Memorial Cup year hastens flurry of early WHL trades

Western Hockey League general managers have told their receptionists to keep their phone lines clear quite frequently this year. Not even a quarter of the way into the season, 24 trades have already taken place since the start of September.

After a brutal 2-5-0-0 start, Saskatoon Blades GM-head coach Lorne Molleken was forced to look elsewhere to try to revitalize his squad. He acquired Red Deer Rebels overage forward Adam Kambeitz for Christian Stockl and a third-round bantam pick. This deal essentially paved the way to Connor Cox's exit from Saskatoon. He was the odd overager out. Cox was later picked up off waivers by the Everett Silvertips.

Kambeitz's addition has yet to yield big dividends for the Blades. The Bridge City Boys are .500 (2-2-0-0) since the trade. It is an improvement, but only registering one shot on net in the third period in a crucial game against the Portland Winterhawks last week isn't acceptable for a team getting a free ride to the MasterCard Memorial Cup.

The Blades could use a new face on the back end to tighten up their defensive play. Colorado Avalanche first-rounder Duncan Siemens, who was stripped of his captaincy, and Montreal Canadiens second-rounder Dalton Thrower haven't lived up to expectations. Their play has been subpar for the most part.

Saskatoon also could use some help upfront. They do have a lot of pieces such as New York Rangers prospect Shane McColgan, Winnipeg Jets prospect Lukas Sutter, Dallas Stars prospect Matej Stransky, and overagers Josh Nicholls and Brenden Walker. However, they don't have the centrepiece. It seems they need a superstar forward capable of carrying this team on his back.

The Vancouver Giants added some toughness last weekend by adding Medicine Hat Tigers winger Kale Kessy for a measly conditional fifth-round draft pick in 2015.

Kessy was the Tigers' surplus overager. But his problems with staying out of trouble could have something to do with it. The Phoenix Coyotes prospect was recently handed a 12-game suspension for a checking-to-the-head major.

It seems the Giants aren't done yet. They will likely go one of two ways this season. If they're able to get back on their feet after their 2-7-0-0 start, they will likely look to improve their squad. But at the other end of the spectrum, if they continue to fall they might ship out their top assets to reload for the future. Edmonton Oilers prospect David Musil would be their most appealing card to play.

The Winterhawks' goaltending situation went from good to great after Mac Carruth was sent back to Oregon from the AHL's Rockford Ice Hogs. As pointed out by BTN's Scott Sepich, the writing is on the wall for Portland to part ways with overage puck-stopper Cam Lanigan. Despite Lanigan's strong play thus far, it wouldn't make sense for Portland to roll with two 20-year-old goaltenders. The back-up spot is Brendan Burke's this year.

Watch for the Kelowna Rockets to add a huge asset without having to give up anything. Sources close to the situation say Anaheim Ducks second-rounder Nicolas Kerdiles will be a Rocket if he is unable to suit up with the University of Wisconsin this year because of the one-year suspension handed to him. Kerdiles' and Wisconsin's appeal will be heard this week.

The Rockets are off to a lukewarm 4-5-1-0 start. The addition of Kerdiles could definitely help turn their boat around. The 18-year-old alongside Nashville Predators second-rounder Colton Sissons would be one of the top one-two scoring punches in the Western Conference.

After being released by the Spokane Chiefs, Mac Engel is yet to find another puck-stopping job. The 19-year-old would be an improvement in the back-up position for several teams. However, most teams would rather groom a young 17 or 18-year-old goaltender than run with two veterans in the blue paint.

Despite the flurry of early movement, the Dub's trade deadline could shape up to be a busy one. It does somewhat depend on whether the NHL will start up this year, though.

If the NHL starts up, the odds are on Silvertips star defenceman Ryan Murray to join the Columbus Blue Jackets. But if the NHL lockout continues, Silvertips GM Garry Davidson will undoubtedly receive numerous calls about the availability of the big league's No. 2 overall pick.

The Silvertips could make the playoffs. It isn't hard in the Western Conference, which has only 10 teams. Making a realistic run at the Ed Chynoweth Cup is a completely different story. It wouldn't make much sense to hold on to Murray when a championship likely exceeds their grasp. Blockbuster-trade scenarios involving Murray are already being floated.

If the Moose Jaw Warriors are on the outside looking in of the Eastern Conference's playoff race around the deadline, shutdown defenceman Joel Edmundson could become available. The St. Louis Blues prospect would be a fine addition to any back end. He would add character, defensive stability, and experience. He would especially look good in Kamloops' blue and orange.

The Edmonton Oil Kings currently have an overage vacancy. Look for them to fill that prior to the trade deadline. A veteran forward would be a great addition to the club after losing last year's three overage forwards Jordan Peddle, Tyler Maxwell, and Rhett Rachinski.

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen