A month short of two years ago, the Carolina Hurricanes shocked the hockey world by making a deal for Doug Weight before the rest of the NHL got around to making an offer. That season, Weight was the prize of the trade market, the best of the players about to become free agents after the season -- and therefore expendable.

Since Weight already has been traded again, this time to the Anaheim Ducks earlier this month, it's not too early to start looking at that group this year, with Marian Hossa of the Atlanta Thrashers the big prize.

Now, there's no guarantee he'll be on the market. But if the Thrashers are out of contention at the trade deadline, and aren't convinced they can sign him to a long-term deal, one of the NHL's best players may be available to a contender.

There are a few other players whose contracts aren't expiring who might be moved under the right circumstances, including Phoenix Coyotes defensemen Derek Morris (due $3.95 million in 2008-09) and Ed Jovanovski ($6 million-plus through 2011).

Since their contracts complicate their situations and Hossa is only a possibility, here's a look at a few players who should be available for the right price:

BRAD STUART, LOS ANGELES: Arguably the top defenseman available. Not a physical presence, but a useful two-way defenseman who was a blue-line fixture in San Jose before he was shipped out in the Joe Thornton trade. He has bounced around since.

MATS SUNDIN, TORONTO: A dark horse, but what team wouldn't want a two-way center who's also a class act and a leader? If the Leafs decide they can't sign him and they can't make the playoffs, a Sundin auction would attract many bidders. A Sundin trade could swing the balance of power in either conference.

ADAM FOOTE, COLUMBUS: He can't really keep up with today's game, and he's not getting any younger. But he's a veteran and as rough and tough as ever. He'll end up somewhere, and the Blue Jackets will get a nice return.

PETER FORSBERG, UNSIGNED: If he ever gets his health issues sorted out, he might return from Sweden this spring. When healthy, he's a superstar. When slowed by injuries, he's dead weight. A total wild card. Conventional wisdom says if he comes back, he'll join the Detroit Red Wings' Swedish brigade.

ROB BLAKE, LOS ANGELES: But would he leave L.A. again? If the answer is yes, he may not be a Norris Trophy candidate but he can help.

AARON WARD, BOSTON: The Bruins have to decide whether they're serious about this season or looking to build around this core for the future. If it's the latter, Ward would be a nice addition in the right blue-line role. The Hurricanes could certainly use him again.

PAUL MARA AND MAREK MALIK, D, N.Y. RANGERS: With salary-cap concerns this season and going forward (not to mention a long-rumored jones for Jovanovski), the Rangers are likely to attempt to drop one of these two, who have alternated time as healthy scratches.

LADISLAV NAGY, LOS ANGELES: Skilled, but he hasn't really produced in two seasons and was a total flop as a deadline acquisition in Dallas last season. A gamble.

BROOKS ORPIK, D, PITTSBURGH: He has been on the outs with the Penguins (with their woeful defense, that's hard to believe) and could provide a useful physical edge to a contending team.

J.P. DUMONT, NASHVILLE: A proven goal-scorer pretty much everywhere he has been. He could hit the market if the Predators slip out of the playoffs.

MICHAEL RYDER, RW, MONTREAL: His struggles with the Canadiens are hard to fathom. He may start scoring some goals again with a change of scenery.

SERGEI FEDOROV, C, COLUMBUS: Yeah, he'll probably be available. But as Bobby Clarke said about Eric Lindros at the 2004 NHL draft, "Who'd want him?"

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