The NHL trade deadline is set for April 3.

Will it be all talk and no action?

The discussions are certainly heating up as the league's 30 general managers try to put the final pieces in place they could need to carry a Stanley Cup in June.

Hockey columnist Bruce Garrioch, QMI Agency's "Sultan of Swap", takes a look at the top five players available in the Western Conference and a team-by-team look at what each team might do in the final hours leading up to the deadline.

TOP FIVE

1. Jarome Iginla, RW, Calgary Flames: He doesn't have to be shopped, he will be sought after.

There are several teams that want scoring help and they've been leaning on Flames GM Jay Feaster to make a decision on what route he's going to take with the 35-year-old Iginla, who will be a UFA on July 1.

Given Iginla's status, he should be allowed to choose his destination, where he wants to try to win a Stanley Cup. The Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins will both show interest, but the betting money is he joins old buddy Darryl Sutter with the Kings.

If Iginla does move, he has to be engaged and familiarity in a new destination would help. If he doesn't move, then the owners of the Flames aren't ready for a rebuild.

2. Jaromir Jagr, RW, Dallas Stars: The 41-year-old Jagr would make a nice addition for any team looking for a veteran rental.

You have to wonder if the Penguins would bring him back for one last run with Sidney Crosby. The relationship wasn't the best when Jagr left, but he admits he's grown up a lot and they'd be a nice fit because he can still contribute.

The Stars are going nowhere fast and GM Joe Nieuwendyk looks like he's going to be a seller. The Flyers will tell you how much they've missed Jagr's leadership in the dressing room and might even bring him back.

Jagr is still a consistent contributor. Several teams, including the Bruins, Kings, Leafs and Senators, should be lined up to try to acquire him.

3. Brenden Morrow, LW, Dallas Stars: This will be a huge decision for the Stars if they decide to move their captain.

The 34-year-old is a UFA on July 1, he hasn't played anywhere else in his career and several teams have been calling. This one could indeed be up to Morrow to decide if he wants to move to the Bruins for a chance to win the Cup.

Even if the Stars do make the playoffs, they're not going to get very far. Morrow has been a good soldier for the Stars and if there are no plans to keep him this summer, they should give him the chance to win.

The asking price is high, with the Stars looking for three elements: A No. 1 pick, high-end prospect and another pick.

4. Ryane Clowe, LW, San Jose Sharks: He hasn't been great this year and it may be time for a change of scenery.

His status as a UFA doesn't help matters, but Clowe is a competitor through-and-through. He brings the kind of style that can have success in the post-season, which is why any team wanting to contend would pay to get him.

The Sharks and Clowe have been plagued by inconsistency this season. Battling for a playoff spot, the Sharks will want to get a warm body in return if they're to make this move. The club can't afford to give him away for a draft pick.

Some think the 30-year-old Clowe is starting to break down, but a fresh start might help. It's not working for him or the Sharks right now. A new destination might help.

5. Dan Boyle, D, San Jose Sharks: The 36-year-old doesn't have an expiring deal, but is an interesting name to watch.

With a cap hit of $6.6 million through next season, he could help any team that wants to give its power play a boost. The Canadiens and Flyers were interested in Boyle last summer and the Rangers have been sniffing around.

Boyle isn't just a strong presence on the ice, he brings leadership in the dressing room. He's a big commitment financially, but could be worth the money, especially with a Rangers power play that has been putrid.

GM Glen Sather has been itching to make a move to bring in an impact player. Boyle is the kind of defenceman who can make a big hit. The Sharks really need to decide if they want to take a stab at their core.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

ANAHEIM DUCKS: Expect GM Bob Murray to stand pat after signing C Ryan Getzlaf and RW Corey Perry to eight-year deals. The Ducks don't have a lot to give up and they aren't going to move RW Bobby Ryan until the summer. Anaheim has been a top team all season, no need to try to screw up chemistry.

