Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Trade talks are heating up.
Top five Western Conference players that could be available.
1. Jarome Iginla RW – Several teams are waiting to see what happens. Iginla should be given right to pick where he wants to go. The Bruins and Penguins will show interest, but Garrioch would bet on the Kings.
2. Jaromir Jagr RW – Jagr would make a nice rental. The Penguins could be one option. The Bruins, Kings, Maple Leafs and Senators should be interested.
3. Brenden Morrow LW – This would be a big decision for the Stars. It may be up to Morrow if he wants to leave. The asking price is high. The Stars are looking for three elements: a No. 1 pick, high-end prospect and another pick.
4. Ryane Clowe LW – He’s struggled but might need a change of scenery. The Sharks would want a ‘warm body’ if they were to trade the pending UFA. Some think the 30-year could be starting to break down.
5. Dan Boyle D – Has a $6.6 million cap hit that runs through next season. The Canadiens and Flyers were interested last summer. The Rangers have been sniffing around. Rangers GM Glen Sather is wanting to bring in an impact player.
Team Trade Deadline Outlooks
Anaheim Ducks – Expect them to stand pat. They don’t have a lot to give up and wouldn’t move Bobby Ryan until at least the summer.
Calgary Flames – GM Jay Feaster has to make decisions on Miikka Kiprusoff and Jarome Iginla. Jay Bouwmeester will also get interest.
Chicago Blackhawks – If they look to do anything, they could add a depth player or two in case of injuries. Corey Crawford and Ray Emery have played well, and you don’t hear Roberto Luongo’s name mentioned any more.
Colorado Avalanche – It could be GM Greg Sherman’s last trade deadline. Outside of their young players, everyone is available.
Columbus Blue Jackets – Team president John Davidson said no one is off limits, but they are in the playoff race. Players that could be available are Adrian Aucoin, Derick Brassard and Vinny Prospal.
Dallas Stars – There is heat on GM Joe Nieuwendyk, who hasn’t made a good trade since he took the job. Teams are interested in Derek Roy, Jaromir Jagr, Ray Whitney and Brenden Morrow.
Detroit Red Wings – The Wings need to get a star, they have enough depth. That isn’t going to happen at the deadline, as they are more than one player away.
Edmonton Oilers – Oilers GM Steve Tambellini needs to decide if they are buyers or sellers. None of their young players are available. Ryan Whitney and Sam Gagner are available.
Los Angeles Kings – Ignore the denials, they are interested in Iginla. GM Dean Lombardi isn’t afraid to make a big deal, even if it means giving up three elements.
Minnesota Wild – Could be quiet for the Wild. Pierre-Marc Bouchard could get some interest. Matt Cullen and Niklas Backstrom are not available.
Nashville Predators – No one is sure what GM David Poile could do. They need help everywhere. Barry Trotz could get fired at the end of the season.
Phoenix Coyotes – GM Don Maloney’s hands are tied. Contract talks with Mike Smith have been put off, but he is expected to offer up $6 million to keep him. They need help upfront and have defensive prospects to offer up.
San Jose Sharks – GM Doug Wilson is in a state of panic. He’s called every GM. Clowe and Boyle are available. Wilson has a tough time making trades.
St. Louis Blues – GM Doug Armstrong has been looking for a left-handed defenseman all season. He’s looking for a top-four and offering up a prospect. Brian Elliot could be hard to move.
Vancouver Canucks – GM Mike Gillis has been looking for a center all year. He’ll likely make a pitch for Capitals Mike Ribeiro. Coach Alain Vigneault could be on the hot seat.