Former Cup Champion expected to be traded as team falls out of playoff contention.

There is a massive trade rumor involving a floundering National Hockey League team that just about everyone had pegged as a contender this season.

In a recent ESPN report insider Pierre LeBrun revealed that the Stars now 7 points out of a playoff spot with just three weeks remaining before the trade deadline are seriously weighing their options moving forward. Stars general manager Jim Neil even admitted this week that he was evaluating the situation "day by day."

LeBrun believes that at the top of the list of players Dallas would considering trading is former Stanley Cup Champion Patrick Sharp, a player that would likely draw considerable interest from teams destined for the playoffs.

From LeBrun:

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The Stars' trade deadline strategy is hanging by the moment. Either the team rips off a massive run here or Nill will have no choice but to start auctioning off some of his pending unrestricted free agents.

Topping the list would be cagey veteran Patrick Sharp, whose Stanley Cup experience and creative hands could help any contender.

We don't expect any moves from the Stars until much closer to the deadline, but unless they rattle off a few consecutive wins they may be one of the most surprising sellers at the deadline.