As with any trade deadline, except for the NFL one which is always uneventful, the rumours are going to start flying soon for both the NBA and NHL. While I’ll let the intern cover the NBA, I’ll take a stab at some big names that could / should be on the move.
Peter Forsberg: Stuck on the worst team in the league this season, Forsberg has also been dealing with foot and ankle problems throughout. If / when Peter will be dealt is up to his health and without too many good centres on the block, he could fetch a nice price.
Mats Sundin: The Maple Leafs captain is another marquee centre who could be made available when the deadline rolls around. Even though he’s getting up there in age (36 years old), his skills can be a great commodity for a play-off bound team. Even if the Leafs don’t fall out of play-off contention, it would still be a wise move to deal Mats, save their cap and get some youth in return.
Nikolai Khabibulin: Chicago has already stated that they would listen to offers for the former play-off hero and will more than likely get some calls from play-off bound teams looking for an upgrade for the play-offs.
Todd Bertuzzi: Despite being injured for a large part of this season, the league already knows what Todd Bertuzzi can do on the ice (Including nearly crippling people). He’s one of the better power forwards in the league and would be welcome in at least one dressing room (Phoenix).
Darcy Tucker: Who wouldn’t want a good pest on their team? He’s one of those players that you hate until he players for you. He bothers his opponents to get them to play down to his level. He is also an asset on the power play and works his best at the side of the net. The Leafs would be better off trading him now as he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Ladislav Nagy: With his contract winding down during a fairly unproductive season, the Coyotes may be better off dealing Nagy than keeping him around. Nagy is a proven scorer and may do well again in a change of scenery.