Last week we looked at the Isles offense and asked if the makeup of the lines would lead to enough scoring to make playoffs hopes a reality. This week we look deep at the bigger and more porous issue of the last few years…The defense.

Late last season, I was told that the Islanders would be far more focused on defense than offense in the offseason. This came true as offensively, they only added to the 4th line with two upgrades. It was the defense that would become their focal point, feeling that bandaids added two summers back was just too little.

We saw this in the Isles move for the rights to Christian Ehrhoff. The Islanders had high hopes to make them their #2 guy, allowing those like Hamonic, de Haan, Ness and even MacDonald to gain their way developing at their pace to fill out an eventual to be their defense. Leaving room at the bottom, and sealing up the top with more than Streit is why they let Hillen and Martinek walk. They had bigger longterm plans and it was finally time to start making room.

Alas, in free agency, they were unable to seal up that spot. Frustrated, yet gung ho, Garth Snow, who never divulges plans, let Katie Strang know that he was planning to make a trade to to get that #2-3 guy that they needed.

As late July came around, the Isles moved Hunter for Rolston. It was then that rumors flew that another deal was about to happen, likely with the unsigned Blake Comeau. But when August 1st shattered Charles Wang’s feeling of Nassau County support, they changed tactics and whatever and whoever that would have attached extra cap was scrapped.

Since then, defense has held, even though they still feel that they’d like to improve that area, specially as de Haan develops in the minors. Thus, as Blake Comeau, signed at a very reasonable rate compared to his and his agents asking price this summer, is once again in a new Isles coaches doghouse, the rumors and feeling is that Comeau might again be shopped for some reasonable improvement in an area the Isles brass feel is paramount for any kind of playoff hope.

It remains to be seen if the Isles can even get anything more than picks and prospects, despite Comeau’s 20 goal consistency. I think that #2 dman is far fetched via trade when we know that the Isles are reticent to deal any rebuild pieces thus far. Nobody deals something for little unless trying to make cap room in a rush…and we are past that point, ladies and gents.

So we are stuck with the Usual Suspects, with Jurcina as the 7th man, replacing Bruno Gervais who had hit a ceiling almost 4 seasons ago. He comes with wingspan and size, even if the play is sometimes inconsistent. I dare think that nobody would disagree that this is a clear upgrade.

Eaton remains a smart mid-defender to have, but one has to think if ever Comeau is dealt to upgrade the D, Eaton might have to go along to be a stopgap IF the other team doesn’t have a crowded backline.

It is more Mottau that would be the expendable one here.

So, chances are this D is what we are left with unless Garth can pry an upgrade, which would allow them the room to keep Matt Martin up front if they did deal Comeau.

So don’t hold your breath for any changes unless Isles get desperate. And at only 6 games, the Isles are far from anything near that.

READ ANYTHING GOOD, OR PERHAPS YOU WROTE ONE YOURSELF? Let us know in the comments or email me at bd@hockeyindependent.com

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Well here we are, on the cusp of another Isles season. It’s been a long haul for the Islanders faithful last few seasons, if not last 15 years. It has been very tolling on most hardcore fans over the Nassau Coliseum situation. As I warned back on August 1st and in subsequent blogs, no RFP went to Queens. So a lot will still cause us fans much anxious moments as the roller-coaster of Isles futures further capitulates us to and fro from our seats, our hands aching from gripping the bar. We will go deeper into that soon enough, but now its time for some checking of the magnifying glass to see what we have with these 2011-2012 NY Islanders.

Offense:

Line 1: The All Star, His Pal, and The Rookie

It has been heart warming to watch John Tavares be exactly as we all hoped, growing to the player that seems to be leading the team in scoring and being the first line center. Tavares is on the cusp of all star level. So when things changed this summer from Charles after the August 1st debacle, Garth moved fast to wrap up their biggest asset for the next 6 years.

Loyalty to the home team is something that the Islanders clearly look for with those psych testing and analysis when drafting players. By doing so, they assure a straight course for the rebuild, which finds players who will stick with it and with Long Island. This attribute, which many other teams do NOT do, is brilliant and the results have quieted the cacophony of lame guesswork and conjecture by many in media who thought Tavares would not want to be on LI, nor remain.

In your face, suckers!

Watch as the rest of the Isles core also will buy in for the long haul, naysayers. For the Islanders process might be on par with none other than the Oakland A’s on breaking the mold to the NHL’s old school team building.

With Moulson, Tavares’s buddy, you have a nice finesse and handler who also will ride the first line this season. He needs to grow a bit more to break past 60 points, which needs to happen if the Isles want to make the playoffs. First lines really need to find a 70-80 range, and though Tavares seems ready to break through, I am not that sure Moulson is there just yet or if his ceiling is quite at that level. This might be the the test of Moulson being a first liner past this season.

Nino, aka the rookie, evidently has shown enough in the preseason and camp already to displace Parenteau to line 3. This was a battle many thought, including myself, that would carry on over the course of the season. So kudos to El Nino to already being tried and poised to be there at the start of the season. By doing so, it puts him in the drivers seat for the Calder. How many rookies get placed on a first line? Moreover, when the team has some realistic hopes and mission to make the playoffs? It is a ballsy move by the coach and GM. The payoff MUST be over 50 points for Nino to belong there, and for these Isles to playoff bound… Even 10-20 points more is needed. Clearly there are big expectations for the rookie.

Line 2: Growing Up

Line two is the defensive wunderkind Frans Nielsen, who is in the final year of his own contract. His competition this season is with third line center, Josh Bailey. Whoever develops and clearly becomes Isles third line center of the future is between these two (Strome will be #2 center down line). After this season, there might be only one…so watch this one play out.

The second line is another line that must blow up, and it is Kyle Okposo who might hold the key for that to happen. Okposo has everything down playing-wise, except for the tally on the stat chart. He must find it this season to take the next step.

Michael Grabner, with the Isles unlicensed Warner Bros. Gremlins shirt being sold in their official store, has been a waiver wonder. 34 goals clearly shows that Florida gave up far too soon on their prospect, who instead got opportunity and reprieve on the Islanders. This year needs that and more from him.

The 2nd line must produce, and with Grabs, that will likely happen.

Line 3: The Expendables?

Line 3 for the isles will also be an offensive line, used much like line 1 and 2. Here might be some things that will be interesting to watch. Josh Bailey is very much in his make or break year, never mind that he got a two year contract. This is the year that he shows promise to what the Isles projected, or becomes a low cost piece to deal come deadline or next summer.

The same also can be said on the tradability of his line counterpart, Blake Comeau. The kid is capable of 20-25 goals. However, Blake pre-dates the Isles system, and he was someone whose rights were being shopped around not too long ago before coming to a contract agreement. That contract agreement, by the way, is very frugal and attractive for what might be his likely being shopped later on.

