The NHL trade deadline is one of the most exciting times of any hockey season as playoff contending teams build up their rosters for a Stanley Cup run, while non-playoff teams trade away impending free agents, veterans, and other assets for prospects and draft picks to rebuild their teams. With the 2009 trade deadline only a few days away, I'm going to take a look at some of the players who will most likely be dealt by the 3:00 PM, March 4 deadline. In no particular order, they are:
1. Bill Guerin, C, New York Islanders - On Saturday night, Guerin was a late scratch by the Islanders and it was quickly rumored that he was being traded to an Eastern Conference team. On Sunday, it was rumored that the team acquiring Guerin was either the Montreal Canadiens or Washington Capitals, but the rumors were quickly shot down in those markets. Other teams stating they were not trading for Guerin were New Jersey, Boston, and Carolina. The team that was supposedly acquiring Guerin was being kept secret so the deal would not fall through, but no trade was announced as of Sunday night and it's believed the deal fell through. Whether the Islanders and the mystery team are still working out details or the trade was cancelled, Guerin will be dealt by Wednesday. Whoever he gets traded to, he will bring plenty of offensive depth and veteran experience to the team, especially in the playoffs.
2. Derek Morris, D, Phoenix Coyotes - With the Coyotes currently in a free-fall, it has become apparent they will be sellers at the deadline. Morris has reportedly given Coyotes GM Don Maloney a list of teams he's willing to life his no-trade clause to accept a trade to. In the meantime, he has decided not to play in any games until a trade is completed so as not to risk an injury. Rumor has it that Morris is only willing to accept a trade to an Eastern Conference team. Which ever team acquires Morris will be getting a decent, physical veteran defenseman that will help them in the playoffs.
3. Niclas Havelid, D, Atlanta Thrashers - The Thrashers will once again be sellers at the trade deadline and Niclas Havelid is currently their most marketable player. He is a decent puck-moving defenseman who could really help out a team's power play. Expect to see him get dealt to a team looking to add defensive depth for the playoffs, such as Boston, New Jersey, or Calgary.
4. Nik Antropov, C, Toronto Maple Leafs - Ever since Brian Burke took over as GM of the Maple Leafs, Antropov has topped the list of most likely Leafs players to be dealt by the trade deadline. Burke has stated that he wants a first round draft pick in return for Antropov, which seems kind of steep for a player who is having an average season. However, there are plenty of teams looking for offensive depth at center and some may be desperate enough to part with a first rounder to improve their offense. Even though the asking price for Antropov is high, he will still likely be dealt by Wednesday.
5. Jordan Leopold, D, Colorado Avalanche - With the Avalanche in last place in the Western Conference and currently 10 points out of the playoffs, it appears that they are going to be sellers at the trade deadline. Jordan Leopold's name has popped up in rumors over the past few weeks and it appears the Avalanche are keen to move him. Expect Leopold to wind up with a team looking for a depth defenseman, with rumors that Boston is very interested in his services.
6. Chris Neil, RW, Ottawa Senators - Since the beginning of the 2008-09 season, it has been rumored that this would be Neil's last season in Ottawa and that he would test the free agent market in the summer. While Senators GM Brian Murray would like to re-sign Neil prior to the deadline, rumors have popped up that contract negotiations have stalled. If that is the case, then expect to see Neil playing elsewhere by Wednesday. He would be a good pick-up for a playoff team seeking a physical winger for their penalty kill and checking lines.
7. Mark Recchi, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning - With the Tampa Bay Lightning sitting near the bottom of the standings in the Eastern Conference, they have decided to become sellers at the deadline. Among their most marketable players is Recchi, who has had a decent season thus far. Expect to see him get dealt to a Stanley Cup contender seeking scoring depth to their wing.
8. Ville Koistinen, D, Nashville Predators - Koistinen has been a frequent healthy scratch for the Predators over the past several weeks. He is reportedly unhappy over the situation and has requested a trade. The Predators will likely accommodate him and deal him to a team seeking defensive depth in the form of a fifth or sixth defenseman.
9. Mathieu Dandenault, RW/D, Montreal Canadiens - Dandenault has been a healthy scratch many times this season for the Canadiens and recently went to GM Bob Gainey and politely requested to be traded. He could likely generate plenty of interest from teams given his speed and his ability to play both as a forward ad defenseman. Expect a playoff team looking for veteran depth in either of those two areas to acquire Dandenault.
10. Ian Laperriere, C, Colorado Avalanche - With Laperriere set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, rumors have surfaced over the past few weeks that the Avalanche could trade him by the deadline. It is highly likely that Laperriere will be dealt to a playoff team seeking a physical center. Expect him to be on the move by Wednesday.
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