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Editor's note: There's the March 3 trade deadline, and then there's the Olympic roster freeze that runs from Feb. 12-28. Between now and Feb. 12, ESPN.com's Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun will look at 10 potential trade baits and which teams have a chance to land some much-needed help.

Halak, Price and Plekanec

Scott Burnside: Hello, Pierre. Big news out of Montreal on Monday, with general manager Bob Gainey stepping down and Pierre Gauthier taking over immediately while Gainey stays on as an adviser. Gauthier has a few issues right away, including what to do with his goaltending situation. Jaroslav Halak, the current if nominal starter, could be a restricted free agent in July. And then there's Tomas Plekanec, one of the team's top forwards, who can become an unrestricted free agent July 1. So, what do you do? Swing a deal? Add talent in the hopes you can go on a long playoff run? Never easy answers in Montreal.

Pierre LeBrun: Well, I think Gauthier showed his hand when it came to his two goalies, Halak and Carey Price.

"We have two very strong, young goaltenders, and they've been a very big part of our team this year," Gauthier said at his news conference Monday. "They give us a chance to win every night. That's a very important thing in a very close league.

"We believe that we can go forward with these two young men, and that's our best chance to get into the playoffs this year. That's a strong position, and we'd like to keep it strong."

So the Habs' plan would seem fairly straightforward for now, unless of course someone knocks their socks off for either goalie. And let's remember the history here. From what a source close to the situation told me, it's not so much that Halak asked for a trade per se earlier this season; he wanted a chance to become a No. 1 goalie, whether it was in Montreal or elsewhere. Gainey, at the time, would have told Halak's agent, Allan Walsh, that Price was the team's No. 1 goalie. So, it left the Halak camp feeling as if the Czech netminder needed to be traded. That's all history for now, with Halak taking over the No. 1 job at this point. I can't imagine how Montreal could deal him now. He has saved the Habs' season.

Burnside: True. I guess the issue moving forward is how you resolve the issue if you really believe Price is the goalie of the future. I'm sure Gauthier will be loath to see Halak walk away July 1 (offer sheet?) and then win 40 games in Dallas or somewhere else, especially if Price continues to struggle with his development. Not suggesting he should move either one, but it's an issue that isn't going away.

Now, if you're Gauthier and you want to put your imprint on the team, do you add a big body up front for a playoff run or shore up the blue line? Or do you look at this team and accept it's likely a seventh or eighth seed, hang on to your young assets and see what happens in the offseason? You know how impatient Montreal fans are, especially after getting waxed by Boston in the first round last season.

LeBrun: What's also interesting in the goalie debate, which is all the rage in Montreal, is what impact a new sheriff will have. Gainey was a huge Price backer. Gauthier? It remains to be seen. I know Price was on the phone with his agent, Gerry Johannson, in the wake of Monday's news. But as Johannson relayed to me Monday night, the kid was cool as a cucumber, as usual. He doesn't get too rattled, and despite not playing much lately, he's not in a snit over it.

"Carey is really happy in Montreal," Johannson told me. "We respect that the Canadiens have smart guys running things, and we know that there's a time and a place for us to have a discussion, and that's in the offseason. Right now, they're doing what they think they need to do to win, and that's OK."

There have been no contract talks with the camps of either goalie. That will be a summer issue. And what a big one. They're both in for raises. That's when I think you'll see a trade.

Burnside: So, if you keep both goalies through the March 3 deadline -- and I agree, it seems like the prudent thing to do -- what do you do with Plekanec? He's a good player and leads the Habs with 58 points. But can you realistically sign him long-term with big contracts already in place for Brian Gionta, Scott Gomez and Mike Cammalleri? And if you can't keep him, do you move him knowing he'd be a top rental before March 3? Ultimately, in terms of an asset like Plekanec, I guess Gauthier has to decide what the probability is for the Habs to go on a deep playoff run (modest at best, I think). What would you do, my friend?

LeBrun: Well, I know there was a meeting, very quietly, in late January between Gauthier and Plekanec's agent, Rick Curran.

"We had a lengthy discussion, at which time they expressed a desire to keep Tomas, and our response was that Tomas would be interested in that as well," Curran told me Tuesday morning. "We have a mutual interest in Tomas' staying in Montreal. He was drafted by them, and that would be his preference, to stay in Montreal."

But it won't be easy. There's not a lot of cap room to play with. That $7.3 million cap hit for Gomez over the next four-and-a-half years ... mercy. The wrong center is making money in Montreal. And that's why in the end, Scotty, moving Halak or Price makes sense not only because both of them want to be No. 1 goalies but also because they can't afford raises for both goalies and keep Plekanec. Until tomorrow, my friend.

• You also can get up-to-the-minute trade discussion in Rumor Central.

Editor's note: There's the March 3 trade deadline, and then there's the Olympic roster freeze that runs from Feb. 12-28. Between now and Feb. 12, ESPN.com's Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun will look at 10 potential trade baits and which teams have a chance to land some much-needed help.

Matt Cullen and Marek Svatos

Scott Burnside: Well Pierre, the clock is ticking down to the Feb. 12 Olympic roster freeze, and as you reported Sunday, the Carolina Hurricanes finally got the Niclas Wallin deal done and sent the veteran defenseman to San Jose along with a 2010 fifth-round pick for a 2010 second-round draft pick.

