Buffalo's Paul Gaustad Would Add Size and Grit To a Playoff Contender

With the NHL trade deadline now just 5 days away, I have provided a chronicle of the top 20 players who could be on the move by next Monday at 3:00 PM eastern time.  I have gone deep into the NHL trade market with information, speculation, and well-informed insights into the key players driving the market, where they could end up, and how everything could play out over the next few days.  I have broken this down into a three-part piece, sharing the first two parts yesterday.  I hope you will enjoy the final part of this piece, as we take an in-depth look at players 21-30 for this year’s NHL trade deadline.  Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @JimmyStizzle for continued information, insights, and breaking news into the world of Philly sports.

21.  Marek Zidlicky – Minnesota Wild, 34 years old, 4.0 million cap hit

Zidlicky has struggled with injuries and poor play over the last two seasons and is rumored to want out of Minnesota.  With a history of stellar play on special teams and a right handed shot he is likely to be on the move before the deadline.  Zidlicky has a full no trade clause and one year remaining on his contract so he would have to approve any potential deal.

22.  Nikolai Khabibulin – Edmonton Oilers, 38 years old, 3.75 million cap hit

It’s difficult to imagine that this pending UFA has much left in the tank at 38 years old.  With a couple of contending teams looking to upgrade innetl someone could take a shot that this former cup winner has one more playoff run left in him.  Chicago is said to have interest in the “bulin wall” and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if the Flyers took a look at acquiring him.

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See Where The Flyers Latest Addition Pavel Kubina Ranks On My List

With the NHL trade deadline just 6 days away, I will be providing a chronicle of the top 30 players who could be on the move by next Monday at 3:00 PM eastern time.  I will go deep into the NHL trade market with information, speculation, and well-informed insights into the key players driving the market, where they could end up, and how everything could play out over the next few days.  I have broken this down into a three-part piece, with all three pieces set for release throughout the day.  I hope you will enjoy part two as we take an in-depth look at players 11-20 for this year’s NHL trade deadline.  Don’t forget to follow me @JimmyStizzle for continued information, insights, and breaking news into the world of Philly sports.

11.  Jonathan Bernier – Los Angeles Kings, 23 years old, 1.25 million cap hit

Bernier is a young goalie with a very high upside stuck behind one of the best goalies in the NHL in Jonathan Quick.  If Los Angeles wants to make a big splash and acquire a forward talent like Rick Nash or even Jeff Carter they will likely have to part ways with the talented young net-minder.  If Bernier is traded expect the Columbus Blue Jackets to make him their goalie of the present and future.

12.  Evgeni Nabokov – New York Islanders, 36 years old, 0.570 million cap hit

Nabokov is enjoying a very solid season on Long Island.  The Islanders are making a playoff push and there is even word that former goalie and general manager Garth Snow is working on an extension for Nabokov.  While it isn’t likely that the Islanders would trade him, a team like the Flyers or Blackhawks could make an offer than Snow at least needs to consider.

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