Trade Rumors, Some Other Interesting Things ***Updated***

Well, all is in the past and history. Good to check out trade rumors again, hockey news, stuff like that.

Anyway, trade rumors to talk about, and March 9 is not all too far away. The closer we get, the more heat rises in rumors.

Reading the submitted news today, I came across two interesting posts sent by HTR members. One a question, the other one concerns of two Canadian media-men taking some verbal jabs at each other.

A short discussion on my view of the NHL. And, that's way too much disrespect in the NHL.

And the last part of this.......will be going back to trade discussions and what I think some teams need. Would like to see you disagree or agree, and give your opinion as well.

Latest News:

Jason Doig gets suspended for a knee-on-knee hit. Was it intentional? I did not see it, but my guess would be a YES? If not, then the off-ice league officials have some idiotic brain cells. They don't suspend Dan McGillis for an unintentional knee-on-knee but they suspend Doig for one. Makes no sense, so my guess is that Doig intentionally made that knee hit. Clean player? Yikes, does not look good after that hit on Lindros.

Speaking of Lindros, RotoWorld.com reports the following:
Eric Lindros flew into Montreal yesterday to be examined by concussion specialist Dr. Karen Johnston, reports Newsday.
Lindros, who did not complain of any new post-concussion symptoms, felt good enough to fly into Montreal yesterday, and back to New York at night. There was no report yet as to Dr.Johnston's findings, but Lindros will have to be symptom-free for at least 48 hours before engaging in any physical activity. Although this is Lindros' 8th career concussion, it is his first in 25 months, so there is still hope he can, and will, resume playing. Stay tuned.

I hope the best for Eric Lindros, get well soon.

Trade Rumors are up. Welcome to eye ball exercise.

CHICAGO DAILY HERALD: Tim Sassone reports Vancouver Canucks GM Brian Burke supposedly told Blackhawks GM Bob Pulford not to make any deals with Alexei Zhamnov without calling him first. Burke confirmed his interest in the Vancouver Province yesterday, but said he won't make a foolish deal. The Philadelphia Flyers have also scouted the Blackhawks of late, although they're already deep at centre, while the New Jersey Devils are still believed interested.

Ok, good for GM Burke because besides Cloutier questionable performance in the post-season, the Canucks desperately need a second line. It may be too pricey for them, but Burke must address his team's need of a solid 2nd line. The Devils should show interest. They have a solid record, but their performance is nothing to where it should be. Players getting sick of Pat Burns? I think so. If I were Brodeur I would not be a happy camper. Sure, he does not get much work each night, like young back-up goalie Clemmensen said:

"I only had four shots in the whole third period, and I'm used to seeing a lot more shots -- a lot more quality shots (in the AHL). So it was a little easier (than playing in the AHL)."

Come on, if it's not that hard, let him play! The Devils are letting their young goalies rot in their weak farm team. Unfair. I wish for Ari Ahonen to be elsewhere where he actually gets a decent shot. I know it's Martin Brodeur as the starter, but at least showcase the guy and use him as tradebait.

As for the Flyers? I seriously doubt so. If it would happen, then......well.....we all know what we'll think about GM Clarke. THEY NEED A GOALIE!!!! And speaking of which.....

PHILADEPHIA INQUIRER: Tim Panaccio reports Flyers GM Bob Clarke is "backing off" recent comments that the health of goalie Jeff Hackett, who's suffering from positional vertigo, could force him to shop for a goaltender. Clarke admitted to calling a few teams to inquire about available netminders but says he's received "encouraging news" regarding Hackett's health, and said if Hackett continues to improve he won't have a need to shop for a replacement.

It is weird how the media does not really talk about this too much. The media's reasoning for the Flyers to obtain a goalie, now, is mostly because of Hackett's injury. However, they should be blasting shots at GM Clarke for not acquiring a true solid goaltender. Khabibulin will be at the price of Simon Gagne, and why the hell not? Trade Gagne for Khabibulin, acquire a proven scorer, 2nd tier, for some youth. I know, giving up youth is not easy and in the long-run not a good thing. But, the Flyers can dream about going to the Cup Finals with that kind of goaltending. I thought that goaltending would not be such a concern, and that the Flyers defense and offense strengths would be enough to cover up the weak goaltending. Guess I was wrong!

