Hockey Trade Rumors - NHL Rumors from around the league

So Who's Left? Plenty Of Help Remains Available.

Free Agents are continuing to sign on the dotted line as we speak, but there certainly is some talent remaining in the pool of available players.

The frenzy is over but there are teams with some cap space and needs and players looking for work. Whether they will get the kind of money the players who signed July 1st got remains to be seen. But certainly help is available. It just depends on the price.

Centres

Mats Sundin - Back to Toronto? Retirement? Seems to be the only two options unless there is another team he is willing to play for. That appears unlikely.

Joe Sakic - A return to the Avs or retirement is almost certain. But could he, for just one year play at home in Vancouver....where the Olympics are being held and get one last chance at something big before retirement?

Saku Koivu - There should be plenty of interest in the former Habs captain including his old team in Montreal. The Ducks, with Selanne for a year is an attractive option as would playing with his brother Mikko in Minnesota.

Mike Comrie - Comrie will have to take a deep salary cut but he is young enough that he has some miles left on him to contribute in a strictly offensive role.

Robert Lang - Is he healed? Thats the big question. He'd probably like to play one more year to perhaps earn a berth in the Olympics. A likely option is to return to Europe.

Alexandre Giroux - Who is this guy? Well he had over 60 goals in the AHL last season. He has been a career minor leaguer, but may be a cheap option and could surprise.

Todd Marchant - Old but still quick. Can help with leadership and kill some penalties. A return to Edmonton would be great. Or maybe back to his hometown of Buffalo.

Mike Sillinger - His career may be over due to injury. But he would be someone willing to take the minimum to stay in the NHL. Lots of miles on this well travelled veteran.

Michael Peca - Another veteran long in the tooth. May want to latch onto a contender like say San Jose or Philly if he is willing to go cheap.

Manny Malholtra - Big checking centre, still young, can add a bit of offence. Has good size to play a defensive role. At his age, probably in some demand. Toronto would be a good fit. He would help the Habs too with his size. His skating ability would be a nice fit in Edmonton too.

Dominic Moore - Foolishly turned down a fair deal from the Leafs and now will be lucky to recoup those numbers now from anyone. Typecast as a journeyman checking depth centre. Leafs may want him back but only at their price. Nice fit on a young team like the Isles or Florida.

Scott Nichol - Grinding 4th line centre. likely looking for something similar to Steve Begin.

Chris Gratton - Great size and good on faceoffs but speed of the game may be too much for Gratton. Career may be over.

Blair Betts - Quietly he could fit in on several teams. Little skill but can win draws, kill penalties, works hard and knows his role. Has decent size. Would be a fine pickup for the Oilers. The Avs could use the sandpaper. Jersey is a possibility as a replacement for Madden.

Stephane Yelle - Grizzled vet will probably latch onto a contender like Peca.

Joel Lundqvist - Unlike the Sedins who are near equals, Joel is nowhere near the star his twin Hendrik is. He may join his brother in NY or one of the two team Swedens (Van or Det).

Brendan Morrison - Another long in the tooth centre who's best days are well behind him. Time may be up for this veteran.

Jason Williams - Skilled forward would add depth but one of those guys who is good in the AHL but may not be good enough consistently in the NHL. Someone will grab him. Ottawa had interest once.

Radek Bonk - Former top 3 pick, Bonk has size and can win draws. But he can no longer provide any offence. But, Bonk could help a few teams. Atlanta needs help on draws. Tampa maybe to add depth to the bottom 6 forwards.

Jeremy Roenick - Time for JR to begin his career as an Analyst.

Wing

Alex Tanguay - Arguably the best free agent left. Can score a point a game pace, is in his prime and has plenty of experience including a cup ring. Whomever lost out of Gaborik, Cammellari, Havlat will be calling for Tanguay. He could return to Colorado. Maybe Dallas will take a run. The Kings need scoring help. Wouldnt he be a nice fit for that young team.

Alex Kovalev - Magic hands is still available and here a team would get a terrific one on one player. He will be costly. likely over 4 mil per. He would be a great fit on the young Oilers but they are waiting on Heatley. Only a paycut would bring him back to Montreal. He could join Ovechkin in Wash with a paycut as well. He could go to NY.....to the Isles and play with Tavares.

Miro Satan: His NHL career is likely finished but he may go back to Europe and train to be part of Slovakia's entry at the Olympics.

Max Afinogenov - Another great one on one player. He seems poised to take big money in the KHL. He could however take a big discounted 1 year deal in the NHL and try and rejuvenate his career. He could, like Kovalev, do so beside Tavares in NY. He could also flank Lecavalier in TB as they need scoring depth.

Kyle Calder - A player poised to being a casualty like Anson Carter was a couple of years ago. If he doesnt take whatever contract he is offered, he will be playing in the KHL or not at all.

Ales Kotalik - A really underrated player. has good size and a great shot but isnt exactly a finisher. A very useful support scorer for any team. If they can clear cap space, the Flames would be a nice fit as they need depth on the wings behind Iginla. If the Wings clear up space too, he would be an excellent fit as well.

