Western Conference: buyers and sellers

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

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

1. Anaheim Ducks: With the likelihood that Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne returning to retirement next summer and one Stanley Cup ring already won, general manager Brian Burke has every reason to be aggressive. He has the assets and desire to go after the top available players. Clearly, he will make a play for Sundin, and he will look at most of the premium players. He owns Edmonton’s first-round pick, plus prospects Bobby Ryan, Logan MacMillan and Mark Mitera that he could move, although Burke has said publicly he doesn’t want to move his pick because it could land in the top seven. His objective is to land another premium scorer.

2. San Jose Sharks: More trade rumors have circulated about the Sharks over the past eight months than any other NHL team. The Sharks seem poised to shake up their look heading into the postseason. They could use another scorer and a puck-moving defenseman. They have a strong collection of young players that would be highly desirable, including prospects Logan Couture and Nick Petrecki, plus young NHLers such as Matt Carle. What’s unknown is whether the Sharks, with a history of playoff disappointment, will shake up their mojo by trading away a major veteran, such as Patrick Marleau.

3. Calgary Flames: General manager Darryl Sutter has been digging around the marketplace for a premium scorer for a couple of months. They have enough young prospects to make a strong offer, but don’t ask about Swedish standout Mikael Backlund. He’s not going anywhere.

4. Dallas Stars: Knowing Brett Hull the way I do, it’s a certainty that he would like to land some offensive help. No one is talking much about the Stars, but no one would be shocked if they make a splash. They have played well enough of late to entertain the idea of a long post-season run.

5. Detroit Red Wings: General manager Ken Holland is looking at every possibility of landing a big scorer because Holland always looks at every possibility. He’s made overtures for most of the premium players, but Holland is saying he also doesn’t want to give up his future for a rental player. He believes he has enough depth to be a quality team for a few years if he doesn’t trade it away. The Red Wings will look at defensive depth, but that’s a lower priority than a scorer.

6. Vancouver Canucks: With Roberto Luongo in net, the Canucks have to believe they have a chance to win any playoff series. But they need scoring help. Earlier, the Canucks could have traded defensive depth for scoring, but injuries on the blue line have eliminated that option. Goaltending prospect Cory Schneider is someone a trading partner would like to have.

7. Nashville Predators: No big splash coming this season for general manager David Poile, but he’s looking at his options to acquire scoring depth.

And here are the supposed sellers:

1. Columbus Blue Jackets: Officially the Blue Jackets are undecided about selling because they are still in the playoff race. But it seems likely that they will be the belle of the ball on trade deadline day. If they don’t re-sign Adam Foote, it would seem logical to move him. Sergei Fedorov, Mike Peca, Ron Hainsey, David Vyborny and Jan Heyda are all potential rental players.

2. Los Angeles Kings: Rob Blake has said he doesn’t want to waive his no-trade clause, but my hunch is not all of the cards have been played in his scenario. Essentially, Blake can dictate where he wants to go, and he might still do that. Considering his affinity for the West Coast, the Ducks and Sharks seem like a good possibility. Although the Kings have shown a desire to re-sign Brad Stuart, there is no deal done yet. Stuart also would draw considerable interest, particularly with the lack of available defensemen.

3. St. Louis Blues: If a team is looking for defense, St. Louis is the place to shop. Barret Jackman and Bryce Salvador are both going to be unrestricted free agents this summer, and negotiations between Jackman and the Blues haven’t yielded success thus far. Jay McKee might also be a defenseman of interest, although his $4 million salary in each of the next two seasons puts him on the long-shot list.