Who's buying and who's for sell

[Max Power]

Thought this was worth posting for discussion. ESPN's list of what team will (should) be most active and what players will be delt

To me both Vancouver and Minnesota need help too and I don’t know why they’re off this list. Vancouver for sure needs some depth in D and could use some help for naslund


http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=2743713&campaign =rss&source=NHLHeadlines

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=2743811&campaign =rss&source=NHLHeadlines

- Players

Peter Forsberg
Let's start with the brightest bauble on the market, albeit a bauble with a bad hoof and recurring groin problems. But let's assume Forsberg, who spent part of the All-Star break in Sweden trying to sort out his nagging injuries, can play and will agree to waive a no-trade clause. If that's the case, he and the Flyers will command a first-round draft pick and likely an emerging prospect. When he plays, Forsberg remains a dominant player, with 28 points in 31 games, and could elevate a team from long shot to viable Cup contender.

Apart from Forsberg's health, the main issue will be whether teams can take the cap hit. Forsberg makes $5.75 million, so even the prorated cap hit will be slightly more than $2 million for an interested team. The risk will be high, too high for many GMs, but the rewards may prove to be just as great. About a dozen teams have expressed interest, but Flyers GM Paul Holmgren denied a report out of Denver that Forsberg's former team had asked to speak to the center about a return to the Avalanche.

Craig Conroy
After Forsberg, it's a pretty dramatic drop off in terms of centers. But given that there are probably six teams that would like to get deeper down the middle, veteran Craig Conroy will command attention even though he's still got one year left on a contract that pays him $2.4 million. Conroy has just five goals in 50 games in Los Angeles and is a minus-13. But the Kings aren't a very good team and Conroy needs to play with skilled players as he did in Calgary, where he enjoyed a career-best 75 points in 2001-02 with an emerging Jarome Iginla. He'll be on the move, likely to the East.

Jozef Stumpel
Although he got off to a slow start, Stumpel's production has picked up in recent weeks (he's got points in seven of his last 10 games), and he hit the All-Star break with 35 points in 49 games for the Panthers. He can work the power play and wouldn't cost much in terms of a cap hit (he makes $1.65 million) or assets he would demand (we're guessing a second-round draft pick or lower).

Ladislav Nagy
The Coyotes are fighting to stay in the playoff hunt, sitting eight points out at the break. GM Mike Barnett has two key players who are set to become unrestricted free agents: Ladislav Nagy and Shane Doan. Although Nagy is more skilled, Doan figures to be the guy the Coyotes target given his overall importance to the team. Nagy leads the team in scoring with 37 points in 47 games, and if a team thinks it can effect a trade-and-sign situation, Nagy could command a first-round pick or a top prospect. Look for Nagy to go to a team that needs power-play help and a boost in secondary scoring.

Keith Tkachuk
Teams are always looking for toughness and veteran experience at the deadline. Tkachuk is one of two such players the rebuilding Blues are likely to deal. Even though they've crawled back into the fray in the West, the reality is the Blues need to collect assets (draft picks or prospects) and Tkachuk will command considerable attention. Although teams will question his impact on dressing room chemistry, Tkachuk, second in team scoring with 33 points, remains one of the few true power forwards available.

Bill Guerin
Guerin is enjoying a renaissance in St. Louis after being bought out of his contract in Dallas last offseason. He was named to the Western Conference All-Star team and leads the Blues with 20 goals and 35 points. At 36, Guerin still has pretty good wheels. He's also highly affordable, making just $2 million.

Todd Bertuzzi
Along with Forsberg, the rugged, oft-maligned Bertuzzi is the biggest wild card in the trade deadline deck. Bertuzzi hasn't played since early in the season, but is expected to resume skating in the coming days after recovering from back surgery. Panthers coach and GM Jacques Martin hopes Bertuzzi will get back on the ice before the trade deadline. He is expensive, making almost $5.3 million this season, and his considerable baggage will give teams pause. Still, when he's healthy, Bertuzzi has shown he can be a dominant player. The Panthers, who stand to see Bertuzzi walk away as an unrestricted free agent this summer, wouldn't want much in return (good thing).

Brad Stuart
Few NHL teams couldn't use some defensive depth at the deadline, and the bulk of deals at last season's deadline fell into the defensive depth category. Not surprisingly, there are few of those types of players on the market, and even fewer defensemen who could be expected to make a significant impact. Stuart, who came to Boston from San Jose in the Joe Thornton deal last season, skates well and is a better-than-average puck handler. He logs 22:48 a night and has seven goals, but he's a minus-13 on a team that has no one with a positive rating. A member of the all-rookie team in 2000, Stuart may not have developed as people expected, but at 27 he's still young and will command a lot of attention.