Petr Sykora - Can still score 20 plus goals. Maybe he'll join his former teammate Jason Arnott in Nashville if they cant lure Radulov back.

Rob Niedermayer - Big grinding checking winger will likely find himself back in Anaheim with brother Scott. If not, He is what the Oilers could use. leadership, grit, size. But teams out east would like him too, but it is likely he stays West. He would be a nice vet for a young team like the Blues or Hawks.

Todd Bertuzzi - Still a presence with his size and has good hands but is a bit slow, is poor defensively and can be undiciplined. Another discounted contract could bring him back to Calgary. Could he play for Burke...again?

PJ Axelsson - A super smart defensive player. Has had success with Alfie in Ottawa playing internationally. Yet another who could join the team sweden contingent in Van or Det. Would be a nice checker and leader down in Tampa. There will be interest. Maybe Jersey?

Mike Grier - Big grinding winger, a return to Edmonton may be what both parties need. Buffalo is an option as well.

Taylor Pyatt - A big bodied winger, someone a team like Montreal could use. Anyone really over 6 feet would be a presence with the Habs. After the death of his finacee, maybe time off though is what Pyatt will take before resuming his career.

Dan Hinote - Grinding 4th liner. Could see him going back to Colorado

Travis Moen - Another former Burke player. Could see him join the Leafs. Would help the PK dept.

Tom Kostopoulos - ticketed to the minors or Europe

Dean McAmmond - Retirement. especially after all those concussions.

Stephane Veilleux - A good sized winger, would be a nice fit in Montreal.

Brendan Shanahan - Shanny may return to Jersey. Or why not the Isles for his experience?

Brian McGrattan - recovering in rehab but may resume his career and his role as policeman.

Brad May - Likely headed for retirement but could get one more crack due to his willingness to play it tough.

Andrew Peters - Another tough guy, May be needed in Washington to protect their stars.

Goal

Manny Fernandez - A possible option to backup Price in Montreal but they need a home for Halak first. He is a very solid veteran and proved he can play 25 games or so and be really efficient. Maybe the Hawks if he comes cheap?

Martin Biron - Starting jobs are few and far between now. LA is an option. They're the only team really looking for a starter.

Manny Legace - retirement.

Martin Gerber - Would be a good backup. Would fit in nice back in Anaheim if they could moe Giguere.

Antero Nittymaki - Finland and maybe there can earn a spot at the Olympics

Brent Johnson - Another experienced backup will likely find a job somewhere. Maybe Dallas behind Turco? SJ needs a backup. Jersey?

Andrew Raycroft - Likely to be the next Marc Denis. Minor league goalie.

Kevin Weekes - A very solid veteran backup. Montreal should look at him as he fits that role behind Price better than Halak.

Defence

Sergei Zubov - Old, but may be the biggest impact blueliner left. His skill and saavy will help many teams. The Blues are looking for a PP QB. A return to the Stars though seems the likeliest scenario.

Derek Morris - Morris would be a fine fit for the Sabres. They need a replacement for Spacek who played a ton. Morris isnt as prolific offensively but can really skate and adds grit.

Paul Mara - A big body who can mix it up, add some skill and lots of size. A 3rd pair blueliner, could help a few teams like Nashville, Colorado and Atlanta.

Nick Boynton - A team like Jersey, looking for defence depth could use a guy like Boynton who can play 20 minutes, move the puck ok and play with some edge. All depends on the price. The Ducks may be interested in his grit with Pronger gone.

Francois Beauchemin - A minute muncher. Is arguably the most attractive defenceman available. Still in his prime, can contribute some offence, but adds some grit and 25-30 minutes a night of solid play. Obviously the Burke connection is there. The French connection in Montreal but he sure would look good in Pittsburgh as a missing link on D provided they clear some cap space. Washington too with a couple of salary dumps would welcome him as well.

Phillip Boucher - won his cup, could retire. Looks too slow for today's NHL

Greg Devries - Gritty veteran may be a cheap option to replace Scuderi/Gill.

Darryl Sydor - might be time to hang them up for the classy veteran.

Kyle Maclaren - Spent last year in minors due to cap reasons but could be back in teh NHL next year. Is big and tough. Certainly an option for the champs who lost Gill. The Rangers need some toughness. Habs certainly need to get tougher. The Thrashers with Exelby gone may take a look.

Denis Gauthier - Would be a nice fit in MTL to add a big physical element sorely missing in their lineup.

Dimitri Kalinin - May be destined for the KHL

Francis Bouillon - depth blueliner, will likely be a camp invitee.

Mathieu Dandenault - Experienced swing man would make a fine 21st roster player. Could find himself back with the Wings if he came cheap.

Martin Skoula - Europe. Again, training for the Olympics perhaps.

Andrew Alberts - A team like the Ducks, who lost Pronger, will be interested in his size.

Dennis Seidenberg - Showed shot blocking prowess and may be brought in to play on the 3rd defence pair. Maybe Vancouver as they seek players to makeup the lost minutes with Ohlund gone. The Champs are in need of defence depth. The Rangers too are looking for help in their own end. As are others like the Habs.

