You know, the streak that has seen minor absences in the form of a Crawford (UBI – upper body injury… it’ll stick trust me), Bolland on a timeout and Carcillo (LBI – Lower Bod… ok you get it).

It was inevitable that more injuries were on the way. Especially in this shortened season the man games lost per team are piling up. Their last game saw the likes of Sharp and Shaw, flutter to the dressing room, leaving some room for concern. Sharp is looking at a 3-4 week time table with his should injury, while Shaw traveled with the team for tonight’s match and will play.

You know who else traveled with the team to Denver? Steve Montador. He is close to returning and could add an interesting mix to the crowded back end, much like Kim Kardashian’s current pregnancy.

I was excited to comment on both potential replacements for Sharp (Rockford or other) as well as breaking down Monty’s impending return. However, being a relentless scout for creativity and new content for this blog, I was overruled by the top of the class. So what I’m going to do is provide you with a couple of great pieces to check out while adding my 2 cents.

John Jaeckel, Hawk Trade Deadine Preview

I witnessed on the entertaining news feed that is Twitter that Brandon Bollig was the centre of attention; in a negative way. He was called back up from Rockford once the news of Sharp’s injury and why wouldn’t he be? He has been practicing and playing with the Blackhawks all year and knows the system. People, Bowman and Q aren’t bringing him back to slide into the 2^nd line. He will be slated where he belongs, on the 4^th line. It will have to be by committee to fill an injury like that, sorry Tweeps, Pirri or Hayes aren’t the answer.

I am on board with some of the names that John has heard or suspects that Hawks are interested in: Chris Neil, Zach Smith, Teddy Purcell, Nate Thompson, etc. These are the type of tough to play against, physical specimens Stan needs to add before the deadline.

I’d like to add some guys I have on my radar, does Stan though?:

-       Tyler Bozak: in the final year before he hits UFA, Bozak provides a solid FO% and all round play. If Toronto is looking to be sellers he could be had.

-       John Mitchell: watch him tonight; he is a defensive, gritty bottom-6 player with a non-stop motor. It may be trickier to trade in conference so a solid role player but not impossible.

-       Ryan White: Montreal looks poised to make the playoffs but like the Hawks need to tweak for that post-season grind. Marc Bergevin could call up his ol’ pal Stan Bownman to maybe swap lower-line players. White plays with a lot of emotion and could be a nice addition up the middle.

Tracy Myers, Montador’s recovery ‘a blessing’ after suffering depression

I think some fans, who have deemed Montador’s nickname “Clown Shows” have been a little harsh. Do I think he’s a top 4 dman? Nope. Do I like him as an option on the bottom pairing? Sure do. Bowman was maybe a little aggressive with his sales pitch to Monty, but he could prove naysayers wrong come playoff time.

Ty’s Tidbits

~ On Wednesday night, some local Blackhawks fans and myself took over a section at Shoeless Joe’s in Toronto. We were loud, proud and enjoyed Hawk talk in person, rather than on a message board. Thanks for all who came out and I will organize another outing soon.

Ty Cam out!

(@tycam)

He’s Connecticut’s headache now!

Rick DiPietro was a brash cocky goalie with a winners attitude when he was drafted first overall in 2000. Many experts said what he lacked in size he made up for with intangibles. The scouting report on DP was that he doesn’t like to lose, and that he was a great teammate.  To leave the comparisons Islanders related,  he had Billy Smith type qualities.  DP may not wow you with his season stats, but he will be here when need him most, making the big save at the big moment. Those big moments never came, and DP became the sink personifying all of the things to blame about why this team stinks and has stunk for years. On top of unfulfilled promise, the slew of injuries- some self inflicted- and the amazing amount of NHL rehabilitation games that the Islanders provided him at the expense of the team led to many Islander fans seeing DP as what’s wrong with this organization. They point to the trade of Roberto Luongo as a reason why the Islanders have lingered in obscurity. Fans around the NHL point to “the contract” and get a laugh at our expense. The Luongo trade and the contract are not DPs’ fault however, so we aren’t going to blame him for what he did or didn’t do. Yet they’re also two DP related factors that can’t be ignored, so they will be explored as we try to put a finger on what has ended up being the ruination of a career and the disabling of a franchise.

