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NHL Trade Talk: March 2, 2014

TRADE DEADLINE – Top 10 Players Most Likely to be Moved By Deadline Day

10  –  Ryan Callahan, RW, New York Rangers, $4.275 Cap Hit, Pending UFA, Age 28

Callahan wants big dollars, and a long-term deal from the NY Rangers.  The Rangers want to resign their captain, but cannot afford his current asking price.  Solid player, but definitely expecting more than his play warrants.  Looks like a rental player for the remainder of this season, and he will test the free-agent market this summer.

Destinations: Columbus, Anaheim, Vancouver

9  –  Dany Heatley, LW, Minnesota Wild, $7.5 Cap Hit, Pending UFA, Age 33

Heatley will be a high paid (over paid) free-agent at the end of the season.  The Wild have no plans of resigning him, and are just looking for something from a team that wants him as a rental player.  Heatley has all the tools to be an impact player in the league, but lack consistency and motivation.  He is also often injured.  The following destinations are teams that he may get the best contract offers from.

Destinations: Buffalo, Edmonton, New York Islanders

8  –  David Legwand, C, Nashville Predators, $4.5 Cap Hit, Pending UFA, Age 38

Legwand is a long time Predators, and is the only player playing for them that has been their from the beginning.  He is a hard-working role player that will provide leadership for a team looking to make a playoff run.

Destinations: Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Montreal

7  –  Mike Cammalleri, LW/C, Calgary Flames, $6.oo Cap Hit, Pending UFA, Age 31

The Flames have reportedly offered a contract extension to Cammalleri, but he has not resigned with the team.  Calgary likes his work ethic and leadership qualities.  Cammalleri has also stated that he likes Calgary, and enjoys playing there.  If he is not resigned by Wednesday the Flames will be forced to unload him for something.

Destinations: San Jose, New Jersey, Detroit

6  –  Marian Gaborik, LW/RW, Columbus Blue Jackets, $7.5 Cap Hit, Pending UFA, Age 31

Gaborik is one of the most explosive skaters in the NHL.  There are many teams that feel Gaborik could help provide offensive help for them in the playoffs.  Columbus does not look like they will be resigning him.  Gaborik is often injured, and seems to disappear in clutch games.  He can score with the best of them, but lacks consistency.

Destinations: Montreal, New Jersey, Ottawa

5  –  Matt Moulson, LW, Buffalo Sabers, $3.13 Cap Hit, Pending UFA, Age 30

Moulson is a highly sought after player.  His gritty playing style, and scoring knack makes him a player many teams are targeting.

Destinations: Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Montreal, Vancouver

4  –  Andrew MacDonald, D, New York Islanders, $550 Cap Hit, Pending UFA, Age 27

MacDonald is one of few defenseman that will be available on deadline day.  The pending UFA is looking for a salary of $4 million plus per year and the NY Islanders are not prepared to open their wallets this much.  Many teams are looking for defensive help, and the Islanders should get a decent return for the rental services of this player.

Destinations: Boston, San Jose, Philadelphia

3  –  Ales Hemsky, RW, Edmonton Oilers, $5.00 Cap Hit, Pending UFA, Age 30

This is the third year in a row that Hemsky’s name has been mentioned leading up to deadline day.  The talented Oilers forward has shown flashes of scoring prowess, but has lacked consistency.  Hemsky is just on the edge of becoming an elite NHL forward.  It is time for the Oilers to deal the pending UFA.  It looks as if he will not be resigned by the Oilers.  The list may be long for interested teams, but the return may not be as high as the Oilers expected.

Destinations: Toronto, Los Angeles, Phoenix, NY Rangers

2  –  Sam Gagner, C, Edmonton Oilers, $4.8 Cap Hit, Pending UFA, Age 24

This is the year the Oilers start moving some young offensive talent.  They needed to upgrade their defense and unloading a few select forwards is the way to start.  Gagner will have many teams interested in acquiring and signing him to a new contract.

Destinations:  Toronto, Nashville, Dallas

1  –  Thomas Vanek, LW, New York Islanders, $5.75 Cap Hit, Pending UFA,  Age 30

The Islanders acquired him in a trade earlier this year, and have offered him a new contract.  Vanek refused this contract and will be testing the free agent market.  There is a ton of talk that he will sign a contract in his home state of Minnesota.  This is yet to be determined, and as for now he is a highly sought after rental player.  It is very likely that he will be moved.

Destinations: Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Minnesota

Honorable Mentions

Lee Stempniak – Calgary

Michal Neuvirth – Washington

Ryan Kesler – Vancouver

Brad Boyes – Florida

Christian Ehrhoff – Buffalo

Martin St. Louis – Tampa Bay

Cam Ward – Carolina