NHL Draft Buzz: Players that could be moved this weekend at the draft

With General Managers looking to shed salary and some big names demanding trades, industry sources project that there will be plenty of trade talk and movement this week as the NHL entry draft will be held in Montreal.

1. OTT Dany Heatley – Age 28

Cap Hit: $7.5 million Signed Through: 2013-2014

Latest: Has demanded a trade out of Ottawa. Has drawn interest from up to 10 teams but has a NTC and a list of teams he will accept a trade too.

Toronto Sun reports the list includes: Kings, Rangers, Sharks, Red Wings, Blackhawks, Canucks and Bruins.

Of the eight teams, Kings, Hawks and Rangers are expressing the most interest. Canucks are not interested.

2. FLA Jay Bouwmeester – Age 24

 2009 UFA

Latest: The Panthers are looking to trade Bouwmeester’s rights. Seeking a first round pick if he signs. Philadelphia is extremely interested and would like to also move some salary in the process.

3. TB Vincent Lecavalier – Age 29

Cap hit: $7.7 million Signed through: 2019/2020

Latest: Trade winds have cooled down but there is still a possibility that Lecavalier is dealt this weekend. Montreal remains interested and the Oilers have been kicking the tires on Levavalier for nearly 6 months. Kings interest has cooled.

4. SJ Patrick Marleau – Age 28

Cap Hit: $6.3 million Signed Through: 2009-2010

Latest: Sharks are looking to shakeup their roster and Marleau’s name has come up in trade talks. The Sharks appear to be leaning towards keeping playoff under-achiever Joe Thronton as he has not been involved in any trade talks.

5. TB Ryan Malone – Age 29

Cap Hit: $4.5 million Signed Through: 2014-2015

Latest: There has been minimal trade talk surrounding Malone right now but sources expect him to be shopped like he was at the trade deadline as the Lightning are in financial trouble.

Malone has indicated to close friends on the Penguins that he wants out and it has nothing to do with the losing. Minnesota, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators and LA Kings could make a play for Malone at the draft.

The Lightning had talks with the Penguins, Rangers and Wild at the trade deadline.

6. NYR Nikolai Zherdev – Age 24

 2009 RFA

Latest: John Tortorella is not a fan of Zherdev and the Rangers are exploring the trade market for the restricted free agent. New York has 10 players signed for the upcoming season with a cap hit of $38 million.

7. MIN Josh Harding – Age 25

Latest: Chuck Fletcher has a valuable asset in Josh Harding as the talented netminder is on the trade block. St. Louis, Edmonton, Toronto, Colorado and the LA Kings are being mentioned as potential landing spots.

The Islanders could have interest as there are serious concerns that Rick DiPietro will be ready by training camp.

8. Joffrey Lupul – Age 25

Cap Hit: $4.25 million Signed Through: 2012/2013

Latest: The Flyers have been actively shopping Briere and forward Joffrey Lupul.

The Flyers have come up empty when it comes to interest for Briere who has a horrible contract and Lupul could be the odd-man out if the Flyers acquire the rights to Jay Bouwmeester. Lupul will draw significant interest but the Flyers prefer to move Briere.

9. Pascal Dupuis – Age 30

Cap hit: $1.4 million Signed Through: 2010/2011

Latest: Pittsburgh is looking to shed salary and are expected to shop Pascal Dupuis this week. Minnesota, Phoenix Coyotes and the New York Islanders have some kind of interest according to a team source.

10. Rob Scuderi – Age 30

Latest: At this point, Pittsburgh is not actively shopping the rights of Rob Scuderi but the LA Kings and the New York Islanders have inquired according to a team official.

Other notables who could be shopped this weekend.

ATL Colby Armstrong – The Thrashers have offered a lucrative extension. If Armstrong doesn’t accept by Friday he could be moved but I’m told it is very unlikely.

COL Ryan Smyth – Colorado is entering rebuilding mode and the franchise is struggling financially. LA and Montreal have interest.

NYR Scott Gomez/Michal Rozsival – Rangers looking to move a big salary. Would like to move Chris Drury but he has no value.

PIT Ben Lovejoy – Lovejoy is seeking a one way contract and has drawn interest from the Minnesota Wild. Pittsburgh has discussed packaging Lovejoy and Pascal Dupuis.