In perhaps the most surprising deal on trade deadline day, the Vancouver Canucks acquired forward Zack Kassian from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for rookie forward Cody Hodgson.

The two teams also swapped blueliners, with Marc-Andre Gragnani heading to Vancouver and Alexander Sulzer going to Buffalo.

Canucks Perspective

The 6-3, 214-pound Kassian will provide much needed size and toughness to the Canucks. The 13th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft has scored three goals and four assists in 27 games with the Sabres this season, though his offence is not what the Canucks brought him in for.

I like to be physical, but at the same time I like to make plays and chip in offensively. I like sticking up for teammates. I like playing the physical game, and just trying to be an all-around player.

Kassian told TSN that he did not expect to be traded.

I’m shocked, was not expecting this at all.

Still, Ksssian says that he’s excited about playing for a Stanley Cup contender. Gragnani expressed the same sentiments.

Gragnani, who had a strong showing for the Sabres in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs, is a puck moving defenseman who will provide some much needed depth for what the Canucks hope will be a long playoff run.

Sportsnet hockey analyst Brad May says that Gragnani could be the key to the deal because of his showing on the postseason and the skill set he provides.

Gragnani will become a restricted free agent, according to TSN. He currently earns $550,000.

Sabres Perspective

In Hodgson, the Sabres get a player that can provide some much needed secondary scoring. The former 10th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft has scored 16 goals and 17 assists in 63 games with the Canucks this season.

The 22-year-old told TSN shortly after the trade that he was very surprised to be moved as it looked like he was finding his game in Vancouver.

I’m still in shock right now. My phone is blowing up and I don’t know what to think. I’m still trying to think about it and put everything together.

The 27-year-old Sulzer has one assist in 12 games with the Canucks.

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 Los Angeles Kings announced tonight that they have acquired center Jeff Carter from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson and a conditional first round draft pick.

If the Kings make the playoff this year, the Blue Jackets will receive the pick in 2012; otherwise, it will be in 2013.

According to TSN, the deal is conditional on Carter passing a physical — which is said to be a formality, as both clubs have already announced the deal in separate press releases.

Los Angeles’ Perspective

Kings general manager Dean Lombardi — whose job may be on the line if his club doesn’t make the playoffs — has been desperately looking to acquire a goal-scoring forward to bolster his club’s offense appears to have settled on the former Philadelphia Flyer.

Jeff is a proven goal scorer in our league. He brings goal-scoring abilities, speed and at his age he is entering the prime of his career. We also like his versatility as he can play both center and wing.

Carter — who is in the first year of an 11-year, $58 million contract — says he’s excited to join former Flyers teammate Mike Richards in Los Angeles.

I am obviously excited. I am familiar with the team and a lot of guys on the team. I looked at the Kings at the start of the year as being a club in a good position to win. I look forward to coming to L.A. and being a part of it all.

Carter has 15 goals and 10 assists in 39 games with the Blue Jackets this season.

Columbus’ Perspective

Meanwhile, Lombardi’s counterpart in Columbus Scott Howson said in a press release that he is thrilled with picking up Johnson — even though he gave up Jakub Voracek, a first-round draft pick and third-round draft pick to pick up Carter in the first place.

Jack is a talented young defenseman who will strengthen our defense corps and we are very excited to add him to our organization. We are committed to re-shaping our club and moving forward. Adding a player like Jack and a first round pick are important parts of that process.

The Blue Jackets find themselves in rebuild mode after a disastrous season, so their ammo with this trade was to get younger. Howson said that this is an important step in that process.

Johnson is in the first year of a seven-year, $30.5 million contract. In 61 games this season, Johnson has scored eight goals and added 16 assists for 24 points.

The 25-year-old blueliner told SportsNet that he had a feeling he would be moved and says he’s excited about the opportunities awaiting him in Columbus where he will be a key member of their blueline.

Philadelphia Flyers forward James Van Riemsdyk is on the block and would have been traded had he not been concussed earlier in the year, reports the panel on SportsNet‘s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker.

According to SportsNet hockey analyst John Shannon, Van Riemsdyk doesn’t fitting with general manager Paul Holmgren’s plans for the Flyers. While the 2007 second overall draft pick is big, highly skilled, and a great playoff performer thus far in his young NHL career as Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star points out, he is not overly physical — an attribute that apparently doesn’t sit to well with Holmgren. And so he could be moved for a piece that’s more valuable to the Flyers.

