In the midst of the NHL season, trade rumors surrounding available defensemen have started gaining traction, with teams looking to bolster their blue-line depth. Two players in particular, Tony DeAngelo of the Carolina Hurricanes and Tyson Barrie of the Nashville Predators, have garnered significant attention in recent weeks.

DeAngelo, who has been on the market for over a month, hasn't seen any ice time for the Hurricanes since November 18. Despite the soft market for the 26-year-old defenseman, his affordable cap hit of $1.675 million has generated interest among teams in need of defensive reinforcements.

On the other hand, Barrie, a seasoned veteran with a more polished pedigree, has recently requested a trade from the Predators. However, his $4.5 million cap hit poses a complicating factor for potential suitors. With the Predators already retaining salaries for Ryan Johansen and Mattias Ekholm, they are reluctant to take on more salary until closer to the trade deadline—a move that General Manager Barry Trotz is considering. To facilitate a trade, a team would need to include a player with a suitable salary that interests the Predators.

The Flames, who recently dealt Nikita Zadorov, have received inquiries about both DeAngelo and Barrie. However, they appear to be in no hurry to make a move, preferring to be patient and explore their options before making any decisions.

Another player drawing interest is Chris Tanev of the Calgary Flames. The Toronto Maple Leafs, among other teams, have expressed interest in the seasoned defenseman. However, the Flames are in no rush to make a move and will assess their team's performance before considering any offers.

The Leafs, in particular, have been actively seeking defensive help, especially with the loss of John Klingberg for the season. While Tanev remains a target for Toronto, sources suggest that the team believes the asking prices for potential trade targets are currently too high. As a result, it may take some time for the Leafs to secure a suitable acquisition.

In addition to Tanev, the Leafs are also exploring other options, including Sean Walker of the Philadelphia Flyers and Ilya Lyubushkin of the Anaheim Ducks. Both defensemen are pending unrestricted free agents, making them potential assets for teams in need of defensive stability.

The Flyers, however, have expressed their desire to sign Walker to an extension but will have to listen to trade offers if a deal cannot be reached. The asking price for Walker is believed to be a first-round pick, while a second-rounder may be enough to acquire Tanev.

As the NHL season progresses, teams are becoming more aware of their roster strengths and weaknesses, driving the trade talks and potential transactions as the trade deadline of March 8 approaches. In the coming weeks, it will be interesting to see which teams solidify their defensive corps and which players find themselves in new surroundings.

[Note: The article is a result of AI generated analysis and does not include all the information or factors that may impact potential trades.]