Music: {allcanada} Intriguing players in NHL trade market

Friday, January 31, 2014

{allcanada} Intriguing players in NHL trade market

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Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy - Helen Fielding

The NHL trade deadline is March 5, but there is a deadline before that because some teams would like to make moves before the Olympic trade freeze.

No trades are allowed from 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 7 to 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 23. Some deals are expected to happen next week as general managers try to avoid the trade deadline rush.

The 10 most intriguing rental players (those who will be unrestricted free agents on July 1):

1. Dan Girardi (New York Rangers): The consensus is general manager Glen Sather will be able to re-sign him. If he can't, Girardi could have many suitors. He's a proven, rugged, top-pairing shutdown defenseman. Think how much stronger the Anaheim Ducks would be if they land him.

2. Ryan Callahan (Rangers): The perception is the Rangers will have a more difficult time re-signing their captain than Girardi. Although the Rangers are in the playoff hunt, they are expected to move Callahan if he isn't signed. He can score, hit or block a shot and would be highly desirable for a top team looking to improve its postseason chances.

3. Steve Ott (Buffalo Sabres): Contenders are very interested because he can be an irritating presence in a playoff series. He can be a super pest, a true distraction for an opponent. He's also a solid hockey player, a good teammate and leader. He has nine goals in 53 games. The word is that the Sabres want a good return and they might get it.

4. Matt Moulson (Sabres): An injury could keep him out through the Olympic break, but most contenders will be interested. The three-time 30-goal scorer has gifted hands, and few goal scorers are available.

5. Brad Boyes (Florida Panthers): Interest is high because he is essentially a 20-goal scorer with a $1 million salary. Even teams at the cap ceiling could figure out how to squeeze him in. He can be a good fit for a team in need of scoring.

6. Thomas Vanek (New York Islanders): He would top the list, except his salary cap hit tops $7 million. Some teams would have difficulty fitting even his pro-rated salary into their structure. But think how much the Los Angeles Kings or Minnesota Wild could use his scoring ability.

7. Ryan Miller (Sabres): The quality netminder is having an exceptional season, but the Sabres have some issues dealing him. He has a limited no-trade clause and his salary tops $6 million. Tim Thomas is a less expensive option, and not many teams are looking for a goalie. The St. Louis Blues have been mentioned as a destination, but they'd have trouble fitting him under their salary cap.

8. Ales Hemsky (Edmonton Oilers): The skilled forward has had some seasons of high productivity — but not lately, with 16 goals in his past 86 games. Still, there is a league-wide romance with the idea that he could add sizzle to a team's offense.

9. Marcel Goc (Florida Panthers): The highly respected role player is making $1.7 million and could be an attractive addition for a team looking to improve its depth.

10. Lee Stempniak (Calgary Flames): Some teams would much rather have Stempniak's teammate, Mike Cammalleri, but his cap hit is $6 million. The dynamic Cammalleri has speed and is a better goal scorer. Stempniak ($2.5 million) would be desirable for teams looking to spice their offense for a lower price.

Honorable mention: David Legwand (Nashville Predators). He has a no-trade clause and might not waive it. Otherwise he's top 10. He can skate, plays well defensively and would be a fit for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding