With the trade deadline approaching faster than a speeding bullet, all 30 NHL general managers convened in Naples, Fla. for a tan, some cookies and discussions. There are many rumors regarding who is likely to be moved before Feb. 26 at 3pm eastern time. Scott Burnside of ESPN thinks that 6 general managers are on the hot seat. Dallas Morning News sports writer Mike Heika said that the talk will involve goalie equipment, some rules, but mainly trades. Who is a buyer and who is a seller on the market with about 1.5 months left in the season. In the USA TODAY, Kevin Allen mentioned Marian Hossa and Mats Sundin as marquee names likely to be dealt.

In the meanwhile, the New York Rangers have secured a significant portion of their future this past week. After signing goalie Henrik Lundqvist to a 6-year contract worth $41.25 million, the Rangers locked up 23-year old defensive prospect Daniel Girardi for a two-year contract extension valued at $3.1 million. They also resigned another defenseman, Fedor Tyutin, to four-year contract extension worth $11.4 million. The Rangers took care of the two potential restricted free agents before July 1, when free agency period begins.

Even if insignificant action occurs at the meetings, teams will continue to build around their young stars. Earlier this season, the Flyers (Mike Richards; 12-year $69 million) and Capitals protected their future (Alexander Ovechkin; 13-year $124 million. Ovechkin’s deal is the most expensive in NHL history while Philadelphia gave an unproven 23-year old a ridiculous amount of moolah.

In my opinion, the following Eastern Conference teams must be active by the trade deadline in order to advance into the playoffs or in some cases, protect potential free agents.

NEW JERSEY:

Although the Devils have recently jumped into a first place tie with Pittsburgh, they are still lacking a proven offensive threat and a first-line defenseman. I am not saying they need to acquire both pieces, but the Devils are one of the league’s lowest scoring teams.

Patrik Elias has started to pick up the pace lately, but is not a No. 1 center.

Dainius Zubrus (27 pts in 59 games) and defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski (5pts, -9) have been terrible free agent signings by GM Lou Lamoriello, who added them late in the offseason.

Zach Parise cannot carry the load by himself and Brian Gionta’s 15 goals are subpar for someone who established the franchise record (48) just two seasons ago.

Options: Offensemen Mats Sundin, Olli Jokinen and Robert Lang… Defensemen Brian Campbell and Tomas Kaberle

PITTSBURGH:

Despite Sidney Crosby’s devastating high ankle sprain, Pittsburgh has managed to maintain a share of first in the Atlantic. They are 7-4-2 without Crosby in the lineup. Evgeni Malkin has certainly given the Penguins an incredible boost, scoring 19 points in their last 8 games. He has a five-game goals streak and Ty Conklin has been exceptional in net since taking over for an injured Marc Andre-Fleury. His 2.19 goals against is fourth among active goaltenders and .932 save percentage first overall. This is Pittsburgh’s year to advance past the first round of the playoffs like last season. If Crosby makes a full recovery before the regular season ends, the Penguins will have an excellent chance at progressing far into the postseason. In my opinion, they need to improve the roster and add another player to the mix. Teams will tighten up in the playoffs, limiting Crosby and Malkin’s chances.

Jordan Staal’s numbers have also decreased from his rookie season.

I suggest a second or third line center or forward to help the Penguins depth.

Options: Vaclav Prospal, Antoine Vermette

TAMPA BAY:

The Lighting maintain sole possession of last place in the east. Despite having St. Louis, Lecavalier, Prospal and Brad Richards in the rotation, they have certainly underachieved thus far.

I have been saying this since the beginning of the season: Tampa needs to trade for a goaltender. Johan Holmqvist, Kari Ramo and Marc Denis have no future in this organization.

Don’t forget about Dan Boyle, arguably their most important defenseman. Many teams have inquired about his services in addition to Prospal’s services.  

This is an excellent opportunity for the Lighting to not necessarily rebuild, but protect as many players as possible. Around 13 players are eligible for free agency after the season and Tampa needs to either trade them for first round draft picks or resign them (Prospal, Boyle).

It is unlikely the Lightning can afford to resign Boyle, who is going to ask for a large contract, possibly similar to Dion Phaneuf’s 6-year $39 million extension.

Options: Trade Boyle, Prospal for as many draft picks as possible OR trade Prospal and another player/ draft pick for a goaltender. I heard rumors earlier this season about Dallas goaltender Marty Turco for Martin St. Louis. If this trade was proposed and rejected by the Lightning management, I feel bad for the fans.

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