First, the trade.  That trade sums up Mike Milbury.  Whether Charles Wang  and Sanjay “Fallguy” Kumar wanted Ricky, or Milbury did, Mike made a stupid trade. Flat dumb. It was stupid not just because he traded a top goalie prospect, but because of what he traded for in return. Milbury wanted Oleg Kvasha so badly that he traded the top goalie prospect in hockey. A guy who is still playing. A guy who is second in career wins among active goalies behind Martin “Cy Young of Hockey” Brodeur. Allegedly Milbury was mad that Luongo went apartment shopping on a game day, in which he later got shelled. So to teach a young player about the consequences of impetuous actions, Milbury took an impetuous action.  Mad Mike went to his laboratory and cooked up a trade: Roberto Luongo and Olli Jokinen for Mark Parish and Oleg Kvasha.  Parrish obviously had some nice years here, but was it necessary for this deal to be a two player for two player swap?  Even if you argue that with the drafting of a goalie and the addition of a center and a wing shored up this team, in exploring what you traded – a center and a goalie- and looking at the players you passed up on with the number one pick – Dany Heatley and Marion Gaborik- this deal made no sense. As per centers, Jokinen still plays hockey. Kvasha doesn’t. Wing? Heatley and Gaborik still put up numbers, Parrish has been effectively out of hockey for years. And goalies? Roberto Luongo has 259 wins since 2005. The Islanders franchise in that same span? 235 wins. What’s especially worse for Islander fans is that the best goalie drafted in the 2000 NHL entry draft wasn’t DiPietro, nor Roman Cechmanek, nor Ilya Bryzgalov, nor Dan Ellis. It was a guy who went in the 7th round, taken 3 picks after the Islanders selected Ryan Caldwell, named Henrik Lundqvist.

The timing of the Luongo deal was atrocious. If the desire was to just move a guy, Luongo could have been dealt at the draft for a combination of picks and players, or at a later moment when teams were filling in their rosters and noticed shortcomings and excesses. It’s fair to assume that Luongo alone would have returned two players if the timing of the trade was during a “sellers” market like the trade deadline or upon another team’s starter becoming injured. We get that Olli Jokinen supposedly hated playing on Long Island, but Jokinen came in a trade that sent Ziggy Palffy to Los Angeles. Palffy was a great player. If Jokinen was in that trade, then the Islanders must have seen something special in a guy drafted third overall. That his return was Mark Parrish? That’d be like Carolina trading Jeff Skinner to the Islanders for Josh Bailey. Josh is a nice guy, but no team in their right mind trades a great player straight up for an average one.

Then there’s the contract. Ugh. While the annual pay – $4.5 million- is low for a starting #1 top flight goalie- the length of that deal- 15 years- is absurd. Everyone made jokes about it, except the teams like the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Chicago Blackhawks, who did the exact same thing.  Luongo signed a seven year deal at the age of 31. Hossa signed a 10 year deal carrying him into his 40′s, as did Kovalchuk in N.J. Think Detroit wants a do over on the Franzen deal? The Capitals are publicly complaining about what happened to Ovechkin, and that he’s 20% of their salary cap for the next decade. Think Penguin fans aren’t gasping every time Crosby turns his head too quickly? The real reason that the Isles get criticized for the contract is not for the dollar amount or years, but because of games played.  This is something that the NHL is so afraid of that they actually made rules about it in the newest CBA. Injuries do happen.  It’s unfortunate, but it’s the reality of sports.

