USA TODAY International Edition
Trade time
Ales Hemsky is among possible NHL rentals,
The path to the Stanley Cup might be through Columbus or Edmonton. At least, you’d think that if you checked out travel expenses submitted by pro scouts from NHL contenders over the last few weeks.
The Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets have been identified as top troughs for the feeding frenzy expected at the Feb. 27 trade deadline.
Long out of the playoff race, the Blue Jackets have Vinny Prospal and Sami Pahlsson available as rental players. Plus, Columbus seems open to trading Jeff Carter if a team is willing to accept a contract that runs for 10 more seasons.
The Oilers have forwards Ryan Smyth and Ales Hemsky plus 6- 6 defenseman Andy Sutton as rentals. Smyth has a notrade clause.
Sam Gagner, who had eight points Thursday, has been the center of trade talk, although Edmonton might be reluctant to deal a player who is 22.
A look at the rest of the Western Conference:
Anaheim Ducks: The most likely player to be traded is still Jason Blake. He and Niklas Hagman are the team’s potential unrestricted free agents. Teams will call and ask whether Teemu Selanne will waive his no- trade clause, but he has resisted in the past. One thing to consider: Lubomir Visnovsky is a skillful defenseman who will earn $ 3 million next season but will have a $ 5.25 million cap hit. He could be a nice fit for a team that doesn’t go to the cap limit.
Calgary Flames: General manager Jay Feaster seems to have an all- in philosophy, meaning he is open to making a big deal to improve the team’s chances of making the playoffs. The Flames are interested in the Carolina Hurricanes’ Tuomo Ruutu. They have a bushel of potential unrestricted free agents who could be moved to upgrade the offense.
Chicago Blackhawks: Needing a defenseman, GM Stan Bowman could call former assistant Kevin Cheveldayoff about Johnny Oduya. Several defenseman could be available, including Mark Eaton, Hal Gill, Steve Staios, Jaroslav Spacek and Bryan Allen.
Colorado Avalanche: The Avalanche remain in the race, and their trade- deadline strategy is to be determined. But they have defensive depth, and teams are looking for tough defensemen. Shane O’brien might be a fit for someone.
Dallas Stars: With the Stars trying to restore fan support, they need a strong bid to make the playoffs. That would seem to mean they’d hang on to potential unrestricted free agents Nicklas Grossman and Sheldon Souray. On the top of Dallas’ wish list is a top- six forward.
Detroit Red Wings: The Red Wings have no glaring holes but could bolster their defensive depth or add size up front. Although the talk in the hockey world is about Detroit’s need for a backup goalie, Jimmy Howard ( broken finger) isn’t expected to be out for long.
Los Angeles Kings: The team needs scoring up front but is low on cap space. Would a team take Dustin Penner? That would free up space.
Minnesota Wild: The Wild, hit hard by injuries, rank 28th in scoring and are scrapping to hold on to the final playoff spot. GM Chuck Fletcher has been looking for help for two months but won’t give up top prospects. Defenseman Marek Zidlicky has fallen out of favor, and his puckmoving ability might have trade value. Defenseman Greg Zanon can be unrestricted this summer. There seems to be interest in goalie Josh Harding. Could there be a fit between the Wild and Tampa Bay Lightning?
Nashville Predators: GM David Poile wants to strengthen his team for a Stanley Cup run and to show Shea Weber and Ryan Suter how serious the franchise is about winning. He will try to land a top- six scorer and a gritty defenseman. The Predators, who have drafted well, have assets to use, including Alexander Radulov’s rights and young defenseman Jonathon Blum.
Phoenix Coyotes: GM Don Maloney has money to spend if the Coyotes are in the hunt. If they fall out, they have desirable players, winger Ray Whitney chief among them. Daymond Langkow, Michal Rozsival and Adrian Aucoin are potential unrestricted free agents.
St. Louis Blues: Now considered a legitimate contender, the Blues should look for another top- four defenseman. They could part with Chris Stewart, whose production is down.
San Jose Sharks: The Toronto Sun reported the Sharks were interested in Montreal Canadiens forward Travis Moen.
Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks want to add size and skill up front. Goalie Cory Schneider is an interesting asset, but the Canucks would get more if they waited until the summer to deal him. Plus, Vancouver might need him this spring if Roberto Luongo falters.