The HockeyCentral panel listed the Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Toronto Maple Leafs as potential destination if he were to be dealt.

Kings general manager Dean Lombardi is desperately trying to improve his club’s offense; Van Riemsdyk had 7 goals in 11 games during the 2011 playoffs. Lombardi likes dealing with teams that he’s familiar with, and since he worked for the Flyers after being fired from San Jose, the two teams could end up as trading partners.

Sharks general manager Doug Wilson has an affinity for big-bodied, talented players and doesn’t put a premium on their physicality. Wilson, too, is looking to add a scorer.

TSN’s Darren Dreger reported recently that the Blue Jackets have asked for Van Riemsdyk, as part of a package that also included Sergei Bobrovsky, Brayden Schenn or Sean Couturier, in exchange for their captain, Rick Nash. If the Flyers want Nash, Van Riemsdyk must be included in any trade.

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

The Flyers were said to be close to dealing Van Riemsdyk to Toronto for blueliner Luke Schenn. The New Jersey native had been linked to the Maple Leafs long before he suffered his concussion on January 12th, as Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun, and others have reported. Rumors about a potential deal with Toronto have died down, and after picking up defensemen Nicklas Grossman and Pavel Kubina, it’s unclear whether the Flyers have any interest in Schenn anymore, as Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun points out.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn. Photo courtesy Flickr user bridgetds.

Meanwhile, Van Riemsdyk told Sarah Baicker of CSNPhilly and other reporters during a media scrum back on February 17 that hearing his name in rumors has been difficult. Especially when his character was being taken into question. Internet chatter had the 22-year-old winger “playing hurt” to avoid being traded.

It’s funny when people question your character that have never even met you before. That’s one thing I pride myself on, is being a hard-working guy that has a high character. And when people say that about you, you can only just laugh about it and just let it roll off you.

I’m not selfish. If that [getting traded] is to happen, whatever. It’s part of the game. So I’m just going to focus on what’s going on now, and that’s playing and helping the Flyers win games.

TSN’s Darren Dreger is reporting that the Carolina Hurricanes are awaiting an answer from pending unrestricted free agent forward Tuomo Ruutu on their latest contract offer.

And they have set Wednesday as a deadline.

Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford told Chip Alexander of the Charlotte Observer February 16 that the parameters for a contract extension were know to both sides at that time.

Both sides have a full understanding of the parameters and now we have to see where it goes. This is not something that has to drag on. We’ve gone through how it would work, for both sides — the upsides, the downsides. By the first of next week we should have a better understanding of where the situation stands.

On a recent segment of SportsNet‘s Sources Say, the panel reported that Ruutu wants a six-year deal — the priority for Ruutu is term — at a little less than $27.0 million in total. The Hurricanes are said to be offering no more than four years, due to their concerns that since the 29-year-old plays a hard-hitting, tough, gritty game, he may break down part way through his multi-year deal.

Should Ruutu turn down the Hurricanes’ offer, it’s believed he will be dealt prior to the February 27 trade deadline.

However, that is not a priority for the Hurricanes. Rutherford added back on the 16th that he was focused on getting Ruutu signed and has not shopped him.

I haven’t even looked at that. For seven to 10 days now we’ve been moving forward on trying to get the contract extension done.

Rutherford would not have to look hard to find suitors for his player, if he were to changes his mind.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that the Ottawa Senators, along with the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators are interested in acquiring Ruutu’s services.

The Hurricanes want a top prospect (like Mark Stone or Stefan Noesen from the Senators, which they would balk at) along with a first-round draft pick return, according to Garrioch.

Still, some suggest that because Ruutu is currently injured, and out of action for two to three more weeks, teams may back off or accept the fact that he won’t play for them for some time.

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.

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.

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.

Look for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Derick Brassard to remain with the club, according to SportsNet‘s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker panel.

After consistently being made a healthy scratch during the first quarter of the season and a spat with then Blue Jackets head coach Scott Arniel, it was almost a foregone conclusion that Brassard would be shipped out of Columbus.

Brassard’s lack of production was blamed on Arniel by Brassard’s agent, Allan Walsh. Walsh went as far as releasing a public statement stating his displeasure with Arniel’s handling of his client.

