In years past, the NHL trade deadline has been lackluster at best. However, 2013-14’s edition of the big day could quite possibly be more entertaining than ever as a lot of big names are being thrown around throughout the league. From savvy veteran goaltenders to forwards who can both put the puck in the net after putting an opponent through the boards, a number of great talents will be up for grabs before the 3pm trade deadline on Wednesday, March 5th.
Here are the latest rumors taking place on the eve of the NHL’s trade deadline:
Martin Brodeur could be on his way out of New Jersey.
It seems hard to believe that the beloved Brodeur would be traded only months before he would seemingly retire from the NHL as a New Jersey Devil. However, Brodeur has stated that he would allow a trade if in fact the transaction would allow him to get more playing time with another team and if it would help the Devils out in regards to their future. At first glance, the Minnesota Wild was his best suitor, but after the Wild acquired Ilya Bryzgalov earlier on Tuesday for a 4th round pick, it seems as though Brodeur won’t be making his way northwest any time soon. Don’t expect the rumor mill surrounding Brodeur to slow down just yet. There are plenty of other teams that could use Brodeur throughout their final push for the playoffs.
Ryan Callahan and New York Rangers Still Trying To Work Something Out.
Although talks between the Rangers and Callahan have apparently progressed, don’t expect the right-winger to be a part of the team for very much longer. The Rangers may not be willing to pay him what he wants in regards to a contract extension, but many other teams will. Callahan would serve as an ideal first or even second line winger on many top-notch clubs throughout the NHL. Look for teams such as the Detroit Red Wings or the Toronto Maple Leafs to take a stab at landing Callahan sometime before Wednesday, late afternoon.
Ryan Kesler And Vancouver Canucks Find Themselves In A Sticky Situation.
It’s no surprise that there are a number of teams that could use the services from the talented but complicated Kesler. The Pittsburgh Penguins are a team that would benefit immensely from the likes of Kesler being added to their club for the stretch run of the season. However, the Canucks may decide to just keep Kesler as he has another year left on his contract and it may be better to let cooler heads prevail and continue talks with the centerman during the offseason.
Jaroslav Halak Could Have A Second New Home Within Same Week.
The Buffalo Sabres are undoubtedly the biggest sellers heading into Wednesday’s trade deadline. Just because they acquired Halak only a few days ago in exchange for Ryan Miller and change doesn’t mean the goaltender is glued to the team from Upstate New York. Halak could serve as a possible number one goaltender somewhere else or perhaps even a solid backup for a team that is still unsure of their goaltending situation. Expect Halak to be moved rather last minute by the Buffalo Sabres. Perhaps in a package deal alongside Matt Moulson, which would be an absolute blockbuster of a trade no matter what team the Sabres decide to deal with.
Paul Stastny’s Days As A Member Of The Colorado Avalanche Could Be Surprisingly Numbered.
It would seem like a terrible idea to break up the solid chemistry between Stastny and his teammates as the Avalanche have done a nice job solidifying themselves as a Stanley Cup contender. However, the team also knows that they may not be able to sign the talented forward in the offseason and may choose to ship him out of the Rockies to at least get someone in return. Expect Stastny to reluctantly be sent packing in exchange for a couple of young players that have yet to make their mark in the NHL, but what will have a nice chance doing so in the future.