WHL NOTEBOOK: Trade deadline talk heats up

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This article was published 04/01/2012 (5230 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For all of the big names circling around the Western Hockey League rumour mill, the truth is that a week from now most of those players are likely to be sitting right where they are now.

There will be plenty of tire-kicking between now and the Jan. 10 deadline, but only a fraction of that talk will ever show up on the transaction sheet, with prices high in the last few years and the return on blockbusters being hit (the Kootenay Ice’s Cody Eakin-aided WHL title last season) and miss (a second-round exit by Brayden Schenn and the Saskatoon Blades).

Here’s a look at some teams worth keeping an eye on:

BRANDON WHEAT KINGS: Early on, it appeared that a key pickup or two could make the club a contender, but recent woes may have general manager/owner Kelly McCrimmon thinking twice. The absence of Mark Stone and Alessio Bertaggia at the world juniors has shown that having one or two key players out of the lineup takes a heavy toll on the top two lines. The big concern, however, has to be keeping the puck out of the net, as the Wheat Kings have allowed the sixth-most goals in the WHL.

EDMONTON OIL KINGS: The Eastern Conference leaders have no obvious weakness. The Oil Kings may have interest in a veteran backup goalie and more size up front, although the news from Swedish professional club Modo that 6-foot-2 forward Henrik Samuelsson, 17, will join Edmonton adds depth to an already deep team.

EVERETT SILVERTIPS: The last place team in the WHL, the Silvertips should be sellers, although GM Doug Soetart has already nixed the idea of trading standout D-man Ryan Murray. Goalie Kent Simpson, 19, would be an upgrade for a number of teams.

KAMLOOPS BLAZERS: The B.C. Division leaders haven’t won a playoff series since 1999 and have to be looking to make some noise. They added talented forward Brandon Herrod from P.A. last week and might not be done.

LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES: The Eastern Conference cellar-dwellers have a couple of good 20-year-old forwards in Cam Braes and Brody Sutter.

MOOSE JAW WARRIORS: The leaders in the East Division could use another sniper to go with Quinton Howden and haven’t yet found a defenceman who can fill the offensive void left by Morgan Rielly’s injury.

PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS: Last season’s finalists are contending again and lose some key pieces, but have enough players returning that it remains to be seen if they go all-in this year.

PRINCE ALBERT RAIDERS: The Raiders added Spokane Chiefs scoring leader Anthony Bardaro last week despite being out of playoff position, but the Herrod move suggests P.A. is planning for next year. Overager Justin Maylan could go if the Raiders unload.

PRINCE GEORGE COUGARS: Early-season injuries and the loss of Brett Connolly to the NHL derailed the Cougars’ season early, so overagers like defencemen Martin Marincin, 19, and Cody Carlson, 20 could be targets as could goalie Drew Owsley, 20.

SASKATOON BLADES: Oddly, the Blades could be buyers, sellers, or even both, at the deadline, but you can bet any deals will be made specifically with their 2013 Memorial Cup hosting duties in mind.

SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS: No doubt fans of a number of WHL teams would like to land Calvin Pickard, but the T-Birds, sixth in the Western Conference, have not made the playoffs in two seasons and may not be willing to put another post-season appearance in jeopardy before the star goalie goes pro next season.

SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS: The 10th place team in the Eastern Conference could dangle high-scoring forward Taylor Vause, 20.

TRI-CITY AMERICANS: Expect the WHL leaders to do some tinkering. The Americans don’t have a top offensive defenceman, but with the lowest goals against in the league, it’s hard to argue the effectiveness of their blue-line or goaltending.

VICTORIA ROYALS: Clinging to the last playoff spot in the Western Conference, the Royals could part with sniper Kevin Sundher for a (steep) price, while Hayden Rintoul, 20, could be one of few puck-moving D-men available.

ONE-TIMERS: Saskatoon D Dalton Thrower has been named both the WHL and Canadian Hockey League player of the week after posting three goals and eight assists in four games, including a six-point game against Prince Albert and a four-point performance versus Brandon.