P.A. Parenteau shifts from line 1 to here, for now. Will his numbers be the same? Not likely.

BUT, if Josh Bailey and Blake Comeau come on strong in key years, PA’s will also follow. The Isles do need this line to be more than expendable to make a playoff run. So if this line falters or these key cogs fail to up the ante, then there will be some changes. This line is the most likely to see some changes if things don’t go well.

 Line 4: The Depth of Vets

If you have not noticed, it looks like Haley and Gillies are more set to revolve in as-needed. Gillies will remain with the big club. This leaves the vets to fill it out…

Brian Rolston, Jay Pandolfo/Matt Martin, Marty Reasoner – grinders and with some speed. Some scoring. Some of everything.

Above all, as injuries are bound to happen, these players have enough upside and ability to also play on other lines. This provides a depth that the Isles have not seen in a long, long time.

So, in conclusion, for the Isles to achieve the playoffs, a few things NEED to happen here on offense. Lots of question, luckily, this season is where we will have some answers. Even some answers to the long term rebuild.

NHL clubs made 16 trades involving 35 players today prior to the 3 p.m., ET, trade deadline. Following is a list of the transactions:

• Anaheim traded C Maxim Lapierre and C MacGregor Sharp to Vancouver for C Joel Perrault and Vancouver’s 3rd-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft.
• Atlanta traded RW Niclas Bergfors and LW Patrick Rissmiller to Florida for RW Radek Dvorak and Carolina’s 5th-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft (previously acquired).
• Atlanta traded G Drew MacIntyre to Montreal for D Brett Festerling.
• Atlanta traded LW Fredrik Modin to Calgary for Calgary’s 7th-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft.
• Boston traded D Jeff Penner and RW Mikko Lehtonen to Minnesota for G Anton Khudobin.
• Carolina traded LW Sergei Samsonov to Florida for D Bryan Allen.
• Chicago traded C Ryan Potulny and a 2nd-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft to Ottawa for D Chris Campoli and a conditional 7th-round pick in 2012.
• Colorado traded D Kevin Montgomery to Edmonton for D Shawn Belle.
• Columbus traded D Rostislav Klesla and LW Dane Byers to Phoenix for LW Scottie Upshall and D Sami Lepisto.
• Columbus traded LW Tom Sestito to Philadelphia for C Michael Chaput and RW Greg Moore.
• Edmonton traded RW Dustin Penner to Los Angeles for D Colten Teubert, Los Angeles’ 1st-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft and a conditional 3rd-round pick in 2012.
• Florida traded D Dennis Wideman to Washington for C Jake Hauswirth and Washington’s 3rd-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft.
• Florida traded LW Chris Higgins to Vancouver for D Evan Oberg and Vancouver’s 3rd-round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft.
• New Jersey traded C Jason Arnott to Washington for C David Steckel and Washington’s 2nd-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft.
• St. Louis traded LW Brad Winchester to Anaheim for Anaheim’s 3rd-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft.
• Toronto traded C John Mitchell to NY Rangers for the Rangers’ 7th-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft.

There also were three waiver claims today:

• Atlanta claimed C Rob Schremp from NY Islanders.
• Calgary claimed D Brett Carson from Carolina.
• Ottawa claimed G Curtis McElhinney from Tampa Bay.

Trade Deadline Activity Since 1979-80

Season Date Trades Players
1979-80 March 11, 1980 3 5
1980-81 March 10, 1981 12 22
1981-82 March 9, 1982 5 11
1982-83 March 8, 1983 1 1
1983-84 March 6, 1984 2 2
1984-85 March 12, 1985 4 7
1985-86 March 11, 1986 8 14
1986-87 March 10, 1987 5 9
1987-88 March 8, 1988 8 12
1988-89 March 7, 1989 9 21
1989-90 March 6, 1990 10 16
1990-91 March 5, 1991 14 33
1991-92 March 10, 1992 11 22
1992-93 March 22, 1993 9 14
1993-94 March 21, 1994 18 35
1994-95 April 7, 1995 19 32
1995-96 March 20, 1996 13 21
1996-97 March 18, 1997 18 35
1997-98 March 24, 1998 19 38
1998-99 March 23, 1999 21 30
1999-00 March 14, 2000 12 23
2000-01 March 13, 2001 17 31
2001-02 March 19, 2002 17 35
2002-03 March 11, 2003 24 46
2003-04 March 9, 2004 20 32
2005-06 March 9, 2006 25 40
2006-07 February 27, 2007 25 44
2007-08 February 26, 2008 25 45
2008-09 March 4, 2009 22 47
2009-10 March 3, 2010 31 55
2010-11 February 28, 2011 16 35

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When the opportunity to acquire young, affordable talent so close to the deadline presents itself, wise GMs will look to push a deal closer to fruition, knowing that the closing of the window for getting such a player is just one moment of hesitation and a third team’s phone call away.  Shero and Dallas GM Joe Nieuwendyk thus got things done yesterday, rather than wait until the haggard moments that can surely come one week later which often lead to desperate, rushed and regrettable transactions.

This is not to say that there will be radio silence in Pittsburgh for the balance of the trading period.  Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the club is interested in a pair of 37-year old forwards, both of whom have multiple 20-goal seasons on their resume: Cory Stillman of Florida and Alex Kovalev of Ottawa.  Stillman won the Stanley Cup in consecutive seasons with Tampa Bay and Carolina while Kovalev needs no introduction.  He played his best years as a Penguin, racking up 149 goals over five seasons in Pittsburgh.  Ottawa is in full rebuild mode and has already gathered four draft picks in four deals this month.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If the asking price is a lower-round or conditional pick, it wouldn’t hurt to add Kovalev, a player who, when healthy and motivated, is still a dangerous sniper.  After yesterday’s trade, the Penguins expunged Goligoski’s cap hit of $1.833-million for next year while taking on a combined $4.375-million for a net full-season increase of $2.542-million for 2011-12.  Presently however, taking into account the long-term injured reserve cap space afforded by the Penguins’ injured players, there is still $2.275-million available for this season, room enough to absorb the remnants of either the contract of Stillman (approximately $892,000) or Kovalev ($1.263-million).