But Carolina GM Jim Rutherford is still a busy man. He'd like to move forward Ray Whitney, as we've already discussed in this space. But the player I'm curious about is center Matt Cullen. One of the game's good guys, Cullen was part of the Canes' Stanley Cup squad in 2006, so he knows the ropes and is one of the few centers available on the market right now. He is comfortable playing the point on the power play and relatively inexpensive at $2.8 million with a slightly higher cap hit ($2.875 million). What say you maestro of the trade machinations?

Pierre LeBrun: You know, despite Cullen's impressive credentials, he's not a name I've heard very often in my conversations around the league. Perhaps that's an indication there's a bigger market for wingers than centers. I think Cullen would be a good fit in both Nashville and Phoenix; but as everyone knows, money is a problem with both franchises, and Carolina, as was the case Sunday, is not taking money back in any trade. Another name that surfaced this past weekend is Marek Svatos. He's an unrestricted free agent July 1, and a couple of sources say he's being shopped by Colorado. If Pittsburgh can't land a Whitney or an Alexei Ponikarovsky, wonder if Svatos wouldn't be a good consolation prize come March 3.

Burnside: Svatos' stock sure has fallen, hasn't it? He had 32 goals and was a part of the Slovak Olympic effort in 2006, and now has just nine points in 39 games for the Avs this season and is minus-11. Buying teams likely won't have to part with much to acquire the winger. But back to Cullen for a moment. Rutherford couldn't wait to get Cullen back to Carolina after he signed with the New York Rangers a couple of season ago, which speaks to his character and ability to fit into a dressing room. His abilities on the point would make him attractive to teams like the Rangers, who have struggled on the man advantage. Or how about the Atlanta Thrashers? GM Don Waddell insisted they'll be a buyer before March 3 if they can stay in the playoff hunt (they began the week one point out of eighth), and with Ilya Kovalchuk gone, there is a need to beef up the Thrashers' power play. Hmm.

LeBrun: One player I've always admired is Ethan Moreau. The Oilers are shopping him and many more as they try to break their logjam of contracts and rebuild the club. Moreau has one more season at $1.75 million. He's a fearless leader and ultimate playoff-type ingredient in my mind. I know Washington probably already addressed that void with Mike Knuble this past July, but I would love to see the Caps pick up Moreau. But I suspect GM George McPhee is quite happy with his current roster, given the team's 14-game winning streak!

Burnside: It's not really an issue with Cullen, who has 11 goals and 37 points, but for some GMs looking to add offense before the deadline, it really requires a leap of faith. Like almost every player in Edmonton, Moreau has fallen on hard times with just four goals, but as you point out, history shows he can be a productive player and he is a warrior. But is that enough to make a GM kick in a third- or fourth-round draft pick and the balance of his contract? That's the question.

LeBrun: Good point, Scotty. The compensation in these deals is always a guessing game. As much as I'm sure Carolina hopes to recoup a first-rounder for Whitney and Toronto hopes for at least a second-round pick for Ponikarovsky, it's interesting to remember Pittsburgh paid only a third-rounder for the best pickup at last season's deadline, Bill Guerin. The Sharks paid a second-rounder for Wallin, although they also got a fifth-rounder in return. I don't see a lot of first-round picks changing hands this year. Until tomorrow, my friend.

• You also can get up-to-the-minute trade discussion in Rumor Central.

Editor's note: There's the March 3 trade deadline, and then there's the Olympic roster freeze that runs from Feb. 12-28. Between now and Feb. 12, ESPN.com's Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun will look at 10 potential trade baits and which teams have a chance to land some much-needed help.

Turning to Plan B

Scott Burnside: Well, Pierre, Thursday was a pretty exciting day, no? Ilya Kovalchuk was traded to New Jersey, but some teams that lost out on the star forward have to turn to Plan B. The focus also shifts to the rest of the rental players who are available before the deadline.

I'll start with Columbus' Raffi Torres. The gritty winger has struggled through injuries the past couple of seasons but is back on track this season, just in time to sign a new contract, as he'll become an unrestricted free agent in July. Remember how good he was for the Oilers back in 2006 as they cruised to a surprise berth in the Cup finals? Torres was a key part of that team. He has 16 goals this season, including three game winners, and will be on the move before March 3. I think he'd be a nice addition for a team looking for a little sand and offense. Thoughts?

Pierre LeBrun: You're right, the focus now shifts to those rental players available, and I can tell you the phone lines were burning back up at the Maple Leafs' offices in Toronto, where 19-goal man Alexei Ponikarovsky is available. But let's start with Torres, as you suggested. I checked in with a Blue Jackets source this morning, and there's nothing really new on that front other than that it's a near certainty the UFA-to-be will move. With his ruggedness and offensive talent, Torres would be a real nice playoff pickup. I can't help but think the Pittsburgh Penguins are keeping an eye on him; then again, I think the Penguins may end up with one of three wingers: Ponikarovsky, Torres or Ray Whitney.

Burnside: I wonder whether teams like Los Angeles or maybe even Colorado will be looking at Torres, given his playoff experience. I spoke with Colorado GM Greg Sherman this week, and the Avs will be pretty cautious about moving their young assets. Still, Torres might be a nice fit with a gritty, young Avs team that remains in the hunt for the Northwest Division title and home-ice advantage through the first round of the playoffs. (Both would be huge for a team trying to reconnect with its fan base.) Likewise, the Kings will want to add more playoff experience, as they also are in a position to have home-ice advantage in the first round. If they can't agree to a contract extension with Whitney, maybe Torres would be a nice Plan B for GM Dean Lombardi.