Eric Brewer
The former Oilers blue-liner missed most of last season with a shoulder injury after being acquired by the Blues in the Chris Pronger deal. He's back to form, playing 23:43 a night. The Blues have good depth along the blue line and will almost certainly try to move the relatively inexpensive Brewer (he makes $2 million this season) before he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Martin Biron
There will be few goaltenders on the market between now and the deadline, and given the importance of goaltending depth come playoff time, it's possible no goaltenders at all will be on the move. But unlike last season, when Buffalo GM Darcy Regier resisted all manner of prodding from fellow GMs to move Biron, he might be more inclined now. Biron is going to be an unrestricted free agent this summer and would like a shot at a No. 1 job, something that won't happen in Buffalo, where All-Star starter Ryan Miller has established himself as the franchise netminder. Regier will be cautious about giving up a proven backup like Biron (remember when he won 11 straight games during the regular season in 2005-06?), but will weigh that against adding a draft pick or two rather than risk losing him for nothing.

Gary Roberts
Roberts is currently injured, but he is the kind of rugged, proven performer who makes teams salivate come playoff time. Durability will always be an issue for the 40-year-old winger, but he's been a positive influence in a young Florida dressing room and has a respectable 27 points in 41 games this season. He's a proven winner, a valuable commodity down the stretch.

Darcy Tucker
The Maple Leafs have been crippled by injury (Tucker included), dragged down by inconsistent goaltending and are one bad week away from being out of the playoff race. A foot injury has kept Tucker out of the lineup since Jan. 1, but he should be back in the lineup by the deadline. Traditionally, the Leafs have been deadline buyers, but with Darcy Tucker set to become an unrestricted free agent, there's a dilemma in the making for GM John Ferguson. Tucker has matured and loves playing in Toronto, but he may cost more than Ferguson is willing to pay, and the Leafs desperately need to continue their rebuilding process after years of neglecting their farm system. Tucker may rub some people the wrong way, but he's a fierce competitor and, come playoff time, the kind of player who will go through a wall for you.

[Max Power]

- Team

Atlanta Thrashers
GM Don Waddell's style is to be patient and conservative when it comes to these matters, but his team is in a place it's never been in terms of potential. The Thrashers will reach the playoffs for the first time this spring, likely as a division winner, and the potential for a long playoff run is there. But the Thrashers are weak down the middle. Steve Rucchin and Bobby Holik are both valuable pieces of the team's playoff puzzle, but they are not dynamic enough to adequately support offensive stars such as Marian Hossa, Ilya Kovalchuk and Slava Kozlov.

Another concern is finding someone to quarterback the team's middling power play, which ranks 19th. Add Peter Forsberg to the mix and the Thrashers instantly would make themselves a Cup contender. The Thrashers, who have the cap room to make such a move, will have to decide if the cost (perhaps defensive prospect Braydon Coburn or one of a handful of promising young prospects) is worth it. If Forsberg is out of reach, look for Waddell to target Craig Conroy in the hopes the forward can regain his offensive touch.

Edmonton Oilers
It's no secret Edmonton GM Kevin Lowe needs to do something to help his beleaguered back end. Without Chris Pronger, Jaroslav Spacek and Dick Tarnstrom, who all defected after last season's run to the Cup finals, the Oilers have had to rely on a patchwork blue-line corps. In the ultra-tight Northwest Division, the Oilers are currently last, but are just six points out of first, so making a move is crucial to the Oilers' chances of returning to the playoffs. Although the offense has been a disappointment (it is fourth in the division in goals scored), Edmonton does have offensive depth to make a deal. Look for Eric Brewer to make a return to Edmonton or Brad Stuart to head over from Boston. The other interesting element for the Oilers will be whether Lowe truly believes he can get the team's heart and soul, Ryan Smyth, under contract. Smyth, fresh from the All-Star Game, could be an unrestricted free agent in the summer and Lowe can't afford to see Smyth walk and it would seem almost heretical to see him in anything but an Oilers jersey.

Ottawa Senators
The Senators have righted the ship after a disappointing start to the season. But the perpetual question that plagues the Senators will once again rear its head as the playoffs approach: Do they have enough grit and character to win when it counts? Last spring in the second round, the Senators seemed powerless to turn the tide against a speedy, focused Buffalo team, and GM John Muckler would like to add someone to help shoulder the burden of leadership with captain Daniel Alfredsson. He's got some defensive depth to work with, although not much in the way of cap space. The Sens' old Northeast Division foe Gary Roberts would be an attractive addition.

