5 players likely to be traded before the NHL expansion draft.

The expansion draft is looming and as a result so in the trade speculation surrounding a number of veteran players who are likely to see a change of scenery before that draft.

In a recent article published for Bleacher Report, National Hockey League veteran reporter Lyle Richardson compiled a list of the players he thinks are the most likely to be traded as a result of the expansion draft, and it contains some very notable names, here are the ones that stand out to us.

#1  Scott Hartnell

At the end of last season and during the summer the Columbus Blue Jackets forward was the subject of several trade rumors that never materialized. Richardson reports that Hartnell had agreed to waive his no-trade clause at the time for certain select teams, and believes he may do the same again prior to the expansion draft.

#2 Jonas Brodin

The Minnesota Wild defenseman was also the subject of much trade speculation last season, although that was surrounding Ryan Johansen prior to him being traded to Nashville for Seth Jones. Now the Wild will have a tough decision on their hand with several defensemen they will want to protect with the expansion draft looming, and trading Brodin may be a far more appealing option than leaving him exposed to the draft.

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#3 Jimmy Howard

The Red Wings can only protect one of their goalies, and despite the fact that Howard has looked good this season most believe that Petr Mrazek will be the man who they chose to protect. That leaves the Red Wings with two options, expose Jimmy Howard to the draft or make a deal before the draft comes calling, and Richardson has Howard being moved especially if the Wings are out of playoff contention.

#4 Cam Fowler

Perhaps the most surprising name on the list in that of veteran Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler. Despite the rampant speculation that Fowler would be traded earlier this season the trade never came to fruition, but Richardson believes the threat of the draft will force some urgency from Ducks management. The Ducks don't have enough slots to protect all their defensemen and Fowler's value makes him the most likely to be moved.

#5 Marc-Andre Fleury

The least surprising name on the list belongs to the Pittsburgh Penguins veteran goalie. After general manager Jim Rutherford indicated that he would listen to offers on Fleury last week this one seems almost like an inevitability rather than a rumor.