Anytime the trade deadline creeps along, there's always a firestorm of speculation of who and where a player may be shipped to. Some trades come right out of the clear blue sky like the Avalanche/Blues trade and some are written on the wall. This is some players who we're pretty sure they're going to get shipped.
Tomas Vokoun - G - Panthers
Sounds like some teams are interested in the goalie since he's the cheapest, most solid option out there for any playoff team if they're dealing with injuries or would like to add depth to their tandem. The sticking point is his No-Trade clause that's in his contract. He can block any trade or, if he likes the team enough, he can void it and be traded to a team. However, if the Panthers are in full sell mode, don't be surprised if they have to take anything or anyone just to trade him off and get some kind of return.
More after the jump...
John-Michael Liles - D - Avalanche
At least this one was a little easy to point out. The Maple Leafs have made it known that Liles is one of five defenseman they're going after since they traded away Tomas Kaberle last week. What seems odd is that Toronto is 6 points away from the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference so if Liles is shipped to Toronto, he won't be drastically improved and perhaps do worse since Toronto isn't an improvement to playing in Colorado. It's unknown at this time who the other four defensemen Toronto is seeking.
Bryan McCabe - D - Panthers
Another offensive defenseman on the market and plenty of teams are interested since he can instantly help any team for $1.2 million cap hit. He's missed more than a month due to a broken jaw but the bigger sticking point is that, much like Vokoun, he has a No-Trade clause. He's recently returned to action and even may be available on your FA pool. If he's there, give him a shot and see what happens if he gets shipped somewhere else. If not, at least you get a guy that help your points in the final month into the season.
Dennis Wideman - D - Panthers
I told you the Panthers were in full sell mode. Many teams are also interested in Wideman but he does not have a No-Trade clause. He's been their best contributor on the blue line but his horrific -26 and one year left of his 3.6 million contract makes the Panthers want to get the most bang for their buck.
Johan Hedberg - G - Devils
The Devils are in the worse position for any NHL team. They've been one of the hottest teams in the NHL yet they are 9 points away from the final playoff spot. Do the Devils want to sell Hedberg and Jason Arnott before the deadline or do they still want to push for the final spot? Realistically, their chances are slim but not impossible. That being said, I would have Arnott on speed dial just in case he gets moved to a contender and can stand to get a bit of a boost.
If more names pop-up, I'll update the article and let you know how things stand before the trade deadline.