Eastern Conference: buyers and sellers

Kevin Allen of USA TODAY take a look at the top buyers and sellers in the Eastern Conference leading up to the February 26 trade deadline.

Here are the teams said to be looking to bolster their rosters:

1. Montreal Canadiens: Although Bob Gainey has never been an open book about his feelings, there is a sense that he likes his team and likes the way the East is shaping up. Believing his team can make an extended run, he has been looking at several big-name trade scenarios. He seems interested in one of the major rental prizes, such as Mats Sundin or Marian Hossa. The Canadiens have prospects such as Ryan McDonagh and Max Pacioretty that other teams would like to have.

2. Boston Bruins: The Bruins have shown an interest in landing Hossa, and they clearly are in the hunt for a top six forward. No Eastern team in a playoff position has fewer goals than Boston.

3. Philadelphia Flyers: GM Paul Holmgren already has added a depth defenseman in Jaroslav Modry and he’s still looking for defensive help. He went after Tomas Kaberle, but Kaberle doesn’t want to waive his no-trade clause.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins: It’s a given the Penguins need a winger for Sidney Crosby. General manager Ray Shero is poking around the marketplace, but it’s unknown how aggressive he will be. He also would like to land defensive help. If the Penguins could land a couple of key veterans, they are capable of making a lengthy postseason run.

5. Ottawa Senators: GM Bryan Murray has already made a major move, acquiring Cory Stillman and Mike Commodore. He would still like to land another scorer.

6. New Jersey Devils: Don’t ever discount the possibility that Lou Lamoriello will make a major trade to help his team, and more than likely there will be no rumors before it happens. He always operates in stealth mode. Given the state of the Eastern Conference, why couldn’t this team make a run to the Finals? The Devils could use some scoring help.

7. New York Islanders: With five wins in a row, the Islanders have to be thinking they could still make the playoffs if they could add some defensive help. Their defense has been undermined severely by injuries, but coach Ted Nolan somehow has managed to convince them they can still win.

8. New York Rangers: No trade deadline would be complete without the Rangers weighing in. With points in eight of their last 10 games, the Rangers look like they might have turned the corner at the right time. They could use more scoring.

And here are the supposed sellers:

1. Toronto Maple Leafs: General manager Cliff Fletcher has the top prize of the trade deadline season in Sundin. Most of the top contenders would like Sundin. My hunch is that the price for Sundin will match or exceed what the Nashville Predators paid for Peter Forsberg last spring, top prospect Ryan Parent, everyday player Scottie Upshall and a first-round pick. Fletcher would like to move other players, but the contracts of Pavel Kubina, Darcy Tucker, etc., make them difficult to trade.

2. Atlanta Thrashers: General manager Don Waddell would prefer to re-sign Hossa, but that appears unlikely to happen. He will reluctantly trade him, even though he’s still fighting to win the Southeast Division. He undoubtedly try to get someone back who can help him in that mission. He will want a young player who can play immediately.

3. Tampa Bay Lightning: Presuming the Lightning will sign Dan Boyle, their top rental will be Vinny Prospal, a player with good hands. But TSN.ca is reporting that new ownership is asking GM Jay Feaster to explore what kind of deal he could make to trade Brad Richards. The only problem is that Richards has three years remaining at $7.8 million a season. But there are teams that would like to add a big name to their mix, such as the Edmonton Oilers.