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NHL Trade Deadline: Predictions from the experts

Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, Doug MacLean and Mike Brophy on a few players who could be on the move

With only nine days left before the NHL Trade Deadline, Hockeycentral analysts Nick Kypreos, Doug MacLean and Mike Brophy from Rogers Sportsnet look at a few of the players rumoured to be on the move, and what they are worth.

JAY BOUWMEESTER

Kypreos: He is the biggest fish out there. Teams are either going to “trade to rent” or “trade to own” which is going to have a significance on his value. Teams should be looking to give up at least two first-round draft picks and a top prospect for this coveted defenceman.

MacLean: This is a tricky situation. Bouwmeester is the most sought-after defenceman on the market. If a team is given exclusive negotiating rights, the price will be huge package to get him but it will be a tough deal to get done.

Brophy: A slick-skating stud who can log upwards of 30 minutes per game is just about to enter the prime of his career and doesn’t appear set to re-sign with the Florida Panthers. He is coming off seasons of 15 and 12 goals and is on pace to score 17 this season.

TOMAS KABERLE

Kypreos: Defencemen are at a premium right now and Kaberle fits the bill. His strengths lie in his puck-handling although is weak defensively. He can play 20-plus minutes, run the power-play and rush the puck. He should fetch at least a first-rounder and a top-prospect.

MacLean: He has a no-trade clause and is limiting the Leafs to only 10 teams he is willing to go to. However, he is just 31 years old and a very effective point-producing and puck-moving defenceman You are looking at least a first and second-round draft pick, in addition to a top-prospect to get him. If Leafs GM Brian Burke does not get the right package for Kaberle, he won’t hesitate to hold on to him.

Brophy: Leafs GM Brian Burke is having second thoughts about trading the veteran point-producing defender. While Kaberle’s production has gone down steadily the past few years, the reason could be he has fewer quality forwards to feed the puck to more than anything.

CHRIS PRONGER
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Kypreos: He is definitely in play on the trade market. Pronger will command three pieces–draft pick, prospect and a roster player.

MacLean: Ultimately, I don’t think he will be traded. But perhaps, Florida could be a trade partner swapping their best D-man for Pronger. But for Anaheim to make this deal, they would have to be out of playoff contention and Pronger would have to be comfortable going to that situation.

Brophy: Some suggest the NHL’s decision to eliminate obstruction following the lockout has toned down Pronger’s game. That may be true. However, the 6-foot-6, 220-pound former Hart and Norris Trophy winner can still contribute on offence and remains solid in his own zone.

MARK RECCHI

Kypreos: Is having a surprisingly good year and will add good experience. Should only cost a fourth or fifth-round draft pick.

MacLean: Recchi has had a good year. I see him as a small-price acquisition. Will be a useful depth player.

Brophy: Many eyebrows were raised when the Lightning signed this aging winger last summer. Turns out he has been one of their best performers in an otherwise disappointing year.

ERIK COLE

Kypreos: Has been a disappointment in Edmonton. A trade involving Cole would be a player-for-player deal as salary would be coming out but with some salary coming back in.

MacLean: Has had an off-year but could be a good asset to move. What might be interesting is Edmonton moving him for assets that could be packaged into another deal.

Brophy: The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Oswego, N.Y, native was considered a decent power forward while playing with Carolina in the Eastern Conference, but his game has not translated well to a switch to Edmonton and the West. Making matters worse for the Oilers, if they elect to trade him, is the fact he has just six goals and nine points in 25 career playoff games.

RYAN WHITNEY
Ryan Whitney

Kypreos: He is the bargaining chip to get Sidney Crosby a scoring winger, depending on what direction the Penguins go. They might even attach Jordan Staal in a deal with Whitney to net a significant player in return.

MacLean: He is a 24-year-old defenceman having an off-year. If Pittsburgh moves him, it will involve getting someone to play with Crosby long term and not a rental player.

Brophy: The fourth-year Penguins defenceman is a rising star who is capable of producing points and running a power play. What makes him more attractive is the fact he is signed through the next four seasons at a reasonable rate.

PAVEL KUBINA
Pavel Kubina

Kypreos: Can quarterback a power-play and add a lot of experience after winning a cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning. His worth is a second-round draft pick.

MacLean: Most likely will be moved. A valuable pick-up for a team because of his size and his shot. Many teams are in need of a point-producing defenceman.

Brophy: With Bryan McCabe out of the way, Kubina has gotten back to being the player who had seasons of 17 and 11 goals (twice) with the Lightning. His defensive game has some warts, but he’d be perfect for a team looking for power play help.

NIK ANTROPOV
Nik Antropov

Kypreos: He is a top-six forward with a big body which is great to work down low on a power play. I think he will command a first or second-round draft pick or a top prospect. Don’t be surprised if Ponikarovsky is included in a deal with him.

MacLean: I see a market for Antropov. His size at 6-foot-6 and soft hands around the net will attract a lot of teams. He will finish the season with at least 25 goals.

Brophy: A second-liner forced into a first-line role with the Maple Leafs, Antropov appears to have shed the injury bug that held him down for so long and despite one prolonged slump earlier this season, is scoring at a decent rate. For $2.1 million a season, what more do the Leafs expect?

BILL GUERIN
Bill Guerin

Kypreos: Could be a great depth guy. He will provide leadership and timely points. I think wherever he goes, he’ll play better with smaller expectations. Could draw a second and third-round draft pick.

MacLean: He will be a soft deadline deal that will not command much in return. Teams would not pay more than a third or fourth- round draft pick for him.

Brophy: At 37 years old, Guerin’s best days are clearly behind him. However, he still has enough in the tank to be worth taking a risk on. A team looking for secondary scoring likely wouldn’t be disappointed in getting Guerin.

KEITH TKACHUK
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Kypreos: See Bill Guerin. Another good depth forward.

MacLean: History has shown in previous deadline deals, he has not produced in the playoffs. A good fit could be his hometown in Boston. But, he may not be open to being a rental player.

Brophy: A deadline trade to Atlanta two years ago did not bring the desired results for the Thrashers. Still, Tkachuk is a hard-working veteran who, despite the fact he has expressed a desire to remain with the Blues, could bring some much-needed sandpaper and scoring to a team in contention.

For all the breaking deals leading up to Trade Deadline day on March 4, go to

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