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

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager met with his Columbus Blue Jackets counterpart Scott Howson today to discuss a potential trade for Rick Nash, according to SportsNet.

SportsNet’s Nick Kypreos speculated that the Blue Jackets would want a combination of players from the Maple Leafs that could include Nazem Kadri, Luke Schenn, Nikolai Kulemin and maybe James Reimer.

According to the Toronto Star’s Damien Cox, if the Maple Leafs have any notion of trading for Nash the Blue Jackets will undoubtedly want blueliner Jake Gardiner as part of a larger package. It’s believed that the Maple Leafs are not prepared to deal their talented defenseman but have other young roster players and/or prospects that they may be willing to offer Columbus instead such as Kadri, Tyler Biggs and Matt Frattin.

For that reason, they could be one of the few clubs willing to meet Howson’s ransom for Nash. In addition, the Maple Leafs have the wherewithal to deal with the financial side of a Nash trade — which may not be the case for other teams.

The list of five teams that Nash recently presented the Jackets is made up of teams that Nash would prefer to go to, but not the only ones he would approve, Elliotte Friedman reported on the latest edition of CBC‘s Satellite Hotstove.

The understanding between the club and the player is that if the Blue Jackets found a deal they liked with a team not on Nash’s list they could go back to him for approval.

The consensus among the analysts on the Hotstove panel is that both the Blue Jackets and Nash would very much prefer to part ways before the February 27 trade deadline and not have to wait until the summer.

SportsNet hockey analyst Nick Kypreos, agrees, and suggests that Howson is shopping Nash throughout the League — not just the aforementioned five teams — to create a market for him, and potentially spark a bidding war.

This may be due in part to the market for Nash shrinking because of the asking price set by Howson of an impact player, two top prospects, and a first round draft pick, nor can they afford Nash’s $7.8 million cap hit.

Apparently, the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Vancouver Canucks have taken themselves out of the Nash sweepstakes for various reasons.

The Canucks don’t have the salary cap room because they are currently over the cap due to players they had bring in to replace players on long-term injury reserves.

The Flyers face similar cap constraints, especially after the recent additions of blueliners Nicklas Grossman and Pavel Kubina. Hotstove panelist Eric Francis is baffled how the Flyers could have interest in Nash — Howson and Flyers general manager Paul Homlgren apparently met at a Flyers game to discuss a potential deal. They would have to dump a lot of salary to bring in Nash.

Also, Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly reports that the Flyers do not want to part with forwards Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier. Frank Seravalli of the Daily News suggests that the Flyers don’t really need Nash.

Bruins general manger Peter Chiarelli has said he will not part with goalie Tuukka Rask or young defenseman Dougie Hamilton, but the Boston Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont lists David Krejci or Milan Lucic, and Johnny Boychuk or Adam McQuaid as potential trade bait.

While SportsNet hockey analyst John Shannon reports that Blue Jackets special advisor Craig Patrick was in Hartford last week watching the Rangers’ farm team, the Rangers do not want to trade defensemen Michael Del Zotto or Ryan McDonagh.

Larry Brooks of NY Post points out that the Rangers may face diffculties retaining their core players if they bring in Nash.

For those reason, many general managers around the NHL believe the deal will be made in the summer, a larger number of teams will have more flexibility to fit Nash’s cap hit. Shannon is of the opinion that because the Blue Jackets’ efforts to deal Nash have become so public, the Columbus captain will surely be traded by deadline.

Something that could benefit Toronto greatly, if they’ll have the willingness to part with the assets required and make the necessary financial adjustments to get a deal done.

Lastly, Friedman pointed out during the Hotstove that which ever team ends up with Nash, they will be inheriting his no-trade clause.

There are conflicting reports on whether the New York Islanders will make pending unrestricted free agent forward P.A. Parenteau available if the two sides do no come to an agreement on a new contract before the February 27 trade deadline.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported Saturday that Islanders general managers Garth Snow has put all of the club’s UFAs — including Parenteau — on the trade market.

SportsNet hockey analyst Nick Kypreos believes that the Islanders will trade Parenteau to acquire some much needed assets, and then perhaps look into re-signing him in the summer if he were to become a free agent.

Meanwhile, SportsNet hockey analyst John Shannon isn’t convinced he will be moved because the Islanders are still in a playoff race and the club will need his offense if they are to have a chance.

Parenteau’s agent, Allan Walsh, told Darren Dreger of TSN last Wednesday that while his client hopes to get a deal done with the Islanders before he hits free agency July 1st, the two would prefer to hold off contract negotiations while the club is trying to lock down a playoff spot.

He’s made it very clear from the outset that he’s highly motivated to stay with the New York Islanders. The Islanders gave him his first real opportunity to thrive in the NHL, he has a fantastic relationship with his teammates, the coaches, Garth Snow and the fans. Most importantly, P.A. sees the Islanders trending up and believes they will be a contending team for many years to come.

