February 20, 2007 Eight Former College Standouts Likely to be Moved Prior to the NHL Trade Deadline • Adrian Aucoin: The former BU defenseman hasn't lived up to expectations in Chicago, where injuries and illness have limited his effectiveness. He'd clearly benefit from a change in scenery, but with two years and $8 million left on his contract after this season, he'd have to be flipped to a team looking to dump a similarly high-priced disappointment. • Ed Belfour: The ex-North Dakota netminder, who's played well this season, would provide an excellent backup policy for a contender. A hot rumor has Florida shipping Eddie the Eagle to Buffalo for Martin Biron, giving the Panthers a bona fide No. 1 goalie while the Sabres get a nice insurance policy for Ryan Miller and some salary cap flexibility to pursue another rental. • Anson Carter: Columbus is once again a deadline seller, and Carter and his $2.5 million salary will be moved. Vancouver is the likely destination — the former Michigan State star clicked with twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin on the Canucks' "Three Brothers" line last season. • Bill Guerin: Now that Peter Forsberg has been traded, the one-time Boston College star becomes one of the most highly pursued rentals. The right winger is on pace for a 37-goal season, which would be the second-best total of his career. Detroit, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto are rumored to be likely suitors for his service. • Curtis Joseph: Another veteran goalie, Joseph's name hasn't been prominently linked to a primary destination. The erstwhile Wisconsin standout, like Belfour, will probably be dealt to a team in need of a seasoned backup. • Aaron Miller: The ex-Vermont Catamount appears to be a mortal lock to be shipped to Buffalo prior to the deadline for three reasons. He's in the last year of his contract with the moribund Los Angeles Kings, he's a native of western New York, and Sabres brass no doubt remembers the attrition on the blue line that took place during last year's playoffs. • Bryan Smolinski: The second MSU Spartan on our list, his value shot up after the recent Forsberg and Craig Conroy deals because he's one of the few centermen on the trading block. Like Carter, he could be on the move to Vancouver, filling the middle of the Canucks' third line in place of Ryan Kesler, the former Ohio State standout out for another 2-3 months with a hip injury. • Keith Tkachuk: Another former BU skater, the feisty left winger has been quite effective for St. Louis this season with 43 points in 60 games. Now in the final year of his deal, Tkachuk could go the Doug Weight route — agreeing to a trade, then re-signing with the Blues in the off-season. Anaheim, where he would be reunited with former Winnipeg teammate Teemu Selanne, appears to be a likely landing spot.