LeBrun: I think ownership will put some level of pressure on Lombardi to do something because it will have known he was on the final short list to land Kovalchuk. Whitney, at age 37, can't expect a three-year extension, not with the 35-and-older rule that says a player's average salary counts against a team's cap each year of the contract, even if he retires. The Kings would be willing to do a one-year extension; I have to think cooler heads will prevail there. But we'll see. The Penguins, I'm sure, are hoping the Kings miss out on him. From what I was told Thursday, the Penguins haven't called Carolina yet because they simply can't afford him right now. It's not so much that Whitney's $3.55 million salary is that big a deal, but it's the fact that Carolina won't take any salary in return in any Whitney swap. The Hurricanes want picks or prospects. So, if you're Pittsburgh with its tight cap room, it appears you have to wait until March 2 or March 3 to enter the fray.

Burnside: It will be interesting to see how Ponikarovsky fits into the picture. He is a big body, has 19 goals and has played in 23 playoff games for the Leafs. Obviously, his playoff experience isn't recent, but it's something. And if the asking price for Whitney is too high, both in terms of what goes back to Carolina and what Whitney might want in terms of a contract extension to waive his no-trade clause, the Toronto forward, like Torres, will be an interesting alternative for teams such as Los Angeles and Pittsburgh.

And what about Atlanta? Thrashers GM Don Waddell said Thursday night he'll be a buyer assuming his team stays in the hunt, and Ponikarovsky has played with Thrashers forward Nik Antropov. Hmm. Given the flurry of trades we've seen in the past week, do you think there will be pressure on GMs like Lombardi to try to get something done ahead of the Feb. 12 Olympic roster freeze, especially knowing a team like Pittsburgh likely will have to wait because of its cap issues?

LeBrun: I wouldn't be surprised if Ponikarovsky is the guy who ends up in Pittsburgh, but that's just a hunch. While we're talking about contenders, I should update a situation with the San Jose Sharks. It does appear a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes, from what I've been told, could go through as early as today. (The Sharks would acquire Niclas Wallin.) San Jose was hot to trot for a blueliner, and it appears it has one now. The trade was first reported by TSN in Canada on Wednesday night, but it has taken a while to complete the deal because of Wallin's no-trade clause. Good pickup for Sharks GM Doug Wilson if the deal is indeed completed. OK, my friend, enjoy your weekend!

• You also can get up-to-the-minute trade discussion in Rumor Central.

Editor's note: There's the March 3 trade deadline, and then there's the Olympic roster freeze that runs from Feb. 12-28. Between now and Feb. 12, ESPN.com's Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun will look at 10 potential trade baits and which teams have a chance to land some much-needed help.

San Jose, Washington and Chicago

Scott Burnside: Well my friend, things are getting hot and heavy with the apparent movement of star winger Ilya Kovalchuk from Atlanta. But let's talk about "the big three" today, and I don't mean GM, Chrysler and Ford. How about San Jose, Chicago and Washington, three teams that have separated themselves from the pack and whose fans are clamoring for that final piece to be added to ensure a long playoff run.

Sharks GM Doug Wilson has never been shy about adding pieces to his team -- his deadline acquisitions over the past few seasons include Bill Guerin, Craig Rivet and Brian Campbell, among others. Hawks GM Stan Bowman has salary-cap issues to deal with between now and next season and could move some young assets to bring in another scoring forward. And then there's Washington GM George McPhee, who could use another defenseman, plus who knows what's happening with the team's goaltending. What say you, master of the pucks?

Pierre LeBrun: Well, let's start with the red-hot Caps, winners of 11 straight. I had a chance to chat with McPhee on Wednesday. He is notoriously against overpaying for a rental player on trade-deadline day. I asked him point blank what his approach would be this season with his team reaching new heights as a contender.

"Well, at this point, I really don't know why we would change anything," McPhee told ESPN.com. "The team is performing about as well as it can. Why change the mix? Certainly if there's something there that would make us better, we would consider it. But there's a lot to be said about chemistry and the intangibles, and we certainly have all that right now. Why give away good young players or picks ... we want to be a good team for a long time, not just one season."

So, I don't think he's closing the door 100 percent, but it looks like it's going to have to be a deal where he believes he's not giving up too much. As for the goaltending, I asked him about that, as well.

"Our goalies have been playing very well," said McPhee. "Theo [Jose Theodore] is playing as well as he's ever played, [Michal] Neuvirth has played well and when [Semyon] Varlamov plays, he's been outstanding. That situation will sort itself out."

Burnside: Pierre, you watched Caps coach Bruce Boudreau pull the pin on Theodore after one game in the playoffs last season, so unless there's been a seismic change in that dressing room in terms of confidence, I wonder how the guys will react come playoff time if Theodore goes sideways and Varlamov's long absence due to injury is unsettling. As good as Neuvirth has been, he is a kid, so I think the goaltending issue is going to dog the Caps until they prove it isn't an issue, kind of like the dynamic that exists in Chicago with fans grumbling about Cristobal Huet.

The Hawks were rumored to be at least mildly interested in Kovalchuk; they have assets they are going to have to part with. The good thing for Bowman is he's getting guys like Dave Bolland back from injury and has lots of options without having to make a move. Still, players like Kovalchuk and perhaps Ray Whitney must be attractive, especially since Chicago is going to have to move youngsters like Cam Barker or Kris Versteeg before next season anyway. Do you think the Hawks jump in, perhaps even as a pre-emptive strike, to keep someone from going to the rival Sharks?