Neither of these previous moves pertaining to DP should be focused on.  You can focus on him costing his team wins by rehabbing at the NHL level, something we’ve never seen from any successful NHL organization. You can focus on him grandstanding at games, be it handing out hot dogs or yucking it up on the bench as his team is losing or fist fighting teammates in practice or making a plea for dog adoption as a PR move. You can focus on his “me first” quotes, with the personal favorite about how when asked about facing competition for starts because the team had three goalies, he was in disbelief that the team would consider anyone else to start. You can even focus on how former teammate Brendan Witt pointed out his inappropriate closeness with the team owner, his massive ego needing a barge to carry it to the minors, the week allotted for DP to travel the 100 miles to Bridgeport, DP’s bragging in the locker room about the terms of his contract, and that “it was always the DP show.” We don’t recall Witt taking a week when he was waived to Bridgeport, so we have to wonder why it’s taking DP an extra six days for the same move that Kevin Poulin made in an afternoon.

DiPietro’s supporters claim that you can’t question DP’s attitude and commitment to this team. We respectlessly disagree. Rick DiPietro oozes immaturity and selfishness.  These are two qualities that a winning franchise would not stand for, yet the Islanders did it for 4 years too long. Let’s make one more comparison regarding DP and the NHL. Let us compare the two first overall picks on the Islanders. Which is a hard task, because can you find ANY basis of comparison between Rick DiPietro’s and John Tavares? Work ethic? Competitiveness? Desire to improve? Maturity? Selflessness? Rick DiPietro still makes the same stupid plays that he did in his rookie  year. He still tries to toss the puck in the air and bat it away. This fails roughly every time he tries, yet he never lets it go. He still makes outlet passes to players on the other team, leaving his net unprotected in the process. He still overhandles the puck and causes chaos amongt his own defense. His teammates are out of position covering for him all of the time. In 12 seasons, he has shown zero growth. Contrast that with Tavares, who identifies weaknesses in his game by himself and works at righting his wrongs. Remember when his skating was bad? Now it’s above average. Remember when he had no one timer? Fixed. Remember when he was too small? Added muscle. And last offseason he decided to work on the release of his shot- he now leads the league in goals scored. Tavares hates losing so much that he learned how to backcheck to keep the opponents from scoring. DP hates losing so much that he got his face punched in by Brett Johnson so he wouldn’t have to be on ice at the end of the game. John Tavares is the real captain of this team. Compare that with DP, whose title should be “team clownshoes.”

He busted him, for sure!

Here’s a fair question: which was more of shock-  Garth Snow waiving Rick DiPietro, or Garth Snow actually acting in the best interests of the team?  Sending Rick to Bridgeport would have been a smart move four years ago.  Not because Ricky was as awful as he is now, but because that’s when he could have actually rehabilitated his then lower quantity of injuries and possibly gotten back into some shape that resembled an NHL goalie.  As fans we would have had the chance to ridicule DP for his over playing of the puck, flailing around aimlessly in the net and his unearned brashness. And even though we still did exactly that over the last few years, you kind of felt bad kicking a guy when he was down- which was a lot. Still, while this is being blown and overblown by the hockey media, let us point out that all of this hullabaloo was over a guy’s contract and understanding its colossal failure. We really hope that DP regains no form and never sees the NHL again, because he belongs on the ice about as much as we do.

However, if you look at this strictly as a personnel move, the Islanders swapped a washed up backup goalie for a promising backup goalie…who promptly delivered a loss in his first start, just like the last backup goalie. We know you can’t put all of the blame on the new guy.  With Bailey, Okposo and Aucoin virtually useless, and the defense constantly out of position, with or without DP, this team is still shitty. Until the GM acts like one and tries to vastly improve his fading team, then lets welcome Kevin Poulin to…more of the same.

The agent for Nino Niederreiter publicly declared no confidence in Garth Snow or Jack Capuano, and said that he wanted his client traded. Then the fun began!

