It's one of the most anticipated times of the year for hockey fans around the world. No, it's not the beginning of a new season, nor the playoffs, and not even the Stanley Cup finals. In just 13 days it will be D-day for the NHL: deadline day. Rumors have been swirling for months about potential unrestricted free agents, players who have worn out their stay in certain organizations, and some who have underachieved. Whatever the case may be, February 26th at 3:00pm is the last chance for general managers to tinker their lineups for April or start from scratch and go young. This week we'll check in on some of the most sought after players making rounds in rumor mills in dozens of tabloids. With so many names on the trade block, we'll take a quick look at 'the skinny' on each player.
Mats Sundin: has repeatedly stated he wants to remain a Leaf for life despite Toronto's horrible season... and he has a no-trade clause. Mats will remain a Leaf.
Joe Corvo: frequently rumored in trades to bring in a top-6 forward for the Senators. A cap hit of $2.5 million but consistently puts up a solid 30-40 points each season.
Tomas Kaberle: the Leafs most attractive asset and a premier blueliner in his prime. Fletcher may be forced to deal Kaberle if Sundin won't accept a trade. Problem is, Kaberle has a no-trade clause as well.
Michael Ryder: bad season after back-to-back 30 goal seasons. Gainey is looking for takers, and will most likely be dealt at deadline day. Rumored destination is Edmonton.
Rob Blake: with LA in the basement of the standings and Blake a UFA with valuable playoff experience, he should be on the move come February 26th. Blake has a no-trade clause, but he'll waive it to play for a cup contender.
Marian Hossa: Thrashers have been playing good hockey and Atlanta's priority is resigning Hossa, a UFA, by the end of the season. He'll stay put in Atlanta.
Brian Campbell: another UFA at season's end and garnering plenty of attention from rival general managers. Won't begin contract negotiations until season's end, perhaps forcing Buffalo to deal him for something than to lose him for nothing in the offseason. Buffalo already made this mistake last year with Daniel Briere and Chris Drury.
Antoine Vermette: has great offensive upside at only 25, but is in the same situation as fellow Senator Joe Corvo. If the Senators find a top-6 winger, they'll package him off with Corvo for a proven goal scorer.
Alex Tanguay: rumored to be going to Montreal only months ago for Alex Kovalev. Bottom line is that Kovalev has resurrected his career after a bad season and this deal won't happen. New rumor is that he's going to Montreal but for struggling winger Michael Ryder. The Flames may be forced to trade Tanguay as he'll be a huge cap hit next season ($5.75 million) on an already expensive Flames lineup.
Marek Malik: has been in conflict with Rangers head coach Tom Renney, but his $2.5 million salary is too much for a defenceman who has struggled most of the season.
Patrick Marleau: won't be going anywhere. GM Ron Wilson said he won't trade Marleau, his contract ($12.6 million over two years) is too expensive, and Marleau hasn't proved his worth this season.
John-Michael Lyles: Colorado's offensive defenceman rumored to either Pittsburgh or Toronto in exchange for a tough, stay-at-home defenceman.
Jaromir Jagr: Rangers are on a roll as of late and won't move Jagr. They'll need him down the stretch and in the playoffs.
Glen Murray: ditto. Murray won't be traded. Too expensive, too old, too injury prone.
Vaclav Prospal: the Lightning's 'big three' (Lecavalier, St. Louis, and Richards) won't be dealt. Look for Prospal to be dealt as a rental player for a playoff team.
Dan Boyle: will be a hot commodity for playoff teams if he can't sign a deal with the Lighting by February 26th.
Olli Jokinen: frequently denies he wants out of Florida; with Panthers still in the playoff chase, I doubt he's going anywhere.
Dwayne Roloson: lost the starter's job to Mathieu Garon; may ask for a deal playing time doesn't increase.
Ray Emery: The goaltending situation in Ottawa is a mess, perhaps forcing GM Brian Murray to deal the outspoken Emery. There may be a few takers, but this is a story to keep an eye on.
Jarret Stoll: is great on faceoffs and has a great right-handed shot. Essentially a solid two-way player. GM Bob Gainey of Montreal stated he's looking for a player with all three qualities just last month.
With deadline day less than two weeks away, hockey fans will have plenty to talk about both before and after the deadline. However, the salary cap may force general managers to withdrawal from making a big splash on deadline day as seen in the past, and just make minor changes not involving 'big name' superstars. Sometimes these 'minor' moves make huge impacts on already solid rosters. Just ask Brian Burke of the Anaheim Ducks; last season on deadline day he only added Brad May, a 4th line tough guy for the playoffs.... and the Ducks won the Stanley Cup.
To reach Christos, send an email to christos10@gmail.com
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