Marc Andre Bergeron - This guy can score. Has a great point shot. He is small and not the best defensively but would be a solid PP specialist. The Jackets should make a call. That is exactly what they need. The Avs as well could use a shooter. The Canucks as well, but they may want a more well rounded Dman.

Teppo Numminen - Retirement but he may want to play in the Olympics.

Kurtis Foster - Still young, but coming off serious injury. Will likely have to walk on and earn a job somewhere or get conditioning in the minors.

Ossi Vaananen - going to Europe is the likeliest scenario.

Shane Hnidy - Gritty depth defenceman will probably earn a job somewhere in camp.

Chris Chelios - Wants to play another year but it wont be in Detroit. A return to Chicago would be very interesting. Or another original 6 team like Boston. Out of respect, he should find work somewhere.

There could be plenty of players here squeezed out of the league but while the best of the best available have been signed already, there are still a few gems available through free agency.

Winners and Losers after July 1st

As the dust begins to settle two days after July 1st, we can already begin to see winners and loser on the day so many teams look to, to become a playoff team next season.
Winners

Tampa Bay Lightning

After so long being the but of the league and having a terrible management team, they finally did something right. By signing Matthias Ohlund to mentor and guide Victor Hedman, the Lightning took a huge step into becoming a team on the rise. This will help to give a defence ,that at many times last year looked very lost, a solid veteran presence and take it from being a weak and young defence to a stronger and more solid defence (never to mistaken for a top defence yet though). Great move.

Vancouver Canucks

By resigning the Sedins to a fairly resonable length and number deal (6.1 million over 5 years each), and signing Mikael Samuelsson, the Canucks were winners. They were able to preserve their top line (and 180 points a season) for a reasonable rate and at a length that wont hurt them in the future. Samuelsson adds a valuable cup experienced veteran presence that can play third line duties and add secondary scoring the team desperately needs. He will fit nicely with Kesler and help to make a good energy line if Burrows plays with them.

Minnesota Wild

Signing Havlat at 2.5 million dollars less than Gaborik would have cost was a great move as they effectively traded the same amount of offence for a cheaper cost. Havlat actually looked great last season and looked like he was commited to staying healthy unlike Gaborik. This a great move for the Wild and they still have almost 7 million to spend on another scoring forward like Tanguay (should be looking at 4 million at most). Signing Zanon helped to solidify an already solid defence.

Going Sideways/Potential Winners

Toronto Maple Leafs

While many fans seemed to like the Komisarek signing, the Orr signing and the Exelby and Stuart for Kubina trade (with some mixed feelings for the latter), the Leafs did little to improve the team skill wise. It seems they will be content to have another losing season (not really a problem for me, i welcome it) but will be much tougher to play and a very rough team. The signing with the most potential is the Komisarek signing, which could allow the leafs to use him to mentor Schenn and create a very good shutdown line for a very long time.

Montreal Canadiens

Adding Gomez through the trade may not have been the most popular move but at least it gave them the most talented center they have had in a very long time. Signing Gionta and Cammalleri effectively replaced their small, talented forwards with more small talented forwards. They lost out on a great defenceman, for the third year in a row, and signed Spacek and Gill to replace them. While the defence signings a decent they are not great and really wont make them that much better. The forwards have more potential and could take them off this list if they can produce. Gainey did add more offence and this should at least help this team a little. Their is potential for these signings to be better but right now the team neither improved nor failed on July 1st.

Calgary Flames

While the Jay Bouwmeester signing was a great signing, the Flames put themselves in a cap space pickle. If they can succeed this year without much cap trouble than they are winners. They gained another top 2 defenceman too add to Regehr and Phaneuf and added a good 5th or 6th guy in Pardy. Sjostrom adds a nice 4th line PK player for a cheap price. This was a good day for the team but the closeness to the cap that the Bouwmeester signing took them too makes them potential but not yet their winners.

Loser

New York Rangers

While Sather did a wondorous job of getting rid of a bad contract and getting good value for it, he effectively cancelled that improvement out. When he signed Gaborik to a 7.5 million a year for 5 years deal, he added a player who hasnt scored anymore points than Gomez has and a player who has played significantly less. When healthy Gaborik is an 80 - 90 point threat on the ice, but in recent seasons has only played 207 games of a possible 328 games. If he stays healthy for the next while and scores at a point per game pace at the very least then Sather did not make a mistake, but this could only a marginal better signing than a Gomez signing.