The twitterverse exploded with fan outrage!  The message board (is there any message board worth reading other than Islandermania.com?) broke into many fractured debates, arguing the merits of both the Islanders and Nino’s actions.

The fact is, Nino’s “camp” may have stumbled onto something that guarantees him a roster spot in the near future, because Nino figured out something that we have been discussing internally for quite some time. We shall share this with you in, in two parts.

Part One – Two sides of a coin as a player

He’s tearing it up in the AHL…Really?

Yes, Nino, is doing well in the AHL.  His play would dictate that, yes, he should be on this team. However what do his stats mean?

Nino, currently has 19 goals and 36 pts in 39 games.  This is .92 pts per game, on pace for 37 goals and 70 pts.  He is 12^th in the AHL in scoring, behind non other than newly acquired Keith Aucoin. Lets compare his “monster” stats to some other Isles from the recent past.

Fellow AHL all-star, Jeff Tambellini . First AHL season 56 games 25 goals 31 pts 56 pts.  1 pt per game, on pace for 34 goals and 76 pts.  We all know how this turned out.

Trent Hunter 30 goals 65 pts in 80 games.  Trent was solid player before knee injuries hampered his career.

Josh Bailey 11 games 6 goals 11 assists 17 pts.  1.5 pts a game, on pace for 117.  Well, Josh is a nice guy.

Kyle Okposo 35 games 9 goals 28 pts.  .8 pts a game on pace for 60 pts.  The book is hasn’t been written for Kyle yet. Short season or not, he has show consistency.

Casey Cizikas 52 games 15 goals 45 pts .86 pts a game on pace for 65 pts. So far so good, just needs to get a little faster.

The AHL is often looked at place to gain confidence. The problem is, what works in the AHL does not necessarily work here.  There are few NHL caliber players in the AHL.  Look no further than this years “Sorry we wasted four months of your hockey season free scrimmage”.  Who did Nino undress for his pretty goal?  Jon Landry. There is truth to building confidence, but one could argue that it is false confidence.

Well, power forwards take time to develop…really? This is the biggest misconception in Hockey.

Where did this myth start? Players need to fill out, they need to get faster, or they need to get better defensively, but to say they take time to contribute on a regular basis is completely erroneous.  You know who takes time to develop? Guys who shouldn’t be here in the first place, 3^rd and 4^th liners and maybe goalies.  Not top line forwards or top pairing D men.  Of course there are exceptions, so don’t waste time looking up every NHL player.  Save your time and look at any top prospect.  They come up young and they produce.

For your viewing pleasure and to help you save some time, here is a list of “power forwards” that took absolutely no time to develop, they just produced from day 1.

Milan Lucic – 2^nd Rd. 50^th overall. 0 AHL games, Nhl when he was 19 and scored 8 goals, then 17

Jarome Iginla – 1^st Rd. 11^th overall. 19 years old, 21 goals

Kyle Okposo – 1^st Rd. 7^th overall. 20 years old 18 goals AH 0 ahl gamesL only because he left college early

Todd Bertuzzi – 1^st Rd. 23^rd overall. 21 1years old 8 goals 0 ahl games

Rick Nash – 1^st Rd., 1^st overall. 19 years old 17 goals 0 ahl games

Scott Hartnell  - 1^st Rd. 6^th overall. 18 years old 2 goals, 19 years old 14 goals, 0 AHL games

Ryan Malone – 4^th Rd. 125^th overall. 24 years old, played college, 3 AHL games then 22 goals in the NHL

Sean Couturier – 1^st Rd. 8^th overall. 19 years old 0 AHL games 17 goals

Evander Kane – 1^st Rd. 4^th overall. 18 years old 0 AHL games 14 goals.

And then….wait for it…

Nino Niederreiter – 1^stRd. 5^th overall. 19 years old 0 AHL games, 2 goals minus 30 in 64 games

All played the year or the year after being drafted, except for Bertuzzi and Malone.  Bertuzzi was unsigned by the Islanders until the last minute and Ryan Malone played in western collegiate league.

