Anaheim Ducks: 32-25-5, 69 pts, 11th in West, 5th in Pacific
Status: Passive Buyers
The Ducks may be in last place in their division, but with 69 points, they sit just 3 points out of the playoffs with a game in hand on the 8th place Predators. The Ducks already made a couple of moves, including the additions of Francois Beauchemin and Dan Ellis, shoring up their blueline and ensuring their goaltending situation with Jonas Hiller injured. The absence of Joffrey Lupul frees up some space for some additional help up front, but I doubt the Ducks make any significant moves at this point.
Dallas Stars: 33-23-6, 72 pts, 6th in West, 4th in Pacific
Status: Unknown
If there’s one guy I wouldn’t want to be in the NHL right now, it’s GM Joe Nieuwendyk. With an unstable ownership situation seriously hindering his ability to spend money and secure the players he wants, his current predicament is an unenviable one at best. Brad Richards, the hottest upcoming unrestricted free agent in the 2011 class, has expressed numerous desires to re-sign in Dallas, but it looks more and more like the Stars won’t have what it takes to do so. With their playoff stock falling rapidly, the Stars might end up being sellers, although the consequences that could have on a somewhat unreliable fan base could be devastating. Just don’t see them having the resources to bring in any additional help for a postseason run at this point.
Los Angeles Kings: 35-23-4, 5th in West, 3rd in Pacific
Status: Buyers
GM Dean Lombardi would kill to make a big splash at this trade deadline, and the Kings have been linked to just about every possible big name player rumored to be on the market this season. Dustin Penner and Ales Hemsky in Edmonton make the most sense, as the Kings could desperately use a scoring winger, but if Brad Richards is available, the Kings would make a serious pitch for his services. Of course, the piece everyone wants in return for players of that magnitude seems to be Brayden Schenn, whom Lombardi is rightfully unwilling to part with. Don’t be surprised to see the Kings stand pat at the deadline, especially given their strong play in the past few weeks.