LeBrun: First of all, there's no doubt in my mind the Caps are privately married to the idea that Varlamov is their man come playoff time, but they like having Theodore around as a veteran presence. Moving on to Chicago, here's what I heard from there Wednesday night: they'd like to add a defenseman. That may seem surprising given their star quality there, but that's what I was told.

And here's the kicker: I'm told the team is still toying with the idea of adding a goalie. Huet has never won a playoff round and there's apparently some nervousness there. Given his $5.625 million salary, I can't believe the Hawks can even try this given how tight they are under the cap, but I was told if they can move a $3 million player and add a $2.5 million goalie, who knows. Dwayne Roloson's cap number is $2.5 million, although the Islanders would rather move UFA-to-be Martin Biron ($1.4 million), as we discussed Wednesday. Roloson has one more year on his deal. Seems amazing there's still concern about the goaltending in Chicago, but apparently that's the case. As for the Sharks, it is absolutely clear Wilson is canvassing the rest of the league looking for a D-man. No question. That's where his move will be.

Burnside: We all know how these deadline deals can turn out. The Sharks have known their fair share of deadline misery, having jettisoned a ton of assets in prospects and draft picks since the lockout and never advancing beyond the second round. I would think Wilson will be very cautious. And frankly, there just aren't a lot of defensemen out there; Marek Zidlicky and Kim Johnsson if Minnesota falters, and then there's Nashville GM David Poile's dilemma about what to do with Dan Hamhuis if he doesn't think he can re-sign him. But you can forget Poile trading him to San Jose for a host of reasons. I think Hamhuis would look pretty good in Washington, and the Caps have some assets they could move, including Alexander Semin, who was brought under contract this season but could be expendable given the team's offensive depth. Of the "big three," which most needs to make a move to solidify a trip deep into the playoffs?

LeBrun: I think the Sharks really need a defenseman. I get worried after Dan Boyle, Marc-Edouard Vlasic (injured right now), Rob Blake and the underrated Douglas Murray. Niclas Wallin of the Hurricanes is another available blueliner. Frankly, if I'm Wilson, I phone up GM Brian Burke in Toronto and tell him to inform the Tomas Kaberle (no-trade clause) camp that the Sharks are interested. It just so happens Wilson and the Sharks are in Toronto on Monday. Perhaps the two GMs can grab lunch. Until Friday, my friend.

• You can also get up-to-the-minute discussion in Rumor Central.

Editor's note: There's the March 3 trade deadline, and then there's the Olympic roster freeze that runs from Feb. 12-28. Between now and Feb. 12, ESPN.com's Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun will look at 10 potential trade baits and which teams have a chance to land some much-needed help.

Martin Biron (Islanders) and Marty Turco (Stars)

Scott Burnside: Greetings, Pierre. We've been talking the past couple of days about offensive players who could be on the move before the March 3 trade deadline, but how about a couple of backstoppers who could be looking for new homes? Let's call them the Two Martys: Martin Biron and Marty Turco. Biron is the third man on Long Island now that Rick DiPietro is back in the mix with Dwayne Roloson.

Turco has been splitting time with Alex Auld in Dallas, but he doesn't really seem to fit into the Stars' long-term plans. Both goalies will become unrestricted free agents this summer. Both would seem to be attractive to teams looking for some veteran depth between the pipes heading into the playoffs. What are the chances that they'll be on the move and where might they land?

Pierre LeBrun: Well, I think Biron has a greater chance of moving because his team is more urgently trying to do that, not to mention the fact that his $1.4 million salary is easier to deport than Turco's $5.4 million cap hit. I spoke with both Martys on Tuesday; both have seen better days, but are keeping a good attitude through all this. Biron had a chat with Isles GM Garth Snow on Tuesday, just wondering whether his situation would soon be solved. Let's remember, when Biron signed with the Isles last summer, it was understood all along that once DiPietro came back from injury, Biron would be moved. But it's been over a month now and still nothing.

For now, Biron will go on a short conditioning stint to the AHL so he can get some game action in. The question is, who could use Biron? Although he wouldn't say it, I know he would love to go to Montreal if and when the Canadiens moved either one of their young goalies. He has the demeanor to thrive in his home province and would be a good mentor for Carey Price or Jaroslav Halak.

Burnside: The one team I look at and wonder about needing or wanting a veteran presence is Los Angeles. The Kings are on fire and, I think, a lock to make the playoffs. But remember what happened to a good Montreal team in 2008 that entrusted its playoff goaltending chores to untested youngsters Price and Halak -- the Habs narrowly beat eighth-seed Boston and then lost in five to a less-talented Philadelphia team in large part because Price and Halak couldn't handle the pressure. You would think the Kings would want to avoid that dynamic.

Jonathan Quick has been great for Los Angeles, but he and Erik Ersberg have zero NHL playoff experience, and it would seem logical to want to have some kind of safety net. Turco was spectacular two springs ago when Dallas reached the Western Conference finals, and Biron was the Flyers' netminder in 2008 when they surprised many by reaching the East finals. Yes, Turco's dollar figure is high, but the asking price for either netminder would be very modest, don't you think?

