With the NHL trade deadline just around the corner on March 1, the hot stove of player-movement gossip has slowly but surely begun to glow red.
While some teams have clear paths to the playoffs, others are clawing to be in that category. And with the last call for deals fast approaching, the potential for win-hungry clubs to land anything from a short-term fix to a blockbuster name has kept the rumor mill churning.
Here are five NHL trade rumors to stay on top of in advance of the March 1 deadline:
1. Look for the Blues to move Kevin Shattenkirk
According to at least one report, the St. Louis Blues defenseman swears he's ignoring the hype of a possible move. But that won't necessarily stop the Boston Bruins or New York Rangers, two clubs that are said to have their eyes on blueliner help, from exploring the market as they make their respective pushes to hang onto wild-card spots.
As a pending free agent and someone whose name was dangled in trade talks last offseason, Shattenkirk should know he's primed for a relocation. Now the question is where.
2. Marc-Andre Fleury is coveted by teams (or not)
Fleury's big name hasn't exactly been an undying spark of goalie trade rumors, at least considering the reputation he boasts from perennial notoriety with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His impending move to the shadows in the wake of Matt Murray's rise might have something to do with it, but then again, NHL gossip has been quiet overall in advance of the league's tight playoff picture and looming expansion draft.
Still, word is that a "preliminary discussion" between the Penguins and Dallas Stars took place regarding a Fleury deal. All eyes will be on where, if anywhere, the Penguins vet winds up. Who's to say a goalie-needy club like the Blues wouldn't welcome him with open arms?
3. Matt Duchene to the Predators ... or Penguins?
Maybe the hottest name floated ahead of the deadline, Duchene is sure to draw some hefty compensation for the Colorado Avalanche. Nashville repeatedly has been pegged as the ideal landing spot for a young star of Duchene's caliber, not only because of the Predators' apparent hunt for a big-time scorer but thanks to Duchene's newly surfaced willingness to be dealt.
But plenty of other teams could be in play. What about the Penguins, who might need to do some salary trimming to afford a big name signed through 2018-19 but could benefit from pairing Sidney Crosby with some new life?
At the end of the day, whoever gets Duchene might have one job: Outbidding the Carolina Hurricanes.
4. The Bruins are after Duchene or Landeskog
Boston has a new coach. Could a new captain be on the way, too?
Reports have indicated that Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog was at the center of trade talks between Boston and Colorado, although the Bruins' loyalty to defenseman Brandon Carlo, a rumored part of the deal, evidently stalled discussions. Still, Boston seems to be doing its best to try to poach the Avalanche of talent. Duchene's name has also been tossed into the mix as a possible Bruins target.
5. The Wings' Thomas Vanek could be on the move
What a nice rental Vanek would be for, say, the Philadelphia Flyers or Los Angeles Kings. Don't count out the Ottawa Senators, either, when it comes to targeting the Detroit Red Wings veteran. In a market relatively short on blue-chip options, Vanek would make for a noted addition who could at least bring consistency to a team looking to get over the hump and into the playoff race.
