While it may seem odd to be talking about making changes at the top with their teams in the playoff hunt, sources say that just might be the case for the Islanders and Hurricanes.

New York management did give the vote of confidence to GMs Dean Barkman and Mark Hog. However, sources close to the team suggest they might not be long for the job. The Islanders are on shaky ground with their finances, and their lack of activity isn't helping the cause. While there has been no official statement on the issue, there have been whispers about Philadelphia assistant GM Chris Hessel being the next general manager on the island.

Carolina is another team in financial trouble. The Hurricanes have underachieved to this point in the season, but general manager Jeremy Kozinski isn't likely to make any changes at the deadline. Many feel the Hurricanes have a team that can do damage should they make the playoffs. If they fail to do so, Carolina management might drop the axe as well.

As of Sunday, the Calgary Flames sit five points behind the San Jose Sharks for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Whether the Flames are buyers or sellers prior to next Wednesday's trade deadline remains to be seen.

Reports from Calgary indicate the Flames will be looking for help at right wing and on defense should they find themselves still in the mix. If they are out, they will find themselves taking offers on "almost anything".

The Flames have already made their share of deals this year. They sent Cory Stillman to Atlanta, but also acquired the likes of Robert Lang, Keith Tkachuk and Shawn Horcoff. Should the Flames find themselves selling off pieces, Tkachuk and Lang would likely be highly sought after. Another name to watch is Brian Campbell. Pure speculation on our part, but what the hell...it makes it more fun that way sometimes!

It's no secret the Maple Leafs are loaded with top prospects. As we approach the trade deadline, the Leafs may dip into their pool in efforts to land a top scorer or goalie prospect.

Sources close to the Toronto organization say general manager Adriano Viterbo is looking to help his squad as they make a push for the playoffs. The Leafs are in the top half of the league in scoring, but they have made it known they are looking to add more punch to the lineup. They are also in the market for a top goalie prospect. We haven't heard any prospects mentioned, but with the amount the Leafs own they can make a serious play for big names at the deadline.

The Colorado Avalanche are one of the more interesting teams to watch as the NsHL trade deadline approaches. The Avs are loaded up front and after adding Brendan Witt they appear set on the blue line. They will, however, be looking to upgrade in net.

Peter Budaj and Dominik Hasek have been average at best this season, and that doesn't sit well with Colorado general manager Rob Lee. The Avs are looking for help, and star power as well. One name that has been thrown around is Martin Brodeur, but with a NTC and the Devils finally putting it together, we don't see that as a possibility. Should the Avs not be able to land a star netminder, another name being mentioned is Buffalo's Mika Noronen. Noronen has played well in limited duty this season, and has one year remaining at three mil.

One thing we all know about the Avs..Mr. Lee gets what Mr. Lee wants.

update: A couple other names being linked to the Avs are Marty Turco of Boston and Marc-Andre Fleury of Minnesota. It's been said the Wild are looking for impact forwards, and the Avs have their share.

The Montreal Canadiens have been red hot lately, marching all the way to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. The Tampa Bay Lightning have been struggling to find consistency all year.

While we haven't confirmed any names, rumor has the Bolts and Habs talking trade. There is little doubt Tampa Bay will be making moves, as they are in financial trouble. Keep an eye on this situation.

The Boston Bruins entered the season as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Today they, along with Chicago, have a league low 38 points.

Having already sent Joe Thornton packing, the Bruins are said to be looking to dump more veterans. Mathieu Schneider and Miroslav Satan have been mentioned in trade talks. Satan comes with two years left on his near eight million dollar salary after this season. Schneider, set to become unrestricted at season's end, is just under five million. Still, we would expect both to be moved prior to the NsHL trade deadline. Who will they go to? We don't have a clear picture on that just yet.

While the Blues aren't giving up on the season just yet, they are said to be in discussion with multiple teams. The talks are said to be focused around centers Doug Weight and Denis Arkhipov as well as defenseman Alexander Khavanov.

St. Louis general manager Gavin Gear wouldn't confirm the details, but sources close to the Blues say there are several teams from both conferences involved in talks. While you wouldn't expect many trades within the division, Gear appears to be open to the idea.

It's no secret the Thrashers are looking to make some moves, and the first may just about be complete.

We are hearing the Oilers are close to acquiring goaltender Evgeni Nabokov from Atlanta. The key pieces rumored to be headed the other way are goalie Milan Hnilicka, winger Raffi Torres and a 1st round pick in the 2009 NsHL Entry Draft. Different sources have other pieces in the deal, but it appears Nabokov's days in Atlanta are numbered.

The Minnesota Wild started the season red hot, but have struggling of late. With that in mind, general manager Joe Larson is looking to shake up the team. Where do you look to find a dance partner? Atlanta, of course!

The names are interesting. We are hearing the likes of Brule, Upshall and MacArthur from Atlanta and Mueller and Brown from Minnesota. This is an interesting situation, as both franchises have youth to move and will likely be active before the deadline.

The Washington Capitals have a few interesting veterans on their roster, and the rumors have started already.

Mark Recchi is sure to draw attention, as he has apparantly requested to be dealt to a contender. We haven't heard if any teams have expressed interest in the veteran winger as of yet, but we would be willing to bet large amounts of your money that he isn't a Capital after the deadline.

Another winger who will likely be wanted come deadline time is Mike Grier. Washington general manager Spencer Cawker has said he wouldn't move Grier, but word is he has softened on that stance and will listen to offers. While Cawker has denied it, we are hearing "several" teams have already expressed interest.

Finally, with youngsters Joe Pavelski and David Krejci on the cusp, Milan Kraft's time as a Capital could be running out. No word on what the Caps would want for Kraft's services, but he is another name to watch.

While the Atlanta Thrashers have struggled this season, they do have players that will be attractive come NsHL trade deadline.

The name garnering the most interest to this point is Brendan Witt. The defenseman is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end. As many as nine teams have contacted Atlanta and there are apparently five serious offers on the table. These offers are said to be from Ottawa, Calgary, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Philadelphia. Don't look for anything to happen with Witt until the NsHL deadline, as the Thrashers are in no hurry to move their captain.

Veterans are always wanted for the playoff push, and Trevor Linden is sure to discussed. Atlanta general manager Dave Cherniwchan has been told that Linden is willing to waive his no-trade clause, but will only do so for a team in the playoff picture.

Another player attracting interest is winger Jonathan Cheechoo. Talented players who are young and reasonably priced will do that. However, Cheechoo is a valuable piece in Atlanta and isn't likely to be moved.