Carolina Hurricanes
GM Jim Rutherford has proven to be ahead of the curve when it comes to identifying his team's needs and acquiring key personnel without overpaying. He would like to bolster his offense and enter the playoffs with three scoring units as he did a season ago. When defensemen Tim Gleason, Frantisek Kaberle, Glen Wesley and Bret Hedican return from injury, he'll have a glutton of defenders and likely would move David Tanabe, who has played well recently. Look for Rutherford to target a player like Geoff Sanderson, who's back from injury and has enjoyed a decent season (17 points in 27 games) on a bad team in Philadelphia.

Detroit Red Wings
Nashville, San Jose and Anaheim get most of the attention in the top-heavy Western Conference, but the Red Wings are a team that is not to be trifled with. The knock on the Wings in recent playoff years is that they lack toughness up front and can be bested in a physical series. Edmonton bore that out a year ago when it upended the heavily favored Wings in six games in the first round. GM Ken Holland will run the numbers on Forsberg to see if he can fit him in (Detroit's cap is at $43 million). If he can't land Forsberg for whatever reason, Forsberg's health or economics, look for Holland to try to bring in a player like Roberts to add some grit. Keith Tkachuk and/or Bill Guerin would also fit, but it's unlikely the Blues would deal parts within the Central Division.

Dallas Stars
The Stars have gone from playoff lock to a team wracked by key injuries. Captain Brenden Morrow and Mike Modano are out long term and the team's offense has gone dry. Of those teams currently in a playoff spot, only Vancouver has scored fewer goals than the Stars' 129. The Stars remain a superlative defensive squad, so look for GM Doug Armstrong to try to add offense. That might mean a Jozef Stumpel or Martin Gelinas from Florida. Ladislav Nagy certainly would ratchet up the offensive quotient, as well. Depending on whether Modano's and/or Morrow's salaries count against the cap, the Stars will have lots of wiggle room to make one or more moves. The Stars' recent history is one of playoff disappointment, so it won't be enough for Armstrong simply to qualify for the postseason.

New York Rangers
The Rangers freed up some much-needed cap room by waiving veteran Darius Kasparaitis and his $3.3 million salary. Now, with the team's cap at $41.5 million, the question is what GM Glen Sather will do with that cap space. The Rangers would like to find a suitable offensive mate for Brendan Shanahan, whose offense has dried up except on the power play, and they would like to add defensive depth. The Rangers often have done business with the Oilers, who have lots of offensive tools, so keep an eye in that direction. There's also no doubt the Rangers will be scoping out Forsberg as an option to revive the team's flagging playoff hopes.

Calgary Flames
Observers wondered whether the Flames would, well, be doused, when star winger Jarome Iginla went down with a knee injury. But they haven't missed a beat and are tied for first in the Northwest with Vancouver. While some look at the deadline as a way to make the playoffs, the Flames will be looking at the bigger picture to a long playoff run. The play of Daymond Langkow and Kristian Huselius has been an unexpected bonus, so there is no urgency to add a center or scoring forward. But in terms of winning a Cup, the Flames certainly could use another layer of scoring, perhaps a player like former Flames playoff hero Gelinas, who will be an unrestricted free agent in Florida.

Montreal Canadiens
The Habs are another team that looks to be safely in a playoff position, and must now consider whether adding a second-line center to help coax more consistency out of Alexei Kovalev is worth whatever the cost might be. Of course, if they could find someone to take underachieving Sergei Samsonov off their hands, that would be a true stroke of genius by GM Bob Gainey. The other issue confronting Gainey is the Habs have a couple of top-flight defensemen in Sheldon Souray and Andrei Markov who will be unrestricted free agents along with veteran Craig Rivet. Both Markov and Souray will command significant pay raises. Can Gainey afford to sign both or is he better off trying to move one and bolstering the offense? Tough call.

Pittsburgh Penguins
All of a sudden, the youthful Penguins don't look like a team that's rebuilding, but a team that's building toward a playoff run. With Sidney Crosby looking more and more like a young Wayne Gretzky in terms of poise and talent, and with Evgeni Malkin sliding seamlessly into a star supporting role, the Penguins have positioned themselves well for the final third of the season. That position, and scads of cap space, will give GM Ray Shero room to test the waters for a solid, veteran defenseman to help bolster the team's chances. A guy like Eric Brewer would be a nice fit. As for what Shero might give up? Much has been expected of Ryan Malone, but he has been slow to develop. Perhaps a change of scenery would be good. And there's a successful AHL squad in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton that can provide a couple of prospects as trade bait.

[HexCopterKey]

I would think the Canucks want some top line forwards more than defensemen. Nonis wants his team to make a push for the playoffs, he should be after Bill Guerin. He's a right hand shot, that alone should be enough for them to consider him worth of persuing. Too bad they wasted all that money on the unneeded Mitchell, they could've signed him instead. To think Nonis will be keeping his job if the Nucks make the playoffs.

