THREE TRADES THAT SHOULD HAPPEN

Since we are just weeks away from the NHL's March 4 trade deadline, and the rumors surrounding various players and teams continue to swirl, let's take a look at three trades that absolutely should happen. These are, for the most part, consisting of players rumored to be switching addresses soon, and would make sense for both teams involved.

Columbus Gets: Jay Bouwmeester Florida Gets: Raffi Torres, Alexander Svitov, 2010 1st Round Pick

It's looking more and more like Bouwmeester isn't going to come to terms with the Panthers, so they will probably deal him rather than risk losing the puck moving D-man to free agency after the season. Columbus, who has a little cap room, picks up Bouwmeester to get them over the hump and into the playoffs, and the Panthers recieve scoring winger Raffi Torres, former third overall pick Alexander Svitov--still only 26--and a first round pick in next year's draft.


Vancouver Gets: Chris Neil Ottawa Gets: Dan Gendur, 2009 3rd Round Pick

Vancouver, currently sitting in the eighth spot in the Western Conference, needs to add some toughness up front. Since Neil's contract expires at the end of the season, and the Sens are out of the playoff picture entirely, he appears to be a likely candidate to be moved. Gendur, a 21-year-old winger, made the WHA second All-Star team in 2008 and had 84 points in 60 games for the Everett Silvertips a year ago.

Pittsburgh Gets: Alexei Ponikarovsky Toronto Gets: Alex Goligoski, Nick Johnson

The Pens needs some scoring help, amazing considering they have the top two scorers in the NHL right now, and Ponikarovsky gives it to them. Giving up two young players isn't the end of the world for Pittsburgh, and Brian Burke sheds Ponikarovsky's $2.5 million salary while picking up prospects for the future.

To see the cap information for each team, including player salaries, exemptions, and team payrolls, click here.