While I have tremendous respect for Scott Howson and the rest of Columbus’ management team, the situation regarding Derick Brassard has become untenable. This coach has a history of burying players and using them as scapegoats to mask his own lack of success on the ice. Derick has been singled out, almost from the very beginning of the season to be the fall guy in case things don’t go well. The Columbus organization cares about Derick and has been good to him, but at some point enough is enough.

Since then, however, Arniel has been dismissed as the club’s head coach and Brassard’s play has been much improved, leading the SportsNet’s panel to conclude that the sixth-overall pick in the 2006 draft will not be moved by the Blue Jackets.

Earlier talk had a number of teams investigating the possibility of trading for Brassard.

CBC’s Elliotte Friedman reported back in mind-January that the Chicago Blackhawks have expressed interest in Brassard. Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson wouldn’t comment on those rumors, but did say that the 24-year-old playmaker may not be traded after all. Jeremy Lynn of Comcast SportsNet Chicago added that a trade between two division rivals is highly unlikely, but due to Chicago’s need for a center it may not be out of the question. What may turn the Blackhawks away from picking up Brassard could be the player’s $3.2 million average salary and his uneven play this season.

And it appears that that may have been the case as the Blackhawks acquired center Brendan Morrison from the Calgary Flames January 27th. It’s unknown whether they still remain interested in Brassard, but the club is still keeping an eye on the Blue Jackets.

CBS Sports reported few days ago that scouts from 10 different teams were present at a recent Blue Jackets game against the Dallas Stars. The list of teams included the Blackhawks, as well as Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks.

SportsNet’s Patrick Hoffman reported in late January that the Flames, Stars, Florida Panthers, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have also shown interest in Brassard. While the SportsNet’s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker panel listed the Los Angeles Kings (who are in dire need of some scoring help), Carolina Hurricanes (who need a setup man for Eric Stall), and the Devils (who are unsure about the future of center Zach Parise) as possible destinations should the Blue Jackets look to move Brassard.

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.

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.

While the fire sale hasn’t started just yet in Columbus, many expect that it is a matter of when not if. Forget Rick Nash and Jeff Carter, though. The overhaul of the Blue Jacket’s roster will start with forward Samuel Pahlsson, according to the SportsNet’s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker panel.

It is widely believed — by NHL.com Senior Writer Dan Rosen, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch, and USA Today’s Kevin Allen, among others — that Pahlsson will attract much interest from playoff-bound teams looking for defensive help on their bottom-two forward lines.

Pahlsson’s size, penalty killing and faceoff abilities, as well as his leadership qualities, are a perfect mix for teams looking to add depth to their playoff rosters.

It also doesn’t hurt that he is an impending unrestricted free agent with a reasonable $2.65 million salary, and a Stanley Cup winner with the Anaheim Ducks.

And it could be that Stanley Cup ring he won in Anaheim that may bring him to Toronto, suggests SportsNet’s John Shannon.

According to Shannon, the Maple Leafs have let it be known that they are in the market for a good defensive center with strong faceoff skills. With Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke’s ties to Pahlsson from their Cup-winning days in Anaheim, it is fair to assume that he would at least investigate the possibility of bringing his former player to help his new club capture a playoff spot for the first time since the 2004-2004 season.

The SportsNet panel also indicated that the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks may also present some interest in the Swedish forward.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash is telling close personal friends that he would not be opposed to parting ways with his current club, according to SportsNet‘s John Shannon.

Nash allegedly has become fed up with the constant rebuild happening with the Blue Jackets and wants to play on a winner. However, he will not demand a trade. He will only waive the no-trade clause in his contract if Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson approaches him to do so.

But do the Blue Jackets have any intentions in dealing their captain and the face of their franchise?

Reports by the Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch and Andy Strickland of True Hockey indicate that Columbus have higher priorities that trading Nash. And that would include moving struggling forward Jeff Carter and his massive contract. There is no indication at the moment that Nash is being shopped.

In the case that the Blue Jackets put Nash on the trade block, Garrioch believes that it would take a hefty package to acquire the Olympic gold medalist: at least a top young player, a prospect and a first round draft pick.

Garrioch claims that the Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers would be interested, but Nash’s $7.8 million cap hit through 2018 may be a deterrent.

One team that wouldn’t have problems accommodating Nash’s salary and cap hit, is the Toronto Maple Leafs.

And wouldn’t you know it? Nash’s name has actually been linked to the Maple Leafs, as Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star wrote.

