from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

We’ll stick to the 11 — count ’em, 11! — unrestricted free agents on the roster, who are pure rentals for contending teams and are most likely to be traded this time of year.

Likely on the go

►Marc Staal: It appears defensemen might become valuable assets leading up to, and including, April 12. There are key injuries occurring around the league, and let’s face it, an experienced defenseman is always handy, and valuable insurance for a contending team....

►Patrik Nemeth: Again, like Staal, this is a veteran defenseman who does all the dirty work and will be a helpful addition for a contending team looking to add depth.

Returning to Colorado makes sense, but there are a lot of other teams who could use Nemeth’s experience.

►Bobby Ryan: Getting hurt Sunday against Columbus wasn’t optimal, and it’s unclear how serious the injury is. But given what Ryan has shown this season, he clearly does have the offensive instincts to produce and is personality blends in any locker room, he’s perfect for a veteran team looking to strengthen their second or third lines.

►Sam Gagner: Gagner hasn’t posted the numbers the Wings would have hoped, but in this case, you have to look deeper into numbers and, again, the locker room presence means a lot. Maybe a return to Edmonton, where he’d fit in nicely? You get the sense Gagner could be a sneaky good addition for someone with a deeper talent pool.

►Darren Helm: The long-time Wing still is an effective penalty killer and has a role has a third- or fourth-line checking forward. Maybe his hometown Winnipeg Jets? It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Wings get a third-round pick for the valuable veteran.

Have a bag packed, just in case

more names, more categories...