OTHL -- As the trading deadline comes closer, the trade talks are starting to heat up around the league. The phone lines and email inboxes are overheated, as GM's are trying to make that trade that will put there team over the top. Or maybe that trade that will make the team become a force some years down the line. Then there are the few teams that are still over the future $50 million dollar salary cap, who needs to get under the magic 50 before the deadline.
The hottest rumors right now have the Bruins chasing some top end help. Some names that are thrown around as part of a possible return is Rhett Warrener, Brendan Witt, Hal Gill, Philippe Boucher or Willie Mitchell. Another team looking for an upgrade on there current roster are the surging Atlanta Thrashers, who has found there good play again and are all of the sudden in the playoff talk again. The Thrashers are said to be chasing an upgrade on defense as well as some backup help for Dominik Hasek.
In Minnesota rumors are flying around claiming that Sandis Ozolinsh will be a former Minnesota Wild after the deadline. Dallas Stars who where called sellers just days ago, have after a string of wins turned themselfs into buyers. A team that has gone the other direction are the Chicago Blackhawks, who according to several sources, are entertaining offers for Dan Cloutier and Denis Gauthier. Some rumors also claim that other veterans are also available in the Windy City.