Chicago Blackhawks

While signing Marian Hossa to a 12 year deal where he makes only 5.2 million a year looks like a good deal by itself, it stops looking good when you look at the rest of the roster that GM Dave Tallon has. The Chicago team is very talented and only got more talented with this signing but Tallon backed himself into a very tight corner. The Blawkhawks have 17 players signed to 47.9 million dollars worth in cap space and they are left with roughly 8.9 million to sign 5 players neccesary to reach the 23 player roster. This leaves roughly 1.78 million per player needed. While that is doable it takes them very close to the cap and wouldnt even allow them to sign Barker, Versteeg, Eager or Brouwer (who will likely be looking for raises near, at or above that 1.78 million per player). This leaves Tallon with some difficult choices to make as to see who to keep and who to trade. And that is just this year. Next year they have roughly 31.9 million tied up in 9 players. If the cap stayed the same (its assumed it will drop but ill give them this) they have 24.9 million dollars to spend on 13 players. That's rouhly 1.9 million per player and they would still want to sign next seasons RFA's Duncan Keith, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Adam Burish. Each player will likely be getting significant raises. Their is no way they could keep all or even half of them and the fact that Campbell and Huet are almost unmovable leaves them with little options but to trade one of Keith, Toews or Kane at the very least and maybe even have to move a player like Patrick Sharp or Byfugien just to be able to sign Keith and one of Toews and Kane. And that doesnt take into account that they will for sure want to resign Versteeg and maybe Brouwer and Eager this season too. This Hossa deal is a really bad deal for Chicago and could spell long problems for them. Chicago loses no matter what.

July 3, 2009 - NHL News and Rumors Roundup

Opening offer a disappointment for Nash

Wild waiting on decision from Saku Koivu

RANGERS, SATHER CAN AFFORD TO BE PATIENT
Opening offer a disappointment for Nash

Aaron Portzline - THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

It didn't take long for the Blue Jackets' contract negotiations with captain Rick Nash to take a contentious turn.

After meeting with his agent, Joe Resnick, Nash told The Dispatch last night that the initial offer from Jackets general manager Scott Howson fell short of what he had in mind.

Nash watched yesterday's free-agent spending spree, with NHL teams continuing to shower elite players with huge contracts, and said he expected more from the Blue Jackets.

"There were tons of teams throwing some pretty big money around," Nash said. "If this doesn't get done, I'm sure I won't have a problem getting signed by somebody next summer."

Neither Howson nor Nash revealed details of the proposal, but sources indicated to The Dispatch it was a five-year offer.

"Things didn't line up the way I anticipated them lining up," Nash said. "I thought we had a solid chance of getting (a contract) done, especially with all the interest they said they had going into this. If they want me that bad, they'll get it done."

Nash, 25, can be an unrestricted free agent after the 2009-10 season, but the Blue Jackets are trying to avoid a messy situation by getting him signed quickly.

Resnick is expected to issue a counterproposal today.

http://www.bluejacketsxtra.com/live/content/sports/stories/2009/07/02/jackets_nash_0702.ART_ART_07-02-09_C1_5MEC024.html

Wild waiting on decision from Saku Koivu

MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

One day after signing winger Martin Havlat to a six-year, $30 million deal, General Manager Chuck Fletcher spent much of Thursday trying to fill another significant hole in the Wild's lineup.

Fletcher said "negotiations are ongoing with Saku" Koivu, the decorated older brother of Wild center Mikko Koivu.

But according to sources, the deal appeared to be heading south fast after the team believed Koivu-to-Minnesota was a lock Wednesday night.

"We've expressed some interest. I think a lot of teams have expressed interest," Fletcher said. "He's a great hockey player and there aren't a lot of centermen in the market place, so I'd be stunned if 10 or 15 teams haven't reached out to him by this point.

"I certainly sensed some interest [from Koivu], but there's a lot of good situations out there. Most teams in the league are thin at the center position."

Fletcher, who spoke with Mikko Koivu on Wednesday to ensure his comfort level in the Wild pursuing his brother, added the "ball's in [Saku's] court."

Agent Don Baizley reserved comment other than to say no decision is imminent.

If the Wild isn't able to land Koivu, it's unlikely the team would sign another free-agent center.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/49769627.html

RANGERS, SATHER CAN AFFORD TO BE PATIENT

LARRY BROOKS

Now the trick for Glen Sather is to find another high-end talent to complement Marian Gaborik, but that's easier said than it's going to be for the general manager to get done, given the paucity of upper echelon players with cap-affordable contracts on the market.

The Rangers scoured the free agent and trade markets yesterday in an attempt to find a center to complement Gaborik, the right winger who signed a five-year, $37.5 million contract with the club on Wednesday, but came up empty.

That's neither terribly surprising nor terribly alarming because, a) the season doesn't start for another three months; b) Gaborik doesn't rely on his center to set him up the way, say, Dany Heatley does; and, c) Brandon Dubinsky almost certainly could handle the assignment beside Gaborik just as he handled centering Jaromir Jagr.

It's far better for the Rangers to be patient while surveying an unimposing market that includes comparatively cheap, short-term alternatives such as Brendan Morrison, Robert Lang or Mike Comrie, should it come to that, than rush into a bad contract carrying a long-term commitment to, say, a Saku Koivu.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/07032009/sports/rangers/rangers__sather_can_afford_to_be_patient_177412.htm

Habs next captain???

The Montreal Canadiens will show a new face next season with Koivu, Lang, Brisebois, Bouillon, Schneider, Dandenault, Kostopoulos and fan favorite Alex Kovalev all gone and newcomers Gomez, Gionta, Cammellari, Spacek, Darche and Gill arriving.

