Yeo, who'd scratched him for four games in late January and early February. A power play specialist who is having a poor season (13 points, -7), Zidlicky carries a cap hit of $4 million and a no-trade clause, which he's reportedly waived. The Devils are said to be interested.

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