Top Teams of The 2009 Trade Deadline

Teams to Look Out for to Make Big Moves at the March 4th Deadline

Feb 4, 2009

With the trade deadline looming in the NHL, here's a look at the top teams to look out for to make some big moves before the trade doors close on March 4th.

The trade deadline is the time of year that every general manager has in mind as the season progresses. The ever popular deadline date is the final chance GMs have to make that move for the final playoff push before the off-season, or the last chance for them to get some value for their star players to begin the rebuilding process early. The 2008 trade deadline saw some big blockbuster deals including Pittsburgh's acquisition of Marian Hossa from Atlanta, Brad Richards' move to the west from Tampa Bay to Dallas and San Jose's Brian Campbell acquisition from Buffalo. These were all blockbuster, ground breaking trades that every hockey fan looks out for.

For 2009, there have been rumours floating around as always. Some are in the works and some are nothing but rumours. Between now and March 4th is when the truth will rise on these rumours to go along with a few surprise trades. Here are a couple of teams to look for at the trade deadlines to either buy or sell.

Sitting in 4th place in the East, the Canadiens want to make that push for the division. Chances are, they won't catch Boston. But at least assuring home ice advantage in the first round is a big plus for the playoffs. Even though Tampa Bay denies the rumours, the Canadiens are still rumoured to be in talks with the Lightning for all-star forward Vincent Lacavalier. Montreal is or was in the rumours of a deal with the Dallas Stars that would include their leading scorer Brad Richards. From the looks of it, the Vinny move is more likely. Why would Dallas sell of their leading scorer when they are sixth in the conference and doing well? Either way, even if neither of these deals happen, look for Montreal to make at least a splash at the deadline, they need some forward help with Robert Lang's rumoured career-ending injury to contend in the playoffs.

From the top of the east to the bottom, the Ottawa Senators are simply everything the Canadiens aren't. No offense, horrid defense and lack of effort every night, some feel sorry for rookie goaltender Brian Elliot to have to stand between those pipes every night. But for everything Eugene Melnyk has said about not selling, the Sens run is over. Of course, they are not mathematically out of the playoff picture yet, but 15 points out of the 8th and last spot to go along with the way they are playing, it's nearly impossible. It's time to rebuild, and where else to start but breaking up the big three. Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza are great together, but their teammates...not so much. Trading off at least one of these guys could help the Sens gather draft picks and prospects and begin the rebuilding process. It has been a joke this year watching the Sens. Whatever anyone says, look for the Sens to sell.

The Pens need to push for that playoff spot. They are three points out, and with their talent they really should be higher. The biggest talk in the rumour mills for the Pens recently is the interest in former Penguin Colby Armstrong. Armstrong went over to the Thrashers last year in the Marian Hossa deal and has put up some strong numbers. Another rumour coming out of Pittsburgh is the interest to move veteran defenseman Ryan Whitney for a forward. Not sure if the Thrashers would take a Colby Armstrong for Ryan Whitney deal without more cookies in the jar though. But the Penguins and Sidney Crosby want to push, and they need help with Jordan Staal struggling.

They don't have much to offer, but there are a few bright spots. Luke Schenn is really the other player that has the 'untouchable' tag, everyone else, including Tomas Kaberle, should be a go for draft picks and prospects. The Leafs' got off to a good start, but simply don't have the talent to contend. Some nights they are good and others they are almost as bad as the Sens are. Again, for everything Brian Burke says about not asking players to waive their no trade clause, look for Kaberle and Pavel Kubina to be asked to waive come March 4th. Nik Antropov could attract some draft picks as well, but the Leafs run for the playoffs never started, so forget about it. It's time to rebuild for both teams in Ontario.

There are a few other teams that may make splashes. Few bigger than Florida, where the Jay Bouwmeester rumours haven't stopped from the off-season. There are a couple teams interested in Bouwmeester's services, and the Panthers really should get something for him in the case that he does opt for free agency. But March 4th will be another fun NHL trade deadline to watch.

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