The Question is, Who will be the Habs new Captain, Markov? The problem with Markov is, he only said 18 words in the last 7 years , a little too quiet for captain position, Gomez, Gionta and Cammellari are new and I doubt either one of them will be given a the"C" maybe an"A" at best. Latendresse too young, AK is not captain material.

So I think that the habs best choice would be Maxim Lapierre, he has a lot of heart and centers the defensive trio,one of the only habs player to show character every shift. Also he's french and could adress the media every night and by making our 3rd line center our captain would take pressure off our the top end players like Gomez, Camme, Gionta, Markov ect........

My choice would of been resigning Kovalev and making him captain but it looks like Kovy's on his way out of Montreal, I and a lot of habs fans will miss Kovy, it will be weird not to hear the fans chant KOVY KOVY KOVY next season! Imagine how boring the habs would of been the past 5 years without Kovalev? So i would like to wish the best of luck to Alexei Kovalev in his future plans and if you comeback to the bell center in a different uniform "I' will still chant KOVY KOVY KOVY!

Team U.S.A Camp Roster

Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas, three-time Olympian Mike Modano and young gun Patrick Kane headline the list of 34 players that USA Hockey has invited to its 2010 Olympic orientation camp this summer. On Tuesday, USA Hockey released the list of participants for the camp, which will take place Aug. 17-19, at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, Ill, a suburb of Chicago. The roster includes three goaltenders, 12 defencemen and 19 forwards and leaves off many of the older, long-time Team USA stars. Here is the roster:

Goaltenders: Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick, Tim Thomas

Defencemen: Tom Gilbert, Tim Gleason, Ron Hainsey, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Mike Komisarek, Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik, Brian Rafalski, Rob Scuderi, Ryan Suter, Ryan Whitney

Forwards: David Backes, David Booth, Dustin Brown, Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler, Phil Kessel, Jamie Langenbrunner, Ryan Malone, Mike Modano, Kyle Okposo, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny.

"We're going to be an underdog in Vancouver - there won't be a penny bet on us in Las Vegas," said Brian Burke, the team's general manager. "We'll probably be the youngest team in the tournament, we know that." Of the 34 players invited to the camp, just five have previous Olympic experience, led by three-time Olympian Mike Modano of the Dallas Stars. Additional Olympians include Chris Drury of the New York Rangers, Brian Rafalski of the Detroit Red Wings, Scott Gomez of the New York Rangers, and Jamie Langenbrunner of the New Jersey Devils. The roster has lots of NHL punch. The 2009 Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins leads a solid goaltending trio. New Jersey Devil Zach Parise led all American NHL players with 45 goals and 94 points during the 2008-09 season. Two No. 1 overall draft picks are also on the list: Erik Johnson of the St. Louis Blues and Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks. Eight players on this invitation list played for the U.S. team at the 2009 IIHF World Championship in Bern, Switzerland, including Ron Hainsey of the Atlanta Thrashers, Jack Johnson and Dustin Brown of the LA Kings, Ryan Suter of the Nashville Predators, David Backes and T.J. Oshie of the St. Louis Blues, Kyle Okposo of the New York Islanders, and Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks. While many big-name Team USA veterans were left off the list, Modano remained.

"Mike's production has fallen off, but his usefulness as a player has not," Burke explained. "His role has changed and he's accepted that cheerfully." Left off of this list are long-time Team USA players like Bill Guerin, Keith Tkatchuk, Chris Chelios, and Jeremy Roenick and Rick DiPietro. Burke said he attempted to call each of the "warriors", as he calls them, to let them know they wouldn't be on this orientation camp list but that doesn't mean they are totally out of consideration for the Olympic team. "They all said the same thing, Bill Guerin's response was immediately 'I undestand, I've had my turn, I've gone every time they asked me. I'd love to go again, but I understand.' Keith Tkatchuk said the same."

"These guys have had their day in the sun, and I told them we're not closing any doors here. These guys are very much alive. They appreciated that call and said they get it." Burke said an additional 50-some players not on this invitation list will follow the WADA anti-doping drug-testing protocols so that they could still be available to be chosen when they announce their final 23-man roster this winter.

"My suspicion is that some of these guys not invited are going to jam it right down my throat, and I welcome that," said Burke, who admits his final roster may very likely include some players not on this invitation list that come on strong during the 2009-10 NHL season. "My prediction is that some of these guys are going to make this hard for us.

Moves That Burke Should Make Post July 1st

I want to focus on moves the Leafs should make post July 1st, as the acquisitions of Orr, Exelby and Komisarek have already been readily discussed, admired and/or scrutinized. In short though, I LOVE the moves made by Burke yesterday - the Leafs get tougher which allows their speedier offensive-type players to feel a little more protected. I don’t think the big name offensive players like the Sedin Sisters, Cammelari, Hossa, Gaborik, etc. that were out there yesterday would fit into the Leafs future plans and/or we don’t want them anyway for various reasons which I won’t get into here.

