Rumor: Multiple defensemen could be traded before the end of the World Cup.

There are a number of questions surrounding multiple defensemen in the National Hockey League and the Anaheim Ducks may currently be the key to answering all of those questions.

In a recent article for TSN, NHL insider Frank Seravallitouched on the current situation surrounding defensive free agent Kris Russell and expressed his belief that not one but two trades could have a significant impact on where he ends up.

The first deal Seravalli touched on is the possibility, and frankly a likely one, of a trade coming from the Anaheim Ducks when they finally sign restricted free agent defenseman Hampus Lindholm to a new deal. Seravalli believes this deal will be the catalyst that leads all the other dominoes to fall into place, and while he didn't mention any names it's been rumored for several weeks that Cam Fowler is the odd man out on Anaheim's very deep blue line.

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The second deal Seravalli point to however may be the most interesting, mainly because it really is two moves in on. Seravalli believes that the Calgary Flames could be the team the team that finally lands Russell, and has stated that trading Dennis Wideman could be the way Calgary manages to make this work out. Seravalli also points to the fact that the Flames could retain the full 50% salary allowable under the CBA to make Wideman an attractive option to rival teams.

It's worth noting as well that former Bruin Dennis Seidenberg is also currently looking to sign a new deal as a free agent, and his availability could further complicate this already complex situation.

Russel's agent has stated he expects his client to sign before the World Cup of Hockey is over, so these moves could be coming very quickly.