LeBrun: Well, right now, the word out of Long Island is that Snow isn't getting offered more than a third-rounder for Biron, which seems absurd to me. But I guess it speaks to the marketplace. As for the Kings, while I agree with your premise, especially with Biron because he's a cheaper cap hit, I'm told they have lukewarm interest. That may be because they are more focused on forward Ilya Kovalchuk and adding another defenseman, so adding a veteran backup goalie is not a priority at this point.

But while Biron told me he was anxiously awaiting a trade, Turco told me Tuesday night his perfect scenario is to stay in Dallas for the rest of the season, lead his team into the playoffs, and deal with all this in the offseason when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Given his price tag, that may very well happen. But I'm telling you, the 34-year-old veteran remains an elite goalie in my mind, someone who could really help a contender. His 40-save performance Tuesday night was a reminder of that.

Burnside: I agree Turco can still bring it, and Biron would be an easy fit into pretty much any NHL dressing room because of his personality, so I'll be shocked if someone doesn't make a move to bring him on board. Wonder if San Jose would want some inexpensive insurance down the stretch? The Sharks haven't received the greatest playoff netminding from Evgeni Nabokov in recent years and must advance beyond the first round this spring. Nabokov plays pretty much every night and will be at the Olympics, so maybe adding a veteran netminder wouldn't be a bad idea.

The same issues exist for Buffalo workhorse Ryan Miller. With all due respect to Sabres backup Patrick Lalime (3-2-2 and 3.11 goals-against average), Biron would provide better results if the Sabres are interested in giving Miller some rest down the stretch, not to mention a more viable backup come playoff time. Biron was also well-liked in Buffalo during his tenure there. I understand it's not a priority for teams with solid starters. It will be difficult to add Turco because of his contract, but Biron should be able to find a home somewhere before March 3, don't you think?

LeBrun: Well, the Sharks really love Thomas Greiss, and he is the starting goalie for Germany at the Olympics, so I'm not sure they're pressing for an upgrade there. Buffalo definitely needs an upgrade on Lalime; but again, if the Sabres can afford only one add-on before March 3, I would suspect it would be up front and not a backup goalie. Interesting note on Turco: His no-trade clause disappeared this season (the last season of his contract). That's why he's a little unsettled right now while trying to focus on the job at hand.

Another factor to underline in all this is the financial mess the Stars are in as owner Tom Hicks tries to fight off the banks. Things are really tight in Dallas. Even if Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk wanted to extend Turco (and I don't think he does), there's no way the cash-strapped team could do it. So Turco likely will be on a different NHL team next season. Which could tie in to the other Marty. We know the Stars have been sniffing around younger goalies like Halak, Kari Lehtonen and Cory Schneider, but what if they brought in the veteran Biron to help out the new kid next season? Auld is also an unrestricted free agent in Dallas. Food for thought.

• You can also get up-to-the-minute discussion in Rumor Central.

And so, the other shoe finally dropped on the Calgary Flames' pre-Olympic makeover late Monday night.

Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust will take a short flight to Los Angeles and join their new Rangers teammates for a game Tuesday night. Meanwhile, Christopher Higgins and Ales Kotalik will join the Flames, who have now added a defenseman (Ian White) and five forwards (Higgins, Kotalik, Matt Stajan, Jamal Mayers and Niklas Hagman) since Sunday brunch.

A few thoughts on the very curious path taken by the Flames.

By adding that many forwards, GM Darryl Sutter is presumably hoping someone will magically provide the offensive depth that has been sorely missing for most of the season (the Flames were shut out 3-0 by Philly on Monday night). Or not.

Let's review.

Hagman, a useful player who has 20 goals this season, played in 18 playoff games for the Dallas Stars when they went to the 2008 Western Conference finals. After scoring 27 times during that regular season, Hagman posted just one goal in the postseason. Sounds like Mr. Clutch will fit in perfectly with a Flames team that hasn't advanced past the first round since 2004.

In Kotalik, the Flames acquired a player who couldn't produce for a Rangers team that also struggles to score. At least he will be well-rested when he joins the Flames (he was scratched in eight of nine games leading up to the trade).

And then there's Higgins. He recorded three straight seasons of 20-plus goals for Montreal before falling out of favor with the team last season (12 goals in 57 games). He has been dreadful in New York, scoring just six goals in 55 games.

How Calgary coach Brent Sutter manages to get all five of his new bodies into his forward lineup is one thing; the bigger question is what he gets out of them once he does.

Of the five forwards Sutter acquired, none (outside of maybe Stajan) addresses his problem of no depth down the middle. And now with Jokinen out of town, the Flames GM is back to square one with his pivot problem.

Stajan, who has never scored 20 goals as an NHLer (he has 16 in 55 games this season), will slide into the No. 1 center's role, playing with Jarome Iginla. Stajan has also never scored a point in the three career playoff games he played with the Leafs before the lockout.

All of which should indicate just how badly Sutter wanted to get rid of Jokinen, who has been Mr. Bust in both Phoenix and Calgary after spending the first decade of his NHL career in Florida.

As for the Rangers, they follow a time-honored pattern in Gotham of acquiring an overpaid, underachieving player who will instantly be thrust into a prime-time position. Look for Jokinen to play with goal-scoring machine Marian Gaborik; he'll be hoping to find the kind of chemistry that existed only fleetingly with Iginla in Calgary.

Kudos to Rangers GM Glen Sather, though. He rid himself of the three-year, $9 million deal he gave to Kotalik this past summer, a deal that inexplicably had a limited no-trade clause. (Who gives Kotalik a no-trade clause, even a limited one?)

