NHL Draft: Kesler, Spezza, Kane, Yandle Trades Could Steal Spotlight

This year’s NHL Entry Draft is a who’s-who of hockey royalty with nine draft-eligible players being the sons of former NHL players. But even with names like Lemieux, MacInnis, Nylander, Reinhart and Kapanen expected to go in the first round, there could be even bigger names changing area codes via trades.

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So who might be on the move? Well, today we’re hearing names like Jason Spezza, Ryan Kesler, Evander Kane, Keith Yandle, and Joe Thornton. Let’s take a look at what might play out today and this evening.

Jason Spezza – Spezza is getting traded before next season. He’s sick of being Ottawa’s whipping boy and wants out. Arizona might be a possible fit for the veteran centre. The Coyotes need some offensive punch and are reportedly willing to move Yandle. Ottawa probably won’t trade Spezza to an Eastern Conference team either, so this might work.

Ryan Kesler – The Kesler situation in Vancouver is getting worse by the day and the Canucks can’t afford to get into another Roberto Luongo fiasco. Anaheim is said to be very interested in Kesler, though Vancouver would have to be blown out of the water by a deal to move him within the West. Watch out for Philadelphia here. The Flyers love to put on a show and they’re hosting tonight. He’s exactly the type of player they’d sign long-term.

UPDATE: Pierre LeBrun of ESPN says Kesler is going to Anaheim. Reportedly Bonino, Sbisa plus 24th overall pick going back to Vancouver.

Evander Kane – Kane keeps popping up in trade rumors and any team in the league would happily put him in the lineup. He’s a bit of a personality wild card, but if you put him in the right dressing room he might grow up in a hurry. Ottawa’s a possibility here and the New York Rangers would be very interested as well.

Keith Yandle – Very surprising to hear Yandle’s name circulating. He’s the excellent puck-moving defenceman each team is looking for so it’s hard to say where he ends up. If he goes anywhere, Detroit would make a lot of sense. The Wings desperately need help getting the puck out of their own end. Edmonton will take a shot at him too.

Joe Thornton – If Thornton doesn’t want to leave San Jose, he isn’t going anywhere. But if he’s fed up with the Sharks, lots of teams would be interested in his services. Florida and Dallas come to mind, though don’t be surprised if he’s still a Shark at the beginning of next season.