With the draft happening tonight, there is plenty of trade talk. The Flyers already kicked things off with a pair of trades yesterday but other teams are rumored to be moving pieces. Among them is Minnesota, who beat writer Michael Russo brought up the possibility of trading defenseman Brent Burns.
Burns, who scored 17 goals and 46 points for the Wild last season, is one season away from being an unrestricted free agent. It would make sense for General Manager Chuck Fletcher to trade him if a deal cannot be reached; however from the sounds of things it appears as if Burns would like to stay in Minnesota. From the article:
"I don't have any reason to be on pins and needles. I've been here a long time, I love it here, I feel comfortable here, but I also feel very comfortable in my game and what I can bring and I know I'm going to get better and better every year.
I think I made a lot of steps last year and I know I'm going to make a lot more steps next year. Wherever that may be -- I hope it's in Minnesota -- but I know I'm going to be a big part of any team that I'm a part of."
Other trade rumors (again courtesy of Russo):
• After acquiring Mike Richards yesterday, Ryan Smyth is close to being traded from Los Angeles to Calgary for a late round pick.
• Florida, which always makes a splash at the draft, was talking to Edmonton about flipping the No. 1 and No. 3 picks. The Panthers in the past have traded the #1 pick away (most notably to Pittsburgh in 2003)
• TSN reported Calgary's Robyn Regehr was asked to waive his no-trade clause to go to Buffalo and Dallas free-agent-to-be Brad Richards declined to waive his no-trade clause to have his rights moved.
• Philadelphia's Kris Versteeg was reportedly on the block.