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NHL Trade Rumors

February 25, 2012 by · Comments Off on NHL Trade Rumors 

NHL Trade Rumors, Our NHL trade rumors are gathered from media and online sources around the hockey world. You can also consult our index of previously reported trade rumors.

A deal sending Blue Jackets F Jeff Carter to Los Angeles is imminent, according to various sources. Several suggest that Columbus will get D Jack Johnson and a first-round draft pick from the Kings. Update: The trade was confirmed Thursday night: Carter to the Kings for Johnson and a first-round pick.

The frenzy over Blue Jackets F and captain Rick Nash has cooled for the moment.

The reported asking price – an impact NHL player, a couple of prospects, and a first-round draft pick – is believed to have scared off several suitors, including Philadelphia.

The Rangers remain a popular destination, though the team is said to be trying to drive the price down.

In recent days San Jose has emerged as a possible contender for Nash, with F Logan Couture potentially heading to Columbus. But most observers believe Couture is one of the untouchables in San Jose.

Toronto is no longer considered a serious player for Nash, as goaltending has emerged as the Maple Leafs greatest need.

There are still many who believe a Nash trade won’t happen until the off-season.

Keep in mind that Nash has a no-movement clause in his contract, and can veto any destination he doesn’t like.

If the Leafs were to pursue Nash, Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun guesses that the package to Columbus would have to include a first-round draft pick, D Jake Gardiner, either F Joe Colborne or F Nazem Kadri, and either F Clarke MacArthur or F Nikolai Kulemin.

Darren Dreger at TSN says Maple Leafs D Jake Gardiner is not available. But the Leafs might entertain offers for depth defensemen like Carl Gunnarsson, Cody Franson and Keith Aulie.

If the Kings acquire Carter, does L.A. captain and F Dustin Brown become available?

Islanders GM Garth Snow has said that G Evgeni Nabokov is not available. But Nabokov-to-Toronto rumors persist.

The hysteria over Toronto’s goaltending has commentators suggesting countless trade options, including San Jose’s Antero Niittymaki, Edmonton’s Nikolai Khabibulin, Colorado’s Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Minnesota’s Josh Harding, Nashville’s Anders Lindback, Columbus’ Curtis Sanford, Vancouver’s Cory Schneider, and L.A.’s Jonathan Bernier.

Capitals D Roman Hamrlik was critical of coach Dale Hunter after being scratched for Wednesday’s game against Ottawa. So you have to think he’s definitely available to any team willing to take on next season’s $3.5 million salary cap hit. Katie Carrera of Washington Post suggests St. Louis as a possible landing spot for Hamrlik.

Capitals F Mike Knuble, F Alex Semin and D Dennis Wideman are emerging in trade rumors as the Washington spiral continues.

TSN reports that Vancouver, Toronto, and Philadelphia are pursuing versatile Stars F Steve Ott. There’s speculation that Flyers F James van Riemsdyk could be part of a Dallas-Philadelphia deal for Ott.

Veteran D Sheldon Souray is another Star believed to be available. He’s an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Anaheim remains a long shot to claim a Western Conference playoff spot, which revives rumors of F Teemu Selanne going to a Stanley Cup contender like Detroit or Boston. Selanne and Ducks management have repeatedly denied that he will be traded.

A new four-year contract takes Hurricanes F Tuomo Ruutu off the trade market.

Canadiens F Andrei Kostitsyn has denied reports that he wants out of Montreal.

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