Boyce, a pending unrestricted free agent, earns $700,000. Rosehill, who earns $600,000, will be a restricted free agent at season’s end.

Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke told TSN radio earlier this week that he will be active on deadline day.

I told [assistant general manager] Dave Nonis two weeks ago: I said ‘I don’t like the way this is shaping up’. I don’t think we’re going to do anything until closer to the deadline and we may have to be one of those people that figure it all out at the check-out register on the 27th.

However, Burke won’t force a trade or mortgage the future just for the sake of making a deal.

I’d like to add if I could, because I want to reward the group for how hard they’ve worked, but if it’s not there, it’s not there.

Speculation is that Burke is looking to add a goaltender, after poor performances from James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson in recent weeks.

We haven’t been dabbling in that market. But certainly it’s something we have to explore to at least find out what the price-tags are.

NHL.com analyst Kevin Weeks agrees that an upgrade in net may be required.

James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail and ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun list Cory Schneider, Jonathan Bernier, Evgeni Nabokov, Josh Harding, Curtis Sanford, J.S. Giguere, Antero Niittymaki, Scott Clemmensen, Anders Lindback, and Ben Bishop as possibilities.

The Maple Leafs have been seeking a top-six forward all season long, without much luck. But things may change on that front.

After acquiring Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter, TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that the Los Angeles Kings may make captain Dustin Brown available. Damien Cox of the Toronto Star says that Burke would be interested in dealing for the American-born, if that was the case. ESPN is reporting that the Kings would ask for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward prospect Matt Frattin in return.

Brown, of course, would be plan B. The Maple Leafs appear to have made an offer for Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash, according to Darren Dreger of TSN. Dreger reports that Toronto is trying to get Columbus to make a decision by Saturday on what they’ll do with Nash.

SportsNet’s Mike Brophy suggests that the Maple Leafs may look to add a depth forward, like Travis Moen of the Montreal Canadiens.

Meanwhile, the still unsigned Mikhail Grabovski may become trade bait if his contract demands don’t line up with what the Maple Leafs believe is fair, according to SportsNet. Teams like the Nashville Predators and Phoenix Coyotes could use a player like him.

Dallas Stars pest Steve Ott alos interests Toronto, according to LeBrun. However, it’s not a given the Stars will move him before the deadline.

The National Hockey League’s worst scoring team may turn to their back up goalie, Jonathan Bernier, to help them out of their offensive woes.

No, the Los Angeles Kings will not ask what many view as the League’s top goalie prospects to suit up as a winger. Speculation is that the Kings will be ship out Bernier for a front-line forward.

As Elliotte Friedman of CBC, Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, Kevin Allen of USA Today, and Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star point put, the stellar play of Jonathan Quick has made expendable Bernier.

The Kings can’t afford to keep an asset like Bernier sitting on the bench, especially when you consider that the Kings are in such a desperate need of scoring help, as Kings general manager Dean Lombardi told Craig Custance of ESPN not too long ago.

TSN’s Bob McKenzie and the Toronto Sun report that the pressure is on Lombardi to get his club into the playoffs, so may be forced to make a significant deal prior to the February 27 trade deadline to for an impact forward. And time should be of the essence. The Kings are trailing the Calgary Flames in a tight race for the Western Conference’s last playoff spot, and the Flames have all the tiebreakers.

The Globe and Mail, along with various other media sources, believe that the Kings may target either winger Rick Nash or center Jeff Carter of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jack Johnson. Photo courtesy Flickr user bridgetds.

A package for Nash ($7.8 million cap hit) would be the most costly, and would have to include Bernier, defenseman Jack Johnson, along with another piece — a prospect and/or first round draft pick.

Trading for Carter ($5.27 million cap hit) would be cheaper — in terms of assets, salary, and cap space — because the consensus is that it would take either Bernier or Johnson, not both, to make a deal happen.

Aside from the Blue Jackets, SportsNet hockey analyst John Shannon lists the Tampa Bay Lightning (they need a goalie bad), Buffalo Sabres (in case Ryan Miller is moved), and the Edmonton Oilers (for Ales Hemsky?) as possible suitors/destinations for Bernier. Shannon was fairly adamant that Bernier is an attractive asset only to teams looking to acquire a goalie for the future, not one is serious about being a contender.

Friedman suggests that with the emergence of young Slava Voynov on the blueline, the Kings would feel more comfortable to deal just Johnson for a forward instead of Bernier. LeBrun wrote recently that Johnson’s name has been popping up in trade rumors with more frequency recently.

SportsNet as well as Andy Strickland of The Fan 590 St. Louis are reporting that Buffalo Sabres goalie has become disenchanted with the franchise and would waive his no-trade clause for a trade to the Chicago Blackhawks.

According to Strickland, Miller’s first priority is to play for the Anaheim Ducks or Los Angeles Kings so he could be closer to his actress wife Noureen DeWulf. However, he wouldn’t be opposed to playing for other teams, preferably Stanley Cup contenders, such as the Blackhawks.

That may be good news for the struggling Blackhawks, who are in dire need of some goaltending help. Current netminders Corey Crawford and Ray Emery have combined for the fourth worst goals against average in the NHL with 3.00.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane. Photo courtesy Flickr user bridgetds.

NBC analyst and former Blackhawk forward Jeremy Roenick said earlier this week that Chicago “can afford” to trade All-Star forward Patrick Kane to get a true number one goaltender. And what better team for Kane to get traded to than his hometown Sabres?

Everybody knows I am a huge Patrick Kane fan, but when you’re talking something of this nature, is Patrick Kane dealable? As much as I don’t want to say it, they can afford to get rid of Patrick Kane. They can afford to — with the season he’s having — maybe with his off-ice reputation, maybe with the skill they have on their team — it’s doable.

Do I like it? No, because I love Patrick Kane. He is one of the most talented and one of the best players in the NHL. But if you really want a top-end goaltender you’re going to have to give up somebody.

Toronto’s FAN 590′s HockeyCentral panel of Nick Kypreos and Doug MacLean suggested that with Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp on the roster, the Blackhawks could indeed shop Kane for a top-notch goaltender.

TSN’s Darren Dreger is skeptical that a either team is interested in making a Miller-for-Kane trade, suggesting that the Blackhawks are not as desperate to acquire a goaltender as some make them out to be.

And that may be the case.

Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman told Chris Boden of CSNChicago that his main focus isn’t on getting a goaltender, but rather a top-four defenseman. Bowman went on to say that while he would listen to offers for Kane, it doesn’t mean he’s shopping the Buffalo native.

As for the Sabres, Strickland’s sources indicate that the club has not approached Miller about waiving his no-trade clause nor do they appear interested in moving their long-time goaltender.