With that being said, the Islanders are currently six points out of a playoff spot. Now is the time to play hockey, not to discuss or focus on contracts. When the season is over, I’m sure both parties will work diligently towards an agreement that will ensure a mutual long term commitment to one another.

However, Walsh’s stance may be a negotiation ploy, since, as Arthur Staple of Newsday, the two sides are far apart on dollar figures.

I’ve never been in this good a [negotiating] position, so it’s tough to think about. It’s in the back of my mind a little bit, but we still have some games to win here and that’s what I care about.

Staple claims the 29-year-old will look to cash in on his next contract, possibly asking for triple the $1.25 million he is earning this season.

This contract is going to be my only big one left. I want to make sure I’ll be paid at my value. Having said that, I love it here and I’ve said all along I’d love to stay here.

Garrioch suggested back on February 11 that Parenteau could sign a four or five year contract extension, though it doesn’t necessarily have to happen before the deadline.

But if the Islanders and Parenteau don’t close the gap in salary as the deadline nears, the club could also end up shopping him.

Shannon reports that the Ottawa Senators have already called the Islanders to inquire about him. Shannon adds that if Carolina Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu doesn’t become available, teams interested in him will turn their attention to Parenteau.

Kypreos has the Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers and any contender looking to add secondary scoring as potential suitors.

Lastly, Chuck Gormley of CSNWashington suggests that the Washington Capitals may try to add Parenteau as a rental, as they are looking for a gritty second-line forward.

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.

Nick Kypreos reported during the latest segment of SportsNet’s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker that the Vancouver Canucks are showing interest in Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter.

The Canucks want to add a big body who can play on their top-two lines, and see Carter as a fit. Apparently, Vancouver isn’t worried about Carter’s long-term contract and may make a play for him before this year’s February 27 trade deadline.

According to Kypreos, the Canucks are likely to use forward Mason Raymond as part of the package they would use to acquire Carter, or another player that adds some size and meanness to their forward group and/or blueline.

Vancouver Canucks forward Mason Raymond.

Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province suggested in late January that the Canucks need a 6-2, 215-pound forward like Travis Moen of the Montreal Canadiens. Moen is having a career year offensively, but still plays a gritty game and fights when he has to. On top of that, the pending unrestricted free agent has a manageable cap hit of $1.5 million. He would make for a great playoff rental.

Montreal Canadiens forward Travis Moen.

McIntyre also wrote that Raymond will likely be used as trade bait because he’s “probably the easiest forward to move” on the Canucks, while CBC hockey analyst Ray Ferraro told Jason Botchford the Vancouver Province that Raymond has become redundant on the Canucks.

Mason would have to be obtuse not to look around and see if they’re going to make a deal here, [he] might be one of the guys in the deal. He would have to be. Just do it with simple math.

Look at the first line, it’s not going to be one of those two wingers. It’s not Daniel [Sedin)]and it’s not [Alex] Burrows. It’s not [Chris] Higgins and it’s not [David] Booth. You get to the third line and it’s not Hansen. Could be Raymond. You get to the fourth line and [Dale] Weise and Malhotra aren’t going to bring any return. It gets down pretty quick, doesn’t it?

Jason Brough of NBC’s ProHockeyTalk thinks that Raymond would be a good fit for teams looking to get faster and more skilled on their top-two lines. McIntyre believes some general managers may feel that with more playing time the 26-year-old could perhaps become the next Michael Grabner who “bloomed” when given a larger role than the one he had with a deep Canucks team.

The SportsNet’s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker panel listed the Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, and Ottawa Senators as potential trading partners for Raymond because they could all use a speedy, skilled forward like him.

Edmonton Oilers forward Sam Gagner could double his $2.28 million salary in arbitration next summer, according to SportsNet hockey analyst Nick Kypreos.

Gagner will be a restricted free agent come July 1st. He has 11 goals and 23 assists and has been playing third line minutes the entire season. However, Kypreos suggests that he could get over $4.0 million.

And that may be reason enough for the Oilers to trade him.

The Oilers will have to lock up their big guns, i.e. Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, to long-term big-money contracts soon, so will they be willing to invest that much money on Gagner?

Perhaps if he proves that he can take his game to another level. SportsNet hockey analyst Doug MacLean says the Oilers should trade Shawn Horcoff and give Gagner a shot to replace him on the second line (see video below).

During the latest SportsNet’s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker segment, the panel also speculated Gagner’s trade value was at it’s highest. But if the Oilers haven’t been able to parlay Gagner into the top-four defenseman they covet so much yet, there’s a probability that they won’t be able to do so before the February 27 trade deadline.