Could it be that Nino is just not as talented as predicted?

If you drafted a guy fifth overall and resided to the fact that he was going to take 3-5 years to develop, then you picked Brett Lindros. They call that a project.  Obviously Nino has a higher upside than Brett, so if you already fielded a winning team, this pick is fine.  When you know that you will need players to contribute, as Cam Fowler already has, this is not the best strategy.

Well, he was ruined by the Islanders and Garth Snow….Really?

Another year at WHL, in hindsight, was the right call.  Weather we assume he was here for cap reasons not with standing, many of us felt that the NHL was the right place for Nino.  All we expected was 20 to 30 pts.  After all he had 2 pts in 9 games in NHL at the end of the regular season just one year prior, and the NHL doesn’t allow players his age to play anywhere else but his junior team or the big club.

Well, he only played fourth line minutes.  He would have done more with better line mates and more ice time.

He had 1 pt.  However, with the same 4^th line minutes and the same crappy line mates, Casey Cizikas, at best half the player at least skill set wise, had 4 pts in 15 games and was a plus 1.  This can’t be stressed enough. Nino HAD ONE POINT AND WAS A MINUS TWENTY-NINE

Of course he would have played better with John Tavares or Frans Nielson.  However who is moving off of those lines for Nino?  P.A Parenteau, Matt Moulson, Kyle Okposo, or Michael Grabner?  Not happening.

He was a good draft pick.  I mean some experts said he would have gone first in the next years draft…Really?

Tell that to Ryan Nugent Hopkins, Gabriel Landeskog, Jonathan Huberdeau, Adam Larsson and our beloved Ryan Strome.  Plain and simple, we should have drafted Cam Fowler, not only would have filled a need on defense, but how many years did he need to develop?  RNH, Landeskog and Larsson all contributed in their first eligible seasons.  Strome will never see the AHL and Jonathan Huberdeau is contributing this year.  All of them, top 5 picks, zero AHL games (outside of lockout games of course)

He is right to complain, as he is considered to be one of the Isles top prospects.   We’re not saying he is wrong for criticizing this teams shortcomings.  After all, the Islanders dance to the beat of their own drum.  They don’t follow other teams models. Look, not all franchises try to employ experienced and talented general managers and coaches.  However, it has worked for the Flyers, Rangers, Red Wings, Devils, Kings, Canadiens among others, including the New York Islanders…just not these New York Islanders.  Well, this team is not adequate for Nino, but it seems to be ok for other Isles prospects such as John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey, Andrew MacDonald, Travis Hamonic, David Ullstrom, Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas, to name a few.  Oh, those guys are on the team, why would they complain? Well, then the following players who are not on the team have not asked for a trade, Aaron Ness, Matt Donovan, Kevin Poulin, Anders Nilsson, Ryan Strome and Griffin Reinhart. All of which could have easily made this years team.

Part Two- Going Forward

The other part of this formula involves people saying that Nino’s inexperience should make him a complacent lap dog and just let the Islanders do whatever philosophically lacking plan they pretend to have for the future. While this is the tendency of most draft picks in the past, it hasn’t worked for Eric Lindros, Bryan Berard, Justin Schultz, Blake Wheeler, and an interesting final pair in Jason Gregoire and Blake Kessel, both of whom bailed out on the same guy that Nino’s agent called untrustworthy.

We absolutely love to point out everything that is wrong with this franchise.  After all pointing out Snow’s shortcomings is like the betting on the Dream Team (the original, not the overrated 12 guys from this past Olympics) vs. Angola.  It’s a lay up. You almost feel bad because it is too easy.  If Snow had balls he would trade Nino. Not because he requested a trade, although that situation happened involving Kirk Muller, Bryan Berard, Eric Lindros, Rod Brind’Amour, Jeff Carter, Patrick Roy, Dany Heatley (twice), Chris Pronger, or Rick Nash.  This is a blue print to follow, because being a General Manager should require a winners pride, mixed with a bucketful of common sense. The bucketful of common sense here involves  O’Reilly and Subban just sitting there, as either would be an upgrade for this team.