As for Goligoski, Dallas acquires a 25-year old defenceman whose potential was not fully realized in Pittsburgh.  He made the 2008-09 team out of training camp, joining a defensive unit that was missing injured top blueliner Sergei Gonchar.  Goligoski acquitted himself well, scoring 6 goals (4 on the power play) and 20 points in just 45 games and was recalled from the AHL for 2 games against Washington when Gonchar suffered another injury during the Stanley Cup playoffs.  Last year, he put in another solid campaign, scoring 8 goals and 37 points in 69 games, adding 2 goals and 9 points while playing every playoff contest.  On defence, he was second only to Gonchar in regular-season and playoff scoring.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This season however, with the Pittsburgh defence significantly revamped, he became a surplus commodity.  It’s strange to say that for a player who played all 60 games of the schedule at the time of the trade and was on his way to setting new career-highs in every major statistical category.  In 2010-11, he already scored a career-best 9 goals (4 on the power play), his 17 power play points were third-best on the entire team and his +20 was tops on the Penguins.  Yet two factors ushered his departure out of Pittsburgh.  First, his defensive skills were inconsistent.  He often had problems cutting off forwards from sweeping to the outside, along the boards and to the net.  He was not a physically-imposing defender, generally incapable of using his body to compensate when beaten on an opposition rush towards the goal.

Second, when Gonchar signed with Ottawa in the off-season, it was assumed that one of Kris Letang or Goligoski would take over the #1 defenceman role.  Letang seized the opportunity spectacularly and became an All-Star and his all-around skills on offence, on the power play and defensively, accelerated much faster than Goligoski’s.  As noted, Goligoski was signed for one more season after this one for an affordable $1.833-million while the team’s “core four” defencemen, Letang, Brooks Orpik and free agent acquisitions Paul Martin and Zbynek Michalek, all are signed for at least three more seasons.  Thus Goligoski’s relative youth, potential and contract made him an attractive chip in a trade.

With Dallas, Goligoski already slots in as an offensive quarterback.  He has more points than any other Dallas defenceman.  Like Niskanen, a change in scenery could benefit Goligoski, who played in the shadow of Gonchar last season and in the shadow of Letang this season on man-advantage situations.  He will have the chance to step out and be the key man on the power play as a Star and perhaps realize his potential to be a blue line star.

With just over a week to go until the February 28^th trade deadline there’s already been several notable trades which has only further stoked the rumor fires as the deadline draws nearer.

It’s also given rise to some pretty silly rumors, which is par for the course at this time of year.  Here’s a brief rundown of some of the latest.

Ales Hemsky to Dallas. The Stars are already loaded at left wing (James Neal, Brendan Morrow and Jamie Benn). They have no need to acquire Hemsky.

Marek Zidlicky to the Rangers. He may have been a draft pick of the Rangers ten years ago but he’s not going back to help them at the trade deadline. Wild GM Chuck Fletcher has said he won’t be a seller but rather a buyer if possible at the trade deadline.

Brent Seabrook to Vancouver. Seabrook won’t be going to the Canucks or any other team. As if the Blackhawks would ship him to their arch-rival from the Northwest Division. Chicago GM Stan Bowman has already shot down the Seabrook rumors, insisting he intends on re-sign the blueliner.

Sergei Gonchar to the Rangers. OK, I realize the Rangers have over the years earned a reputation for overpaying talent but they’ve rarely if ever taken on another team’s contract mistakes. Besides, the Blueshirts wanna leave enough cap space freed up to pursue Brad Richards in next summer’s free agent market. Can’t do that with Gonchar’s $5 million per season eating a hole in the payroll.

Ed Jovanovski to the Rangers. I’m sure whoever floated these did so because Jovocop’s a UFA this summer and he’s playing for the Coyotes, but that person hasn’t been very observant with what’s going on in Phoenix. The Coyotes are very much in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, and they intend on opening contract talks with him once the sale of the team has been finalized. Oh, and he has a full no-movement clause and no desire to waive it.  His recent sidelining to a fractured orbital bone will also keep him out of the trade market.

Alex Kovalev to Montreal. The Habs already saw Kovalev’s decline in his final season in Montreal. Then-GM Bob Gainey opted to go in a different direction, which current GM and former assistant Pierre Gauthier will continue.

Brad Richards to Toronto. Why would Richards, who has a “no-movement” clause, agree to be dealt from a playoff contender to a team which by their very moves over the last ten days have almost no shot at making the playoffs? Maybe – emphasis on “maybe” – Richards signs with Toronto as a UFA this summer, but he won’t accept a trade to a non-playoff club this season.

P.A. Parenteau to the Penguins. The Islanders just re-signed Parenteau to an affordable one-year deal, yet I’ve heard the suggestion he’ll “want to move on” after next season. If he wanted to move on, then why re-sign with the Isles when he was going to be an unrestricted free agent this summer and could’ve moved on then? Sorry, doesn’t make sense. The Penguins would probably love to land him but he’s staying on the Island because – believe it or not – he wants to stay there.

That’s it for now, though I’m sure next week will bring another treasure trove of wackiness.

Lyle Richardson
Spector’s Hockey
www.spectorshockey.net

The Buffalo Sabres continuing struggles have led to speculation management could swing a deadline deal to bolster their flagging playoff hopes.

Fuelling the rumors is word the Sabres could soon be under new ownership committed to build them into not just a playoff contender but a future Stanley Cup champion.

That likely explains why “Eklund” of Hockeybuzz.com listed Los Angeles Kings captain Dustin Brown  as an ‘E3′ to head to Buffalo.

Only two problems with this rumor. One, the Kings have no intention of parting with Brown, and two, even with new ownership there won’t be any sweeping changes coming to the Sabres at the trade deadline.

Now to be fair to “Eklund”, he’s claiming the “Brown to Buffalo” rumor is coming from a single source with “ties somehow to the players or teams involved”. It might be the Sabres are interested in Brown though they probably know there’s no chance in hell of landing him.

Still, talk of Brown being dealt is ridiculous. He’s the Kings leader, part of their young core around which GM Dean Lombardi has rebuild this team, and is currently on pace for a career-best 62-point season. He’s going to be with the Kings for a long time and there’s nothing the Sabres could offer up in return to pry him out of Los Angeles.

As for the Sabres, if as rumored they’re sold to billionaire Terry Pegula there’s not going to be a significant front office or roster purge upon his takeover.

A new owner of a team usually likes to take some time to evaluate before making any significant front office changes. Those likely won’t occur until the off-season.

Even if Pegula came in and cleaned house there’s still nothing he could offer up short of franchise player Ryan Miller to convince the Kings to part with Brown.

Thomas Vanek? Sorry but he’s too expensive and too inconsistent. Jason Pominville or Drew Stafford? Nope, the Kings need a quality first line left winger, which they’re not. Tim Connolly? Please, be serious!

Ignore any trade rumor regarding Dustin Brown.