Still, if the bottom line for assessing trade quality is which team acquired the best player, then the Flames managed to give away two "best" players in two separate deals over the past couple of days.

How many GMs can say that?

• Read more from Scott Burnside on the Flames/Dion Phaneuf fallout.

Editor's note: There's the March 3 trade deadline, and then there's the Olympic roster freeze that goes into effect on Feb. 12. Between now and Feb. 12, ESPN.com's Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun will look at 10 potential trade baits and which teams have a chance to land some much-needed help.

Paul Kariya and Keith Tkachuk, St. Louis Blues

Scott Burnside: Hello, Pierre. We talked Monday about Ray Whitney and how he might be a nice secondary catch for teams that can't afford Ilya Kovalchuk, but many teams are looking to add some offensive depth before March 3 or even the Feb. 12 Olympic roster freeze. St. Louis is one place teams will look. The Blues are one of those teams that don't know whether they'll be buyers or sellers, but they do have a couple of assets who will draw interest: Paul Kariya and Keith Tkachuk. Both have no-movement clauses, but I have to think one or both would be agreeable to a move if it was the right situation.

Pierre LeBrun: Beginning Wednesday night in Chicago, the Blues play seven games before the Olympic break. Those games will decide whether they will be buyers or sellers at the deadline. Blues president John Davidson told me Monday night it's impossible to tell where they are in terms of the trade deadline; they just don't know right now. The team's performance in the next two weeks will make that call. But how much of a market is there really for Kariya in particular? He makes a whopping $6 million and, at age 35, has only 24 points in 49 games to show for it.

Burnside: I disagree. (Hard to believe, eh, my friend?) I think there would be significant interest in Kariya because it's only short-term pain and the asking price would have to be pretty modest. (I'm guessing something along the lines of what Pittsburgh gave up for Bill Guerin last season, a third-round draft pick.) And I think there is a tremendous upside to having a player like Kariya. He won't go to a team and have to be the guy, but rather a complementary player in the way Doug Weight and Mark Recchi were in Carolina when the Hurricanes won the Cup in 2006. You know the Pens won't mind spending the money if they can fit a skilled winger under the cap, and it doesn't cost much in futures. How about Vancouver, Kariya's hometown? Or Los Angeles, which has the money and could add a couple of pieces before March 3?

LeBrun: The Kings are focused on Kovalchuk, so let's leave them out of this. The point is, a $6 million cap hit for the season is fairly hefty even as late as March 3. A team that trades for Kariya would need a little more wiggle room under the cap than most. Tkachuk, 37, would be an easier pickup capwise, at a salary of $2.15 million. And he's still a useful, veteran presence. Remember, he nearly was dealt to Boston at last season's trade deadline (the Bruins really wanted the Massachusetts native), but the Blues decided to keep him for their playoff drive at the last minute. It was the right call, because the Blues did indeed get in and Tkachuk was terrific down the stretch.

Burnside: I agree. (Thought I'd throw that in just to mix things up!) Tkachuk will be attractive to many teams because of his tough, abrasive style of play. You mentioned the Bruins; once again they will be looking to boost their moribund offense, and you have to imagine they'll take another look at Tkachuk. Two seasons ago, he came to Atlanta as a rental, so he knows the drill. And if this is his last hurrah, it's hard to believe he wouldn't want to give it one more push. How about Phoenix? He's played there before, but he could help out a Coyotes offense that will be short on playoff experience come April.

LeBrun: Because Tkachuk has a no-movement clause, however, and he and his family love St. Louis, you wonder whether he won't just want to just ride it out in a Blues uniform and retire with the team that has meant the most to him. That's if this is his last season, and he's made no public announcement on that yet. About Boston, I disagree with you. I think Kovalchuk and Whitney would be better options because the Bruins need goals more than they need leadership or sandpaper. My prediction? Neither Kariya nor Tkachuk will be moved. We'll see!

• You can also get up-to-the-minute discussion in Rumor Central.

Editor's note: There's the March 3 trade deadline, and then there's the Olympic roster freeze that goes into effect on Feb. 12. Between now and Feb. 12, ESPN.com's Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun will look at 10 potential trade baits and which teams have a chance at landing some much-needed help.

Ray Whitney, Carolina Hurricanes

Scott Burnside: Hello, Pierre. Welcome to our daily look at the trade landscape as we barrel along toward the start of the Olympic roster freeze on Feb. 12. The Calgary Flames, Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs have already rocked the NHL world with a couple of big deals this past weekend, and the New York Rangers may get into the act, as well. But let's talk today about a guy I know you have likened to this season's Bill Guerin: Ray Whitney, a savvy veteran who has a Cup ring and is a point-a-game player. He wouldn't be too big a hit in the wallet for the many teams that will be looking to acquire him from Carolina.

LeBrun: Yes, I think he's a terrific consolation prize for the suitors who lose out on Ilya Kovalchuk. But Whitney won't come cheap. Sure, his $3.55 million salary is not exorbitant, but Carolina is likely looking for a pick and/or prospect in return, which means inquiring clubs would be taking a sizeable cap hit without sending any salary the other way. For the Hurricanes, saving money isn't a bad thing since the medium-market club is not in the playoff hunt. So, for example, I think a team like the red-hot Ottawa Senators covets Whitney, but they can't fit his contract under the cap right now. Perhaps Whitney is a guy who doesn't move until closer to the March 3 trade deadline for that reason alone. We'll see.

