We've seen a lot of trades the past couple weeks in the NHL and there will only be even more rumors coming in the next month as the trade deadline is February 29th. Who is rumored to be on the block and which teams could make moves? Let's take a look.
Sabre Sellers: This week, ESPN's Pierre Lebrun reported in his rumblings blog that the Buffalo Sabres plan to be sellers at the trade deadline and this isn't surprising. They're still a young team on the rise but they just aren't there yet and they have assets they can move so that they can build for their bright future. Tyler Ennis would be a very attractable trade candidate to teams who are in need of scoring. Tim Murray will have his hands full for when the deadline comes around.
Dustin Byfuglien: "Big Buff" as Winnipeg calls him, is expected to be a hot commodity as the deadline comes and it's been widely reported that the Jets have gotten plenty of calls for the hard hitting offensive defenseman. He would come as a rental for contending teams because he's a free agent at the end of the season. He won't come cheap as the Jets would easily ask for a lot in return for arguably their best defenseman. Winnipeg isn't expected to be in contention for a playoff spot by then judging by the way their playing so they'll have to find the best offer.
Penguins Searching For Defense: It's no secret that Jim Rutherford wants to upgrade his defense even more after the Trevor Daley for Rob Scuderi swap. If the team is to be a serious contender if they make the playoffs, this is what has to happen. Rutherford also has to be careful about assets. He knows that the Penguins don't have a deep farm system so he can't trade away too many big assets such as Matt Murray and Daniel Sprong. He would most likely try to trade Hornqvist or Perron since they would be the biggest trade chips. Jim Rutherford will make a move. It's a matter of when he will make it.
Jonathan Drouin: A couple weeks ago the hockey world was shocked when word came out from Allan Walsh (Drouin's agent) that Drouin had asked for a trade out of Tampa earlier in the season. He's been badly mismanaged by head coach Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay as he's being sent down to the minors very often when in reality, he should be on the Lightning's top six. He was a top five pick in the NHL Draft just a few years ago and can help teams who get him score more. Drouin could be dealt soon but Steve Yzerman will wait for the right offer for him.