VANCOUVER SUN: Iain MacIntyre reports the sidelining of defenceman Ed Jovonovski could force the Canucks to shop for a defenceman. Jovonovski is supposed to be out another two weeks but MacIntyre suggests he could be gone for six. Given Brian Burke's budget limitations he may have to trade for a "playoff rental", like potential UFAs Alexei Zhitnik (Buffalo), Richard Matvichuk (Dallas), Glen Wesley (Carolina), Brad Bombadir (Minnesota), Steve Poapst (Chicago) or Don Sweeney (Dallas). MacIntyre believes the last three are more likely to be available for the Canucks to bolster their blueline depth.

As Rangers GM Sather said to Al Strachan of the Toronto Sun, in an interview, a lot of teams are looking to get defensemen. So easy to criticize and say that the Rangers are a bunch of idiots to not acquire a defenseman. Sather also said he is not willing to trade youth. If that's so, Glen, then you won't get a good defenseman. The Rangers, Devils, Panthers, Bruins, Kings, Canucks, Thrashers, and maybe more, are all looking for at least one defenseman. This is when Mad Mike (Isles) Milbury should play big.

Don Romani of radio stattion Team1200 reported:
His reliable sources claim that John Muckler is very concerned about the Sens goaltending, and is working on a deal to bring Dominic Hasek to Ottawa. No mention on what is heading to Detroit.

While I do not think that Lalime is such a great goaltender (don't get me wrong, he is very good, not a top one though) I would not take Hasek at all. Hasek deserves to be kicked out of HockeyTown, it's what you get for showing disrespect.

BUFFALO NEWS: Bucky Gleason suggested Sabres management should consider making a pitch for Washington Capitals forward Peter Bondra.With the Sabres rising in the standings, Gleason believes it may be worthwhile.

I am not really buying that. I think they will inform themselves of how much it would take to acquire him, but any other team could beat their offer.

NEW YORK POST: Mark Everson reports the New Jersey Devils are "actively pursuing a centre", and he claims the Carolina Hurricanes have offered Rod Brind'amour straight up for winger Jeff Friesen. The Devils are also believed interested in Washington's Peter Bondra and the asking price is thought to be a young defenceman and a draft pick. They might also have interest in Calgary's Craig Conroy, although the asking price for him might be steep as the Flames contend for the playoffs, and Chicago's Alexei Zhamnov.

I never take the NYPost seriously when it comes to rumors, but Brind'Amour would not be a bad idea at all. Friesen has been a major disappointment.....

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE: Ross McKeon reports San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson denied a recent report from ESPN which claimed he was shopping defenceman Brad Stuart.

Who said that Ron Wilson was not a good coach and would not get the Sharks anywhere? Hmm, msjudged that one! Way to go Ronnie. Anyway, Stuart is not as good offensively as I expected, but he's one solid all-round defenseman.

CBC SPORTS ONLINE: reports Calgary Flames GM Darryl Sutter is giving goaltender Roman Turek until the All-Star break to "prove" himself worthy of being the club's starter. Sutter challenged Turek by citing that he must start earning his $4 million per season salary. That salary, however, makes the struggling Turek nearly untradeable.

Well, I could see the Flyers go after him, or Dafoe. Turek may need a change of scenery though. Too much pressure in Calgary, with McLennan and Kiprusoff (coming back soon). I could see the Rangers making inquiries on Turek, but only if Dunham is to go else where.

So, how do your eyes feel? I'm taking a break and then I'll finish this up. Take a break too.

So! Done with Trade Rumors, not all that bad and ridiculous. Here are the two articles I read earlier today.

Written by: lynchmob450

This morning on the Team 990 morning show (in Montreal), Jacques Demers came on to give his 2 cents regarding Don Cherry's comments about players who wear visors.

Cherry had made a recent comment that the only guys who wear visors in the NHL are Eropeans and Quebecers. Demers was not pleased with Cherry and let it be known that the next time Cherry makes a negative generalization regarding French Canadians, he would stand up and defend his people.

