NHL Trade Rumors: 5 teams who should be biggest sellers

3. Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings are much closer to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings than they are to a playoff berth. Ergo, selling makes a ton of sense for them. The Red Wings have some intriguing trade candidates that should make them popular over the next few weeks.

In theory, Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky could be traded. But his no-movement clause will basically kill any trade value he has. This leaves Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard as the best available goaltender at the trade deadline. He’s among the league leaders in most goaltending categories, so expect someone to pay a hefty price for him.

Gustav Nyquist and annual trade candidate Thomas Vanek both have no-trade clauses. However, it’s safe to say they’d likely be willing to waive them if it means going to a contender. Nyquist could fetch the Red Wings a second-round pick and potentially even a first rounder.

For some odd reason, teams don’t value Vanek as much as they ought to. He’s a proven scorer who, in an offensive role, can put up some very nice numbers. But Vanek should still net them at least something.

Defenseman Nick Jensen would make a lot of third pairings better. He could likely even play up on the second pairing in a pinch. Jensen is a pending free agent, so his departure seems quite likely. His cap hit is merely $812,500, which is very attractive, especially for teams who are close against the salary cap.