Should Gagner performs well as a second line center over the remainder of this season, however, teams may be more inclined to make a defenseman available to the Oilers in the summer.

If he were to be traded this before the deadline, Kypreos believes Gagner could cost a first round draft pick and a third round pick but would not be able to get the Oilers the blueliner they want on his own.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have received calls about the availability of forward Mikhail Grabovski, reports Toronto Sun’s Terry Koshan and TSN’s Darren Dreger.

TSN’s Insider Trading panel also reported that Grabovski could definitely be in play heading into the trade deadline.

Grabovski will be unrestricted free agent July 1st so his status with the club is in limbo at the moment — especially when talk of a new contract is non-existent.

On a recent segment of HockeyCentral’s Trade Tracker (see above video), panelists Doug MacLean, Scott Morrison, and Nick Kypreos speculated whether or not Grabovski will be dealt before the February 27 trade deadline, and his potential trade value.

His status as a UFA, the fact that he is on pace to set career high in goals, and his relative low salary of $3.1 million, and even lower caphit, were among some of the reasons why teams may want to take a flyer on Grabovski for a playoff run.

Contrary to Koshan and Dreger, MacLean reported that there isn’t much demand for the 27-year-old forward and only sees Grabovski being dealt as a throw-in in a package for a top-six forward. Morrison countered that Grabovski might actually be one of the main pieces in a deal for the elusive top-six forward with size that the Maple Leafs are looking to acquire.

Regardless, MacLean quoted Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke as saying that “He is not being traded. He is not being shopped.” Burke told Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star virtually the same thing.

We’re not even close to that. That will be a factor, whether a guy is unrestricted or not, but I accept unrestricted guys, too, if they can help us get to where we want to get.

Burke goes on to tell Zwolinski that while there’s nothing to report on the Grabovski front, he is looking to improve his club ahead of February 27.

If we can better ourselves, then that’s your job all year. That has nothing to do with the trade deadline. If someone stepped up with the right deal tomorrow, we would do it.

However, that doesn’t mean he’ll end up making any moves.

[I]f they (trades) are not there, then they’re not there. Sometimes, you have to keep pitching. I’ve done that (last-minute shopping), too. We’re doing a lot of listening and working the phones. Nothing I would characterize as imminent or close.

Meanwhile, Kypreos suggested that Grabovski would only garner a second-round draft pick if he were dealt on his own. And if he were to be moved, MacLean believes Grabovski would be a good fit for the Nashville Predators.

Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini could be taking calls on a number of players.

Edmonton Oilers forward Ales Hemsky. Photo courtesy Flickr user bridgetds.

One of them is forward Ales Hemsky, according to the Edmonton Journal and NHL general manager and SportsNet analyst Doug MacLean.

I would say he most definitely will be traded at the deadline. This guy is a pretty good hockey player… but for whatever reason, this season he simply hasn’t been able to get it done. His durability comes into major question.

MacLean adds that the Oilers may not receive as much as they think for Hemsky.

I don’t see teams paying a big price.

Fellow SportsNet analyst Nick Kypreos suggests that the pending unrestricted free agent could be much sought after since as many as 15 teams are looking to add a top-six forward. The list includes the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, and the Washington Capitals.

There’s a lot of teams right now looking for a top six forward and he certainly fits the bill.

The Edmonton Journal believes that the surprising Senators — looking to bolster their offence for a playoff run — could be a major player for Hemsky.

As for what the Oilers would want in return Hemsky, the consensus is that they need a puck-moving defenseman — someone like Ryan Ellis of the Nashville Predators.

However, the Predators may not want to move Ellis because a) of fears they may lose Ryan Suter via free agency this summer and don’t want to deplete their blueline, and b) Hemsky is a rental.

The Edmonton Journal quotes an NHL scout saying that the Predators may have some interest in another Oilers forward — one with more grit.

I think the Predators would rather have Ryan Smyth if he was available than Hemsky.

Ryan Smyth is unlikely to go anywhere, though. There’s very little chance he waives the no-trade clause in his contract to accommodate a trade.

The Oilers are also said to covet Buffalo Sabres’ Drew Stafford. However, the Sabres are looking to add a top-six forward and the Oilers don’t have anyone to trade them that would qualify. Including Hemsky, who is more of a depth player now than a front-line player.

Meanwhile, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that Nikolai Khabibulin could also be on the move. While Tambellini isn’t shopping the veteran goalie, teams in need of an upgrade between the pipes could come calling. Garrioch expects the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs to be among the teams interested.

Edmonton Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin. Photo courtesy Flickr user bridgetds.

Lastly, Edmonton Journal’s Jonathan Willis suggests that veteran defenseman Andy Sutton could pique the interest of teams looking to shore up their depth to their blueline with some sand paper.