Sunday Trade Rumors

GM David Poile of the surprisingly competitive Predators has a couple of big issues to deal with before the trade deadline in March. G Pekka Rinne, 27, who has taken over the No. 1 job, is making just $725,000 (all terms US) this season, but is a potential Group III unrestricted free agent on July 1 because of his age. The Predators can’t afford to let Rinne, who is ranked No. 12 in the league with an 11-6-1 record going into last night’s game vs. the Wild, just walk away in the off-season. Poile would like to sign Rinne to a long-term deal, but that will come with a significant raise.

Then there’s D Dan Hamhuis. He’s making $2.5 million, is a looming UFA and is one of the club’s top blueliners. The thinking is the Predators won’t be able to keep him, so they’ll likely move him at the deadline. That won’t be a problem for Poile; plenty of teams will be looking for a blueliner for the stretch run.

Just say the Ward

The last-place Hurricanes are getting ready to dump salary.

At the top of the list is D Aaron Ward, who’s making $2.5 million and scheduled to become a UFA. The 36-year-old is going to attract interest. The Sharks, Senators and Blue Jackets are all looking for help on the blue line. Ward hasn’t performed up to expectations and GM Jim Rutherford is likely going to try to position himself for the best chance at the first overall pick in the draft.

Sources say several teams have called regarding veteran Ray Whitney, but Rutherford would likely give the respected winger the option of deciding where he wants to go.

O’Brien, anyone?

The Canucks are expected to move D Shane O’Brien, whom GM Mike Gillis has been offering around the league. Nobody is sure exactly what Gillis wants in return, but knowing him, it’s probably too much. O’Brien might be able to help a team like the Sharks.

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