Burnside: Agreed, the asking price for Whitney will likely be significantly higher than the third-round pick the Penguins sent to the Islanders on trade deadline day a year ago. Boston is in dire need of offense and has some high picks to move; you know Carolina GM Jim Rutherford would love to grab the Leafs' first-round pick that is now the property of the Bruins thanks to the Phil Kessel trade. That may seem like a lot for a rental player, but Whitney's value is going to be pretty high with teams like Los Angeles, the New York Rangers, Vancouver and others looking for offensive help and leadership.

LeBrun: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli told me unequivocally the Leafs' pick is not in play. So you can forget that. But Whitney would be a nice addition to a Bruins offense that ranks dead last in the NHL. The Kings would be interested only as a Plan B if they don't get Kovalchuk. Whitney is a power-play stud and can play either the point or the forward position on the unit, so he's versatile. The Penguins and Senators are among the worst-ranked power-play units in the league, so for that reason alone I believe both teams will inquire. The Devils have slipped to 20th in goals per game, and while it's impossible to ever predict what silence-is-golden GM Lou Lamoriello will do, I can't see him not at least kicking the tires on a Cup champion and offensive wizard like Whitney.

Burnside: Pierre, given how Calgary GM Darryl Sutter went from "I'm not trading Dion Phaneuf" to dealing him to Toronto, I guess you have to take everything a GM says with a grain of salt at this time of year. But the pressure is definitely on Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli to do something to get his team back on track; the Bruins are poised to go from the top Eastern Conference team during the regular season in 2008-09 to missing the playoffs entirely this season. Would I trade a lottery pick for Ray Whitney? Probably not. But then again, I don't have the worst offensive team in the conference.

The Senators are certainly among the hottest teams in the league, but they aren't a particularly deep team when it comes to young assets. I would expect GM Bryan Murray will be pretty cautious about giving away what little he has, even for a player with Whitney's pedigree. Any other dark horses that might jump in on the Whitney action? How about Nashville?

LeBrun: Two dark horses could be Phoenix and, yes, Nashville. I'm told both clubs want to add some offense, but with money being a prime consideration, as you might suspect. In the case of the Coyotes, which suffered a brutal injury loss (Scottie Upshall), I'm told they can only really do a "dollar-for-dollar" deal, so I'm not sure how that would work with Whitney. The Preds are actually a respectable 13th in the NHL in offense, but rank a dismal 29th on the power play. That's why I think Whitney would be a good fit there. But remember, Scotty, Whitney has a no-trade clause; he controls his fate. He may get picky when the time comes for Rutherford to show him what's out there.

We should mention before we go that you and I both believe the Hurricanes may want to try to bring Whitney back July 1 as an unrestricted free agent. That's something to keep in mind for contending teams in case they had designs of trying to keep him around. Well, my friend, we'll talk again Tuesday!

• You can also get up-to-the-minute discussion in Rumor Central.

A look at the lineups for Saturday's Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game in Minsk, Belarus. Some names will look familiar; others might not. But you can check out the game live at 8:20 a.m. ET on ESPN360.com.

Through the magic of cyberspace, our hockey gurus Steve Levy and Barry Melrose will be calling the game from the chilly confines of Bristol, Conn. ESPN The Magazine's E.J. Hradek also has a preview.

Check out the teams and join us Saturday on the ESPN.com NHL page.

(* -- denotes player who will participate in 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver)

Team Yashin

Forwards
Alexei Yashin (SKA St. Petersburg)
*Alexei Morozov (Ak Bars Kazan)
*Alexander Radulov (Salavat Yulayev Ufa)
Maxim Sushinsky (SKA St. Petersburg)
*Danis Zaripov (Ak Bars Kazan)
*Sergei Fedorov (Metallurg Magnitogorsk)
Sergei Mozyakin (Atlant Mytishchi)
Alexei Tereshchenko (Ak Bars Kazan)
*Sergei Zinoviev (Salavat Yulayev Ufa)
Denis Parshin (CSKA Moscow)

Defensemen
Sergei Zubov (SKA)
*Ilya Nikulin (Ak Bars Kazan)
*Dmitri Kalinin (Salavat Yulayev Ufa)
Anton Babchuk (Avangard Omsk)
*Konstantin Korneev (CSKA Moscow)
Vitaly Atyushov (Metallurg Magnitogorsk)

Goaltenders
Georgy Gelashvili (Lokomotiv Yarolslavl)
*Andrei Mezin (Dinamo Minsk)

Team Jagr

Forwards
*Jaromir Jagr (Avangard Omsk)
*Marcel Hossa (Dinamo Riga)
*Matthias Weinhandl (Dynamo Moscow)
*Branko Radivojevic (Spartak Moscow)
*Patrick Thoresen (Salavat Yulayev Ufa)
*Joseph Vaaíèek (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl)
Chris Simon (Vityaz)
Jiri Hudler (Dynamo Moscow)
*Ville Peltonen (Dinamo Minsk)
*Josef Stumpel (Barys Astana)

Defensemen
Kevin Dallman (Barys Astana)
Sandis Ozolinsh (Dinamo Riga)
*Lasse Kukkonen (Avangard Omsk)
*Martin Strbak (HC MVD)
Karel Rachunek (Dynamo Moscow)
Jaroslav Obsut (Spartak Moscow)

Goaltenders
Karri Ramo (Avangard Omsk)
Michael Garnett (HC MVD)

In the absence of an All-Star weekend thanks to the Olympics, here's what our All-Star teams would look like if the game were held:

Scott Burnside's team

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Forwards
Sidney Crosby
Nicklas Backstrom
Steven Stamkos
Alexander Ovechkin
Ilya Kovalchuk
Zach Parise
Marian Gaborik
Tomas Plekanec
Martin St. Louis
Evgeni Malkin
Nathan Horton
Daniel Alfredsson

• We're going to make Plekanec play on the right side just because we can, but we like our depth down the middle and are loaded on the left side with Ovechkin, Kovalchuk and Parise.