I myself am an anglo Quebecer...and i stand by Mr.demers 100% on this topic. Demers made a statement that if Cherry had made these stupid statements on a US station (instead of the CBC), he would have been fired (similar ignorant comments have been made by Rush Limbaugh and Jimmy the Greek).

Cherry is truly a bafoon in thinking that the only players who wear visors are Europeans and Quebecers. Last i heard, Mark Recchi and Joe Sakic were from Western Canada.

Its time for the CBC to pull the plug on Coacher's Corner. He is everything that Canadians SHOULDN'T be. Just another red-neck who found his way up north."

Well, kind of interesting. I heard one of his comments a week or so ago about the visors, on CBC. Didn't see anything wrong when he said of Europeans and Quebecois players wearing visors. I find your last comment on him way out of line and worse of what he said. I know you are bitter about his comments, but he's a great hockey person and fun, at least for me, to listen to. What do other Canadians think about this?

The next one is...

written by: hairdesign

If you had the chance to make a few trades as a GM for the leafs, would you consider this?

Antropov, Colaiacovo, Jackman for O'Neill, Wesley and Boughner. If so, why, if not why not?

Also, would you trade Kaberle for Gonchar? If so, why, if not, why not?

Well, I would say no. You are giving up too much youth for a 2nd tier power forward, 30 years of age, then for another over 30 defenseman, and for an older defenseman who just does not have it anymore. I think Antropov will be traded this season, but definitely not Colaiacovo. The guy is not being used too well, gotta admit that, but he's got potential.

As for the Kaberle one? In.....a......HEARTBEAT.

Disrespect in the NHL

Just my short view on this. There is just way too much disrespect in the NHL right now. Fans showing hatred towards players, players not showing respect to other players and the league. It's just never ending.

Rangers fans complaining about their 43-year-old Captain, yet since when should fans complain about their captain as their team's leading scorer? Some Ducks fans boo'ing Kariya and Selanne. I mean, wnot much interest in Selanne, but Kariya? HELLO!? With all that money that the Ducks used to re-sign Giguere, such a stellar season eh (?), all that money to sign Prospal and Fedorov.....and they said no to Kariya? GM Murray is fool of it and did exactly would a Murray would do, build a strong team to just ruin it again. Fans booing at a charity event. Fans feeling good that Eric Lindros's career may be over. I mean, my advice to those fans is to go to a psychiatrist and then be sent to a mental institute. How can you be happy about someone ending his career because of an injury? It's sick-minded. MENTALLY ILL! It's as bad as feeling good about an artist who created beautiful paintings, is only 30 years of age and goes blind. Man-o-man.....some people's minds are scary. Then you have Bryan McCabe acting like a complete ass. As if this guy really knows the financials of ownership. Did he even do a year in college? Where did he stop at, Algebra in high school? Here is a quote of his:

"I wouldn't be making the money I am now if it weren't for the guys in 1994. There are hundreds of kids coming up who are going to be National Hockey League players. In the end, they deserve a fair shot at a solid marketplace and a chance to earn a decent living."

I could understand if you're talking about players making 300K, which is pathetic already. But, decent living? You're telling me that earning one million dollar, at least, is just decent living? Gee, my dad working his ass off to cure patients and not even close to making that, not even close...not one bit. Is it fun to do what he is doing? It's his passion, he chose to, but it's not as fun when playing a game. McCabe, you're getting paid to have fun. Are you that idiotic to make such statements? How does the NBA and NFL do it then? They don't make decent living? Guess what @$$hole, you don't respect the owners, you won't be getting a penny in the future. They made you, they are giving you a life, a great house, and a cool car. And you ***** at that? Screw you man, you're off my list of players I like.

What's up with the high sticks? Visor or no visor, it happens anyway. Too many eye-injuries. It's starting to be a joke. I mean, who was it? Todd Bertuzzi a few years back getting a 10 game suspension for leaving the bench and fighting? Ten games for that? Hell-O!? How about 15 game suspension if you cause an eye-injury. Intentional or not, it does not matter. You're not suppose to be too carless with your stick and that's the only way that the players will stop high sticking.

