Just what the world needs...

That's right. More rumours. Not just any rumour, though, but NHL trade rumours. Something that isn't centred around the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Now, to show that I really am impartial, I confess right now that I'm not a fan of any one team. I used to be many years ago, but have since lost any real loyalties, and just enjoy watching good hockey. I'm not going to be boring and rip these ideas from other, more reputable sources. Sources who have actual connections. These are, more or less, ideas that I think would be beneficial to both clubs, not those ideas you see floating around (Leaf fans are notorious, I've noticed) where they suggest trading dead weight with no real upside for four prospects and two draft picks.

So, with the trade deadline approaching, what better time to start this?

My first thought: Olli Jokinen traded from Florida to Phoenix for Niko Kapanen, a 2rd round pick in 2008 and a 2nd round pick in 2009.

Gretzky and Martin have ties to each other through Canada's Olympic Team, which could help this one along. The Coyotes could definitely make a push for that 8th spot this season, and they already have a great young core built up. Playoff experience would be invaluable as the team moves forward. The points Jokinen could put up on the board would be helpful, as would the minutes he would take up. It would enable Reinprecht to move down to the 2nd or 3rd line centre position, possibly allowing Mueller or Hanzal to move to the wing, and give them balanced scoring down the middle on three lines. Phoenix can easily bring Jokinen's $4.5 Million salary into the system with their cap space. They've got multiple early round draft picks in the deep 2008 draft, so giving up one of their three 2nd round picks isn't going to hinder development, yet because of the depth could be enough to entice Florida into the deal.

It gives Florida a couple draft choices to build on the future, and it also brings in a capable, responsible centreman in Kapanen. He would give some playoff experience to the young Panthers forwards, and that is never a bad thing. He's really a steal at his $900,000 salary in 07-08. Maybe look to see Florida ask for a first round pick, or defensive prospect as opposed to one of the picks. Possibly an upgrade to a 1st round pick, or downgrade to 3rd round pick, depending on Jokinen singing in Phoenix. Logan Stephenson playing in San Antonio might be attractive as a prospect, as he's fairly big, and seems able to handle himself in his first year in the pros. Maybe Jonas Ahnelov, who played for silver medalists Sweden at the recent World Junior Championships. If Florida has their eyes on a particular free agent, though, the second round picks may be enough, as they may not want to commit any salary.