Rumor Roundup: Bernier, Stewart among five top remaining trade targets
The NHL trade deadline is only hours away. With Antoine Vermette dealt to Chicago and Curtis Glencross shipped off to Washington, the pool of available trade talent is quickly drying up. Here's a look at the notable players who could be on the move and the clubs they're linked to.
Marek Zidlicky, New Jersey Devils. The 38-year-old blueliner has a no-trade clause which will limit where the Devils can ship him. He's an experienced puck-moving defenseman with a right-handed shot, which could interest the Ducks and Red Wings. CSNNE.com's Joe Haggerty suggests the Bruins could also make a pitch.
Jonathan Bernier, Toronto Maple Leafs.Sportsnet's Damien Cox reports the Maple Leafs are listening to offers for Bernier, 26, but their asking price could be steep. Cox speculates the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars could be among the clubs looking at the Leafs goaltender, who's a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer.
Chris Stewart, Buffalo Sabres. The Boston Bruins have reportedly pursued a deal for Stewart since November. CSNNE.com's Joe Haggerty believes they could still try to land him. The Sabres are thought to be seeking a second-round pick and a prospect for the 27-year-old Stewart. Given some of the returns in recent trades for comparable players, the Sabres might get what they ask for.
Zbynek Michalek, Arizona Coyotes. Michalek is a very good defensive blueline, but he's currently sidelined with a concussion. Coyotes GM Don Maloney claims the 32-year-old blueliner is well on his way to recovery and there's considerable interest in him from rival clubs. Because of Michalek's injury status, the Coyotes could be forced to accept a conditional pick. He's also a right-handed shot, which could attract interest from the Ducks and Detroit Red Wings. The Tampa Bay Lightning seek defensive depth and could be among the suitors.
Jan Hejda, Colorado Avalanche. A big (6-foot-four, 230 pounds) shutdown defenseman, the 36-year-old Hejda could attract attention from teams seeking a stay-at home rearguard. The Denver Post's Mike Chambers claims the New York Rangers could be interested, though that may have changed in the wake of the Blueshirts acquisition of Keith Yandle.
Rumor Roundup appears regularly only on thehockeynews.com. Lyle Richardson has been an NHL commentator since 1998 on his website, spectorshockey.net, and is a contributing writer for Eishockey News and The Guardian (P.E.I.).
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