Also, to all you Leaf-Haters that roll their eyes about another “What the Leafs Should Do Article”…as indicated by the title, this is OBVIOUSLY a Leafs article so don’t read it if you hate the Leafs…it’s quite annoying when you gripe about it in the comments section and you just end up sounding like a knob…we Leafs fans love to speculate about our team so why not just let us have our fun? I don’t see the big issue, if you don’t like the Leafs, then don’t read Leafs articles…it’s that simple. Anyway, having said that, here’s my two cents on what the Leafs should do….

#1 - Trade

To Vancouer:

Tomas Kaberle and Matt Stajan

To Toronto:

Cody Hodgson and Alexandre Burrows, + 2nd round draft pick in 2010

Analysis:

Vancouver gets the puck moving, power play quarterback they so desperately need plus a young, 3rd line centre. Toronto gets Hodgson, a great prospect with massive potential. In my opinion HODGSON IS THE NHL’S NEXT SUPERSTAR, HE WILL BE A BETTER, MORE VALUABLE AND MORE COMPLETE PLAYER THAN JOHN TAVARES OR VICTOR HEDMAN – JUST REMEMBER WHEN IT HAPPENS THAT YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!!

Toronto also gets a fast pesky forward with descent hands in Burrows. This is win-win for both teams, although if Vancouver values Hodgson as much as I do, they won’t let him go for Kaberle…Leafs could steal one here…

#2 – Trade

To Atlanta:

Alexei Ponikarovsky, Anton Stralman, Jamal Myers, Nikolai Kulemin, Justin Pogge

To Toronto:

Tobias Enstrom, Colby Armstrong, Ondrej Pavelec

Analysis:

Atlanta gets a solid 2nd line winger in Poni, who can play with his old buddy Antropov and Kovalchuk, or with Kozlov on the 2nd line. Atlanta also gets two young prospects - one D-man (Stralman) and one winger (Kulemin), plus throw-ins in Myers, who is a tough guy 4th liner to protect Kovalchuk (does Atlanta currently have a tough guy?), plus another throw-in with Pogge – he’s considered a “throw-in” and not a prospect because realistically, he doesn’t have a lot of trade value right now but he still has some potential.

In return, the Leafs get a new prospective PP quarterback in Enstrom (to eventually replace Kaberle in a few years), plus some sandpaper with decent hands in Armstrong and a great goaltending prospect in Pavelec, who is likely NHL ready.

I like this deal because even though the Leafs are giving up some young talent, they are also getting young talent back in return. As much as I think Kulemin is a great kid – he just doesn’t have the soft hands to play on a 1st or 2nd line long-term and he’s not tough enough to play on a “Burke-style” 3rd or 4th line. So, we should trade him while he still has some offensive potential and trade value - that perception won’t last long with other NHL managers after a couple of years – see Matt Stajan. Also, no matter how much I watch Stralman, I just can’t see any potential upside to his game – he doesn’t have great speed, he’s nervous on the ice, plus he doesn’t make great outlet passes….I honestly don’t see what all the hype is about….trade him too while he has some potential upside to him…remember, we are getting back Enstrom in the trade who also a young stud with tonnes of potential.

Pavelec can either be the back-up goalie or play for the Marlies – pending if we get “The Monster” or not….

#3 – Free Agent Signing

Sign Sergei Zubov to a 2 year contract – his health is questionable I know, but he can mentor Enstrom and Ian White (even if he ends up getting injured again), plus any other offensive type D-men in the Leafs system…he would be the Leafs quarterback while the young guys like Enstrom develop into top-line D-men (plus Zubov also provides an immediate replacement for Kaberle)…

Plan B – if Zubov is unavailable or retires – look for a similar guy, possibly a Schnieder or Bergeron, don’t overpay for an older veteran type guy but remember – the purpose is to provide some offence in the back end in the short term plus mentor young offensive D-men for the long term…

#4 – Trade

To Anaheim:

Vesa Toskala

To Toronto:

J.S. Gigeure

Analysis:

Straight up trade, one for one. Since Gigeure is now the back-up in Anaheim – this is essentially a salary dump for the Ducks. I think “Giggy” has some spunk left in him and the former Conn Smythe winner will revive his career under his old manager Burke. Toskala, who I do like, is NOT the answer for the Leafs to win the Cup – Giggy can win a Cup and has done it before with the Ducks.

#5 – Free Agent Signing

Sign Jonas “The Monster” Gustafsson (assuming he wants to go to the Leafs of course)

Analysis:

Let Pavalec and The Monster fight it out for who will back up Giggy. If Giggy does end up stinking up the ACC every night and it looks as though his career is on a down-slide, then we have 2 VERY strong prospective starting goalies to back him up and keep the pressure on him.

#6 – Free Agent Signing

Sign Travis Moen

Analysis:

Awesome playoff shut-down type player – typical Burke, gritty player.

#6 – Free Agent Signing

Sign Chad LaRose

Analysis:

Clutch playoff type player – played awesome for Carolina this year in the playoffs – another Burke-type player.

#7 – Arbitration Result

Sign Grabovski

Analysis:

We need him - young with speed and an attitude to stir things up - he's a guy you hate to play against - he will draw some penalties and score a few goals...

