5 superstars who could be traded this year!

The NHL is back and the bubble playoffs are turning into some great entertainment. The action on the ice has been a welcomed sign, and the league has done a marvelous job pulling this off safely. With the recent news that the salary cap would stay flat for a few years, many questioned what that would mean for transactions. The answer is - they will be flying in, early and often!

Speaking with some members of the hockey media world and executives from around the league, the consensus is, the trade market will be one of the busiest we have seen in years. From non-playoff teams making deals as early as September, to a wild card draft that could see some big names get moved around.

With this in mind, here are 5 superstars who could be traded this year:

Brent Burns: The San Jose Sharks rover is 35 on a team that finished near the bottom of the league's standings. The Sharks are caught in transition, Joe Thornton is likely gone, their goaltending has been horrible and if the right deal comes along, Burns could be shipped out for some assets. He is due $8 million for five more years, but with salary retention a deal could easily be worked out. Burns' contract is also a touch front-loaded and the last couple years of his deal he's making only $5 million, making it easier to move. His no-trade protection is only a 3 team list, so teams will be circling around the shark tank to see what it takes to get Burns out of California.

Ryan Getzlaf: Speaking of California, Getzlaf has been leading the Anaheim Ducks for years and it could be time to pass the torch. The team has already been receiving calls on if he is interested leaving Anaheim, as he is protected by a full no-move-clause. This one will be left in his hands, no doubt, but if the team struggles again next season, the phone will be ringing off the hook. With 120 points in 125 playoff games, and only one year left on his deal, the Ducks could continue to build for a future around goaltender, John Gibson. 'Getzy's' numbers have declined over the years, but he's still capable of playing major minutes, he's an excellent skater, and is one of the premiere passers in the league. It will be weird seeing him in another jersey, but that doesn't mean it can't happen. Especially if Nashville gets their way.

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Jack Eichel: Trading a 23-year-old star with 6 years left on his contract is the kind of move that could get you fired, but if you're told you have no choice, what are you supposed to do? Eichel has been frustrated with the losing and it's beginning to mount on his shoulders. If Buffalo can't find ways to salvage points on a regular basis this season, there's a chance Eichel goes to management and says, thanks but no-thanks. Teams would be lining up and new Sabres GM, Kevyn Adams would have quite the deal to kick-off his tenure. The LA Kings continue to check-in, so we will wait and see what comes out of these talks. For Sabres fans, let's hope the team can get a spark from a jersey swap and the retro colors bring back some franchise success.

Evgeni Malkin: Penguins GM, Jim Rutherford has announced he's open for business and expects to make several trades this off season. While over the years Malkin's name has been one Rutherford has protected, it may be time to shake up the dynamics of the team. Sid's admitted the team needs to change and he's worried about the aging core. The Pens just fired one of Malkin's best friends, in Sergei Gonchar, and even though every year Rutherford says there's nothing to the rumors, they continue to pop-up out of Russia once 'Geno' gets back with his buddies. Where there's smoke there's usually fire, so we will all wait and see this off season. If Malkin does get moved, Florida and New York are two cities he would play-in.

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Ryan Johansen: Superstar, no, certainly not, and that's why Nashville is open to moving him. Johansen has disappointed the Preds and his 36 points this season for $8 million is horrible value. At 28-years-old and with 48 points in 57 playoff games, Johansen could get back on track with some new threads. Have to think it must be hard for Preds' GM, David Poile to watch Seth Jones star for the Blue Jackets.