Deals that make sense for contenders and pretenders

Buffalo and Atlanta are chasing a playoff spot. Trading defenseman Brian Campbell (left) for prospects is a good option for the Sabres if his contract demands are too high. AP

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Damn those New York Giants.

Watching them sneak into the NFL postseason on a wild card bid and then reel off three upset wins to become Super Bowl champions has every spare-to-fair team in the NHL thinking that a couple of breaks and a hot streak is all that separates them from a dream date with Stanley.

Thing is, they're right. As we've seen in the past, anything can happen in the playoffs. But the lesser lights are also running out of time to prove themselves worthy of an invitation to the big dance that begins on April 9.

So, yeah, the field is wide open at this point. No one's been mathematically eliminated yet, so there's nothing wrong with dreaming big. But the math isn't looking good for some, and it's going to look even worse come Feb. 26. That's the date when smart GMs with a long-term view are going to subtly raise the white flag on this season and start acquiring the pieces that will make them more competitive next year. That's also the date when a number of suitors, seeking to distinguish themselves from the sardine can that is the NHL standings, will ante up while hoping that this will be their year.

That means we could see some big names donning new sweaters over the next couple of weeks...and some teams paying a high price for the privilege of dressing them. At this point, there's lots of talk, but nothing's certain. So to get the ball rolling, here are a few suggestions for what I'd like to see happen between now and the deadline. Remember, this is all speculation, not advance word of impending deals. Oh, and if it seems like your team is taking it in the shorts in one of these deals...well, that probably means it's fair.

Buffalo sends Brian Campbell to San Jose for Devin Setoguchi, Dan Spang and a 2009 first-rounder

Ideally, Buffalo gets Campbell under contract before Feb. 26, because they can't afford another talent -- and public relations -- hit like the one they suffered last summer. But if his demands are deemed exorbitant, there are several teams who'll pony up for his short-term services. The Sharks have been looking for a mobile, reliable puck-moving defender all season, and Campbell has the skills to power their postseason aspirations. They also have the system depth to part with an elite prospect like Setoguchi, a former first-rounder who could mature into the high-end scorer the Sabres crave. Spang is pegged as a defensive blueliner who could play on the second unit.

Atlanta sends Marian Hossa to Montreal for Chris Higgins, Ryan O'Byrne and 2008 first rounder

Tough deal for both sides to make as each gives up a player they aren't all that interested in losing. But the Thrashers soon will come to the realization -- if they haven't already -- that Hossa is more interested in pursuing life with a contender than re-signing with Atlanta. In Higgins, they'd add a young winger who brings 30 goals and impressive leadership skills. O'Byrne is a physical defender who probably needs another year in the minors, but could be pressed into service immediately in a limited role. For their part, the Habs add one of the game's best two-way players to a team that somehow is contending for the Eastern Conference title. With his scoring touch, a long playoff run wouldn't be out of the question ... plus, the Habs would have a couple months to convince him that Montreal is the place to be when it's time to sign a new contract this summer.

Montreal sends Michael Ryder to Edmonton for Jarrett Stoll

This swap offers a new address to a pair of players who look as though they need one. Ryder, a 30-goal man the past two seasons in Montreal, has lost his confidence. His shot would be a welcome asset on Edmonton's 25th-ranked power play. With less expected of him offensively, Stoll could concentrate on being the strong, shutdown presence that Montreal desperately needs for the third line.

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