NHL Trade Rumors: 3 Summer Blockbusters That Could Happen

As we bask in the lazy days of summer, counting the days until the 2012 NHL season begins, GM's and coaches around the league are working their tails off, trying to pull of that next blockbuster deal that might propel their team to the Stanley Cup.

With a few blockbuster trades already done (Richards and Carter gone from Philly, Burns and Havlat to San Jose for Setoguchi and Heatley), there is reason to speculate that there might be more.

Coming off major shoulder surgery—and with just one year left on his contract in Edmonton—there is no doubt that Ales Hemsky has been mentioned in trade talks. The L.A. Kings and Colombus Blue Jackets have expressed interest in him.

Hockey Insider Eklund said on Hockey Buzz:

"There is little question the Kings are getting a bit tired of being runner-up for the summer's top UFAs...Today I am hearing a deal that would send Ales Hemsky to LA for a serious D-prospect who should be ready this season."

That prospect could be Jake Muzzin, who was voted OHL's Defensemen of the Year in 2010 and made the Kings roster last year. L.A. needs an upgrade on offense, and they have enough money and talent to acquire Hemsky, who has scored 130 points in his last 141 games.

Another potential trade option would be the Columbus Blue Jackets. GM Scott Howson has already pulled off a blockbuster deal to acquire Jeff Carter, and he might not be done. 

“We are looking at all the options that might be available either through free agency or trade,” Howson wrote in an email to Sporting News on Thursday. 

However, Hemsky recently told the press, "I wouldn't mind it at all. I don't like change, looking for new stuff. I've met lots of great people in Edmonton. I've got friends. I've got a girlfriend living with me. I can't complain."

According to Hockey Insider's Ecklund, the Red Wings are "very in on Semin."

The Wings have almost $6 million to spare, and it seems plausible that they would at least attempt a blockbuster move. If they could trade for Alex Semin, it would be a gigantic big three. Datsyuk, Zetterburg and Semin on the power play—think about that! 

The Wings would have to give up Jiri Hudler and a few prospects for the Capitals to show any interest, but hey, with $6 million to spend, why not spend it on a superstar forward?

After signing Ilya Bryzgalov to a nine-year deal, the Flyers have apparently expressed interest in trading young goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

However, after Semyon Varlamov was dealt from the Capitals to the Avalanche for two first-round picks, the market has gone down for goaltenders. No potential suitors have been reported. It is evident that Bobrovsky will not be happy in Philly, playing backup to Bryzgalov.

One team that could possibly step in is the Columbus Blue Jackets. With Steve Mason struggling between the pipes, it is plausible that Bobrovksy becomes a backup, but prys the starting job away from Mason.