Well its officially 10 days away from the NHL trade deadline, February 26 at 3:00pm EST. Will we see a record amount of players traded like last year? Or will all the parity in the league create more buyers then sellers this year, as more teams are in the playoff hunt? Last year there were 44 players moved on trade deadline day and 91 in the month February. Yet, only one player, a grinder from the Anaheim Ducks, Brad May, had his name engraved on the Stanley Cup. Here are some things to look for in the next week and half as GMs across the league fight to make their team better.
Trades so far this week:
OTT gets F Cory Stillman and D Mike Commodore
CAR gets F Patrick Eaves and D Joe Corvo
For Ottawa, this is a great deal. Although they give up a young player in Eaves, they are getting 46 points on the year from Stillman and a big defenseman in Commodore. Both players have also won a Stanley Cup before. I question how much this helps Carolina though in trying to win their division. Eaves is still a player in development and I do not see him and Corvo contributing like Commodore and Stillman did.
From here, we’ll look at each team division by division…
There are a few teams I simply have not found any information on. Most every team within a playoff race should make a trade though in order to help their team.
Atlantic Division
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Pittsburgh- They may not need to make a move for a big time forward since Malkin has stepped up his play enormously in the absence of Crosby. However, they have been rumored to inquire about OTT goalie Ray Emery.
Philadelphia Flyers- Haven’t heard any information other than that they are still pursuing Peter Forsberg.
New Jersey- The Devils are looking for someone to basically fill Rafalski’s shoes, a point man on the power play. They have 3.6 million in cap and have interest in Brad Stuart, Robert Lang, Ladislav Nagy, and Brian Campbell
New York Rangers- The Ottawa Sun is reporting that GM Sather wants to acquire Ed Jovanovski from PHO.
New York Islanders- After falling off the face f the earth, they are now sellers. Miro Satan, Mike Comrie and Trent Hunter are great additions for other teams.
Northeast Division
Ottawa Senators- Most likely have already made the big deal. Emery has been rumored of being traded and they want to get rid of Redden’s big salary.
Montreal Canadiens- Last week they supposedly had a trade for Marian Hossa in order, but it never happened. Ryder has been a name they are willing to get rid of.
Buffalo- If defenseman Brian Campbell does not get signed to a new contract, he will most likely be moved.
Toronto- Sundin sincerely wants to stay there, but GM Fletcher will listen to offers. They have many players they need to move with high salaries like Tucker.
Southeast Division
Washington Capitals- I cannot see the Capitals sitting still and not making a move. There is no way the GM can say they are happy with the team, being only 1 pt ahead in the division. And if they don’t win the division, they don’t make the playoffs.
Carolina Hurricanes- Have already made a trade…not sure if it helps them capture the division.
Atlanta- If Marian Hossa does not get signed, he could get moved. However, GM Wadell says there is no deadline set for it.
Florida- Would like to add to their roster, and why not? They’re only a few points back in the division. However, Jokinen has drawn interest from other teams like the Stars, Wings, and Canucks.
Tampa Bay Lightning- Lecavalier, Prospal, and St. Louis take up 42% of the team’s payroll. Look for one of them to be traded to open up salary cap, most likely Prospal.
Central Division
Detroit- GM Holland always makes a deadline deal, big or small. Look for another forward now that Dan Cleary is out. Hossa, Jokinen, and Prospal’s names have been mentioned, along with Rob Blake on defense.
Columbus Blue Jackets- Although they want to sign Adam Foote, they are listening to trade offers for him.
Chicago Blackhawks- Robert Lang and Brent Seabrook have drawn interest from other teams. We’ll see if Seabrook goes anywhere being part of the young talent in CHI.
Northwest Division
Minnesota Wild- The Wild are on the short list of teams Forsberg is considering.
Colorado- With Smyth, Sakic, and Stastny coming back, they may not need to make any trades as the team is coming on strong without them.
Edmonton Oilers- With Roloson not on the top of his game, Robert Esche has been rumored in heading out west.
Pacific Division
San Jose- Want defensemen…CHI Brent Seabrook a possibility now that Redden talks have broken down. Marleau is on the trading block as well.
Dallas Stars- The Stars are reportedly interested in another forward. And of course, Hossa and Jokinen’s names come up. But this team is on a tear and adding another skilled forward has to make them strong contenders.
Anaheim- GM Burke is not sure if he will do anything. He is waiting on health of Doug Weight and to see how Edmonton does…Ducks have EDM 1st round draft pick.
Phoenix- Straight from the horse’s mouth, the GM says they simply will not make the huge deal. They want to stay young.
Los Angeles- They want to trade Rob Blake but want him back next year. How much will teams want to pay for a rental player?
In my limited time, I could find nothing on the Bruins, Blues, Predators, Flames, or Canucks. All of them are in the playoff hunt though and are likely to be buyers.
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