Tis the Season for rumors! We have passed the ever critical American Thanksgiving and it is time to think deadline. And this year's trade deadline is all the more fascinating given the coming expansion draft...I am currently tracking and keeping notes on close to 35 players for the deadline, but to celebrate Cyber monday my next three blogs will be listing who I feel are the top 15 players who are the most likely to be possible trade deadline rentals...
We start with #15-10
#15 Ben Bishop
If I were to just to list the players in terms of talent then Bishop would be in the top five. No question. I believe Tampa intends to ride both goalies through the playoffs, but I will keep him on this list because it is always possible a team blows them out of the water with an offer.
#14 Cal Clutterbuck
There are a few more annoying players to play against in the NHL, and for that reason Clutterbuck is not without fans among the GM pool. It's also important to remember the Islanders aren't going to just sit back. This is a team that wants to make playoffs, and has the talent to make the playoffs.
#13 Derek Engelland
I have had more than a one NHL scout talk to me of how Derek, in the right position on the right team, could become a big factor in the trade deadline.
#12 Cody Franson
Cody has quietly been very solid for the Buffalo Sabres. He is currently an even plus/minus, while averaging serious minutes. His point production could be better, but teams know you need eight quality NHL defensemen to make a long playoff run.
#11 Mark Streit
He will put up some serious points as a Power Play specialist and has shown he can play in clutch situations, but the Flyers have players coming to fill his spot and could be looking to move him if they fall out of the playoffs, or are even on the verge of being out. There are some teams who really like Mark a lot.
#10. David Desharnais
I keep hearing rumblings about Desharnais. It would be surprising for a team in the playoffs like Montréal to move a player like this, but don't forget you have one of the most aggressive GM's in the league in charge of the Canadiens.
We will discuss all this and more, including all today's news, on the podcast at 1 PM.
Try Relay: the free SMS and picture text app for iPhone.
Join the Discussion:
»