Derek Stepan for Kevin Shattenkirk trade rumors
USA Today: Kevin Allen predicts the New York Rangers will trade center Derek Stepan for a defenseman. A Stepan for Kevin Shattenkirk swap might be possible before the March 1 NHL trade deadline. Doing so, however, would rob the Rangers of their best two-way forward. If Stepan is put on the trade block, it won’t occur until Zibanejad returns from his broken leg.
Latest Colorado Avalanche trade rumors
Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman reports the struggling Colorado Avalanche are receiving trade inquiries, but they are telling interested parties not to ask about center Nathan MacKinnon or promising right wing Mikko Rantanen. However, they are apparently willing to listen to offers for forwards Matt Duchene or Gabriel Landeskog.
Blue Jackets will have to make trades this summer to free up cap space
The Boston Globe: Fluto Shinzawa reports Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen will likely have to move a player to free up cap space for pending restricted free agent center Alexander Wennberg’s raise this summer. Scott Hartnell seems the most likely trade candidate. However, the Blue Jackets tried to shop him last summer without success. Brandon Dubinsky could attract interest, but that cap hit and contract length are serious stumbling blocks.