Lyle Richardson
Spector’s Hockey
www.spectorshockey.net

Ever since the Ottawa Sun made the claim prior to the June 2008 entry draft the Pittsburgh Penguins tried to shop Evgeni Malkin to the LA Kings (which caused much bemusement in the Penguins front office and made its author a figure of scorn around the blogosphere) there’s been the occasional suggestion for the Pens to move Malkin.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Draft/2008/06/19/5923271-sun.html

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Report-Penguins-offer-Malkin-to-Kings-for-block?urn=nhl-88994

http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/CandB/comments/the_garrioch_effect/

The latest comes from Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal, advancing the notion Malkin would benefit from a change of scenery:

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are desperate for a No. 1 centre and the Pittsburgh Penguins need a winger to play with Sidney Crosby. How about Rick Nash for Evgeni Malkin? It’ll probably never happen, but Malkin has done little since Dan Byslma took over as Pittsburgh’s coach on Feb. 15, 2009. They should move Malkin, who has only 54 goals, and put Jordan Staal as the No. 2 centre behind Crosby.”

Malkin’s offensive production has suffered at times over the past two seasons, but Matheson overlooked the fact the Russian star won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2009 helping the Penguins win the Stanley Cup, which was Bylsma’s first season behind the Pittsburgh bench.

Some folks, like Matheson, believe trading Malkin would finally land Crosby the star scoring winger he’s been lacking for year, a Kurri to his Gretzky if you will.

Perhaps one day they’ll find that winger. Maybe one day Malkin might be the trade bait that lands such a winger.

Or maybe not.

It certainly won’t be Nash, unless he agreed to be dealt, as he has a full “no-movement” clause, and if he’s to be believed, no interest in playing elsewhere, though that’s hard for some folks to believe given the state of the Blue Jackets.

During times like now when Crosby is sidelined for a lengthy period the Penguins are thankful for Malkin’s presence, as he steps up and fills in admirably for their injured captain, or when Crosby is checked to a standstill by a superb talent like Detroit’s Henrik Zetterberg.

Face facts, gang, without Malkin filling the void during the 2009 Stanley Cup Final, the Red Wings would’ve successfully defended the title of Cup champions.

Another reason Malkin won’t be moved is he’s carrying a contract too hefty ($8.7 million per season) for most teams to bear, especially given the uncertainty over what the next collective bargaining agreement will look like once the current one expires in 2012.

Ignore any media or blog musing about the Penguins trading Malkin. It’s not happening anytime soon.

Lyle Richardson
Spector’s Hockey
www.spectorshockey.net

Yes, as GM Brian Burke continues to shop around (without success thus far) this season for players who can help his roster the blogosphere is as usual buzzing with plenty of rumors and trade scenarios.

First up, The Bleacher Report’s Erik Paul, envisioning potential trade scenarios involving winger Kris Versteeg, including offering him to Washington for Eric Fehr (just what the Caps need, another non-physical scoring forward!), the Rangers Mats Zucarello Aasen or Kings Brandon Kozun (don’t believe Burke likes hobbits), Tampa Bay’s “budding” power forward Teddy Purcell (who had points in only three of thirteen games dating back to mid-December), Atlanta’s Niclas Bergfors (whose inconsistency has so far kept him in Atlanta) or St. Louis’ second and fifth round picks (Burke’s on record saying he’s not interested in second round picks or less).

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/567649-nhl-trade-rumours-top-trade-scenarios-for-kris-versteeg/page/1

Paul does provide himself an out however if these scenarios or others for Versteeg fail to materialize by suggesting Burke might “overvalue” him and by asking too much in return could end up killing off interest in him.

Maybe Versteeg could be dealt but as he’s been among the few bright spots for the Leafs this season it doesn’t appear as though he’ll be dealt.

Hockeyleaks.com meanwhile recently reported the Leafs had “shown interest” in Atlanta winger Bryan Little of late. Given his lack of size and physical play however it’s unlikely he’ll be of much interest to Burke, who more than once has said he’s looking for a big scoring forward.

http://hockeyleaks.com/forum2/index.php?topic=9664.0

And finally, there’s Eklund of Hockeybuzz.com, citing sources claiming the Leafs might peddle goalie J.S. Giguere and his wonky groin and hip along with possibly Tomas Kaberle to the Capitals, despite the fact the Caps have no need for an aging goalie with a recent injury history whose best seasons are likely behind him.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/RUMOR-UPDATE-PitkanenSharks-KingsSabres-VanNYI-LeafsCaps-Mega-Deal/1/32753

Giguere is currently on injury reserve – has been now for nearly a month – while the Caps current tandem of Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth are younger, healthier and have better numbers this season.

Ultimately no one knows what moves Burke has in mind in the coming weeks or which current Leafs could be part of those plans. Suffice to say it’s highly unlikely any of the aforementioned trade proposals go down.

Lyle Richardson
Spector’s Hockey
www.spectorshockey.net

As one of the producers of the sports segment on a local NYC TV station told me once (via Twitter) the time squeeze and the prominence of regional sports networks pushes hockey off the air during local news.

But unlike in a broadcast report, or in a paper–the “professional” filter is not there so their readers beware.

Now as team’s gear up for the long haul through the winter-and into the trade deadline-and contenders separate from pretenders the rumor mill will fly.

The best advice is to find a couple of sources you trust, who have access and rely on them.  Reading the rumors, and even commenting on them is a lot of fun, after all that’s what fans should do.  But it’s also important to be realistic.

The Rangers are not trading recently demoted Michael Del Zotto no matter what you read on Twitter, and the Devils are not trading Martin Brodeur–but its fun to think about it.

Probably the downside is that as the Twitter fueled rumor mill heats up (remember the Kovalchuk to the Isles rumors this summer?) the professional journalists, beat reporters and regular bloggers have to spend time debunking what’s out there rather than report what’s happening.

Some suggestions if you want some good coverage from across the NHL:

John Giannone at MSG for Rangers

Jeff Marek from CBC

I love the regulars here at HI

Katie Strang for the Isles

Dmitry Chesokov for almost every Russian player

And for almost anything west coast Helene Eliott is tough to beat

The Montreal Canadiens have found themselves mired in a horrific slump since early December, dropping nine of twelve games entering the first week of January.

Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier wasted little time hitting the trade market to address the problem, acquiring offensive-minded blueliner James Wisniewski from the Islanders and shipping unhappy checking forward Maxim Lapierre to Anaheim.

It’s believed Gauthier however might not be done dealing as his club’s offensive production has dried up during that slump, managing only 15 goals.

The Fourth Period recently reported the Canadiens “were linked to Minnesota Wild right wing Martin Havlat, who is under contract for four more seasons beyond this year”, also noting Havlat has a “no-trade” clause and adding it was “unclear, at this stage, if the Wild has any interest in moving him”.