Internet rumors, fueled by AM 640 hockey analyst Bill Watters, ran rampant earlier this week that Nash would be heading to Toronto along with forward Kristian Huselius, in exchange for forwards Mikhail Grabovski and Nazem Kadri, and defensemen Luke Schenn and Mike Komisarek.

Those reports were quickly debunked by TSN’s Darren Dreger, who reported that Maple Leafs general manager has not had any conversations with the Blue Jackets about Nash — who was born in Brampton, Ontario, just outside of Toronto.

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.

Is Dallas Stars forward Brenden Morrow on the trade block? The SportsNet’s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker panel doesn’t believe that is the case at the moment. But things could change as the February 27 trade deadline nears.

If the Stars are sellers, Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News believes that Morrow would be among a number of players the club would want to move. However, a decision on whether they’re buyers or sellers may not be made until sometime in February.

Should the Stars find themselves in a playoff spot, Heika suggests that general manager Joe Nieuwendyk may actually look to bolster his roster rather than gut it.

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, team sources indicate that the club won’t move their captain before the trade deadline. But while they’re not shopping him, the possibility still remains Morrow could be moved under the right circumstances. Since Morrow is the owner of a no-trade clause in his contract, he can dictate what those circumstances are.

As suggested in the Dallas Morning News, it may be easier said than done to get the caeer Star to waive his NTC.

If he were to be made available for trade, however, McKenzie reports that there would be a lot of suitors.

TSN’s Darren Dreger expects the Detroit Red Wings, who are looking to add a veteran forward for the playoffs, would display interest in Morrow. But would the Stars really deal with one of their biggest rivals? Perhaps if the price is right.

While Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal believes he would be a great fit for the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks, as well, the Stars may not want to move the 33-year-old to any Western Conference team.

The New York Rangers, where former teammate Brad Richards could put in a good word for him, and the Washington Capitals who could use some veteran leadership may be two options in the Eastern Conference.

SportsNet analyst Denis Potvin suggests that Morrow and his leadership abilities may be able to turn the Buffalo Sabres’ fortunes around, while Doug MacLean listed the Ottawa Senators and the Maple Leafs as a couple of teams that would covet the Stars captain.

Due to his reasonable cap hit of $4.1 million, and the packages received for “lesser” players in recent trades, Matheson speculates that the asking price for Morrow could be a first round draft pick and either a top-six forward or a top-four defenseman.

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.

On a recent edition of SportsNet‘s HockeyCentral Trade Tracker, the Jeff Marek, John Shannon, and Brad May discussed the possibility of the Buffalo Sabres putting center Derek Roy on the trade block.

Roy, who has been in a season-long slump, could be one of several Sabres in play come the February 27 trade deadline.

However, the club has not decided on a direction yet — will they be sellers, will they stay the course and hope the current lineup will come out of their current slump, or may they even try to pick up players to take a run at a playoff spot according to the SportsNet panel. And until that decision is made, Roy will remain a Sabre.

But others report that the Sabres have already decided to be sellers.

Michael Russo of the Star Tribune believes that the Sabres are in fact ready to start juggling their roster and deal some of the team’s underachievers — with Roy being on of those players.

Like Russo, TSN’s Daren Dreger reports that “Roy’s name is certainly ‘out there’” and that there’s a “reasonable chance” the Sabres will move him or at least be presented with “a number of legit” trade offers prior to the trade deadline.

If he were to be made available for trade, the SportsNet panel speculated the Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, and New Jersey Devils would be interested.

Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News reports that the Anaheim Ducks have actually inquired about Roy.

Roy is signed through the 2012-13 season and has a salary of $5.5 million and a cap hit of $4.0 million. You have to wonder what kind of return the 28-year-old, 5-foot-9 Roy may garner. Especially since the Ottawa native has struggled mightily this season.

The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reports that Sabres’ general manager Darcy Regier would like to add some size to his forward group, preferably a center.

Meanwhile, after his name started popping up in rumors on “Hockey Night in Canada” earlier in the month, Roy told Harrington that he’s more worried about getting his game on the ice together rather than what may or may not happen off the ice.

It’s fine. It’s whatever people say. You can’t worry about it and do anything about it. You have to go out and play your game. Everyone here is trying to do their job, whether it’s stopping the puck, playing defense and scoring goals. We all have to do our part.