October 2009 Leafs Line-Up

Forwards:

Offence 1 = Hodgson, Blake, Burrows

Offence 2 = Hagman, Grabovski, Stempniak

Shut-Down = LaRose, Moen, Armstrong

Checking = Orr, Mitchell, Stuart

Prospect Line (Offence) = Bozak, Hansen, Tlusty

Defense:

Offensive-Type = Zubov, Enstrom, White, Van Ryn

Shut-Down = Schenn, Komisarek, Exelby, Finger

Extras/Prospects = Oreskevic, Frogren

Goalies:

Giguere

The Monster

Pavalec

I haven’t looked at the salary cap numbers and requirements but considering the salary the Leafs would be giving up (especially Kaberle, Toskala, Myers) and given the Leafs currently have about 9 million in available cap space (last I heard), I think this could work out financially for the Leafs.

Thoughts, comments??

Canada Announces Training Camp Invites

Hockey Canada has announced the attendees for the summer camp to be held in August in Calgary.

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/hockey/news/newsid=12421.html?cid=rsstsn

Goal
Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils),
Roberto Luongo (Vancouver Canucks)
Marc-André Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Steve Mason (Columbus Blue Jackets)
Cam Ward (Carolina Hurricanes)

Defence Jay Bouwmeester (Calgary Flames)
Dan Boyle (San Jose Sharks)
Scott Niedermayer (Anaheim Ducks)
Chris Pronger (Philadelphia Flyers)
Robyn Regehr (Calgary Flames)
Dion Phaneuf (Calgary Flames)
Marc Staal (New York Rangers)
Shea Weber (Nashville Predators)
François Beauchemin (Anaheim Ducks)
Brent Burns (Minnesota Wild)
Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings)
Stéphane Robidas (Dallas Stars)
Mike Green (Washington Capitals)
Dan Hamhuis (Nashville Predators)
Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks)
Brent Seabrook (Chicago Blackhawks)

Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Shane Doan (Phoenix Coyotes)
Simon Gagné (Philadelphia Flyers)
Dany Heatley (Ottawa Senators)
Jarome Iginla (Calgary Flames)
Rick Nash (Columbusn Blue Jackets)
Joe Sakic (Colorado Avalanche)
Martin St-Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Eric Staal (Carolina Hurricanes)
Joe Thornton (San Jose Sharks)
Vincent Lecavalier (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Jeff Carter (Philadelphia Flyers)
Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks)
Milan Lucic (Boston Bruins)
Patrick Marleau (San Jose Sharks)
Andy McDonald (St. Louis Blues)
Brenden Morrow (Dallas Stars)
Corey Perry (Anaheim Ducks)
Michael Richards (Philadelphia Flyers)
Derek Roy (Buffalo Sabres)
Patrick Sharp (Chicago Blackhawks)
Ryan Smyth (Colorado Avalanche)
Jordan Staal (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks)
Dan Cleary (Detroit Red Wings)

There were some surprise names. Dan Cleary for one. But its likely his two way ability, championship experience and grit were a factor.

Joe Sakic, still undecided on where he will play is another surprise. As is his fellow Avs teammate Ryan Smyth who had a not so great season last year.

Andy McDonald is a mild surprise. With the depth up the middle, his chances are slim.

On D, Robidas is the big surprise there. But he was an allstar last year and can play big minutes.

And finally, Dany Heatley is a mild surprise. Basically the events these past few weeks have really tarnished his reputation. Greedy, selfish, malcontents who are only out for themselves will not be included on this team.

Of this group, here is a potential roster:

Lecavalier-Crosby-Iginla
Nash-Getzlaf-Carter
Gagne-Staal-St Louis
Morrow-Richards-Doan
Toews

Niedermayer-Pronger
Weber-Phaneuf
Keith-Bouwemeester
Green

Luongo-Brodeur-Ward

With the games being played at GM Place, an NHL sized venue, the Canadians will have a distinct advantage, even if several of the other countries are filled with NHLers.

The small ice is an advantage because the Canadians have the size and willingness to play physical that is easier to do on the smaller ice. They will thus likely build a team that is big and tough but one that will have a ton of skill.

Luongo is a great pick to be the starter since he is a Canuck, knows the nuances of GM Place and is ready to take over and lead the team this time around, after being a backup in 2006. but Brodeur just wont give away the job.

Niedermayer and Pronger along with Keith and Bouwmeester will likely be leaned upon to play against the other team's best. Phaneuf, Green and Weber will be offensive catalysts. 3 big shooters at the point should help the PP get going. Nieds, Green and Keith are all terrific skaters.

Up front, its Crosby who will lead this group. But the key will be the warriors like Doan, Richards, Morrow. They will be entrusted to play that key shutdown role against the likes of Parise, Ovechkin, Zetterberg among others. With so many centres likely to make the team, they will have to either shift to the wing or accept a more backseat role behind Crosby. But a word to describe the team's depth? Sick.

As for the captaincy, it will likely go to Niedermayer. The BC native would be the perfect calming influence for this relatively young squad. Players like Pronger, Crosby, Iginla and Gagne will likely rotate the A's

All in all, Canada is the favorite and with home advantage have the means to bring home gold.