Defensemen
Mike Green
Tyler Myers
Andrei Markov
Tomas Kaberle
Tobias Enstrom
Chris Pronger
Mark Streit

• Hey, it's an All-Star Game, so we're not too worried about roughing it up, although you can never tell with Pronger. This will be a small consolation to Green, who once again leads all NHL defensemen in points but couldn't find a spot on Canada's 2010 Olympic team.

Goaltenders
Henrik Lundqvist
Martin Brodeur
Ryan Miller

• Think you can find a Vezina Trophy winner among this group? How about this -- just put all three of them on your final ballot right now.

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Forwards
Henrik Sedin
Joe Thornton
Patrick Marleau
Dany Heatley
Daniel Sedin
Brad Richards
Patrick Kane
Corey Perry
Rick Nash
Ryan Getzlaf
Mikko Koivu
Alex Burrows

• Just as we were a bit thin on the right side in the East, we had to co-op Brad Richards to play the left side on the West. Don't think he'll mind. Love the right side, and how would they match up against the East? Wow, we might actually look forward to this.

Defensemen
Duncan Keith
Brent Seabrook
Dan Boyle
Drew Doughty
Stephane Robidas
Shea Weber
Lubomir Visnovsky

• Hey, our Western blue line looks suspiciously like the Canadian Olympic blue line. Love Robidas even though he didn't make the Canadian squad. And Visnovsky gets a nod just because he is able to unfold himself from the fetal position every day despite playing for the worst team in the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers.

Goaltenders
Evgeni Nabokov
Ilya Bryzgalov
Roberto Luongo

• We gave Bryzgalov an edge over Jonas Hiller, who is the main reason the Anaheim Ducks can still say "playoffs" without stuttering. Nabokov and Luongo have been terrific, although we're guessing there isn't a Western Conference netminder in the final accounting for the Vezina. Bigger concern for Luongo and Nabokov will be in correcting past playoff missteps come April.

Pierre LeBrun's team

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Forwards
Sidney Crosby
Alex Ovechkin
Ilya Kovalchuk
Marian Gaborik
Nicklas Backstrom
Martin St. Louis
Steven Stamkos
Vincent Lecavalier
Mike Cammalleri
Zach Parise
Mike Richards
Tim Connolly

• Full disclosure: The LeBrun All-Stars don't worry about center, right wing or left wing -- it's an All-Star Game, for goodness' sake; how could that matter? So I just picked the 12 forwards I believed were most deserving from the first 50-odd games of the season. The most notable omissions are Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Semin. I made Malkin pay for a so-so first half, while I figured Semin would want to go somewhere warm instead. I took Cammalleri over Tomas Plekanec from the Habs, thinking Cammalleri's 26 goals should not be ignored. Should there be an injury before our mythical All-Star Game, I would sub in Malkin.

Defensemen
Mike Green
Tomas Kaberle
Chris Pronger
Sergei Gonchar
Tyler Myers
Tobias Enstrom
Zdeno Chara

• It's hard to leave off a talent like Andrei Markov, but he missed too much time to make this All-Star Game. Besides, he can use the time off. Chara's numbers are way down, but we gave him the nod over Kimmo Timonen.

Goaltenders
Martin Brodeur
Ryan Miller
Tomas Vokoun

• The Brodeur-Miller combo is obvious, but I liked Vokoun as my third choice. His .931 save percentage as of Tuesday morning was second only to Miller in the NHL. Enough said.

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Forwards
Henrik Sedin
Joe Thornton
Patrick Marleau
Dany Heatley
Jonathan Toews
Patrick Kane
Brad Richards
Anze Kopitar
Rick Nash
Corey Perry
Ryan Getzlaf
Paul Stastny

• I wish I had room for Mikko Koivu, but he'll have to settle for being the first injury replacement. Jarome Iginla takes a rare All-Star weekend off. Dustin Penner probably deserves better, given that he's lost Ales Hemsky for the season and is still producing. But unlike the NHL's, my All-Star rules don't mandate that all teams be represented.

Defensemen
Duncan Keith
Dan Boyle
Drew Doughty
Stephane Robidas
Shea Weber
Marek Zidlicky
Christian Ehrhoff

• I saved Nicklas Lidstrom the fine by not even naming him, instead allowing him to rest up for the Red Wings. Ducks captain Scott Niedermayer also appreciated the time off. I loved putting Robidas on my squad. He's so, so, so underrated. Keith Yandle gets my vote if there's an injury.

Goaltenders
Roberto Luongo
Craig Anderson
Evgeni Nabokov

• Miikka Kiprusoff is the biggest omission here, but he told me he wanted no part of our All-Star Game because I couldn't guarantee he would start. Fair enough. Anderson was a must; he's the backbone of the awesome Colorado Avalanche. First up for an injury replacement is Ilya Bryzgalov.