Trade deadlines are the most over-hyped days in the world of sports.  Hundreds of rumors fly around in the weeks and months leading up to the deadline, and yet when the time comes, 99% of those rumors are no where close, and the deals that take place come from out of no where.  Trade deadlines are like eating Nerds candy, fitting, since the people who follow the deadline closely are sports nerds (I can say that because I’m one of them.  That’s why I’m allowed to say it.  You can’t say it because you probably aren’t a sports nerd.)

You eat Nerds once a year, there is a lot of hype going in to the snacking event, but once you open the box all you see is a bunch of small pieces of candy, with the occasional big piece that comes along.  The trade deadline in the NHL is no different.  We’re imagining a box full of big chunks of candy with all of the big names thrown around recently.  However, we might be left with a bunch of small pieces.

The NHL trade deadline is today at 3:00 PM EST.  Last year the trade deadline saw an amazing 25 deals made on deadline day.  This year has been a lot of talk, with not much action taking place yet.  The big reason is that so many teams are in the playoff hunt.  In the Eastern Conference there are seven teams separated by seven points for the final playoff spot.  The Western Conference has six teams separated by eight points for the final playoff spot.  Only Tampa Bay, Edmonton and Los Angeles appear to be out of the race, but you could make a playoff case for any other team in the league, which will limit the amount of sellers today.

To help you prepare for the deadline, let’s review some of the moves that have already taken place, some teams who may be shopping, and some of the big rumors floating around for today’s 3 PM deadline.

EARLY EXCITEMENT

Peter Forsberg announced yesterday that he would return to the NHL this season, rejoining his former team, the Colorado Avalanche.  This comes a week after Forsberg announced he wouldn’t be making an NHL comeback this season.  Colorado has seen a lot of injuries to their offense, but things could be turning the corner.  Joe Sakic is slated to return this week, and the signing of Forsberg will also boost their offense.

Rob Blake, Adam Foote, and Alex Tanguay are currently being shopped around by their respective teams.  All three were members of the 2001 Stanley Cup winning Colorado Avalanche, along with Sakic and Forsberg.  Perhaps Colorado can make a few moves to get the band back together and make another run at the Cup.

Philadelphia completed a trade last night with Tampa Bay, sending defensive prospect Alex Picard to Tampa Bay for Vaclav Prospal.  Philadelphia had recently lost star player Simon Gagne for the season, as well as team points leader Mike Richards for the next three weeks.  The addition of Prospal will certainly fill a huge gap in the Flyers’ offense.

THE BIG NAMES, THE BIG RUMORS

Rob Blake, D, LA – Rob Blake is currently injured, but could assist playoff teams looking for a solid defender.  The problem is that Blake has a no-trade clause and wants to remain with the Kings.  Blake recently waived his no trade clause to open a possible move to either Colorado or San Jose.

Marian Hossa, W, ATL – Atlanta is seven points out of eighth place in the East, and has been unable to work out an extension with their star forward Hossa.  Montreal is the apparent leader to land Hossa, although Ottawa is rumored to be in the mix as well.  Hossa is a guy I fully expect to be dealt, especially with the lack of a contract extension in Atlanta.

Olli Jokinen, C, FLA – The Panthers are six points out of eighth place in the East, and are entertaining offers for Jokinen.  Jokinen is under contract for two more seasons, so the price to acquire the star center will be high.  Calgary, Anaheim and Minnesota are three teams who have expressed serious interest, although the high price tag could keep Jokinen with the Panthers.

Mats Sundin, C, TOR – Sundin had been one of the big names in trade rumors until he announced this weekend that he would not waive his no trade clause to leave Toronto.  Still, nothing is set in stone until 3 PM, and a Sundin trade could seriously fuel Toronto’s rebuilding efforts.

Patrick Marleau, C, SJ – The Sharks have been shopping their captain, Marleau, in rumored deals for either Hossa or Jokinen.

Brad Richards, W, TB – The Lightning are the second worst team in the NHL, and Richards recently waived his no-trade clause, sparking a lot of interest.  Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, and Detroit could be possibilities.  Richards is almost a guarantee to be moved.

Alex Tanguay, W, CAL – Tanguay left Sunday’s game in the first period with an injury.  Calgary’s GM said on Monday that Tanguay wouldn’t be dealt.  Possible Tanguay deals were to Montreal for Michael Ryder, or to Florida as a part of a package for Olli Jokinen.

THE TEAMS AND THEIR NEEDS

There are a few teams who are already planning ahead for the playoffs, and looking to make moves with that in mind:

-Anaheim recently lost two centers to injury, and will be shopping for a replacement.  Jokinen could be a strong possibility.  Anaheim has Edmonton’s first round pick as a huge trade chip for Jokinen.

-Montreal has been after a big goal scorer, reportedly going after people like Hossa, Sundin and Tanguay.  With Sundin and Tanguay not going anywhere, look for Montreal to step up their efforts for Hossa.

-The New York Islanders are just two points out of eighth place in the Eastern conference, but are fielding offers for several of their top players, including Mike Comrie.

Be sure to check out my blog today, as I will be tracking the moves that are taking place, as well as my thoughts on how the deals impact the clubs.