The Los Angeles Kings will only consider trading defenseman Jack Johnson if a premier forward is coming back their way, reports the panel on SportsNet‘s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker segment.

The Kings are desperate for a major first-line scoring threat off the wing, and Kings general manager Dean Lombardi made it really clear to Craig Custance of ESPN that he’s well aware of it.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist when you’re last in the league in scoring.

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN reports that Johnson is one of a couple of roster players — along with back up goalie Jonathan Bernier — the Kings will make available in a trade for an impact forward. LeBrun has confirmation (LeBrun) from “a few” unnamed “team executives” on that front.

Speculation is that the Kings will pursue Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash, and Johnson and Bernier would be part of the package offered to — or asked by — Columbus. Nash would be exactly the type of player the Kings need, and he has already given the Blue Jackets consent to a deal to Los Angeles, as reported by Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash. Photo courtesy Flickr user bridgetds.

If a deal for Nash doesn’t materialize, SportsNet hockey analyst Doug MacLean stated that Johnson would not be in play for Jeff Carter, another Blue Jackets forward on the block and supposed trade target of the Kings.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter.

Other teams mentioned as possible destinations by the HockeyCentral panel include the Edmonton Oilers (although it’s hard to see which forward they would be willing to part with), New Jersey Devils (who desperately need blueline help), and the Philadelphia Flyers (who have a lot of great forward assets).

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina has not given the club his list of five teams to which he would accept a trade, reports ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun.

Petr Svoboda, Kubina’s agent, said Thursday that while he and his client have seven days to put together the list, it shouldn’t take that long — it may even be ready by Friday where he is to meet with Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman.

Kubina, an unrestricted free agent at season’s end, was told Thursday by Yzerman that he will be kept off the ice until the club can find a trading partner. Since Kubina has a limited no-trade clause in his contract, Yzerman first approached the blueliner for a list of teams he would approve going to.

With the announcement, came speculation that the fire sale was on in Tampa. But Yzerman was quick to deny that was the case, as per Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times, and noted that a deal for Kubina was not imminent.

This doesn’t make it official the sale is on. We’re not going to give people away, but if deals make sense and whatever we’re bringing in makes us a better organization, we’ll do that. But we’re not going to unload guys for the sake of unloading them.

Kubina appeared to be the first player the Lightning would trade until Dominic Moore was dealt to the San Jose Sharks Friday. For now, Kubina still awaits his faith.

We’re making our decisions on a player-by-player basis. We see a potential opportunity to improve our club. In regards to Pavel, and as far as any other players or any other opportunity, there’s the broader strategy of wanting to be a better team in the future, so we’ll look at any opportunity to become that.

So where might the former 2004 Stanley Cup champion find himself playing?

ESPN‘s Scott Burnside speculated today that the connection with his former head coach in Tampa during the Cup win, and current Rangers’ bench boss, John Tortorella may see him land in New York. Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News wrote back on February 11 that two other teammates form the 2004 season play on Broadway: Brad Richards and Ruslan Fedotenko. The Rangers also need a depth blueliner that can play the right side that doesn’t cost too much — Kubina has a $3.85 million cap hit.

Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times also lists the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings, while ESPN’s Jesse Rogers adds the Chicago Blackhawks, as team that need blueline help and may show interest in Kubina.

Cristodero also noted that because Kubina loves living in Florida, he may include the Panthers — who sit atop their division and third in the Eastern Conference — on the teams he would allow a trade to.

If any of these teams want to acquire the Czech defenseman, they will have to pony up. According to Cristodero, Yzerman is looking to get back prospects and draft pick in return for any player he deals before the trade deadline.

The consensus in the media is that Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke will not make a big splash before this year’s trade deadline.

The veteran GM told Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun during the Winter Classic announcement in Detroit that part of the problem is that the trade market is — and has been for the entire season — cold.

It’s very quiet.

Burke has always tried to avoid deadline day shopping because of his belief that prices are always too high, as he reiterated to Kevin Allen of USA Today several days ago.

Do a graphic for any year — the math doesn’t work. Fourteen to 16 teams add players. Prices are inflated, and there is one Stanley Cup parade at the end of the season. The trade deadline is a pit of quicksand.

While Burke may not go without tinkering with his roster this trade deadline, he may shy away from making bigger deals if he feels the cost is too much. As Doug MacLean noted, Burke doesn’t want to sell the farm and deplete his farm system for short-term gains.

Because the trade market is dead, Burke tells Craig Custance of ESPN he may have to wait for deadline day to make his moves.

I think people know I’m not a deadline guy, but we might have to do our stuff at the deadline because there’s [expletive]-all happening now.

So, what type of players would Burke want to add?

Aside from desperately wanting to add a top-six forward with size who can score — which, as Bob McKenzie of TSN points out, aren’t widely available — SportsNet’s Patrick Hoffman has Burke also wanting to add a two-way forward.

Philadelphi Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk.

Philadelphia Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk, a Burke trade target in mid-January, is currently still out of action with a concussion. According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Maple Leafs have interest in Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter, but Burke isn’t too keen on taking on his long-term contract. The Anaheim Ducks aren’t trading Bobby Ryan or Ryan Getzlaf. And the Tampa Bay Lightning aren’t as keen on dealing Ryan Malone, another former Burke target.

With news that Rick Nash has handed a list of teams — with the Maple Leafs being one of them — where the Columbus Blue Jackets are allowed to trade him to, it would make sense that Burke will explore the possibility of landing the big power-forward. However, there are some challenges on that front, as we already discussed.

Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star has an in-depth analysis of a trade for Edmonton Oilers‘ Sam Gagner, and a similar breakdown of a potential deal for Carolina Hurricanes pending unrestricted free agent forward Tuomo Ruutu.

Any of these players would come at a high cost. So, which players and assets might Burke be willing to make available?

Hoffman lists current roster players Nikolai Kulemin, Clarke MacArthur, Cody Franson, and Luke Schenn as potential trade bait, while McKenzie adds Carl Gunnarson.

Burke may also put pending unrestricted free agent forward Mikhail Grabovski in play. Word from TSN’ Darren Dreger is that the Maple Leafs have been offered “a second-round pick and a prospect” that Burke believes can upgrade to a first round draft pick.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joe Colborne.

Garrioch reported on February 4th that the Maple Leafs are also willing to part with prospects Joe Colborne or Nazem Kadri (specifically for Ruutu).

While Burke may not feel the same way yet, Colborne told Koshan a couple of days ago that he would like a shot to be the type of player for the Maple Leafs that the club is looking to bring in from outside the organization.

I want to be the one the Leafs look (upon) to be their No. 1 go-to guy. It’s something I’m striving for. When I wake up every day and come to the rink, that’s the goal I have.

As for the rumors, Colborne says that he would prefer to remain in Toronto if it were up to him.

