We are now less then three weeks away from the NHL trade deadline and the rumors are starting to swirl. What are some of the biggest trade rumors out there around the league?
Let's take a look.
Cody Franson, Toronto Maple Leafs: TSN has reported that the asking price for defenseman Cody Franson is a first-round pick and a prospect. That's not too steep of a price and I'm sure a lot of teams will call Leafs GM Dave Nonis and make him some pretty good offers.
Jaromir Jagr, New Jersey Devils: Jaromir Jagr will get traded by the deadline. Book it right now. The Devils have no use for him right now as they are 12 points out of a playoff spot and just aren't scoring enough goals to win games. According to TSN, Jagr wants to be traded to an Eastern Conference contender. The teams interested in him should include the Rangers, Islanders, Penguins, and Canadians.
Andrej Sekera, Carolina Hurricanes: TSN also reported on Friday that Carolina has now made Andrej Sekera available for trade. They tried to get an extension done with him but Sekera wanted over five million a year and Carolina wasn't going to pay him that. I'd imagine he'd also go to an contender in the East or West.
Jeff Petry, Edmonton Oilers: It could be a fire sale for the Oilers at the deadline. One of the players that probably will go is defenseman Jeff Petry. He would be a very nice addition to any contending team, especially the Penguins, who will not be getting back Olli Maatta for the rest of the season due to shoulder surgery.
Phil Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs: It was reported on Friday that Leafs President Brendan Shanahan said that they will start to rebuild and that Phil Kessel is not in their plans. Could Kessel be traded by the deadline? It's certainly possible as a lot of teams will be interested in him.
Tyler Bozak, Toronto Maple Leafs: Another place where a big fire sale could ensue is the Leafs. They have just been a mess this season. Bozak has been rumored to be on the block for awhile now but it will be interesting if Dave Nonis will actually trade him or not. I'd guess if he were traded, he would go out West.
Daniel Winnik, Toronto Maple Leafs: Winnik is a player who I also think will be traded at the deadline. He will be very good for the bottom six for teams that need help there. I'd guess he would fetch a late draft pick for Toronto.
Sean Bergenheim, Florida Panthers: Bergenheim has been being a healthy scratch a lot for the Panthers lately and I think he's had it. I wouldn't be surprised if he is going to ask for a trade sooner or later so that he can go to a team that will actually play him on a nightly basis. Bergenheim would fetch a fifth round draft pick give or take for the Panthers.
Dion Phaneuf, Toronto Maple Leafs: The big defenseman could also be on the move since it appears he is not in the Leafs rebuilding plan. The price for Phaneuf will probably be very high at the deadline so it will be interesting to see what some teams throw out there to try and get the big defenseman.
Marc Methot, Ottawa Senators: Methot is one of the best defenseman on the trade market and can play on any team's top four defensive pairing. It doesn't seem like Ottawa is going to resign him and it doesn't look like the Senators will make the playofs so he may very well be traded at the deadline.