CALGARY FLAMES: This deadline will determine GM Jay Feaster's direction. If the Flames keep G Mikka Kiprussoff and RW Jarome Iginla, they aren't ready to throw in the towel. D Jay Bouwmeester is a hot commodity, but teams want the Flames to eat part of his $6.5 million salary. Tough call.

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS: Really, do they have to do anything? The Hawks have shown no signs of interest. If they do make a move it will for a depth player in case they run into an injury or two. Goalies Ray Emery and Corey Crawford have gotten the job done. You don't hear Roberto Luongo's name mentioned anymore.

COLORADO AVALANCHE: What a mess. This could be GM Greg Sherman's last deadline. He just hasn't gotten the job done, the whole C Ryan O'Reilly fiasco was embarrassing and the Avs have taken a step back. With the exception of the young players, everyone is available. Make an offer.

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS: Since GM Scott Howson was fired, the Jackets have gone on a pretty good run. President John Davidson has said publicly nobody is off limits, but they've remained in the hunt. Names available include D Adrian Aucoin, C Derek Brassard and C Vinny Prospal.

DALLAS STARS: There is a lot of heat on GM Joe Nieuwendyk. He hasn't made a good trade since he took over and any move he makes now is pivotal. Lots of teams are interested in C Derek Roy, RW Jaromir Jagr, C Ray Whitney and LW Brendan Morrow. Are the Stars ready to throw in the towel? Could be it for Nieuwendyk.

DETROIT RED WINGS: The Wings would have been upset to see Perry re-sign with the Ducks. They were prepared to make a big pitch in July. They have depth, but the Wings need to get a star. That's not going to happen at this deadline because they aren't just one player away from a Cup run.

EDMONTON OILERS: GM Steve Tambellini has a decision to make: Does he buy or sell? The Oilers have a shot at the playoffs, but can they stay there? None of the young players are available so no need for teams to ask. D Ryan Whitney is available and so is C Sam Gagner, who could fetch help.

LOS ANGELES KINGS: Forget all the denials, the Kings are in hot pursuit of Iginla. GM Dean Lombardi isn't like some of his counterparts, who are afraid to make a big deal. Even if it means giving up three elements to get another Cup, coach Darryl Sutter wants Iginla and has a good relationship with him.

MINNESOTA WILD: This could be a quiet deadline for the Wild. They'd deal LW Pierre-Marc Bouchard if there was immediate interest, however, there's a strong belief GM Chuck Fletcher could stand pat. Since C Matt Cullen and G Nicklas Backstrom aren't going anywhere, it could be status quo.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS: Nobody is sure what direction GM David Poile might take. The Predators need help everywhere and are going nowhere. The thinking is coach Barry Trotz could get fired at the end of the season and the Preds will stand pat at the deadline. Not sure what happens here.

PHOENIX COYOTES: The hands of GM Don Maloney are tied. He has put off talks with G Mike Smith, but is expected to ante up $6 million per season to keep him. The NHL has spent at the deadline in the past. That may not be the case this time. They need help up front and do have 'D' prospects to offer up.

SAN JOSE SHARKS: GM Doug Wilson isn't trying to reset or retool, he's in a total state of panic. He's called about 29 GM's trying to make deals. Yes, Clowe is available and so is D Dan Boyle, but Wilson is willing to discuss anything. The concern is the same: Wilson has a tough time getting deals done.

ST. LOUIS BLUES: GM Doug Armstrong has been looking for a left-shooting defenceman all season to help the power play. He wants somebody in the top four and is offering up a prospect in return. They've proven difficult to find. Goalie Brian Elliott has struggled. He could be hard to move.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS: GM Mike Gillis has been looking for a centre all season. He'll most certainly make a pitch for Washington's Mike Ribiero because the Canucks need depth. Coach Alain Vigneault is suddenly on the hot seat, but he could use a little help and consistency from players.

bruce.garrioch@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @sungarrioch