NHL trade deadline rumors are heating up in the waning hours before the league’s window for trades closes, with a handful of teams looking to make big moves and some high-profile names being thrown out.
The annual NHL trade deadline bonanza got kicked off earlier this year when the Buffalo Sabres traded All-Star goaltender Ryan Miller to the St. Louis Blues for goalie Jaroslav Halak, forward Chris Stewart, prospect William Carrier, a 2015 first-round pick and a conditional 2016 third-round pick.
The trade turned what looked to be a soft market for goalies into a selling spree, with Ilya Bryzgalov going to the Minnesota Wild and Roberto Luongo headed to the Florida Panthers in the days since the blockbuster between the Sabres and Blues.
NHL trade deadline rumors indicate that more goaltenders could move before Wednesday’s 3 pm ET deadline. Halak, who has yet to play for the Buffalo Sabres, could already be on the move as the team looks to continue stockpiling draft picks as part of their rebuilding effort.
New York Rangers captain Ryan Callahan could also be on the move. Though it once looked as if he were a lock to stay with the Rangers, who are fighting for playoff position, his inability to come to a contract extension with the team is kicking up NHL trade deadline rumors.
Big day for Ryan Callahan and the Rangers. Goal is to have a deal in place today. If not, a trade will be really possible. #tvasports
— Renaud Lavoie (@LavoieRenaud) March 4, 2014
But under the gun of the trade deadline, it appears that Callahan and the Rangers are moving toward a deal that would keep him in New York.
Other NHL trade deadline rumors center on New York Islanders forward Thomas Vanek, who has a deft scoring touch and could be a good addition to teams hoping to make a Stanley Cup run. Vanek was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres for forward Matt Moulson and two draft picks, and the Islanders could now be looking to recoup some of the losses of what was considered a lopsided trade.
Matt Moulson could be on the move as well, with the Sabres aiming to stockpile more picks.
More than a dozen teams have contacted the Sabres about Matt Moulson. A lock to be moved before deadline, if not a lot sooner.
— Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL) February 5, 2014
With an already busy transaction period, the NHL trade deadline rumors are likely to continue straight through to the 3 pm deadline.
