Trade Deadline Is Coming

Today is the first day of February which means that the trade deadline is under a month away! Many teams will start making moves and the phone lines are going to begin to heat up. Every General Manager is going to do everything he can to get his team into the playoffs while ensuring the franchise's future as well. 

Some rumblings today:

• Calgary Flames love Alex Semin and are apparently willing to meet the Capitals demands. Demands likely begin with a first rounder + Greg Nemisz + more.

• Montreal is not going to make the playoffs. Today the Habs called up Louis Leblanc. Louis will play with Plekanec and Bourque so that Pierre Gauthier can showcase him with the hopes of shipping him off to Anaheim with a package in exchange for Ryan Getzlaf.  

• The Leafs and Ducks look like perfect trade partners but if they run into a wall, the Flyers could jump in to help satisfy all 3 teams. Toronto wants JVR and Ryan. Philly wants Schenn. Anaheim wants to build up for the future. Does not help Brian Burke that Nazem Kadri was demoted to the AHL today.

• Travis Moen and Hal Gill are among the Canadiens drawing the most interest. Gill's former team, the Pittsburgh Penguins would love to acquire his services and may even offer a 2nd round pick if the Habs wait this out a little while. Blackhawks, Capitals, and Red Wings are looking at Moen.

• The Senators are always quiet but a very reliable source told me that they are going after Tuomo Ruutu hard. They may even turn their attention to Jeff Carter if they cannot land Ruutu within the next two weeks.

• As the deadline gets closer, the Habs will offer the Predators Andrei Kostitsyn + Yannick Weber + 2nd round pick in exchange for Ryan Suter and Jordin Tootoo. Gauthier may attempt to sign AK long-term first to maximize his trade value.

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