NHL's top Trade Deadline bait

With the NHL’s Trade Deadline fast approaching, the swirl of rumour adds excitement for the fans and tempting bait for teams in the hunt.

Somewhere within these rumors lies a bit of truth. The same players constantly come up when trade rumours are discussed, makes these guys trade bait for all 30 NHL clubs.

Going into this season’s deadline, which is on Feb. 27, there are plenty of players out there who will be ripe for the taking and could potentially help bolster a roster that is geared for the playoffs, one that is trying to make run to qualify for the playoffs, or one looking to build for the future.

In no particular order, here are some of the names being tossed around:

Ales Hemsky, Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers are in a particularly tough spot with 28-year-old forward Ales Hemsky.

While Hemsky definitely fits into the Oilers’ top six, it is unknown whether or not he fits into the team’s future plans. This has actually been the case the last few seasons when it comes to Hemsky and the Oilers.

One team that might be interested in acquiring Hemsky’s services is the Chicago Blackhawks. Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman knows that adding a second-line centre is unlikely and costly, so acquiring a winger could be more likely at this point.

Bobby Ryan, Anaheim Ducks

Since the Ducks have been struggling this season, general manager Bob Murray has made it perfectly clear to the organization, its fans and the rest of the league that no one is untouchable or untradeable.

One name that continues to come up in trade rumours involving the Ducks is Bobby Ryan. Since November, Ryan has been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and Philadelphia Flyers.

The two Original Six clubs are always mentioned in various trade banter, and the Flyers have been mentioned in many rumours this season. With that said, this one appears to have some merit, especially from the Ducks’ standpoint.

"For the right trade, every Duck, at this point, must be considered expendable, regardless of the name on the back of the jersey or the letter on the front," said Jeff Miller of the Orange County Register.

Josh Harding, Minnesota Wild

With the injury to team captain Mikko Koivu, the Wild are looking to make a trade before delving into the prospect pool as the Koivu injury could lead the team into a larger state of uncertainty.

One name that might net a top-six forward is backup netminder Josh Harding. Harding has performed well this season for the Wild when given an opportunity to play and could eventually end up being a No. 1 goaltender somewhere.

One team rumored to be interested in Harding is the Tampa Bay Lightning. Goaltending has been a huge problem for the Bolts all season long, and it is obvious that the tandem of Dwayne Roloson and Mathieu Garon is not getting it done.

Tuomo Ruutu, Carolina Hurricanes

For the Carolina Hurricanes, both Ruutu and Tim Gleason had been mentioned frequently when it comes to trade rumours. And then the ’Canes locked up Gleason on Monday.

Ruutu will be an unrestricted free agents (UFA) at the end of the season and is not expected to be re-signed by the club in the offseason. Ruutu’s cap hit is $3.8 million, which makes him affordable for most NHL clubs. Teams who might consider picking up someone like Ruutu are the Detroit Red Wings and his former club, the Chicago Blackhawks.

Luke Schenn and Cody Franson, Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs general manager Brian Burke has said that not only does he want to get into the playoffs, he wants to get past the first round.

To do so, Burke believes that the team needs to upgrade its offense. Names that have come up on the Leafs to make that happen include both Schenn and Franson.

It is well known that the Philadelphia Flyers would like to bolster its defensive corps with Chris Pronger out, so they could be in the hunt for someone like Schenn. It is also known that Burke would love to get his hands on the Flyers’ young, talented forward James van Riemsdyk. However, with Van Riemsdyk recently having suffered a concussion, that rumour may be squelched.

It will be interesting to see who, if anyone, Burke and Flyers GM Paul Holmgren will be willing to part with.

Derick Brassard, Columbus Blue Jackets

Given how poorly the Blue Jackets have played this season, it should not be a surprise to anyone that they might end up being one of the busiest teams at this year’s trade deadline.

One player whose name has been thrown around is Derick Brassard. Brassard, 24, certainly has a lot of potential offensively, but due to injuries has been unable to prove so since joining the NHL in 2007-08.

It is believed by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period that teams such as the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars and the Florida Panthers have all expressed interested in Brassard.

Derek Roy, Buffalo Sabres

It has been an extremely disappointing season for the Buffalo Sabres. The team is struggling in all areas of its game and currently finds itself out of the top eight in the Eastern Conference.

After the deals the Sabres made in the off-season, this was not how things were supposed to be. It has been so bad that one of their top offensive players, Derek Roy, is a name kicking around as someone who might be traded.

Teams that have expressed an interest include the Ducks, Blackhawks and the Colorado Avalanche.

Vinny Prospal, Columbus Blue Jackets

Even though Vinny Prospal is in his first season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, it should come as no surprise that his name has come up in various trade hearsay.

Prospal has more than 30 points this season and is someone who could bolster a team either looking to get into the postseason or one that already has one firmly in hand.

Potential suitors include the Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Ryan Suter and Shea Weber, Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators are in quite a bind.

With the team already having locked up goaltender Pekka Rinne for the long term and with the UFA statuses of all-star defenseman Weber and Suter nearing, the team is obviously going to need to clear cap space. Suter does not intend to re-sign with Nashville prior to the deadline.

It is believed that the Philadelphia Flyers would love to have someone like Suter on their hockey club. Given that the two teams have been trading partners before, this makes a lot of sense for both clubs.

More than likely, Predators general manager David Poile will hold back until the very last minute before doing anything.

Wojtek Wolski, New York Rangers

Going into this year’s trade deadline, the Rangers are one of the most dangerous and complete clubs in the NHL.

While it is uncertain they’ll be looking to make a move to further improve their roster for the postseason, there is one guy who has not been a great fit for the Blueshirts.

Wolski has a $3.8 million cap hit but does not appear to be a fit for the club. The Rangers’ offense has been fine without him and, at this point, might not have a need for him.