It’s old hat for me. I know Nazem (Kadri) has been in a bunch of (rumours) and we joke about it. People make it seem like we are so worried about it, but it’s really a relaxed atmosphere. I love being in Toronto and that’s where my focus is.

While the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t actively shopping Luke Schenn, the defenseman is available for trade, according to SportsNet hockey analyst Doug MacLean.

Schenn’s fragile relationship with Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson and the blueliner’s apparent loss of confidence are two reasons offered by MacLean as to why the Maple Leafs would consider trading him. Yet, the club remains cautious about dealing the 22-year-old, since they don’t want to make a mistake by giving up on him too soon. Defenseman usually take a long time to develop, and Schenn has the raw talent to develop into a top-notch shutdown rearguard.

Still, Schenn’s name has consistently been mentioned in trade rumors this season — especially those mentioning top-six forwards. The Maple Leafs could afford to deal him because of the quality depth the Maple Leafs have — on their NHL and AHL rosters — on the blueline.

MacLean suggests that teams looking to add a young defenseman may make a play for Schenn. The list includes both playoff- and non-playoff-bound teams, such as the Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News reported a few days ago that the Flyers have Schenn on their short list of blueliners they would like to acquire as a replacement for the concussed Chris Pronger.

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN has reported on a number of occasions that the Maple Leafs and Flyers have actually discussed a swap that would see Schenn head to Philadelphia in return to 22-year-old forward James van Riemsdyk.

Philadelphi Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk.

The 6-3, 200-pound van Riemsdyk has the perfect combination of size, skill and potential that Maple Leafs general manager would like to add to his top-six. However, talks simmered down when van Riemsdyk was sidelined with a concussion January 12, and the Flyers realized that they wouldn’t be able to get maximum value for him in return.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn.

Landing in Philadelphia would mean Luke would be reunited with brother Brayden, who plays forward for the Flyers. But while the thought may appeal to Luke, he tells Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star that he is happy in Toronto and isn’t looking to leave.

One day it would be cool to play together down the road. But right now I’m happy in Toronto and would love to be a part of the Leafs organization. In saying that, you also can’t control what goes on as far as trades go and the trade deadline… Anyone can get traded.

His brother, however, wouldn’t mind if the Flyers picked up Luke.

(The Luke-to-Philly rumour) has obviously been tossed around for the past month and a bit. It’s hard to go around naive and don’t read anything or hear anything or watch TV. You come to the rink the next day and there’s going to be someone talking about it. Obviously (Luke’s) name has been tossed out there over the past month and a bit. But those are just rumours and I guess we’ll see what happens.

We were the Red Wings in Saskatoon. It would be awesome to play with my brother. Ever since Day One we always wanted to. But that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Like I said before, rumours are rumours.

Brayden discussed the potential of playing on the same team with his brother in an interview with CSNPhilly that can be seen in the video bellow.

We know that the Columbus Blue Jackets have made Rick Nash is available for trade.

We also know that Nash has a no-movement clause in his contract, therefore being in full control of where he will end up if dealt to another team.

Speculation is that Nash has already handed Blue Jackets general manger Scott Howson a list of no more than five teams he would allow a trade to.

What we don’t know is which teams he is willing to accept a trade to.

While Nash and the Blue Jackets has been linked to a number of teams recently, here is our take on who the contenders to land the one-time 40-goal scorer if a deal were to go down before the February 27 trade deadline.

New York Rangers

Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports that the New York Rangers have already contacted the Blue Jackets to inquire about Nash, but a trade to the Big Apple remains a long shot.

New York Rangers forward prospect Chris Kreider.

For one thing, as Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News points out, the Rangers would have to clear some cap space to accommodate Nash’s $7.8 million annual cap hit this season, and especially going forward. Secondly, the cost in terms of assets appears to be much more than the package reported by Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun of Brandon Dubinsky, highly touted prospect Chris Kreider, and a first-round draft pick. While Rangers general manager Glen Sather wants to add a legitimate goal-scorer for the playoffs, he may not be interested in paying that high a price for Nash.

Still, we can’t shake the feeling that the Rangers have it bad for Nash, especially when they two teams have been scouting each other recently.

Leonard reported Monday that a Rangers scout was in Minnesota for the Columbus Blue Jackets game against the Wild, while a scout from the Blue Jackets “attended at least two of the Rangers’ past four home games.” Not to mention that the Blue Jackets sent three representatives, including Howson, to the Rangers-Flyers game in Philadelphia last Saturday.

Philadelphia Flyers

Speaking of the Flyers, NHL.com Deputy Managing Editor Adam Kimelman reported that when Howson and Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren were spotted having a long one-on-one chat during that February 11 game between the Rangers and Philadelphia. Howson says he prefers to have those kinds of meetings with his colleagues.

You do it both ways, obviously. But anytime you can get face-to-face with somebody and talk to them and have a little more time in a face-to-face encounter… I prefer it be face-to-face because I think you can get more out of it.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn.

It’s uncertain what they were discussing, but as CBC’s Elliotte Friedman points out that Howson attended a Toronto and Ottawa game to the surprise of many — because he doesn’t attend non-Blue Jackets games — a few years ago, and ended up trading for the Senators’ Antoine Vermette just days later. Time will tell if events will repeat, and if Nash was the player the two general managers were indeed discussing.

Sean Gentille of the Sporting News suggests that the Flyers could put together a package revolving around forward Brayden Schenn and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Nash, who was born in Brampton (a suburb of Toronto), has also been linked with the Toronto Maple Leafs. A report earlier this month by AM 640 hockey analyst Bill Waters had the Maple Leafs sending Mikhail Grabovski, Nazem Kadri, Luke Schenn, and maybe prospect Joe Colborne as well, to the Blue Jackets in exchange for Nash.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri.

While that specific report was debunked by many media sources, it is expected Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke will at least investigate the possibility of acquiring Nash. The Maple Leafs have long been in the market for a big top-six forward, and Nash would fit the bill.

The Maple Leafs not only have the financial means to absorb Nash’s salary, but also have the ware withal to bury contracts in the minors in order to clear cap room, if need be. They also have a number of intriguing prospects — other than the ones mentioned above — such as defensemen Keith Aulie and Korbinian Holzer, forward Matt Frattin, and goalies Ben Scrivens, Mark Owuya, and Jussi Rynnas to make available for the Blue Jackets.

UPDATE (Feb. 15): According to Damien Cox of SporteNet, the Toronto Maple Leafs are on Nash’s short list he would allow the Blue Jackets to trade him to.

Los Angeles Kings

Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier. Photo courtesy Flick user bridgetds.

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun the Kings are also in the market for a scoring forward, and Nash definitely fits that requirement. The Kings have goalie Jonathan Bernier and defenseman Jack Johnson as well as prospects Andrei Loktionov and Slava Voynov, to offer the Blue Jackets.

