The NHL's Feb. 29 Trade Deadline is approaching and teams are making decisions on whether to buy or sell and decide which players can make the biggest difference and hold the greatest value. Check out today's trade rumours and speculation from around the NHL beat.

Players for sale

The Toronto Maple Leafs are letting teams know they're in sell mode. The names on the market include veteran rentals like Roman Polak and PA Parenteau but there is at least one intriguing player available.

According to James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail, Jonathan Bernier's name is out there, despite a year still left on his contract.

Mirtle reports moving Bernier could be hard, because the goalie market is currently complicated, with other names like Frederik Andersen available and asking prices relatively high.

Mirtle also reports Daniel Winnik is available for trade from the Leafs.

High asking price

Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is hard at work trying to trade forward Jonathan Drouin, but is so far finding it a tough go.

According to the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch, Yzerman was originally asking for a roster player in exchange for Drouin, but is instead now asking for high-end prospects.

Garrioch notes several teams are interested in Drouin, including the Ducks, Predators, Blues, Penguins, Canucks, Senators, and Canadiens, but that none are yet willing to pay Yzerman's price.

Garrioch has several other notes including the Habs looking for size up front, the situation in Winnipeg concerning Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien, the Blue Jackets looking for a centre to replace Ryan Johanson, and interest in Eric Staal.

Preference to stay

From a Lightning prospect to a Lightning star.

While Steven Stamkos declined to comment on recent contract reports, he did tell Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times that his preference remains to stay with the team.

Stamkos added that communication between his agent and the team is open and that contract negotiations are not at a stalemate.

Looming decision

The Buffalo Sabres will soon have to make a decision on pending unrestricted forward Jamie McGinn.

Mark Mulville of the Buffalo News writes GM Tim Murray has to decide whether to trade McGinn, who is enjoying a strong season, or keep him to be a part of the team moving forward.

Mulville adds that McGinn enjoys being in Buffalo and is well liked by his teammates, so keeping him would send a positive message.

While McGinn won't fetch nearly as much as an Eric Staal or Steven Stamkos - should they be moved, Mulville speculates the forward would be part of the second tier of forwards available at the Trade Deadline.