So, too much disrespect in the NHL, the media, fans, officials, and players and even coaches (John Tortarella hoping that Svitov ROTS in the minors). Just sick, no? It's losing its class. Hockey is as classy as a chess game. Now, it's as classy as professional soccer, no class at all.

Anyway. Back to my thoughts on trades.

Mighty Ducks: They should start selling. Keith Carney and why not Petr Sykora? He's done squatto!

Thrashers: They need to add some depth on the forward lines and on D. There's an expensive market for defensemen though.

Carolina: Well, team is not working. Wait till the deadline and trade Jeff O'Neill for youth.

Hawks: The obvious, trade Zhamnov for the best price, regardless if it's Detroit or St. Louis.

Avs: I'd think they should acquire a solid defenseman like Glen Wesley on March 9.

Red Wings: Try to get Zhamnov, if that fails, then watch the Rangers miss the playoffs and inquire about Kovalev's services.

Oilers: Tough to think they will make the playoffs. They should definitely try and trade Salo though. I doubt he's re-signing with them.

Panthers: http://thefourthperiod.com/fla38.html

Wild: Gotta add some scoring to this team. It lacks Gaborik's game and they need to go out and get a scorer.

Habs: Land a big name impact player. Whether it's on D or on the offense. Again, I bring up Kovalev's name. They do need a LW'er though. Hey, if no big name is available, how about Huselius?

Devs: Not a bad record, but something is missing. Expect them to make a definite move before the deadline. GM Lamoriello will not make the same mistake he did last year by waiting and waiting and waiting until the deadline day started and he failed to complete any sort of deal, which won him the Cup anyway! But, this team ain't gonna do it this season, especially with Stevens out.

Isle's: Playing structured hockey, but they'll go through another skid where Mad Mike will definitely trade Hamrlik. Parrish is also a definite trade when he comes back around late February. They need depth.

DeRangers: It appears that Dunham played quite well in last night's loss to the Sabres. Allowing two PP goals against. Burke would be ideal if Dunham cannot stay conistent. This guy may suck the next game. Rangers cannot afford that. Trade the guy anyway though, Burke has one year left on his contract and will be motivated to play at his best after being taken over by Brian Boucher. Defenseman? Yeah, but again.....won't be easy. De Vries is coming back soon, but they still need one more defenseman. Still, this team is pretty much done for this season.

Senators: Make a trade already! Get Bondra. You want toughness? Try Chris Simon or Dale Hawerchuk of the Panthers.

Flyers: Come on, you're all familiar which spot I am thinking about, and starts with a G.

Sharks: I'm bringing his name up again, Kovalev! Besides him though, they should look forward in acquiring Jeff O'Neill and Brind'Amour. Also Ryan Smyth may be a wise decision if the Oilers decide to trade him (doubt it).

Blues: Singing too much. Shake the roster up! Go after an offensive defenseman, Gonchar or Poti. Jump in for Peter Bondra. Do something!!!! Heck, if Osgood can't pick it up again.....go for a goalie! This team MUST make the West Finals this season, MUST.

Bolts: They may think about trading Khabibulin....who knows. But, if John is hoping for other players to rot, why not trade them?

Leafs:: Defenseman or forward, as an addition for covering up injuries, is fine. Gonchar....Bondra...list keeps going.

Canucks: Just solidify that second line! That's all!

Ok, that's it for now. But, new interesting rumors may come up tomorrow, so....check for an update. Thanks a lot and....sorry, no uninteresting off-topic rant today. Maybe tomorrow though.

***UPDATES ON TRADE RUMORS***

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Nicholas J. Cotsonika reports Chicago Blackhawks centre Alexei Zhamnov expects to be dealt to the Red Wings, although it seems no deal is imminent. GM Ken Holland refused to comment, and Cotsonika suggests Zhamnov may not be the Wings only choice if the club opts to swing a deadline deal.

Well, I'd be very interested to see who is going to the Hawks. GM Mike Smith has completely ruined that team, and not like Pulford did a better job. Come on, Klemm for Robidas? Has he only kept Klemm, right now he'd have a MUCH better return that waiver pick up Robidas.