Others Teams

Of course, a number of other teams could end up in the Nash sweepstakes. During a segment of TSN’s NHL Insider, McKenzie speculated that the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, and Vancouver Canucks may express some interest.

For more analysis of teams potentially interested in Nash, check out a video of TSN’s That’s Hockey panel discussing the various possibilities.

Renaud Lavoie of RDS reported Monday that the Columbus Blue Jackets have made forward Rick Nash available for trade.

Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reported Tuesday that the Blue Jackets have informed a number of teams Nash was up for grabs — though not at the player’s behest. ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun was also able to confirm that the Blue Jackets have become more open with the idea of moving Nash.

All reports appear to indicate that Nash has not requested a trade, however. Apparently, it was Blue Jackets management and ownership, during a meeting last week discussing the club’s future, who decided that the possibility of trading Nash needed to be explored.

Howson told NHL.com Deputy Managing Editor Adam Kimelman Saturday that the club has a plan in place for this season and beyond.

I’m not going to disclose what we’re going to do, but we certainly have a plan in place. We’re working on it, we’re talking to teams. We’ll see… it’s not just a pre-deadline plan. It’s a plan leading up to the draft and leading into next season. We’ll see what happens before the 27th and we expect to be active.

Even considering trading Nash would be a drastic change in philosophy for the club, as it has constantly denied any plans to part ways with Nash whenever rumors popped up. While rumors have been swirling around the struggling Blue Jackets, Portzline claims that Nash’s name wasn’t even brought up in any trade talks Howson may have had with his colleagues. General managers were well aware that the Canadian Olympian was off limits.

When asked to clarify his stance on the manner, Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson was evasive but did not deny the club may attempt to move their captain.

We’re open to all options to try to improve the team. As far as rumors go, we’re just not going to comment.

Since Nash has a no-movement clause in his contract, the club cannot deal him without his permission. So, according to Portzline, the Blue Jackets approached Nash and his agent Joe Resnick to inform them of their decision. TSN’s Bob McKenzie’s reports his sources indicate that Nash has given his blessing and would consider a trade — on his terms, of course.

During an interview with Portzline last week, Nash didn’t sound like he would stand in the way of the Blue Jackets trading him.

I love Columbus. I love being here. I love being a Blue Jacket. The city of Columbus deserves a winner and deserves a good product on the ice. If it comes to that – like you said, all speculation – but if they don’t want me here, they want to move me? I’m not going to do something where it’s going to hurt the franchise just because I have that in my contract.

When asked today about all latest rumors of his potential departure, Nash reiterated how much he like playing and living in Columbus.

The last couple of weeks there have been so many rumors and when a team loses, more rumors keep on surfacing. That’s [all] it seems to be right now, is just rumors. I’m a Blue Jacket right now. I’ve played my whole career here and it’s a special place to me. So as of right now I’m a Blue Jacket.

However, as Dan Di Sciulloa of the Miami Herald suggests, perhaps Nash may not necessarily want to go though a rebuild with the Blue Jackets again. But as Di Sciulloa and LeBrun point out, that doesn’t necessarily mean a trade will occur before this year’s February 27 trade deadline. The Blue Jackets are not on a timeline — they can wait for the off-season to sort things out.

Stay tuned for a look at which teams may be in on the Nash sweepstakes.

Montreal Canadiens pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Hal Gill could have as many as six teams vying to acquire his services prior to the February 27 trade deadline, according to the latest segment of SportsNet‘s Sources Say.

The panel mentioned that a lot of clubs would be interested in a 6-foot-7, 240-pound shutdown veteran blueliner with playoff experience and leadership qualities such as Gill’s. Add in the fact that he’s an effective penalty killer, a Stanley Cup winner, and is signed to a manageable $2.5 million salary (and cap hit), and Gill makes for a great playoff rental for any team that thinks they’re a contender.

The panel suggests that all the losers in the sweepstakes for Tim Gleason — who has already been re-signed by the Carolina Hurricanes — will turn their attention to Gill.

Supposedly, that list includes the Boston Bruins (one of Gill’s former teams), Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins (the team where Gill won his Stanley Cup), Philadelphia Flyers, and Vancouver Canucks would all have interest if the Gill were made available.

Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News wrote recently that the Blackhawks and Flyers are “desperate” for an established blueliner. While the Canucks would like to improve their depth on the blueline in order to have the ability to sustain potential injuries like they faced during their Stanley Cup finals series against the Bruins last year.

While Gill realizes there’s a chance he could be moved, he tells Pierre LeBrun of ESPN that he would prefer to remain with the Canadiens.

Yeah, I mean, it’s part of the business. No one wants to get traded. I’m into this team and I want to be part of success here. But I understand if it doesn’t work out in terms of the business end.

SportsNet’s Doug MacLean claimed that the Canadiens would try to re-sign the American-born blueliner because they like what he brings to the team.

However, there is no evidence to suggest that is the case. According to Gill’s agent, Mark Witkin, he has not had any contact with the Canadiens about a contract extension for his client.

LeBrun believes that 36-year-old will not be on the Canadiens past the 27th of this month, unless Montreal puts together a miraculous winning streak and put themselves into a playoff position. Chances of that happening are slim, though.

Teams looking for goaltending help before the February 27 trade deadline could be getting in touch with the New York Islanders about Evgeni Nabokov.

Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch points out that Nabokov has a modest salary of $570K so teams with budget and salary cap concerns won’t have a problem picking up the tab.

The pending unrestricted free agent goalie is expected to attract a lot of attention from contending teams that are uncertain about their situation between the pipes and would like to add a proven playoff performer for the stretch drive and playoffs, as SportsNet‘s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker panel and Kevin Allen of the USA Today suggest.

With the recent injury to Detroit starter Jimmy Howard, the Red Wings could be looking to make a move if the current duo of Ty Conklin and Joey MacDonald can’t hold down the fort, says Dan Rosen of NHL.com.

New York Islanders goaltender Evgeni Nabokov.

According to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN Howard could be gone for more than two weeks. The Red Wings might have to investigate the possibility of adding a proven goalie if they take a hit in the standings, or even just as a backup for when Howard returns. And Nabokov would be the likeliest candidate because he fits that description. And because the Red Wings signed the Russian goaltender a year ago after Nabokov left the Kontinental Hockey League, but lost him to the Islanders on waivers before he could play a single game in Detroit.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun thinks that the Chicago Blackhawks would also be one of those clubs after Nabokov. The Blackhawks would like to make an upgrade in net, but haven’t been able to find the right fit, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.

That is because there aren’t many teams willing to concede the season and start dumping players just yet. And that includes the Islanders. Islanders general manager Garth Snow told LeBrun Wednesday that the club still believes they have a shot at the playoffs.

