NHL Rumors: Nine Trade Targets and Possible Matches

“I don’t think it’s pressure,” Wilson replied. “It’s just doing your job: Evaluating your team and what you can add. Then you look at what the cost is and the timing to get it done. Everybody wants to compete. In our case, our group has worked their butts off and have earned this chance to add some players who can help them.”

“It’s all about making your team better,” Flames GM Brad Treliving told reporters in Calgary. “Sometimes you’re trying to make your team better for tomorrow, and sometimes you’re trying to make your team better for today.”

Bryan Bickell – The Maple Leafs have kicked tires on Bickell and are waiting to hear back from the Blackhawks. Bickell has another year left at $4 million and is playing in the AHL, a $3.05 million cap hit while he’s down there. The Leafs would obviously want something to sweeten the pot to take on Bickell’s salary, and the Blackhawks might become desperate to do. If the Blackhawks do move him, they likely have something else on the go.

Jonathan Drouin – Quitting the AHL doesn’t sit well with some GMs. GM Steve Yzerman is looking for a roster player that will help them now. The Avalnache are the most likely landing spot.

Eric Staal – GM Ron Francis hasn’t asked Staal to waive his no-trade clause yet. The Blackhawks and maybe the Wild would be interested.

Andrew Ladd – could be the most sought after players at the deadline. The Kings are the most likely landing spot. The Panthers have lots of prospects that they could make available, maybe including Brandon Pirri.

Dan Hamhuis – The Blackhawks could use a defenseman, but could be better fit with the Sharks. (Not sure if this was submitted/posted before the Sharks traded for Polak)

Kris Russell – the Flames would like him back, but could test of the market for him. The Islanders could be an interesting match.

Keith Yandle – Rangers GM Jeff Gorton could try to recoup some assets. The Red Wings could be in the mix.

Loui Eriksson – The Ducks could be an option if the Bruins move him.

Mikkel Boedker – The Coyotes would like to re-sign him, but if they can’t, they’ll move him. They could look for a top prospect, or maybe Jonathan Drouin or Valeri Nichushkin.