The Sports Corner

Top five NHL forwards most likely to be dealt

One of the most exciting part of the NHL season is the trade deadline, which usually takes place on March 3. But this season, fans will have to wait one day longer.

As announced Tuesday, the league has pushed the deadline day back due to the fact that there are 12 games being played on the 3rd, as opposed to two games on the 4th.

Not that the push-back is a big deal, but to “commemorate” this minor alteration of the NHL schedule, let’s take a look at the top five biggest-name forwards who could possibly get traded sometime this year. 

They all have reasons to be moved, and they all have teams that’ll no doubt want them, so here are the top five:

1) Marian Gaborik, Minnesota Wild - Let’s start off with the obvious. Already rumours are swirling around this Slovakian star, as Minnesota’s GM Doug Risebrough have already discussed deals with other teams. Gaborik does not seem happy about the path his team is taking at the moment, and with this being his contract year, the likelihood of him resigning is pretty slim.Therefore, the Wild will try to unload the winger before the deadline or else lose him to UFA this summer. And they can be sure that there will be takers for this oft-injured forward, but don’t expect anyone to overpay for Gaborik unless he agrees to an extension with his new team. Many GMs have learned from past mistakes about giving up too much for rentals, and due to Gaborik’s fragile frame, he’s not the best the guarantee playoff performer.

Possibility Rate: 9/10

2) Ilya Kovalchuk, Atlanta Thrashers - Here’s another player that’s been part of the rumour mill for some time, especially since he has previously voiced his opinion on the lack of a competitive squad in Atlanta. Kovalchuk plays on a team where he receives next to no help when it comes to offense, and that’s not going to keep this Russian happy. Sure, he has one year left in his contract after this season, but that only bodes well when it comes to trading him now. Teams who acquire Kovalchuk won’t have to worry about him just being a 3-month rental player, while the Thrashers can get more in return because of that. His huge $7.5-million salary might be a problem, but his production will improve any team drastically. It’s sad to see, but Atlanta is once again back in the rebuilding stages, and it’s time to benefit from a Kovalchuk trade. Look for young players or multiple high draft picks coming back the other way in any deal involving Kovy.

Possibility Rate: 7/10

3) Johan Franzen, Detroit Red Wings - When it comes to Franzen, the deciding factor for Detroit is all about money. Currently, Franzen is a steal at $1.15 million a year, and with Henrik Zetterberg’s ($2.9 million) and Mikael Samuelsson’s ($1.2 million) contracts also ending at the end of this season, there won’t be enough space to re-sign a player like Franzen - who will be commanding some big money in the summer (Don’t forget Hossa, if Detroit is still interested). Franzen will also be looking for a long term deal, and with Holmstrom, Maltby, Lidstrom and Lilja turning UFA the year after, money needs to be saved. So GM Ken Holland should think ahead and move Franzen for something in return, rather then to lose him for nothing - a common theme here. Many teams will pay big for the “Mule”, especially those that are looking to make a strong run in the playoffs. Franzen is this year’s ultimate rental player, and judging by his postseason performance last time around, he won’t disappoint.

Possibility Rate: 6/10

4) Simon Gagne, Philadelphia Flyers - Money is tight in the city of Brotherly Love as they will be looking to free up some cap space. Sure, Philadelphia can solve some of that problem by moving pending-UFA Mike Knuble, but if they really want a good return, trading Gagne will be the answer. The Flyers still have to resign both their goaltenders for next year, and if they want to improve in that department, they’ll probably be looking to add a new one instead. After this season, Gagne has two more years left on his contract, which is a good selling point to any takers, and although trading one of their best players might seem undo-able, think of Joe Thornton and the Boston Bruins. Also, moving Gagne can bode well, in terms of roster space, for up-and-coming Flyers prospects such as James van Riemsdyk and Claude Giroux, who will both probably make the team next season. NHL teams that will be interested in the somewhat injury-proned Gagne are those with a deep enough prospects pool looking to gain an instant impact player. The Flyer’s biggest future need will be in the crease, as they have no goaltending prospect that can become a number one in the NHL. If a deal involving Gagne is pulled off, also look for a solid top-four defenseman coming back the other way.

Possibility Rate: 3.5/10

5) Jason Spezza, Ottawa Senators - This is not an upcoming UFA issue or a rebuilding situation, it’s a player that must be given up in order to fix some problems in Ottawa. With speculations regarding the Senator’s search for a top-three defensemen, they must trade at least one player from their core in order for that to happen. The centre has had a couple spats with his coach in the past, according to several media reports, adding another reason to move him, and the Sens can get much more in return for this 25-year-old. Plus dealing Spezza and his $8-million contract will free up a lot of cap space in the nation’s capital. Teams that are looking for long-term help, which is probably more then 90 per cent of the league, will obviously be interested, but the asking price is very high. Ottawa won’t let Spezza leave too easily but it’s not like they won’t listen to any offers at all. Any deal involving this youngster will probably also include a proven goaltender.

Possibility Rate: 2/10