With just over a month to go before the NHL trade deadline, the trade rumors surrounding many players are starting to heat up. This is a crucial time of year not for just the teams who are gearing up for a run at Lord Stanley’s Cup, but it is also a crucial moment for teams who are trying to build for the future.

Red Wing's big sellers?

The Detroit Red Wings have been one of the most successful teams in all of sports over the past 20 years. However, like the MLB's Detroit Tigers, they seem to be going through a transition phase as youth is taking over.

That being said, are the Red Wings on the verge of trading a key piece of their squad for more youth or will they hold on with hopes of next season being a breakthrough season?

Right now, Mike Green is one of the best players on the Detroit Red Wings current roster, so why would so many NHL rumors surround him regarding the possibility of being traded? The youth movement.

Green is in his last year of the contract with the Wings as he is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season. At 32, he is hitting the twilight of his career - and his stock value is pretty high. So far in 2017, Green has 25 points in 43 games. Another key to Green's game and why teams would be interested in obtaining him is his desire to win and the leadership quality he brings to the ice.

Several teams reportedly have interest in obtaining the hard-shooting defenseman, including the Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Senators shopping Hoffman?

The Ottawa Senators, like the Detroit Red Wings, have that look like they are going to be sellers at the NHL trade deadline. With a record of 15-18 and sitting in 7th place in the Atlantic Division, Ottawa may be thinking of next season already.

According to Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports, Senators GM Pierre Dorion is ready to deal several players, including center Mike Hoffman. Hoffman could fetch a lot of prospects in return, as he is improving each season.

Hoffman’s point total has increased for the last three seasons, and he is on pace to once again flirt with 30 or more goals and 35 plus assists.

In 2015, Hoffman finished the year with 48 points. That number increased to 59 in 2016 and 61 last season. At 28, Hoffman is in his prime and would be a great acquisition to a team ready to win this season.

Rumors have Hoffman being linked to the St. Louis Blues and Pittsburgh Penguins at this particular time.

The NHL trade deadline is February 26 at 4 p.m.
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