The NHL rumour mill is overheating ahead of the December 19th trade freeze.
- Here's a name we haven't heard in the rumour mill for a while: Jeff Carter. Rumours this week suggest teams are knocking on LA's door asking if the veteran centerman is available, and the Kings appear to be listening. The Bruins and Coyotes have already been linked to Carter in trade talks.
- Reports continue to strongly suggest the Maple Leafs are in pursuit of a major defensive upgrade, and we're getting a better idea what players they might be after. The Hurricanes continue to mull over an offer for Kasperi Kapanen, and the likely return would involve a defenseman - if not Brett Pesce, would the Leafs consider Justin Faulk? Alex Pietrangelo's name continues to get mentioned as a rumoured possibility, while the Jake Muzzin and Alec Martinez two pack in Los Angeles is another.
- Connor Brown and Andreas Johnsson have surfaced as two other young forwards teams are asking for in a package for defensemen.
- Mats Zuccarello is a name that hasn't gotten much attention in the rumour mill this season, but that's about to change. With the Rangers retooling well underway, there's a decent chance he's moved before the February 25th trade deadline. The Predators have emerged as a team that might have some interest - although the Rangers have not ruled out trying to sign him to an extension.
- Our Trade Rumour Board is having to be updated several times a day now. The trade chatter has been almost unprecedented for this team of year. Stay tuned - there's a lot more coming down the pipeline.
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