However, Garth Snow does not make NHL trades.

Seriously, look at the list of players that demanded trades. Lots of talented guys. In any of those trades except Lindros, when was equal talent returned for said player? For instance, Patrick Roy netted Jocelyn Thibault, Martin Rucinsky, and Andrei Kovalenko, and that’s because the Canadiens threw in Mike Keane. If Garth Snow was smart- no evidence of that thus far- he would be making phone calls everyday until this team is improved.

Garths inner thought should be “ Hmmm, there are a number of players deemed available, maybe I can move a human being or multiple human beings for players that can actually help this team.” Not every player who is deemed available is an upgrade, however this is true for Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan, Evander Kane, P.K Subban and Ryan O’Reilly.

“Hey fellow General Manager, this is Garth Snow. What? Oh, sorry, sorry that I included myself in that title. Listen, we have headaches, lets find a cure. I’ve got a #5 overall pick that’s going to be a beast. You’ve got one of the above mentioned players that wants to you know longer have a good relationshio with. I can throw in any of our awesome prospects not named Ryan Strome or Griffin Reinhart, and I can include a second round draft pick in a given year. You get this kids ELC with unattainable bonuses, who may be a future all star. We get a player who gives this team a little legitimacy. Since I have no budget restrictions and can make any deal that helps improve this team, lets deal.”

And if Nino is actually as bad as we statistically pointed out, why would anyone want him? Because the perception is that we will ruin him, not that he doesn’t have talent.  If Snow was smart he would sell high and actually try to support the players who actually seem to want to be here, so they don’t follow suit.

Which begs the question- why was Nino on this team last year?

Was it his talent? Obviously not, if he produced so little and was relegated to a fourth line. Was it his potential? Hmm…how does one measure potential? Is there a scale that has ever accurately predicted what a failed rookie year will do for a player? We’re taking a stab why Nino was here last year, and it did involve statistics. Mostly math. $2.75 million cap hit, $900,000 salary. THAT is the key to Islander development. If it wasn’t, explain the cap hit of Mike Halmo.

Bottom line- Imaginary Garth Snow will have done more to try to improve his club on that day than the real Garth Snow has done since choosing JT 1st overall.  This is the time to make a trade. Subban is waiting. O’Reily is waiting. Benn was waiting. Others are available. But…prepare to see Nino on the Islanders real soon, because for whatever sorry excuse for rationale, Garth Snow does not make hockey trades. Prepare to see more of the same.

What does all this mean?  Draw your own conclusions, look up more stats and continue to read. As always, we invite you to agree, disagree or add on. Feel free to do so in comments.

Flickr User: bridgetds

In many ways, July 1 and the opening of unrestricted free agency is much like Christmas for hockey fans. Puck heads wake up early and rush to their living rooms early in the morning. But instead of checking underneath a Christmas tree, they’ll make a beeline straight towards the nearest computer. As the clock strikes noon and free agency becomes officially underway, fans remain glued to the internet in anticipation of the latest big news to break. In some cities, fans will receive the proverbial “coal” in their stocking when their hometown squad remains quiet and does little to improve the team. Luckier fans will receive the shiny new sports car they’d been hoping for when their team makes an impactful signing with the potential to alter the course of the franchise. As I type this up at 2 a.m. on July 1, 2012, hockey fans everywhere are overwhelmed with anxious excitement as this year’s free agent frenzy is now upon us.

In anticipation of tomorrow’s festivities, I’ve prepared ten (bold) predictions for the 2012 free agency period.

