On five players who could be moved by the NHL trade deadline …
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Looking at five players who could be traded before the March 1st NHL trade deadline.
Evander Kane – The Sabres are willing to trade him and are looking to get a top-four defenseman in return. Are teams scared of his off-ice issues? He has a year left on his deal with a $5.25 million salary cap hit.
Martin Hanzal – the 6′ 6″ pending free agent center could be a welcomed addition for a contender. The Coyotes and Hanzal did talk contract extension before the season. The Coyotes may have issue with the term. Hanzal has had issues with injuries and he hasn’t played over 70 games since 2009-10. The Coyotes could make another attempt to sign him, but if they can’t get him locked up, they could trade him. He could be a good option for the Canadiens.
Marc-Andre Fleury – The Penguins may be realizing now that it’s getting crowded in the crease with Fleury and Matt Murray. LeBrun thinks the Penguins may be open to trading Fleury before the trade deadline, though Fleury has a no-movement clause. Fleury could also waive his no-movement clause for the expansion draft. Would the Calgary Flames or Dallas Stars be interested? Fleury has two years left at $5.75 million per season.
Ben Bishop – Bishop was almost traded to the Flames at last year’s draft, but they couldn’t agree on a contract extension. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent after the season. With the Lightning a Cup contender, can they afford to move him, or do they play out the season and possibly lose him for nothing? The Lightning may see what offers they get for him at the deadline.
Dennis Wideman – The defenseman will be a free agent after the season. If the Flames don’t get back into the playoff race, they could move him. There will be a market for a right-handed, top-four defenseman.