Likelihood of Bert back in Vancouver?

Just throwing this out there and I know i'll hear backlash, but thats what we love eh?

What's the likelihood of Todd Bertuzzi coming back to Vancouver?

Vancouver has new management, coaching and probably 80% change in lineup since the Steve Moore incident. Gillis loves grit, big bodied guys. It's also a big plus that Todd can also score when he's on. Not the same player he used to be, but he still has a couple years left in him and can still put up 20+ goals in a full season. It would be that top 6 forward Vancouver needs to fill for probably between 1.5-2 mil a year for a 1-2 year deal.

Imagine the Sedins with a big guy with good hands. They made Anson Carter into a 30 goal scorer.

Just a thought.

Wild after Koivu and Ruslan Fedotenko

MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

The Wild doesn't appear done. Sources say it still has interest in Pittsburgh's Ruslan Fedotenko and at least one more defenseman, but Koivu appears next. Koivu, 34, a shrewd veteran playmaker, has been the Montreal captain since 1999 and has 641 points in 791 games. He ranks sixth in Canadiens history with 450 assists -- 19 behind former Wild coach Jacques Lemaire.

Fletcher, still working late Wednesday night, was not available for comment.

Zanon, ranking in the top 15 the past two seasons in shorthanded time on ice, is well known to, at times, almost recklessly throw his body in front of any puck fired his direction. After games, he is usually covered with ice on his ankles, knees and elbows.

Playing all 82 games last season, Zanon blocked 237 shots -- third-highest in the NHL -- and has been top 10 in blocks in the past three seasons.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/49613357.html?page=2&c=y

July 2, 2009 Morning NHL News and Rumors

Heatley refuses to budge

Predators expect to lose players

Rangers passed on Heatley
Heatley refuses to budge

Allen Panzeri, The Ottawa Citizen

Wednesday might have been the most frustrating day in Bryan Murray’s long National Hockey League career, but he was hoping it would at least end with Dany Heatley getting fitted for an Edmonton Oilers jersey.

The Ottawa Senators general manager spent all of Canada Day waiting to hear if Heatley would agree to waive his no-trade clause and accept a proposed deal to the Oilers.

Several members of the Oilers management team, including general manager Steve Tambellini, president Kevin Lowe, and new head coach Pat Quinn, flew to Kelowna, B.C., where Heatley has a summer home, to sell the 28-year-old left-winger on a move to the Alberta capital.

However, they had no such luck.

Heatley’s agents were upset at Murray, saying that he hadn’t worked hard enough to arrange a trade. They had hoped to be presented with more options. They also didn’t want Heatley making a decision on Ottawa’s timetable, so they decided to take more time.

“Edmonton is the only option that has been presented to us, and you can’t tell that there aren't more,” J.P. Barry told Sportsnet.ca.

Heatley’s refusal meant that as of midnight the Senators were on the hook for Heatley’s $4-million contract bonus.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/ottawa-senators/Sens+play+Heatley+waiting+game/1748514/story.html

Predators expect to lose players

John Glennon • THE TENNESSEAN

Say goodbye to forward Vern Fiddler and defenseman Greg Zanon.

That's what things looked like Tuesday night, only hours before the NHL's unrestricted free agent market was set to open at 11 a.m. today.

Predators General Manager David Poile said Tuesday that Nashville was unlikely to re-sign either Fiddler or Zanon. Both players had spent the past three seasons with the Predators and both had hoped to return, but deals could not be struck.

"It's about the dollars they want,'' Poile said. "It's not for me to say that they're not going to get them. But right now … if we have an ability to sign anybody before 11, it will be Sullivan and/or Ward.''

Both Poile and Sullivan's agent described negotiations as ongoing, despite an unusual hiccup.

Poile apparently said during a Tuesday radio interview on WNSR 560-AM that Sullivan was looking for a deal for longer than two years. His comments found their way back to Sullivan and his agent, Stephen Bartlett, who clarified their stance with Poile.

"I believe what I said was that they'd asked for a multi-year deal, and were hoping to get three or four years,'' Poile said. "(But) in talking to Steve and his representative, if he could get the right deal money-wise, he would sign with the Predators for two years. That was clarified.''

Joel Ward's agent, Peter Cooney, said Tuesday afternoon that, despite conversations between the two sides, Ward would likely hit the unrestricted free-agent market today.

"I don't believe anything is going to change between now and (Wednesday at 11),'' Cooney said. "But if the phone rings and (David Poile) is on the line, we're interested in talking to him.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090701/SPORTS02/907010386/1028/Predators%20expect%20to%20lose%20players

Rangers passed on Heatley

LARRY BROOKS

Sather said he had been given an opportunity to bid on Heatley, but passed. He spent the same on Gaborik as he would have on Heatley, whose reputation is toxic, and without yielding an asset, though there's no law it had to be a one-or-the-other. Indeed, Sather said it wasn't.

"We had a lot of balls in the air, and we still do," the general manager said. "We think there might be a lot of possibilities, either as free agents or in trades.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/07022009/sports/rangers/rangers_sign_gaborik__brashear_177112.htm