As the trade Feb. 26 deadline nears, the rumor mill will continue grinding 24/7.

No-trade contract clauses and the salary cap will make the dealing difficult, but a LOT could happen in the days ahead.

Here are a few updates on much-discussed players:

Marian Hossa, W, Thrashers: If GM/coach Don Waddell can’t re-sign this looming free agent, then he needs to deal him for near- and long-term assets. The tricky part: Atlanta is still striving to make the playoffs. The Blues are just one of several teams following the situation closely.

Mats Sundin, C, Maple Leafs: He and unrestricted free agent Peter Forsberg are the big dominoes. If Foppa signs somewhere – or if Sundin waives his no-trade clause and accepts a deal out of Toronto – then many other deals could fall into place. The Red Wings still look like the front-runner for Sundin.

Tomas Kaberle, D, Maple Leafs: With two years and $8.5 million left on his contract, he would be a relative bargain in the New NHL. The Sharks are actively seeking an offensive defenseman, but Kaberle would have to waive his no-trade clause to go there. The same goes for the Rangers, another team interesting in adding a power-play point man.

Darcy Tucker, W, Maple Leafs: It appears he really wants to stay in Toronto. By scoring six goals in five games, though, Tucker has caused several contenders to drool.

Martin Havlat. W, Blackhawks: Has he come to loggerheads with Chicago coach Denis Savard? Perhaps. In the right circumstance, Chicago would move Havlat for future assets and free up some dollars to take into the free-agent marketplace.

Rob Blake, D, Kings: He has a no-trade clause, so he can pick his destination. The teams interested: Senators, Rangers, Bruins, Avalanche, Ducks, Sharks, Canucks and Wings. Word is he would like to stay in the West to finish out the season.

Brian Campbell, D, Sabres: This team will make every effort to keep this free-agent-to-be. But if a deal can’t be struck before the deadline, Buffalo may opt to take get as much as possible for him in a trade.

Dan Boyle, D, Lightning: The team has a new owner, so there won’t be a fire sale. But keeping all the high-salaried players will be difficult; Boyle could cash in big as a free agent. The Lightning will try to keep him, but . . .

Mike Cammalleri, C-W, Kings: I don’t get why LA would trade a player with so much scoring ahead of him, but GM Dean Lombardi apparently would move him in the right deal. Can Edmonton make that deal happen?

Brad Stuart, D, Kings: The Red Wings would also like to an offensive defenseman and their scouts have been tracking LA closely. So this could definitely happen.