Top of the trade buzz

We're getting close to the trade deadline of February 27th and the buzz around the potential trades is increasing. I'll rank the obvious big names here and throw in a list of guys who are rocketing towards big contracts after tremendous seasons.

Let's begin with the names that come up the most when talking about major moves. On offense, there's two names above others, Zach Parise and Rick Nash. Undeniably, both are superstars and still in their prime years. Nash is not a free agent yet, but since Columbus seems to be pulling the plug, they may go all the way and trade their franchise player. Good for Nash, though. Wherever he'll land (obviously the target is in a playoff bound team), he'll have a chance of proving everyone how good he really is. I've seen him play in international level with some high caliber Canadian linemates and he's on par with anyone out there. One of the best finishers in the game and a huge physical force. Get in line if you have cap room. I wouldn't be too surprised if Detroit would be the one to decide to build their future around Rick Nash.

Parise is another guy already up there in the talent ladder. He can be the first line winger in any team in the NHL. However, the team that goes after him should have that gap in the first line for a perfect fit. Since this season has been a major improvement for New Jersey Devils, Parise might actually be tempted to sign for a few more years setting up Kovalchuk's blasts or tapping in Elias' passes. They've been on a roll lately.

In defense, who hasn't heard the talks on the Nashville pair of Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. Both are free agents to be and will require a boatload of cash to sign. It's unlikely that Nashville will come up with 15 million to tie to these two. They'll flip a coin and try to sign one and just need to get the maximum value out of trading the other. My guess is that Weber stays and Suter goes. Takers are numerous. All the potential Cup contenders will need depth in the defense when playoff time comes and count of bruises increases. And if the guy boosts the solid defensive play with excellent offensive weapons, well, who wouldn't love that.

There's a couple of hometown legends entering free agency after this season in Shane Doan and Ryan Smyth. It's very likely that they'll sign a couple of more years in Phoenix and Edmonton, since they seem to be very much loyal to the teams. Doan's case might be a bit more difficult in the Coyotes are broke as always and can't match his salary requirements. Either of these two would be very valuable in the playoff run with the heart and experience they bring in. Maybe even as purely rental players for the Cup run. Shaky, but potential teams like Flyers and Blackhawks could definitely use some calm leadership. Even Washington might try for a final push to make the playoffs and possibly ignite the potential to go further.

Then there's Finland's favourite, Tuomo Ruutu. He's been healthy (until this week) and playing on top of his game the past two seasons. Ruutu is an absolute force on the ice, cheking, digging for the puck and driving to the net. Anyone who has seen him play can agree that this guy really gives it all out on the rink. The style he plays has demanded a lot on his body. Now it would be the moment for Ruutu to end up in a much better hockey club and really become a fan favorite and a clutch player for the playoff run. He would fit in well in hard working Rangers or Blues. Equally well he could bring in the much needed grit to some softer talent-driven teams like Red Wings or Sharks. I hope to see him land on another team for another gear in his career.

In the bracket of underpaid, highly successful players looking for big contracts we have a few interesting names. James Neal and Matt Duchene are already in the secondary level in their current contracts, but have proven to be worth even more.

The two guys that can expect the most upgrade in the league are both from New York. Islanders' PA Parenteau has been playing a point per game for one of the poorest teams in the league for one million. He seems to have potential up through the roof and all teams should have him on their radars. Rangers' Michael Del Zotto has become a dominant force in the defense and has been on the top of plus-minus charts all season. He's also playing for a million and a chance this year and can expect much more for a long term.

On the goalies department there are three distinct guys that have stellar numbers but will not have the ice time while sitting behind established franchise goaltenders. Boston's Tuukka Rask may want to wait out in Boston for Tim Thomas to retire. Vancouver's Cory Schneider will not wait for Roberto Luongo's retirement and the Canucks cannot keep such a good goalkeeper as a backup for peanuts. He'll be traded to try out for a number one goalie spot in a team like Tampa Bay or Chicago. Another potential starter is Minnesota's Josh Harding. He has challenged Niklas Bäckström this season, but might want to take the starting position for granted somewhere else. Also for Minnesota it might be better to rely on Bäckström and start raising a next generation keeper behind him.

I'll soon post another story on the potential but dangerous investments in the trade deadline. Going to go through fragile superstars, ageless veterans and absolute gambles. Until then, let's keep our eyes on the trade trackers.