1) Zach Parise (New Jersey Devils) – LW – Minnesota Wild / 11-Years, $102 Million ($9.181 AAV)

– As I’ve said since January (and again in June), I firmly believe that the top free agent in the class of 2012 will be returning to his home state next season. While it is likely that Parise will want to play for an established winner, the contract offered by the Wild may blow the others so far out of the water, he’ll have no choice but to sign on the dotted line. (Note: I’ve revised the contract offer I had proposed in the Hockey Independent Offseason Predictions piece, published on June 23).

2) Ryan Suter (Nashville Predators) – D - Philadelphia Flyers / 6-Years, $43 Million ($7.167 AAV)

– Nashville’s 1B (1A is Shea Weber) blueliner is as good as it gets for defensemen in this year’s class of free agents. With captain Chris Pronger‘s health still severely in doubt, look for the Flyers to make a major play for Suter. Check out my in-depth analysis of a possible Suter-to-Philadelphia scenario here.

3) Alex Semin (Washington Capitals) – LW – Carolina Hurricanes / 4-Years, $25 Million ($6.250 AAV)

– In Carolina, Semin will have the chance to play top-six minutes in a system better suited to his skill set. Meanwhile, the ‘Canes are in search of a legitimate scoring winger to slot next to captain Eric Staal. It’s a match made it heaven.

4) Shane Doan (Phoenix Coyotes) – RW – Chicago Blackhawks / 3-Years, $12 Million ($4.000 AAV)

– The Coyotes finally broke through the second round of the playoffs last year, yet I don’t believe it will be enough to keep captain Shane Doan in town for next season. In Chicago, Doan will have the chance to contend for the Cup in each year of his contract.

5) Ray Whitney (Phoenix Coyotes) – LW – Boston Bruins / 1-Year, $3.75 Million ($3.750 AAV)

– The Bruins are a team that’s long been linked to aging veteran Ray Whitney. Expect the B’s to make a serious push for the former Stanley Cup winner, as general manager Peter Chiarelli has been quoted on his desire to add a “Mark Recchi” type player on multiple occasions.

6) Matt Carle (Philadelphia Flyers) – D – Detroit Red Wings / 5-Years, $28 Million ($5.600 AAV)

– After the Red Wings strike out on Ryan Suter, I believe their attention will quickly turn to the next best available defenseman, former Philadelphia Flyer Matt Carle. After seeing Dennis Wideman‘s mega deal with the Calgary Flames, Carle must have been foaming at the mouth with anticipation. Expect him to get slightly more than Wideman’s 5-year, $26.50 million dollar pact.

7) Jason Garrison (Florida Panthers) – D – Anaheim Ducks / 6-Years, $32 Million ($5.333 AAV)

– After a breakout season in 2011-’12, one would assume that Jason Garrison is ready to cash in on the first big-money contract of his career. The market for d-men is ridiculous inflated and will likely result in a 30-plus million dollar deal being faxed over to Garrison’s agent at some point this month. The Ducks are in a real bad spot on the blueline after losing both Lubomir Visnovsky and prospect Justin Schultz over the past week.

8) P.A. Parenteau (New York Islanders) – RW – Colorado Avalanche / 5-Years, $24 Million ($4.80 MIL)

– I’d expect Parenteau to be looking for a place where he’ll be able to consistently play top-six minutes. If I had to venture a guess, I’d say the Colorado Avalanche will be the most interested. Adding Parenteau to a top-six group that already includes Paul Stastny, Matt Duchene and Calder trophy winner Gabriel Landeskog would make the Avs a legitimate threat in the Northwest division.

9) Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils) – G – Florida Panthers / 1-Year, $3.25 Million ($3.250 AAV)

– The Panthers are in desperate need of a legitimate starting goaltender to help hold down the fort until superstar prospect Jacob Markstrom is ready to make the jump to full-time NHL goalie. Brodeur is a perfect short-term fix for a playoff-caliber Florida squad.