Yeah, we have a lot of belief in that locker room. Within the last few weeks, we’ve really turned it up a notch as a team. Our specialty teams have improved. We’re just looking forward to the next game.

So, forget about Nabokov going anywhere for now.

We have no intention of moving Evgeni. He’s been great for us. His performance speaks for itself.

But it doesn’t appear that the Islanders are in a hurry to re-sign their starter either. LeBrun reports that the Islanders haven’t held any discussions about a contract extension with Nabokov’s representatives.

Yeah, we’d consider all options, we’re just not at that point yet. We just finished [signing] Frans [Nielsen] and we obviously have a few other players who are unrestricted free agents in July, so we’ll just chip away at them.

Perhaps Snow is just trying to incite a bidding war between the Red Wings and Blackhawks. Time will tell.

According to Barry Melrose of the NHL Network, defenseman Hall Gill and pending UFA forward Travis Moen of the Montreal Canadiens could attract a lot of attention from playoff bound teams looking to add size and veteran playoff experience before the February 27 trade deadline.

Melrose speculates that high-profile players such as pending unrestricted free agents defenseman Ryan Suter of the Nashville Predators, forward Zach Parise of the New Jersey Devils, and forward Tuomo Ruutu may follow his Carolina Hurricanes, will be put on the trade market by their respective teams, so secondary players may become much sought after.

That’s where Gill and Moen come in.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Hal Gill. Photo courtesy Flickr user bridgetds.

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun and Kevin Allen of the USA Today believe that the Canadiens will move Gill by the trade deadline. The 6-7, 240-pound blueliner could draw many suitors due to his hard-nosed style of play and his Stanley Cup ring.

Allen reports that the Chicago Blackhawks are shopping for a blueliner and may look at Gill among others.

Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch has the St. Louis Blues being interested. CBC’s Elliotte Friedman reported earlier this month that the Blues had three scouts at a recent game between the Winnipeg Jets and Canadiens watching a left-side defenseman, thought to be Gill.

According to Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe, the Boston Bruins may look to add to their blueline. Gill would be one of several options.

Montreal Canadiens forward Travis Moen.

According to the Toronto Sun, the Canadiens like what Moen brings to the table but wouldn’t mind moving the former Anaheim Duck because (1) they don’t think they can fit him under the salary cap, and (2) they would like want to give their prospects more playing time.

Like Gill, Moen has won a Stanley Cup and has been a great playoff performer while being a defensively responsible forward and playing a gritty game. As Allen point out, Moen would be much sought after by contending teams.

So far, LeBrun reports that the Pittsburgh Penguins are interested. Dave Lozo of NHL.com has the Detroit Red Wings looking at him as a possibility.

The Toronto Sun reported recently that there is “growing interest” in Moen, with the San Jose Sharks in hot pursuit.

The report also mentions that before teams trade for Moen, they will want to see how he comes back from an upper-body injury he suffered January 21st. Moen has just resumed light skating and is expected to be out for at least another week.

Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan could be playing his final games with the club, with the possibility of a trade only getting stronger as the February 27 trade deadline approaches.

While he would like to remain with the club, Doan tells Chris Johnston of Canadian Press that he is rethinking his future with the club due to the uncertain state of the ownership in Phoenix.

Obviously, I’d be pretty naive to not think that way. At the same time, everything is kind of focused on waiting to see how our team’s doing and what we’re doing and what’s going on with the ownership and different things. (I’ll) make a decision then I guess. But yeah, I’d be stupid not to be looking at (my options) and thinking about everything else.

The longest current serving member of the Coyotes, Doan was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 1995 and moved Phoenix as the club relocated there in 1996. Not difficult to understand why, if it were up to him, Doan would like to retire a Coyote. But he is set to become an unrestricted free agent come July 1st, and with no progress on a new contract — mostly due to the ownership situation — Doan could be on his way out of Phoenix for good.

Not so, says Coyotes general manager Don Maloney.

I have no question in my mind that if we’re playing in Phoenix next season that Shane Doan will be a part of this organization. None whatsoever.

Still, it’s hard to predict whether the NHL can find an ownership group that promise to keep the club in Phoenix. While reports indicate that he League has no plans to relocate the club elsewhere, there are many in the hockey world who believe that that is inevitable.

Ray Ratto of CSNBayArea reported earlier in the month that Doan would be more perceptive to a trade if the Coyotes were to relocate — especially if it were to be to a Canadian city.

My preference is to stay here (in Phoenix). I’ve made that clear. But at the same time, obviously if the team’s not here and we’re not here everything is quite a bit different. It’s been that way for the last two years, but I’ve been kind of blocking it out. But I recognize that in the next three weeks it’s probably going to come to a head. If not then, it’s going to come to a head in the summer.

As for Maloney he told ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun at the end of January, that the only way he moves Doan is if the player asks to be traded.

Shane is the soul of this franchise; as long as we’re here and he wants to stay here, then he’ll be here. I have no question whatsoever that if we get an ownership group in place, then we’ll get a deal done with Shane. He’s not going anywhere, unless of course he came to us and asked us otherwise. He’s still a very good player, and we want him here for a few more years.

Phoenix Coyotes forward Shane Doan. Photo courtesy Flickr user canyonero.

But since Doan has a no-movement clause in his contract, he has control over where he would end up playing for the remainder of the season. Maloney says that both sides would have to agree on what that destination is.

The only way something would occur is if both parties are in 100 per cent agreement on what that change would be.

What is making things difficult for Doan, and Maloney, is that the Coyotes have put together a string of victories that has propelled them into the eight and last playoff seed in the Western Conference.

For Doan, it’s trying to determine whether to give it one more try with the Coyotes or perhaps finally realize that achieving his dream of winning a Stanley Cup with the Coyotes may never become a reality and move on.

It’s one of those things where you don’t really know what to say. I’ve put in a lot of time here and I want to win here and I want to find a way to make this work here. At the same time, you have to be a little bit realistic in looking at everything. The days are counting down now.

For Maloney, it’s a matter of whether he tries to bolster his line up to capture a playoff spot, or whether he tries to get a head start on next season by selling off expensive veterans and pending UFAs, like Doan. For now, Maloney remains optimistic and says that if the club is in a playoff position near the deadline, he has the cap room to add players for a Cup run.

We still have some room available to us if we wanted to add something.

Should that not be the case, and he and Doan agree that the time is right for both sides to part ways, the SportsNet’s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker panel suggests that a number of teams looking to bolster their offense would have interest in acquiring the 35-year-old winger.

The list includes the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks. The HockeyCentral panel suggested that the Rangers may have the inside track because their need of a veteran winger and their general manager’s great relationship — personal and professional — with Maloney.

