With the NHL Trade Deadline less than a month away, teams are making decisions on whether to buy or sell. Check out today's trade rumours and speculation from around the NHL beat, and follow TSN.ca each day until Deadline Day for all the updates.
Yzerman weighing options
Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times states that Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman still have faith in the coaching staff and is still eyeing the playoffs despite the club's recent 4-13-1 streak.
When asked if he was going to add players at the deadline, Yzerman told Cristodero what he would focus on.
"I wouldn't say add; I would say improve," Yzerman said. "We'll certainly explore that. It's pretty early, but we're not going to start trading draft picks and prospects and young players for (potential unrestricted free agents) to bolster our lineup. I'll be looking more for real trades for players that can fit into our lineup and be with us for an extended period of time."
Players in Play?
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal published a list of the top 20 soon-to-be unrestricted free agents that could be rentals at the deadline.
Corry Perry of the Anaheim Ducks tops the list, followed by Calgary Flames forward Jarome Iginla, Ryan Clowe of the San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings forward Valtteri Filppula and New Jersey Devils forward David Clarkson.
Early Expiration?
Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports that Chicago Blackhawks could use the amnesty buyout on forward Marian Hossa, despite having a contract that expires after the 2020-21 season.
According to Brooks, Hossa, who signed a back diving contract, could cost the club between $4.6M to $9.2M per year against the salary cap should he retire before 42, when his contract expires.
