Here are a list of 15 players who have a chance of being dealt at the trade deadline. All of these players have been mentioned in trade rumors, and are listed in order by cap number.
Also, I'll tell you how they could help the Bruins and what it would take to acquire them.
Tomas Kaberle, D (TOR) Cap Hit: $4.25 million
Analysis: This is probably my favorite player on the list, but a trade would be difficult. Kaberle is a puck moving defenseman who could run the second power play unit. In order to get Kaberle, you are looking at giving up Dennis Wideman and your first round draft pick.
John-Michael Liles, D (COL) Cap Hit: $4.2 million
Analysis: The Avalanche want to move him badly, however, Boston shouldn't be to much of a player for him. The only way Boston would do this is if the Avalanche would trade Liles for Wideman. The two are similar, with Liles being slightly better, don't see this happening.
Patrick Sharp, RW (CHI) Cap Hit: $3.9 million
Analysis: Sharp's name has been mentioned in a trade for Tim Thomas. This trade is not very likely, but it could resurface in June, before the NHL entry draft.
Slava Kozlov, RW/LW (ATL) Cap Hit: $3.667 million
Analysis:Kozlov is 37 years old, and has not been mentioned with Boston, however, the Thrashers are now in selling mode and it will be interesting to see if they want to trade Kozlov who still has great hands.
Ray Whitney, LW (CAR) Cap Hit: $3.5 million
Analysis: This guy has been rumored to be going to about 10 different teams. The Hurricanes are looking for a second round pick for Whitney. The Bruins hold Toronto's second round pick, and you won't get a higher one tat that. But, Whitney wants a deal through 2012 guaranteed or he will block a deal. Would Boston consider this?
Rostislav Olesz, RW (FLA) Cap Hit: $3.125 million
Analysis: The former first round pick is going to be dealt, but where? Olesz can be a 20 goal scorer, and you could get him for some other expendable prospects. When everyone is healthy, Matt Hunwick and Vladimir Sobotka will be healthy scratches and maybe they could be dished for Olosz
Cameron Barker, D (CHI) Cap Hit: $3.083 million
Analysis: The Blackhawks have so many solid defensemen, (Campbell, Keith, Seabrook and Sopel) that Barker could be expendable. Barker to Boston is not a likely story. Barker had a 40 point season last year, but has not lived up to expectations this season.
Teemu Selanne, RW (ANA) Cap Hit: $2.625 million
Analysis: This is my favorite forward on the list, but he has a no trade clause and may block a trade to Boston. Selanne has 18 goals in just 34 games, a pace that would put him at 44 goals over a full season. Selanne still has his legs and would easily be the Bruins fastest skater. Quick goal scorer with Marc Savard, just see Phil Kessel. The two (Savard, Selanne) could do big things. Anaheim wants picks, so look at a second rounder for the Finnish flashes services.
Keith Tkachuk, LW (STL) Cap Hit: $2.55 million
Analysis: A plan B option for Selanne. Tkachuk is on pace for 40+ points and could provide another net presence like Mark Recchi for the second PP unit. No word on what teams want for Tkachuk, but it would take a mid round pick and prospect to get him.
Alexei Ponikarovski, RW/LW (TOR) Cap Hit: $2.105 million
Analysis: Ponikarovski 19-22-41 totals this year could be a nice addition for Boston. Brian Burke wants to lose him, but at 6"4 he is a nice talent. Burke wants a second round pick for him, and Burke could get his second round pick back from Boston if the Bruins are interested.
Marek Svatos, RW (COL) Cap Hit: $2.05 million
Analysis: Svatos' best season was in 2007-2008 when he potted 26 goals. He is currently a shade of his own self. Boston asked about Svatos at last years deadline, but doubt they will this year.
Jordan Leopold, D Cap Hit: $1.75 million
Analysis: The 29 year old Leopold is on his way out of Florida. Could the Bruins use some veteran depth back there. However, I don't see Boston trading picks for a minimal upgrade.
Peter Mueller, C (PHX) Cap Hit: $1.7 million
Analysis: A 21-year-old on the decline? If you look at his numbers, then yes. His best season was the 07-08 season when he had 22-32-54 totals. This year in 50 games he has 4-12-16 totals. Phoenix has apparently given up on him. Would a change of scenery help him out? It could be a mid round pick to get Mueller.
Jack Johnson, D (LA) Cap Hit: $1.425 million
Analysis: An intriguing player here, with a nice cap hit. With Drew Doughty on the back line the Kings may be moving on. The Kings have Doughty, Scuderi, Drewiske, Greene and Harrold signed for next season on defense and are looking to possibly make a big splash come summer time in free agency. Johnson is likely gone, and if the Bruins want a young offensive defenseman then here he is. Johnson is not great defensively, but is only 23 years old and could benefit in the Bruins system.
Carlo Colaiacovo, D (STL) Cap Hit: $1.283 million
Analysis: The St. Louis Blues have called Peter Chiarelli and asked if the Bruins are interested in Colaiacovo. The Bruins said they aren't, but someone is sure to jump in on the bidding.
So for me, I wouldn't mind seeing half of these players in black and gold.
I am hoping that the Bruins inquire about Selanne, but he could still block a trade. If you can't get Selanne, ask for Tkachuk and get another around the net presence. These veteran rentals are an inexpensive way to improve.
On defense, Kaberle is the filet mignon and Jack Johnson the prime rib. Either would be an upgrade over some of the Bruins top six, especially Kaberle. He could step in and be you number two defenseman behind Zdeno Chara.
The trade freeze goes into place on Friday afternoon, and will resume for the first three days in March after the Olympic Break. Will the Bruins make a trade? It's time to decide.
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