I fail to see how it would be unclear if the Wild had any interest in getting out from under a contract for an over-paid, injury-prone 29-year-old winger. If the Canadiens or any other club were seriously interested in acquiring Havlat the Wild’s management would be all over that one.

Havlat is a talented winger but his injury history makes him a risky pickup for any team. Considering his current contract – with its “no-trade” clause -  expires when he’s 34 plus the fact the Habs currently cannot afford to acquire anyone carrying an expensive deal like Havlat’s the possibility he’ll be going to Montreal by the trade deadline appears remote.

The return to North America of former NHL goalie Evgeni Nabokov has more than a few pundits and bloggers buzzing over which NHL team he might eventually sign with this season.

“Eklund” over at Hockeybuzz.com joined the fun on Monday:

“…of course Nabokov would have to clear waivers, but the Washington Capitals would be the perfect fit here…I have also heard the Hawks may have interest (if he is willing to work for very little) as well as the Panthers (if they were to move Vokoun to the Caps or Habs)”

Eklund is indeed correct in pointing out Nabokov would have to clear waivers before joining a new NHL team, and he’s not the only pundit/blogger to suggest the Capitals as a possible destination, although that was subsequently dismissed by Washington head coach Bruce Boudreau.

But the Blackhawks? Nope, they’re not in the mix for two good reasons; one, they only have $178K in available cap space, and two, young Cory Crawford is outperforming Marty Turco, who appears willing to accept a backup-mentor role. So there’s no fit in the Windy City.

The Panthers could move Vokoun this season but if they do it’ll be much, much later in the season, like closer to the February 28^th trade deadline when GM Dale Tallon would have a better chance to land a high first round pick for him.

And no, the Canadiens aren’t interested in Vokoun. Eklund keeps beating that drum but with Carey Price playing brilliantly they don’t have any need to add another starter, especially one whom they cannot afford to add to their cap space. Unless Price gets injured and sidelined for the rest of the season, ignore any chatter claiming the Habs are interested in Vokoun. They’re not. Period.

Lyle Richardson
Spector’s Hockey
www.spectorshockey.net

The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reported this past Sunday the NY Islanders could be in the market for some help for forward John Tavares.

Garrioch claimed sources said Isles GM Garth Snow was concerned over Tavares’ development and was hoping to add a veteran scoring winger as soon as possible, but unfortunately there’s not many options currently available in the trade market.

One suggestion by Garrioch was Tampa Bay Lightning winger Simon Gagne but it’s unlikely the Islanders will be able to land him.

It’s not Gagne’s $5 million-plus salary this season which would be an issue as the Isles have plenty of cap space, but rather his willingness to come to Long Island.

Put simply, the struggling Islanders aren’t a destination of choice for most veteran NHL’ers, especially those carrying a “no-trade” clause like Gagne.

Even if the Lightning were shopping him – and there’s no indication out of Tampa Bay that’s the case – Gagne isn’t going to waive his clause to leave a playoff contender and join a floundering roster for the remainder of this season.

Not even the opportunity to play alongside Tavares will entice him.

Snow could end up having to wait until this summer for unrestricted free agency to land a veteran linemate for Tavares.

Lyle Richardson
Spector’s Hockey
www.spectorshockey.net

The lack of trade activity at this point in the NHL season usually gives rise to speculation over which veteran players might be shopped when the trade deadline (slated for February 28) rolls around.

That’s certainly understandable as it is usually those eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer currently toiling on struggling teams who tend to be shopped by deadline day.

Donald Wood of The Bleacher Report recently published a list of “Ten Veterans Who Could Be Dealt If Their Teams Struggle”, which included players like Dallas’ Brad Richards, Toronto’s Tomas Kaberle, Nashville’s Steve Sullivan and  Florida’s Tomas Vokoun, who would be on most observers lists when talking possible trade bait.

Most of the list however contained names I seriously doubt will be on the trade market this season.

Those include Calgary’s Jarome Iginla, San Jose’s Patrick Marleau, Ottawa’s Jason Spezza, Minnesota’s Martin Havlat, and Nashville’s Shea Weber.

All but Havlat and Weber have either “no-movement” or “no-trade” clauses, which they would have to first agree to waive before any trade can occur.

The Flames have already told Iginla they have no intention of moving him this season and he’s on record saying if he’s dealt the request would have to come from the team as he won’t be asking to be dealt.

Marleau re-signed with the Sharks last summer and has no intention of asking out or of entertaining any request to be dealt, not that Sharks management would ask him.

Spezza’s movement clause kicked in last summer and while he could perhaps ask to be dealt his hefty $7 million per season salary means he won’t be moved during the season.

All but Weber would be tough to move during the season as they’re carrying expensive contracts worth over $5 million per season.

Havlat’s salary and lengthy injury history won’t attract any takers.

Weber is due to become a restricted free agent next summer so the Predators aren’t under any pressure or in any great hurry to move him. Their current plan is to re-sign him but first they want to see how the rest of the season progresses before starting contract talks in earnest. They certainly won’t be shopping him unless he demands a trade, which he’s not going to do.

Lyle Richardson
Spector’s Hockey
www.spectorshockey.net

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov is out for the remainder of the season to a knee injury, which naturally has some observers wondering what GM Pierre Gauthier might do to address his absence.

Gauthier currently has approximately $1.069 million in available cap space but with Markov on long-term injury reserve the Habs GM can go over the salary cap by spending up to the equivalent of the blueliner’s $5.5 million salary if required to bolster his roster.

The Canadiens so far have played well during Markov’s absences, dating back to the second round of the last season’s Eastern Conference playoffs, so Gauthier isn’t in a hurry to either replace Markov or look toward addressing other roster needs.

That however hasn’t stopped speculation over potential moves Gauthier could or should make.

Toutsurehockey.com suggested Gauthier pursue Jack Johnson of the LA Kings, believing the Kings can’t afford to re-sign both he and Drew Doughty next summer when they become restricted free agents. The site recommended Gauthier offer up forward Max Pacioretty and defenseman Yannick Weber.

It’s highly unlikely the Kings will move Johnson this season but if they were it certainly wouldn’t be for two guys who’ve yet to prove themselves at the NHL level.

The Kings are in the market for an established scoring left winger, which Pacioretty isn’t, and the Habs don’t have enough of their own to offer up for Johnson.

If the Habs remain in the top four of the Eastern Conference up to the February trade deadline Gauthier could use his extra dollars to pursue a physical scoring forward, not a defenseman who’s not going to be available this season.

The Florida Panthers are once again struggling early to remain in the NHL playoff chase.

One of the few bright spots is goaltender Tomas Vokoun, who after 17 games sports an 8-8-0 record with a 2.41 goals-against average, a .920 save percentage and two shutouts.