NEWARK STAR-LEDGER: Rich Chere reports the Devils recent 5-2 loss at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings might spur GM Lou Lamoriello to pursue a trade.

Rich Chere is still alive? The last time I noticed him was a few years ago when he said that Kevin Lowe should win the Jack Adams when at the time he was the Oilers GM. Rich, a 15-year-old kid would have thought the same thing!

TORONTO GLOBE AND MAIL: Eric Duhatschek reports the health of Jeff Hackett could determine if the Philadelphia Flyers make a move for a goalie at the trade deadline. With Nikolai Khabibulin off the market, Duhatschek noted the two obvious targets would be Washington's Olaf Kolzig and Phoenix's Sean Burke. Both carry expensive contracts, Burke is getting outplayed in Phoenix by Brian Boucher and Kolzig has struggled with a woeful Caps team this season. Duhatschek claims a "long shot" might be Calgary's Roman Turek, who was drafted by Flyers GM Bob Clarke in 1990 when the latter was the GM of the Minnesota North Stars. Turek also played for Flyers head coach Ken Hitch***** in Dallas. The Flames would love to dump Turek because of his large salary and his inconsistent play.

As some of you may know, Eric Duhatschek is one of my favorite journalists out there. He does his homework, knows what to write, knows what not to write. A very respected journalist. As you see, he does not just shoot ideas out saying that Turek could be a Flyer since Philly needs a goalie. That's not good enough. We can come up with does ideas. This guy, instead, states reasons as to why the Flyers may go after Turek. Clarke drafted him and he played for Hitch*****. Obviously, that may be the reason as to why they won't even show interest in him. Maybe Hitch would say "no, he is not worth it". Or, maybe he would say he is worth it.

Great job by Mr. Duhatschek, smart journalist and it's unfortunate that other journalists don't put as much value into writing as Duhatschek does.

ST. PETERSBURG TIMES: Joanne Korth reports the ownership of the Tampa Bay Lightning would have no problem with GM Jay Feaster swinging another trade prior to the deadline, even if it adds to the payroll, if such a deal would further bolster the club's playoff hopes.

It would be a scary hockey world if journalists turned out to be general managers. So many trades! Anyway, yeah I could the the Bolts pulling off a deal, and my guess they'd be looking to acquire Jeff O'Neill.

According to Spector's Mailbag, Yvon Padneaul, of RDS, reported that he spoke with Stars GM Armstrong of Jason Arnott, and that the Montreal Canadiens have not shown interest in the big forward. However, the Boston Bruins have, and in return they might trade Brian Rolston, although his contract ends in July.

Who cares! I'd do that trade in a flash. Rolston has great speed, awesome Penalty Killer, a threat on the PK, great to use on the PP, not a small forward, can score....greatly respected. Why not? You all know I was never a big fan of Arnott, since his days in Edmonton, never a fan of him with the Devils, and still not a fan of his. I'd give it two thumbs up if that deal happens.

More from Spector's MailBag: Team1040 reported that Canucks GM Burke may trade prospect bust Fedor Fedorov, Jason King, and Alex Auld to the Hawks for Alexey Zhamnov. However, the Hawks are seeking to get Jarkko Ruutu in the deal as well.

Ok, that may be a bit too much for JUST Zhamnov, but as long as they form a second line with scoring potential, then it's good. I am seriously wondering what the Wings would be offering to beat that value though. Any guesses?

So anyway......this fat, hairy, bearded, tatooed man walks in a bar and sits down to a sad looking, wimpy looking, man just starring at his drink. The big fat man takes away his drink, and drinks it all up and starts laughing loudly. The sad man starts to cry. So, the fat guy says "Come on now, I was just screwing around, I'll buy ye another drink!" And the sad man responds "No, that's not it.......it's that I was fired, my car got stolen, I took a cab, and I forgot my wallett in it, and I walk miles to get home and find my wife in bed with another man. And.....you just drank my poison."

Sad stupid joke of the weekend! Have a good one all!

Note: ***Updates at bottom of article***

Flyers to go after Turek? Find out what my favorite journalist (Eric Duhatschek) has to say.
Zhamnov a definite to Detroit? Arnott gone? Check out the updates.


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