Top NHL Rental Players Still Available on the Trade Market

Jan 9, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Chris Stewart (80) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Stewart seems to be a guy that will definitely go before the deadline, and the team that he will go to seems pretty obvious too.

Stweart signed a 2-year, $8.3 million contract 2 summers ago, and with Buffalo ranking last in the league, there is no longer a need for Stewart on the team as he can get some good return in future assets for the Sabres.

This trade seems to have the Boston Bruins all over it at this point. There have been rumors buzzing about the big bodied forward and the Bruins all year, as Pierre LeBrun mentioned on Insider Trading.

"They want a winger and do they ever. It’s been something Peter Chiarelli has been going after at least for a month now in a very serious manner, making a lot of calls. Chris Stewart – they’ve had that dance going all year with the Buffalo Sabres. They’re still in on him.”"

If it does not happen with Boston, several other teams in the playoff hunt will be hunting ofter big winger in the coming days.

Nothing is ever 100% in the NHL, especially at the deadline, but it would be quite stunning if the 27-year-old forward is not dealt by 3:00 pm on March 2 considering his type of players being in high demand and Buffalo’s current status as the league’s worst team.

Next: Curtis Glencross