Vokoun obviously provides the offensively anemic Panthers a chance to win nearly every game he plays but he also might not finish this season in Florida.

The veteran netminder is in the final year of his current contract (average cap hit: $5.7 million per season) and eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. The betting is Vokoun won’t re-sign with the Panthers following this season, which naturally has given rise to speculation he could be shopped by the February 28^th trade deadline.

“Eklund” of Hockeybuzz.com recently jumped into the Vokoun rumor pool with the following:

“I have said this previously, but I would not be shocked if Montreal makes a play for Vokoun towards the deadline…

my source: ” There is too much right now riding on Price and a fear the Habs could get held up for Vokoun if they wait too long…However, the Sens will also be in the hunt for Vokoun.”

I would be shocked if Montreal, or Ottawa for that matter, makes a play for Vokoun.

Eklund is of the opinion the Canadiens are afraid of Price either getting hurt or tired later in the season thus affecting their playoff hopes thus forming the basis for his “source” saying the Habs have interest in Vokoun.

As for the Senators linkage that’s obviously based on Pascal Leclaire’s injury history and Brian Elliott’s inconsistency.

Even if both clubs were seriously interested in Vokoun – which I doubt – neither can afford to take on Vokoun’s salary, even later in the season, without freeing up significant cap space.

Panthers GM Dale Tallon won’t just accept castoffs or a high-priced player carrying a big contract.

Finally, there’s Vokoun’s full “no-movement” clause, which he’d have to agree to waive to facilitate any trade. Last spring he suggested he’d waive it only to go to a Cup contender, which rules out Montreal and Ottawa as potential destinations.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Vokoun is traded by February 28^th but it won’t be to the Canadiens or Senators.

Lyle Richardson
Spector’s Hockey
www.spectorshockey.net

The continuing woes of the New York Islanders also continued to generate blogosphere trade rumors.

Hockeybuzz.com’s “Eklund” recently cited a source claiming the Islanders could be interested in Calgary Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr:

*Islanders are definitely looking for a defenseman and my sources are telling me there appears to be a partner in Calgary. The name the Isles like is Robyn Regehr who makes a ton of sense…the Flames want Josh Bailey I am told…

I’m sure the Isles management “like” Regehr. So would most NHL teams. The problem however remains that niggling little thing called a “no-movement” clause, which Regehr has no intention of waiving and certainly not to go to one of the worst teams in the league. Sorry, Isles fans, not mocking, just stating the fact. I don’t like your team’s situation any more than you do.

Even if Regehr lacked a movement clause and the Flames were keen to move him to the Islanders, his $4.020 million per season salary is too expensive for a tight-fisted Isles team currently hovering just above the league’s cap minimum of $43.4 million.

In the same post Eklund claimed sources were telling him the New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche were in talks:

Sources also tell me the Devils and Avalanche remain “in constant communication” and the Devils have serious interest in (John-Michael)Liles and “another Grade A prospect.” The Avs “have dreams of getting a top line forward in return.”

His sources obviously fail to understand two facts about the Avalanche this season: they’re loaded with top line forwards, and Liles is now invaluable to Colorado’s defense corps.

Only the Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers (as of November 23^rd) scored more goals than the Avalanche. Winger Chris Stewart was ninth overall in the league scoring race, with teammates Milan Hejduk and Paul Statsny sitting 20^th and 27^th respectively.

Center Matt Duchene meanwhile is on pace for a 70-point season while oft-injured winger David Jones is on pace for 41 goals if he can stay healthy for the rest of the season.

Liles meanwhile was tied with Detroit legend Nicklas Lidstrom for the league lead in points for defensemen with 20 and ranked amongst the league leaders in plus-minus at +11.

Now I realize Liles was dogged by trade rumors the last couple of seasons but he’s really stepped up his play so far this season, even leading the Avs in blocked shots. He’s made himself invaluable to Colorado’s defense corps this season but even if they wanted to trade him – and they don’t – his limited “no-trade” clause would limit his marketability.

Lyle Richardson
Spector’s Hockey
www.spectorshockey.net

No question times are tough for the New York Islanders.

Mired in a miserable 13-game losing skid. Their head coach unceremoniously dumped. A popular, well-connected Islanders blogger denied media credentials by a seemingly vindictive front office. An owner perceived unwilling or unable to spend what’s necessary to improve the team. The fan-base frustrated and dwindling. No new arena and an uncertain future on Long Island.

And now, courtesy of the Calgary Sun’s Eric Francis, speculation over the future of promising young forward John Tavares:

“The Isles haven’t won a playoff round since 1993, which is just one of the many reasons why John Tavares will inevitably refuse to re-sign with the club after next season.”

If I were going to start speculating on the possibility of Tavares refusing to re-sign with the Islanders as you can see I was able to come up with much better reasons than their playoff record since 1993.

Regardless, Tavares’ future with the Islanders is bound to make him a favorite target of rumormongers if the club fails to turn things around this season or next.

Before we start making assumptions Tavares will bail, we need to remember this isn’t the first time some folks in the media – specifically, the Canadian media – have suggested he might diss the Islanders.

Think back to his final year in Junior, when Tavares was widely considered to be the best available young prospect in the world and singled out as the sure-fire first overall pick in the 2009 entry draft.

Reports started floating out of Toronto midway through the 2008-09 campaign suggesting Tavares and his agent Pat Brisson would try to avoid being selected by the Islanders; that if Tavares were picked he might not report and attempt to force the Isles into trading his rights elsewhere.

Turned out there was nothing to those rumors. I spoke with Brisson soon after that story was floated by a Toronto newspaper and he assured me Tavares had no problem reporting to the Islanders if they ultimately drafted him, that he wanted to play in the NHL and wasn’t fussy which team selected him. Six months later, Tavares happily joined the Islanders.

Sure, things are ugly right now for the Isles but Tavares hasn’t said or done anything over the past year and a half to suggest he’d refuse to re-sign when his entry level contract expires in 2012.

If it comes down to a holdout by the Tavares camp – and there’s no reason to believe at this point they would go that route – it would likely be over contract terms, not the state of the team. Even then, staging a holdout for whatever reasons in today’s salary cap world (which won’t change in the next CBA) is a rarity for players coming off entry level contracts, since they have little leverage.

Besides, if Tavares truly wants out of Long Island by 2012, he could avoid lots of negative publicity by merely signing an offer sheet from a rival club too expensive for the Islanders to match.

Now granted, the current CBA will expire in September 2012 and we have no idea what the next one will look like or if there’ll be a work stoppage akin to those of 2004-05 and 1994-95.

But Tavares would still be a very tempting target for some general managers, especially those who might have available cap space and a willingness to spend, CBA uncertainty be damned.

