Deadline Day: Just who is on the move?

The day that hockey fans have been patiently waiting for has arrived; the 2009 NHL trade deadline is finally upon us. General Managers and executives scrambling, phones ringing off the hook, and players catching planes to other cities- boy, is the trade deadline a fun-filled day or what? If not for the NHL teams, players, and executives, deadline day sure is an exciting marathon for the fans. There will be the expected trades, the shocking trades, and there will be the anticipated trades that never came to fruition by the time the clock strikes 3pm ET.

It is now time to take a look at some popular names that appear to be on the trading block, and find out just who is on the move and who is staying put.


Nik Antropov - the asking price for Nik Antropov is a first round pick according to GM Brian Burke; perhaps too much for a 2nd line winger who hasn't lived up to expectations in Toronto. Antropov will be dealt, but it remains to be seen if Burke receives a first round pick in return.

Jay Bouwmeester- simply put, the Panthers have a chance to make the playoffs for the first time since 2000. Unless GM Jacques Martin can get valuable pieces back as well as prospects and high draft picks, Martin will hold on to Bouwmeester and battle for a playoff position.

Thomas Kaberle- GM Brian Burke was initially ready to set Kaberle loose for a first rounder and a bluechip prospect, but I think it would be smart for Burke to hold on to Kaberle and his relatively cheap contract for another year.

Vincent Lecavalier- no chance Tampa Bay deals Lecavalier. They've already made a mess of the situation publicly, and at 10-years for $85 million, many teams want nothing to do with that contract given the economic climate.

Chris Pronger- although a solid playoff performer, he still has 1 year left at $6.25 million; perhaps too much for some teams. Scott Niedermayer, a UFA, is a more viable option for teams seeking a top blueliner. Both are unlikely to be dealt.

Marian Gaborik- unlikely that teams will be lining up for the injury-riddled Gaborik, but there may be a few teams willing to take a gamble. 50/50 chance Gaborik gets dealt.

Martin St. Louis- as we've seen already this season, anything can happen in Tampa Bay. However, I doubt management will part with one of their better players. Even if they wanted to, the ex- Saint John Flame has a no-trade clause. St. Louis is part of the solution in Tampa Bay, not the problem.

Antoinne Vermette- undoubtedly on the move. Teams in the market for secondary scoring, energy and penalty killing will look to Vermette. GM Brian Murray will ship him to the West Coast (perhaps to the Columbus Blue Jackets who lack depth at center). Look for Christoph Schubert to join Vermette leaving Ottawa.

Ryan Whitney- rumored in a trade with Montreal that would send Kovalev to Pittsburgh. Whitney will be moved at the deadline in exchange for a scoring winger but not to Montreal.

Olli Jokinen- Jokinen hasn't worked out in 'the desert', so a change of scenery is a very likely scenario for the Finnish center. A team like Montreal is looking for depth at his position, so Jokinen could fit the bill alongside fellow countrymen Saku Koivu.

Derek Morris- a UFA at season's end, it is very likely Morris will be dealt. A team looking for blueline depth are the New York Rangers, but the blueshirts will need to free up cap space first.

Jason Blake- has bounced back after a disappointing 2007-08 season, but carries a hefty price tag of $4.5 million for three more years. Burke will try to move Blake, but will find no takers.

Ryan Smythe- carries a no-trade clause and long-term deal, and has expressed no interest in leaving Colorado. Smythe will stay put in Colorado.

Niklas Backstrom- a UFA at season's end, GM Doug Risebrough will look to move Backstrom for depth up front. Possible destination is Philadelphia- a team that has shown inconsistency between the pipes.

Kari Lehtonen- another goalie that could be on the move to Philadelphia.

Eric Cole- the Oilers have grown impatient with Cole and it looks like he will be out the door. Boston and Pittsburgh could be potential destinations.

Alex Kovalev- there are still question marks surrounding the future of Montreal's enigma, Alex Kovalev. The clutch playoff performer could fetch a decent return, but Gainey plays his cards close to his chest. It's anyone's guess what happens to 'AK27'. More than likely he will remain with the Habs after 3pm ET.

Mark Recchi- will be on the move to a playoff team seeking grit on the wing. Possible destinations include the Bruins and Devils.

Chris Neil- contract talks have stalled with Ottawa GM Brian Murray. It is more than likely that Neil will be dealt. Look for the Calgary Flames to make a pitch for this rugged winger.

Tim Connolly- for the right price Buffalo will ship Connolly out west. A good fit would be the Columbus Blue Jackets who are looking for depth at center.

Pavel Kubina- has a no-trade clause and hefty salary. Brian Burke must just love the contracts John Ferguson Jr. handed out as ex-Leafs' GM. Kubina will be moved but only after the Leafs miss the playoffs when his no-trade clause expires.

Keith Tkachuk- a solid two-way center who will be in demand at deadline day, provided that he waives his no-trade clause. If Tkachuk decides to waive the clause, he will be on the move to a Stanley Cup contender.

However the day unfolds, fans will certainly be glued to the tube and will have plenty to talk about in the coming weeks following the 2009 NHL trade deadline.