NHL Trade Rumors: Trade deadline preview and predictions

February is shaping up to be a month that is filled with excitement. With so many teams competitive, lots of buyers will be stepping up to play in the trade deadline ceremonies.

A couple of months ago, we took a very early look at what the trade deadline would look like come February 25th. It was comprehensive, full of valuable information, and had a little something for fans of every team.

This time around, we’ll still have valuable information and a little something for fans of every team. The difference here is that we will be more concise with what we’re analyzing.

The reasons are as follows. Firstly, not a whole lot has changed in terms of the cap space or draft picks. Yes, there have been some trades since our last look that would change factors, but not a whole lot that would shake up the play on everyone’s agenda.

Secondly, things are going to be coming to a head now a lot quicker than when we last met here in December. The mid-season trade market is a spit in the ocean compared to what happens come February. This is because you can identify more conclusively who’s a contender and who’s looking at prospects and ping pong balls.

So things have developed since last time. A GM we all know and love has been canned, some trades have been made, new players have come in and established themselves, and the standings seem like they’re in line for what we can expect the stretch run to look like.

We will be going through all 31 teams, and briefly identifying whether they are buying or selling, who they’re shopping or shopping for, and what it would do for them if they successfully achieve their goals over the deadline.

Season outlooks hang in the balance. Futures can be determined here. Fans are ready to drop money on tickets if they succeed, and are armed with rotten fruit and shoes if their team makes bad moves. We all love the trade chatter, so let’s make some more of it.