Don’t look for Doan to end up to reunite with former Kamloops Blazers teammate Jarome Iginal in Calgary, however. The Flames simply don’t have the assets — young prospects — to make a deal.

And that is the reason why another team that would be interested in adding some secondary scoring on the wings, the San Jose Sharks, aren’t expected to make a play for Doan, according to David Pollak of the Mercury News and Ray Ratto of CSNBayArea. Both believe that the Sharks would not pay the “enormous” price it would cost to acquire Doan.

Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Smyth has plenty of playoff experience and plays a gritty style of hockey that’s perfectly suited for the post-season. So it is no surprise that, as ESPN’s Scott Burnside suggests, there could be as many as a dozen teams interested in acquiring Smyth before the February 27 trade deadline.

However, as John MacKinnon of Edmonton Journal points out, Smyth has a no-movement clause in his contract so he would control if, and where, a move out of Edmonton would occur.

Though he didn’t sound too interested in playing elsewhere, the veteran winger told Pierre LeBrun of ESPN Monday night, before the Oilers’ game against The Toronto Maple Leafs, that he’s not sure how things will turn out. Nor has management talked to him about letting them trade him. In fact, Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini told LeBrun the same night that he’s not actively shopping Smyth.

Obviously, it’s very flattering from that front, but I haven’t been approached at all, and this [Edmonton] is where I wanted to come back to. Time will tell, but I’m enjoying myself with the Oilers.

One thing is for sure. The 35-year-old would be much sought after if he were available.

The Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and San Jose Sharks have already contacted the Oilers about Smyth, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.

A report by Larry Brooks of the New York Post late last week claimed that Smyth would give “serious consideration” to reuniting with Rangers general manager Glen Sather, the man who drafted him in Edmonton. Brooks claimed that Sather wants to add Smyth to bolster the Rangers’ offense and net presence on the power play.

Asked by Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun if he was aware of Brooks’ report, Smyth appeared to be unaware of what was written.

First I’ve heard of it. Who’s Larry Brooks? I’ve moved four times in the last five years. I wanted to come back here for a reason?

And that is the salient point. Why would he leave the place he asked to be traded to just this past summer? Doesn’t make much sense. Asked whether he would consider a move out of town, Smyth said it hasn’t crossed his mind.

I haven’t even really thought about it to be honest. They would have to approach me first and nobody’s approached me. It’s not something that I’ve thought much about.

Smyth, an unrestricted free agent come July 1st, could accept a trade to a contender for the remainder of the season and then re-sign with the Oilers in the summer. As SportsNet’s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker panel suggested (see video above) it would be a great way to help the Oilers acquire an asset. The former New York Islander, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles King told MacKinnon that he can’t rule that out completely.

There’s no guarantees in life, is there? No one has mentioned anything to me. Obviously, I’ve heard speculation, but I’ve never really been approached.

However, that remains an unlikely possibility considering Smyth’s desire to remain in Edmonton and finish his career as an Oiler.

Obviously that would be the ultimate for sure, to re-sign with these guys, no question.

And as the SportsNet panel mentioned, the Oilers are thrilled with having Smyth tutor their young players because of his positive influence on them.

Smyth staying with the Oilers also means that, us fans, won’t have to be subjected tear-filled farewells.

Ryan Smyth during press conference announcing his trade from the Edmonton Oilers to the New York Islanders in 2007.

Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman and the club’s front office must first decide whether they’re buyers or sellers heading into the February 27 trade deadline before any serious discussions about moving forward Ryan Malone takes place.

Yzerman tells Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times that he does not have a deadline for deciding if they’ll load up for a push to capture a playoff spot or unload players for futures.

The trade market dictates what, if anything, we’re going to do. At this point there’s nothing that makes any sense that is the right thing to do whether it’s short or long term.

What’s making it difficult to decide is his club’s 6-0-1 run in its past seven games, Yzerman told ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun earlier this week.

It’s still a bit early for that in light of the fact that our team is playing reasonably well. The timing isn’t right to look at it that way. We have to keep seeing if we can keep climbing into this. We’ll see how we do in the next few games. We’ll see how it all plays out. There’s no rush to do anything. There haven’t been any difficult decisions to make at this point because any potential [trade] opportunities really haven’t made sense for us, short-term and long-term.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina. Photo courtesy Flickr user bridgetds.

But that doesn’t mean he’s not listening to offers for his players or investigating potential deals. Aside from Malone, Kevin Allen of USA Today, and Scott Burnside of ESPN believe that the likes of defenseman Pavel Kubina and forwards Adam Hall and Dominic Moore would garner interest from teams looking to add depth.

Our team is winning. My approach is that if there’s any deal that potentially can be done which makes our team better now or a better team in the future that’s worth doing, I’m prepared to do it. But at this point, nothing has made sense from my point of view.

That could change as the trade deadline nears and sellers and buyers become more clear and ready to deal. Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure: Yzerman will be ready to act accordingly.

All we can do is be prepared to act one way or another.

According to the Toronto Star’s Bob Mitchell, Yzerman has attended several Toronto Maple Leafs games recently. That only adds more fuel to the rumors the Maple Leafs are interested in acquiring the truculent forward.

As numerous reports indicate, Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke wants to add a top-six forward before the deadline and Malone is one of his targets.

But the Maple Leafs aren’t, and won’t be, alone in pursuing Malone, says Mitchell. The Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, and the Vancouver Canucks are, or would be, interested in making a play for the American winger if he were to become available.

Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times also reported earlier in the week that the Pittsburgh Penguins had director of pro scouting Derek Clancy and pro scout Andre Savard at a recent game between the Lightning and the Winnipeg Jets. Seven other teams had scouts at the game.

The SportsNet’s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker panel also has the New York Rangers as a potential suitor.

Allen and David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail claim the Lightning would love to stabilize their situation between the pipes by acquiring a goaltender. Allen lists Vancouver Canucks super-backup Cory Schneider as a possibility. Cristodero reports that Kings’ goalie Jonathan Bernier has been linked in trade rumors as a return for Malone.

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Cory Schneider.

The former Stanley Cup winner much regarded playoff performer could be an attractive option for low-budget teams, not just the big spenders. As Globe and Mail’s Erik Duhatschek noted recently, Malone has a cap hit of $4.5 million for the next three seasons, but because his contract was front-loaded, his actual salary is $3.0 million, and $2.5 million for the final two years.

However, should the Lightning decide that the best course of action is to part with him, Malone would have final say in where he ends up as he has a no-movement clause in his contract (which transforms into a limited no-trade clause at the end of next season).

For now, Malone tells Cristodero that he is just trying to get back into the lineup after missing a number of games with an upper-body injury.

It’s something you can’t control. You can’t worry about it. It’s just people talking. It’s just the way the business is, so I don’t think twice about it.