That being said, it’s really far too early to start speculating over Tavares’ future with the Islanders. He’s not even halfway through his current deal and the earliest the Isles can attempt to re-sign him is next July.

Maybe he’ll go through next season without being re-signed. That doesn’t mean he’ll be leaving Long Island after July 2012 or refuse to re-sign once his current deal is up.  To suggest otherwise is to disparage his character.

Lyle Richardson
Spector’s Hockey
www.spectorshockey.net

The more the Calgary Flames continue to struggle the more team captain Jarome Iginla is popping up in the trade rumor mill.

Matt Hutter over at The Bleacher Report duly noted this as well as laying blame on Flames management for doing little in the off-season to improve the club before finishing by suggesting Iginla should demand a trade:

“Iginla wants to win a Stanley Cup, and given his age and the future of the franchise, he’s not going to win it in Calgary.

He’s suffered through Calgary’s shifts in power, leadership and personnel long enough.  What he needs to do is turn all this trade talk on its ear and walk into Daryl Sutter’s office with a list of teams he’d like to be traded to.”

Now we don’t know what’s going through Iginla’s mind at the present time but if we go by his off-season comments it’s unlikely he’s going to make any trade demands.

Last April Iginla poured cold water on the prospect of seeking a trade, telling the Calgary media his intention was to remain with the Flames and help them win a Stanley Cup.

He also said that when it came to waiving his “no-movement” clause the team would have to ask him to do so as he had no intention of making any trade requests or demands.

Of course it’s possible Iginla could change his mind. After all, he’s 33 and no longer the dominant power forward he once was, yet still has high trade value and if he were to land with a deep playoff contender like the LA Kings or perhaps playing with a superstar linemate like Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby (Iginla’s 2010 Winter Olympics linemate) his numbers would likely improve as he wouldn’t be relied upon to carry the entire offensive load as he presently is in Calgary.

But Iginla also has a reputation as a “stand-up” guy, and if he says he has no intention of waiving his movement clause unless the team asks him to, he means it.

One shouldn’t rule out the possibility – long though the odds still seem at this point – of the Flames trading Iginla, but such a move will have to come by their request, not his.

Lyle Richardson
Spector’s Hockey
www.spectorshockey.net

The struggling Calgary Flames continue to be a focus in the rumor mill with pundits and bloggers wondering what moves – if any – GM Darryl Sutter can make to improve his club’s fortunes.

While last week much of the focus centered on team captain Jarome Iginla it appears this week’s new target is defenseman Robyn Regehr.

“Eklund” of Hockeybuzz.com suggested Regehr could be a trade target of the Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres.

“Eklund” suggests the Canadiens weren’t “really in the position to go trading a D-man with size unless there is something else on the horizon”.

In other words, they wouldn’t have dealt Ryan O’Byrne to the Colorado Avalanche earlier this week without planning to replace O’Byrne with another, better physical defenseman.

Eklund doesn’t get into specifics as to why the Sabres supposedly have interest in Regehr, although the assumption would likely be the Sabres have been struggling nearly as much to keep the puck out of their own net as they have to score.

His theory as to why O’Byrne was dealt however doesn’t make sense. As TSN’s Bob McKenzie recently pointed out, O’Byrne had fallen down the Habs depth chart, and as more than one scribe has suggested, Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin had lost confidence in O’Byrne, preferring to play Alexandre Picard in the role of sixth defenseman.

For Habs GM Pierre Gauthier it was simply a matter of moving O’Byrne and getting something back in return, in this instance prospect forward Michael Bournival, rather than lose him for nothing on waivers by demoting him.

Sure, it is possible Gauthier might be considering adding a more experienced, physical blueliner, although at this point in the season, sitting atop the Northeast Division, he’s not under any pressure to do so.  It might indeed be wiser to sit on that available cap space and save it to address perhaps more serious needs (such as scoring depth at forward) later in the season.

It must be remembered Regehr has a full “no-movement” clause, meaning he has to bless any deal, and it’s a good bet he won’t approve a trade from one struggling team in Calgary to another in Buffalo.

Habs fans would probably love to see him in a Canadiens jersey but their club cannot afford his $4.02 million per season salary without giving up as much in return, and that would mean sending a scoring forward to Calgary, which the Habs also cannot afford to do.

Lyle Richardson
Spector’s Hockey
www.spectorshockey.net

Earlier this week there was plenty of speculation out of Boston and Toronto suggesting the Bruins might attempt to make a salary-dumping deal with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Several names have been bandied about as potential trade bait for the Bruins, including Blake Wheeler, Michael Ryder, David Krejci and Matt Hunwick.

“Eklund” of Hockeybuzz.com however claimed he’d heard from three to four sources (using his rating system of “E’s” – this one being “E3-E4”) the Coyotes “may be close to acquiring Marc Savard”.

Now I realize “Eklund” is merely passing along what he claims sources are telling him but not even his followers believe this rumor. From the comments section:

“Why would Savard waive his NTC to go to Phoenix? Lol”

“Why would any team acquire an injured player…?”

“mr. eklund. you know what a huge fan i am of your work but this is an insult to any hockey fan with an i.q. above 50…..(i know, there aren’t many around here) why would anyone trade for a damaged goods, concussed player at the front end of a 7 year deal at about 4.2 mil a year? you want us to believe that there are actually 3-4 “sources” who stand by this?”

“Doubt this happens. Savard’s kids all live outside Toronto. That’s why he wanted to go to Ottawa or Toronto. The guy isn’t waiving his NTC to go all the way to Phoenix.

And why would a team bleeding money like Phoenix want to get a guy who has serious concussion issues and is under contract for 6 more years after this one?”

“Wow. Brutal “rumor”.

1.Savard has said he would only agree to a trade to an Ontario team to be close to family.

3.Savard is locked into a 7 year contract with a no trade clause and is on the wrong side of 30.”

“EK=FAIL! savard will not be traded if anything sturm will be the one traded bruins will hold him on LTIR and make him waive his NTC so he can play for his contract year. savy is remaining a bruins he would only go to a team in canada to be close to home he wants to remain in boston”

“If the yotes want a player with problem resulting from concusions, they can have Tim Connoly for a cold cup of coffee.”

“Doesn’t make sense that a team with no real owner yet, and zero cash flow would want an injured player with a longterm contract. Pointless.”

Spelling mistakes aside, I don’t think I can improve upon these critiques. Suffice to say, Savard won’t be traded to Phoenix.

Lyle Richardson

SpectorsHockey.net

twitter.com/spectorshockey

A recent report from Sportsnet claimed contract talks between the St. Louis Blues and forward David Backes have hit a snag and has given rise to speculation the club might shop the rugged winger later this season.