[KB in Kelowna]

I would think the Canucks want some top line forwards more than defensemen. Nonis wants his team to make a push for the playoffs, he should be after Bill Guerin. He's a right hand shot, that alone should be enough for them to consider him worth of persuing. Too bad they wasted all that money on the unneeded Mitchell, they could've signed him instead. To think Nonis will be keeping his job if the Nucks make the playoffs.
Sorry but I disagree. Willie Mitchell before the groin injury had become the shut down defenceman the Canucks needed. He partnered with Bieska to take on the opponents top lines and was keeping them off the score sheet. This in turn freed up Mattias Ohlund from that role and has allowed the offensive side of Ohlund's game to reemerge. Mitchell is not a glamour type defenceman, he goes out there and does his job. The lack of goal production is as much a result of players learning new oles and linemates under Vigneaults system and nagging injuries to Morrison and Naslund. Would another name player who can create goals and scoring chances be welcome? Yes, but Willie Mitchell was one of the better off season moves of Nonis. Jan Bulis, Marc Chouinard, Tommy Santala, there is your waste of cap space.

[MadDevil]

I'll go out on a limb here and say Lou and the Devils won't be doing much before or at the deadline. At the most they might move a little salary (most likely Matvichuk if he's ever healthy), but the team is playing pretty well right now. The one major concern I have is the lack of consistent offense. Elias is trying too hard to make the right play every time, Gomez and Gionta have been up and down, Parise and Zajac have suffered from the inconsistency that young players often do, and Langenbrunner continues to be the streaky scorer he's always been. The talent is there to be a much better offensive team, but I'm not going to argue with the results they've gotten so far this year (18-6-4 since the start of December).

[HexCopterKey]

Sorry but I disagree. Willie Mitchell before the groin injury had become the shut down defenceman the Canucks needed. He partnered with Bieska to take on the opponents top lines and was keeping them off the score sheet. This in turn freed up Mattias Ohlund from that role and has allowed the offensive side of Ohlund's game to reemerge. Mitchell is not a glamour type defenceman, he goes out there and does his job. The lack of goal production is as much a result of players learning new oles and linemates under Vigneaults system and nagging injuries to Morrison and Naslund. Would another name player who can create goals and scoring chances be welcome? Yes, but Willie Mitchell was one of the better off season moves of Nonis. Jan Bulis, Marc Chouinard, Tommy Santala, there is your waste of cap space.
Yeah, Nonis didn't make one good acquisition in the summer but Mitchell was the worst. The Canucks' defense would still be good without Mitchell, they need more offense to be a better team, particularily on the RW. If Nonis had signed Guerin and maybe even another RW instead of Mitchell the Canucks would be a much stronger, more balanced team.

And what is with everyone calling Mitchell a shut down defenseman? He's too slow, too small and just not smart enough to shadow the best players in the game.

[Max Power]

Hockey Leaks and Eklund have Avery going to the Leafs. What a nightmare this would be, it would instantly bring back the Corson, Tucker, Domi era in a flash. If this is true JFJ is a moron as the leafs being buyers need talent not just a pest

They also have Horton going to Vancouver. This would be a great pick up for the nucks but the return would be big I assume

[KB in Kelowna]

Some teams will use this month to decide wether they are buyers or sellers. There are some who aren't sure and others that don't want to admit it.

[The Insider]

Hockey Leaks and Eklund have Avery going to the Leafs. What a nightmare this would be, it would instantly bring back the Corson, Tucker, Domi era in a flash. If this is true JFJ is a moron as the leafs being buyers need talent not just a pest


As of now this deal would make absolutely no sense, like you said the Leafs do not need a pest. However with that being said, if the Leafs are looking at Avery, it could only mean that Tucker is being shopped around the league and JFJ is looking at a cheaper replacement for Tucker and while Avery cannot score goals like Tucker can, he can certainly irritate and that to me is the only way the Leafs would even consider picking Avery up and that is if Tucker is going to be on the move.

[Max Power]

The latest rumors have both Ottawa and TO in the hunt for either Bertuzzi or Roberts. As much as I like Roberts the Sens have a problem now on the right wing rather then the left. I'd still take Roberts with open hands but I just don't know how he would fit. As much as I've never been a big fan of Bert I think he would fill out the second line nicely winging Spezza

[Max Power]

Some rumors on the usual sites are Naggy to TO and both Ottawa and TO after Simon :shrug:

[KB in Kelowna]

Well Phoenix, now Philadelphia, depedning on the outcome of the current road trip probably Edmonton, who else joins the list?