He may finally return to the ice this Saturday.

Nashville Predators general manager David Poile said on the FAN590′s HockeyCentral radio show that the club is aiming to re-sign pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Ryan Suter. And preferably before the February 27 trade deadline.

However, nothing appears to have changed since February 1st when Josh Cooper of the Tennessean reported that Poile and Suter’s agent have had negotiations on a new contract for the American defenseman.

And if progress isn’t made Poile told the FAN590 that he cannot guarantee that he will not deal Suter to avoid the risk of losing him for nothing at season’s end.

I don’t want to shut the door (on a trade), but I can’t see us being successful without Ryan (Suter) in first our quest to make the playoffs and obviously to win in the playoffs. Our goal is to sign him… As a manager you can’t deal in absolutes. The landscape changes every day with your wins and losses and injuries.

The Predators have long been a budget-conscious club while sporting one of the lowest payrolls in the NHL. The belief throughout the hockey world is that they would not be able to afford goaltender Pekka Rinne’s salary cap hit of $7.0 million and the their need to re-sign defenseman Shea Weber. But the on-the-cheap days are over, according to Poile.

We’ve always been one of the lowest spending teams in the NHL, but our owners have got their arms totally around the fact to pay Pekka Rinne $7 million, to pay Weber ($7.5 million), and fill in the blank on what you think it will cost to sign Suter, you add up all of our salaries and we’re going to be a cap team next year.

Could that also mean that the Predators may target a few rental players to try and make a play for the Stanley Cup? NBC’s ProHockeyTalk’s Jason Brough suggests that the ownership in Nashville should show they’re committed to winning by being aggressive at the trade deadline and bolster their roster.

As the CBC’s Elliotte Friedman points out it’s not all about money with Suter. Suter wants to win. And proving that the Predators want the same thing could go a long way for them to retain their Star blueliner.

It’s not that cut and dry to Poile, however. He has a number of options to to consider.

My aggressiveness to make changes between now and Feb. 27 could take on salary, could take on rental players, could give up future (draft picks and prospects), it all probably makes sense if (Ryan) Suter is signed. If Ryan leaves here on July 1, maybe a lot of those things I was going to do wouldn’t make a lot of sense in the long run.

But don’t look for Suter to make it easy on his general manager.

As reported by USA Today’s Kevin Allen and others during the All Star weekend, Suter is intent on hitting the open market and doesn’t appear to be too interested in signing a contract extension.

I don’t see the point of doing it. It would be a distraction at this point. I will still be with Nashville until July 1, and we could still get something done.

Suter went on to tell ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun that his priority is the game on the ice, not on negotiating a new contract.

I feel it would be more of a distraction than anything. We’ve never had a timeline or deadline. We’re just focusing on winning. Everything else will take care of itself.

Suter was then asked by Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer how the idea of playing for the Philadelphia Flyers sounded. The Flyers have been rumored to have interest in picking up Suter as a replacement for the injured Chris Pronger.

I don’t think about where I want to be. I focus on being a good player on our team. The time will come for all that, and now is not the time. Our team is doing very good right now, and hopefully we can go and get that piece we might need for the playoffs.

Darren Dreger of TSN reports that the New York Rangers will be among a number of teams that will show interest in Suter if he were to be made available. Dreger believes that he would cost a roster player, an A level prospect, a B level prospect, and a 1st round draft pick.

Do the Vancouver Canucks hang on to backup goaltender Cory Schneider as insurance for the playoffs? Or do they trade him before the February 27 trade deadline to bolster their top-two lines or blueline? Their decision could prove to be pivotal in whether or not the Canucks win the Stanley Cup this season.

Ed Willes of the Vancouver Province makes a case for trading Schneider because his value on the trade market is “considerably higher” than his value to the Canucks.

Aside from being considered the best backup in the NHL having accumulated a 27-9-2, a save percentage around 0.930, and a goals-against average below 2.30 over the past two years, he only earns $900K this season.

SportsNet’s Mark Spector is on the same page, saying that current Canucks starter Roberto Luongo is more than capable of leading the club to the promised land and they don’t require to have the best backup in the League and its “most valuable trade asset” riding the bench.

The Vancouver Sun’s Cam Cole speculates that if the Canucks were to ship Schneider, it would be to an Eastern Conference team. Potential trading partners may include the New Jersey Devils (to replace soon-to-be 40-year-old Marty Brodeur), Washington Capitals (where Thomas Vokoun is struggling), and Toronto Maple Leafs (where James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson have been inconsistent). However, the chances of prying away a power-forward or a top-four defenseman from any of those teams is highly unlikely.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash. Photo courtesy Flickr user bridgetds.

Spector suggests the Canucks should investigate the possibility of acquiring Rick Nash of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Andrew Ladd of the Winnipeg Jets, Kyle Okposo of the New York Islanders, or Ryan Malone and a blueliner from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a deal revolving around Schneider.

Willes lists the trades of Dallas Stars backup Mike Smith for Lightning forward Brad Richards and the Montreal Canadiens dealing Jaroslav Halak to the St. Louis Blues for first round draft pick Lars Eller as perhaps the type of players a package centered around Schneider could garner the Canucks.

Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry. Photo courtesy Flickr user bridgetds.

Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province analyzed a rumor that originated on an Internet message board and made the rounds during the All Star break. Word was that the Canucks were preparing to send Cory Schneider, forward Mason Raymond, defenseman Keith Ballard, and perhaps a third-round pick to the Anaheim Ducks for 50-goal scorer Corey Perry. Like all message board rumors, it fizzled. It never made any sense to begin with. The Canucks get the best player in the deal. The Ducks get Schneider and spare parts. Don’t think so.

Still, Ben Kuzma of The Vancouver Province speculates that the Canucks are showcasing Schneider by playing him important games like in the Stanley Cup Finals rematch against the Boston Bruins January 7 perhaps in the hope of getting a player like Corey.

However, Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault says that playing the 26-year-old netminder in high-pressure games is just part of his development process. Nothing more.

For us, Cory is a real young guy who has a tremendous amount of potential and it’s important for him to play some games like this. That’s part of our reasoning.

And that could be true. Or not. There have been numerous conflicting reports.

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun source are indicating the Canucks want to hang on to Schneider because they feel feel he provides great insurance in case Luongo goes down with an injury. Having said that, LeBrun thinks that the Canucks may consider moving their backup goalie if they were presented with an offer they couldn’t refuse.

Similarly, during a recent segment of SportsNet‘s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker, the panel hinted that the Canucks are leaning towards keeping the impending restricted free agent but would listen to “significant” offers.

Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun also wrote recently that the Canucks could be persuaded to move Schneider if teams are willing to part with a roster player and a prospect or high draft pick in exchange.