Backes, 26, will be eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer, is coming off a three-year deal paying him $2.5 million per season, and is rumored seeking a multi-year deal worth $5 million per season.

He’s also coming off performances of 54 and 48 points, which included scoring 31 goals in 2007-08. As of this writing he has four points in seven games.

Sporthaze.com suggested if the Blues can’t get Backes re-signed they could trade him, citing Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos and Bill Watters who suggested the winger could be dealt as early as November.

Sportshaze.com also believes the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a potential destination for Backes if he’s placed on the trade block.

While it’s possible the Blues might move Backes if contract talks remain at an impasse that won’t occur in November, or even December for that matter. If the Blues are in the playoff hunt by the February 28^th trade deadline he won’t be moved at all.

Unless Backes posts up the numbers worthy of a $5 million player he’s not going to get that kind of money from the Blues, and he’d be hard-pressed to find that kind of deal on the open market, though one should never underestimate the ability of NHL GMs to overpay for free agent talent.

It’s far too early for the Blues to cut Backes loose.

Lyle Richardson

SpectorsHockey.net

twitter.com/spectorshockey

Once Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray claimed he’d held trade talks with several teams as one option to shake up his moribund roster it was inevitable the Jason Spezza trade rumors would flare up again.

Sure enough, “Eklund” of Hockeybuzz and Andy Strickland of “True Hockey” claimed there were rumors of Murray shopping Spezza.

Strickland acknowledges the difficulty the Senators would have to move Spezza:

“Sources tell TrueHockey.com Murray is still trying to find a taker for Jason Spezza. Although some in Ottawa may completely disagree, Murray is no dummy and is well aware it is nearly impossible to move Spezza’s lucrative contract.”

Eklund however claimed six teams – Los Angeles, Edmonton, Colorado, Minnesota, Columbus and the NY Rangers – were interested in Spezza, though the Senators were “listening, not shopping in regards to Jason Spezza”.

He also claimed “there’s no shortage of teams willing to take on Jason Spezza’s contract”, but if Murray tried unsuccessfully to move Spezza last June before his “no-movement” clause kicked in and when teams had considerably more salary cap space to work, why would those teams be willing to take on his $7 million per season salary now when they have considerably less to work with?

Regardless of the trade scenarios Eklund envisioned involving those teams, several factors scuttle those scenarios: Spezza’s “no-movement” clause, his whopping great salary and the limited cap space of the supposedly interested teams.

The “no-movement” clause kicked in on July 1^st, giving Spezza ultimate control over where he could go if he agreed to be dealt or were to ask for a trade. After living the fishbowl existence in Ottawa he probably wouldn’t want to go to Edmonton or New York, and probably wouldn’t want to be part of two struggling teams like Minnesota and Columbus. That would likely leave LA or maybe Colorado, assuming those teams are interested.

His $7 million per season salary for the next five seasons would be a major factor in killing interest, just as it did back in June. That would rule out Columbus and Colorado, who aren’t interested in taking on any fat contracts at this time. As for Edmonton, they have plenty of cap space but appear at this point committed to rebuilding from within rather than chasing expensive talent.

The Rangers meanwhile have less than $2 million in available cap space right now, meaning they’d have to make a dollar-for-dollar swap to make such a deal work. And no, the Senators won’t take back Wade Redden as part of the deal!

So again, that would leave the LA Kings, but it would also mean they’d have to give up decent assets like Wayne Simmonds and Jack Johnson, whom they’ve resisted moving in the past – notably for Ilya Kovalchuk at the trade deadline – and likely won’t move now, especially when they could take a serious run at Brad Richards if he become available in next summer’s UFA market.

Lyle Richardson

SpectorsHockey.net
twitter.com/spectorshockey

The Calgary Flames forward lines can be likened to a doughnut: good stuff on the outside but a big hole in the center.

Despite the best efforts of GM Darryl Sutter it’s been a consistent nagging issue, one that hasn’t shown any significant improvement this season, especially with Daymond Langkow still sidelined from a cracked neck vertebrae, Matt Stajan just returning from injury, and Olli Jokinen continuing to show why he’s not a good fit on the first line with Jarome Iginla.

While Sutter looks for Stajan to develop first line chemistry with Iginla and Alex Tanguay, hopes Jokinen proves a better fit on the second line and awaits Langkow’s eventual return, the rumor mill will continue to churn out speculation of his shopping around for help at center.

The latest comes via Eklund of “Hockeybuzz”, claiming “out in Calgary talk is the Flames are trying hard to make a pitch for Rangers forward Dubinsky. The NY Rangers continued their struggles tonight prompting talk of “major changes” in NY to come…”

Changes are undoubtedly coming to the Rangers lineup because of the loss of Marian Gaborik, Vaclav Prospal, Chris Drury and Erik Christensen to injury but recent reports suggest those changes will likely come via call-ups rather than trades.

Even if the Rangers were in the trade market, moving Dubinsky – who has three goals and four points in his first four games – appears unlikely as such a move would further weaken the Rangers depth at center given the recent losses of Prospal and Drury to injuries.

Lyle Richardson

SpectorsHockey.net
twitter.com/spectorshockey

With the Edmonton Oilers recent demotion of high-priced, disgruntled defenseman Sheldon Souray to the Washington Capitals AHL affiliate in Hershey, the “Souray Trade Watch” now officially has come to a close.

The Oilers tried unsuccessfully since June to move Souray but could find no takers for an overpaid, injury-prone, aging defenseman who publicly badmouthed the Oilers organization. Go figure.

Yes, I realize it was a lot of fun for those who traffic in unsubstantiated rumors to dream up possible trade scenarios for Souray, but the reality is there was no market for him.

Some folks have mistakenly suggested the Capitals allowed Souray to play on their AHL affiliate as they might call him up at some point to help take some pressure off Mike Green on their blueline this season.  The fact is, the Oilers still retain Souray’s rights meaning the Capitals cannot call him up. This was simply a case of an AHL team having a need on their defense and their NHL affiliate having no problem allowing another team’s player to be loaned to their farm team.

Even if the Capitals could call up Souray, he’d have to pass through re-entry waivers, where it’s quite possible a rival club could be tempted to claim him and only pick up half his salary for the next two years.

Forget about the possibility of Souray being dealt to another NHL team whilst playing in Hershey as he’d still have to pass through re-entry waivers.

For Sheldon Souray to return to the NHL this season the Oilers will have to place him on re-entry waivers and hope another team claims him, something they won’t do unless a rival GM expresses interest in doing so, and that’s not likely to happen until he’s played a few weeks in the minors and proven he’s overcome last season’s injuries.

Lyle Richardson

SpectorsHockey.net
twitter.com/spectorshockey