NHL Rumors: 3 Forwards Who Won't Be Traded This Season

This season's trade deadline is shaping up to be wild and wacky as there's a bunch of teams who are currently in the playoff race who will be waiting until as close to March 21 as possible to make decisions about their hockey clubs. While the West is much closer than the East, both conferences are going to provide some entertainment off the ice as we should be seeing a slew of transactions this season. For now, let's focus on a few players who are likely staying put with their current teams even though their names have been floating around on the trade rumor mill:

Joe Pavelski, Dallas Stars

Like a fine wine, Joe Pavelski is getting better with age. The Dallas Stars are in the playoff chase and the veteran forward is a big reason why. He's enjoyed a stellar season with 52 points in 47 games and has been the Stars best player this season. There's been a ton of speculation about trades to the Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs or Colorado Avalanche but at this point with Dallas being only one point out of a playoff spot, we can put the noise to bed.

Alexander Kerfoot, Toronto Maple Leafs

Alex Kerfoot's name has been in trade rumors for a couple of seasons now and that's usually tied to money and not his performance. Kerfoot stepped his game up last postseason when John Tavares went down and he's basically carried on his strong play into this season on the team's second line with Tavares and William Nylander. So far in 46 games the 27-year-old has recorded 32 points and that's impressive as he doesn't get any opportunity of Toronto's power play. Kerfoot has one more season left on his contract at $3.5 million and has a no-trade clause kick in this summer where he submits a list of 10 teams in July 1st. While a summer deal could be coming to save money to re-sign goaltender Jack Campbell, don't expect to see Kerfoot dealt before this season's trade deadline.

J.T Miller, Vancouver Canucks

Once the trade-happy Jim Rutherford joined the Vancouver Canucks as the president of hockey operations, the trade rumors started running wild and JT Miller was dead smack in the middle of everyone. From the New York Rangers to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Miller's name made the rounds and so much so he's commented on them and so to has Rutherford. For now, it doesn't seem like there's any pressure to complete a trade for the Canucks and the team isn't pressed with decisions to make on pending free agents. If Miller gets moved it will be after the season once the Canucks new management team can evaluate their talent. For now, don't expect much out of Vancouver.

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