For his part, Schneider says he doesn’t concern himself with all the speculation of perhaps playing for another team after February 27.

I just think it’s not in your control and I don’t like worrying about things I can’t control. If I’m going to get traded, I can’t control that. It would be selfish to just think of me and not the team. Again, I could make it easy and not perform the way I want to and there wouldn’t be talk of anything. Hopefully it’s enough to make them think or help me play a few more games.

On the latest edition of CBC‘s Satellite Hotstove, the panel reported that the Edmonton Oilers have not had any contract negotiations with restricted free agent forward Sam Gagner.

Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini is said to be evaluating whether Gagner can play on the club’s top two lines before deciding what the player’s future with the club will be. Gagner will have until closer to the February 27 trade deadline to prove himself.

If the Oilers decide to move Gagner, his recent eight-point game against the Chicago Blackhawks has no doubt made more than a few general managers have taken notice. Especially Blackhawks’ Stan Bowman who saw the record feat in person. Chicago has been rumored to have some interest in picking up Gagner, as ESPN’s Craig Custance reports. But after trading for forward Brendan Morrison in late January, Bowman may not be in such a hurry to make a deal.

Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun claims that a top-four defenseman must come back in return should the Oilers deal Gagner.

But like the Toronto Maple Leafs, not many teams are willing that price.

David Staples of the Edmonton Journal reported towards the end of January that the Maple Leafs had expressed some interest in the 22-year-old center. Toronto has a number of NHL-caliber defenseman that they can part with, including Carl Gunnarsson and Luke Schenn.

The problem is that the Maple Leafs may not want to include any of those players in a trade for the diminutive Gagner. Toronto is looking to bolster their center position with a big and truculent center that can score. Gagner does not provide that combination of skills.

But all these rumors may all be for nothing if Gagner shows enough in his tryout as a second line center. The club may feel that whatever they can get for him in a trade may not be enough for them to part with.

And that would be OK with Oilers head coach Tom Renney, who tells John MacKinnon of the Edmonton Journal that perhaps Gagner may be ready to live up to expectations right where he is, in Edmonton.

Maybe, in a strange kind of way, maybe the wheel has turned. Maybe we’re going in the right direction here now and we can start to talk about more special things. That’s what you can look forward to here. I’m not going to say it’s going to be a high-wire act every night and we’re going to be doing extraordinary things offensively every single time we play… but this team is going to be special, there’s no question.

SportsNet’s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker panel recently discussed what the future of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter may hold.

The panel, along with others like Andy Strickland of True Hockey, reported that Carter isn’t happy in Columbus and he and his agent have made it clear a trade out of Columbus is much desired.

That’s news to Carter, though. He tells Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch that he has not requested a change of address.

I haven’t asked for a trade. Nothing. I’m here to play hockey.

That doesn’t mean the club isn’t shopping him.

In a segment of TSN‘s Insider Trading during the All Star break, Darren Dreger reported that Carter was 100% on the trade block. Portzline as well as Pierre LeBrun of ESPN both recently confirmed that Carter has in fact been put on the trade block by Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson.

The question is, will there be any takers?

Former Philadelphia Flyers forward Mike Richards. Photo courtesy Flickr user neat1325.

The HockeyCentral panel suggested that a reunion with former Philadelphia Flyers teammate in Los Angeles might be an option. It’s unclear whether the Kings are interested, however. While they could use a player of Carter’s abilities, the cost of acquiring him may be a deterrent.

The Blue Jackets want at least a first round draft pick and a good young roster player in return, according to Dreger. That may be a little steep for the struggling Carter, who is in the first season of an 11-year, $58.0 million contract, and holds a $5.27 million cap hit. He’s got a big ticket to say the least.

Not even the deep-pocket Toronto Maple Leafs want anything to do with that contract. Despite rumors that the Maple Leafs are a suitor, Dreger reported that the Canadian club haven’t held any talks with the Blue Jackets nor think Carter is a good fit for them.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun and Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star both believe that if he were to be moved, the Blue Jackets may have to wait until the summer to deal Carter.

Unlike others, however, Strickland doesn’t believe moving Carter will be as difficult because he’s an established scorer who is still young. A team desperate to bolster their offence for a Stanley Cup run could bite, but that is highly unlikely.

Back to Carter, he says that these kind of rumors are only natural with the kind of season the Blue Jackets have had.

There’s talk about a lot of guys (in here) right now. Our team, with the way the season has gone — the injuries, the standings, and stuff — I don’t think it should come as a surprise to anybody on our team if they end up (in rumors).

There’s not much I can do about that. That’s something I can’t worry about or control. My main focus right now is just getting healthy and getting back into the lineup.

What Carter can control, is the team he ends up with if he and the Blue Jackets agree to split as the owner of a no-trade clause.

UPDATE: it has just been reported on CBC‘s Satellite Hotstove by Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun that Carter does not have a no-trade clause in his contract.

SportsNet‘s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker panel recently are reporting that there’s been lots of calls made to the Carolina Hurricanes about the availability of forward Tuomo Ruutu ahead of the February 27 trade deadline.

But despite reports to the contrary from ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun and TSN’s Daren Dreger, a move doesn’t appear to be imminent.

The HockeyCentral panel say that Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford is not enamored with the offers he has been receiving thus far and may wait until just before the trade deadline to make a move.

On the flip side, there are some general managers who believe that the asking price — thought to be a first round draft pick and a top prospect — is too high at the moment. So they’re not ready to make a deal either.

Reports earlier in the week had a number of teams — including the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks — interest in acquiring a proven playoff performer who can provide some grit and a scoring touch like Ruutu.

The Ottawa Senators are also one of those teams, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun. However, Garrioch notes that Senators general manager Bryan Murray is one of the GMs who believe the asking price is too high.

You inquire with several teams about what they might be looking for or doing, but nothing in any detail. Any team in our spot has needs. If there’s an upgrade available in a couple of spots, we would really look at it.

Garrioch has also reported numerous occasions that the Toronto Maple Leafs may be interested in Ruutu.

Kevin Allen of USA Today suggests that Ruutu would be a good fit for the Nashville Predators to bolster their forward group. And show pending pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Ryan Suter that they’re serious about winning at the same time to persuade him to remain with the club.

Boston Globe’s Fluto Shinzawa suggests some time back that the Boston Bruins may pursue the Ruutu — as they have done in the past — to add some depth to their bottom two lines.

Meanwhile, Garrioch reports that the Hurricanes have actually held talks with Ruutu — who is an unrestricted free agent come July 1st — about a contract extension. However, it appears as he may have priced himself out of Carolina. It’s rumored Ruutu is seeking somewhere between $4.0 and 4.5 million on the open market.

What that means is the Hurricanes will more than likely trade Ruutu before the deadline.