The trade deadline is only a few weeks away. February 27 is much like Christmas Day for hockey fans, although some will argue that honour goes to "Unrestricted Free Agent Day," which some other people call Canada Day. This year, there are quite a few players who look like they could get moved for one reason or another. Let's take a look at a rather short list of these guys.

First, Tim Thomas. Some people might dismiss Thomas being traded as unlikely, and those people might be right, but there are a few reasons he could get moved. There is the controversy over his refusing to attend the White House Stanley Cup ceremony. I highly doubt that would be enough to even consider trading Thomas, who in my humble opinion is the NHL's best goalie, but Boston has another excellent starting goalie behind him in Tuukka Rask, and Thomas isn't getting any younger. If Boston wanted to capitalize on Thomas's trade value sometime during his career, now is probably the time.

Second, Derek Roy. Roy has been with Buffalo his entire NHL career, but the Sabres overspent last summer and are doing poorly this year, which proves you can't build a stellar hockey team on cash alone. Roy is 28, and he has trade value if the Sabres are looking into rebuilding, or at least into some sort of mini-rebuild. A contender could use him for secondary scoring as a rental player.

Third, Scott Gomez. Montreal, like Buffalo, is in selling mode at this year's trade deadline. However, getting rid of Gomez's ungodly multi-million dollar contract will be easier said than done. Since contracts are prorated over the course of the season, there might be a contender desperate enough at the deadline to take on Gomez. Otherwise, Montreal might be left with trying to trade him during the offseason, or even buy him out.

Fourth, Jeff Carter. What a disaster it's been for Carter in Columbus. Matching him with Rick Nash seemed natural, but it just hasn't worked out in any possible that way Columbus fans could have hoped for. Carter's trade value right now will be weak, but Columbus may be desperate to start rebuilding and could be looking to move Carter for whatever they can get. I think they might be better off waiting until the summer, or even until next year to see if Carter has a rebound season, but he's a pretty good candidate to get moved at the deadline.

Fifth, Ales Hemsky could finally get moved out of Edmonton, if there are any takers. It feels like Hemsky has been on the bubble with Edmonton for years now. He's not quite the player he seemed like he would be when he was younger, and even though he is having a bad season, he might still have some value for a team looking to add secondary scoring. He's a UFA at the end of this season, so if Edmonton doesn't want to re-sign him, now is the time to finally trade him.

A few other notables from around the league that might be on the block come the deadline are Ryan Suter from Nashville and Shane Doan from Phoenix. There could possibly be a big trade made by the Leafs before the deadline approaches, as this season Toronto actually looks competitive, but may need some additional help if they are going to get over the hump and into the playoffs. That is, assuming there is any help out there to be had.