10) Kyle Wellwood (Winnipeg Jets) – C – Dallas Stars / 4-Years, $14 Million ($3.500 AAV)

– Wellwood is an undersized pivot who seems to have finally established himself as a top-six forward at the NHL level. In Dallas, he’d help replace a lot of the offense lost when the Stars sent Mike Ribiero to the Capitals on draft night.

Thanks For Reading!

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On Friday evening Bruins’ general manager Peter Chiarelli poured more fuel onto the eternal fire that is the age-old hockey rivalry between Boston and Montreal. With the 24^th overall selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, the Bruins selected goaltender Malcolm Subban, who is, of course, the younger brother of Canadiens’ superstar P.K. Subban.

“The rivalry is just about to begin. I don’t know if he’s (P.K.) gonna like me too much, but to be honest, I never liked him that much” joked Subban in his first meeting with the media as a member of the Black and Gold.

The 18-year-old goaltending prospect – who has often drawn comparisons to Canadiens’ netminder Carey Price — posted a 2.50 goals against average and a .923 save percentage with three shutouts in 39 appearances last season for the Ontario Hockey League’s Belleville Bulls. In 72 career OHL games, Subban boasts an impressive 2.78 GAA and a .913 save percentage. Subban is a left-handed goaltender from Rexdale, Ontario and was widely considered to be the best North American player at his position that was eligible for the 2012 draft.

“He’s obviously a real good goalie, a tremendous athlete, incredible leg thrust post to post, and he’s a real good kid – solid character.” – Peter Chiarelli

There is no doubting the fact that Subban’s most impressive attribute is his all-world athleticism. This, combined with remendous speed, agility and reflexes are what made Subban the clear-cut number one goalie on the NHL central scouting list. The 6’1”, 190-pounder may be one of the OHL’s smaller netminders, but is often able to use his frame to his advantage in being able to quickly move from post to post. While goaltenders are always the hardest players to project, Subban certainly possesses the skill set necessary to succeed at the NHL level.

The only evident downside to this selection is that Subban is still a few years away from making an impact at the NHL level. “He needs some seasoning, but the foundation is there” remarked Chiarelli. Growing up in a family of defenseman, Malcolm only began to play goalie at the age of twelve.

“I always wanted to play (goalie), I just really had a passion for it. I was a defenseman and my dad was my coach and he didn’t really want me to be a goalie so the year he stopped coaching me, I kept asking him. I said ‘No I want to play goalie,’ and he finally let me.” — Malcolm Subban

His game is not yet completely refined, as he needs to make some serious improvements to his positioning and rebound control. Also, scouts have indicated that Subban has a tendency to allow many goals up high. However, with young ‘tenders Tuukka Rask and Anton Khudobin already in the fold, the Bruins can afford to take their time and allow Subban proper time to develop.

The story of the Subban family is truly a remarkable one. In the 1970′s, parents Karl and Maria Subban immigrated from the island nation of Jamaica to the suburbs of Toronto in Ontario, Canada without much knowledge of the sport of hockey. Since then, the two have gone on to raise two sons who were drafted into the NHL, with the potential for a third to join them next summer. The middle man of the Subban trio– including younger brother Jordan, who skates alongside Malcolm for the Belleville Bulls — seemed quite enthusiastic about being drafted by the Bruins.

“Boston is a great city, great town. It’s an Original Six team – there’s nothing better you can ask for, to be on an Original Six team. And as you said, I’m a rival with my brother’s team so it’s pretty surreal right now.” – Malcolm Subban

In conclusion, the Boston brass seem to have made out quite well with their first round draft choice, securing a player with the potential to become a legitimate NHL superstar, while strengthening the epic rivalry between the Bruins and the Canadiens.

All Quiet On The Trade Front….. For Now

Despite constant speculation of a possible draft day trade that would have landed one of the many superstars rumored to be available (i.e. Bobby Ryan, Jordan Staal, Keith Yandle, Rick Nash) in the Hub, the Boston Bruins remained quiet during day one in Pittsburgh, standing pat and making their assigned selection at No. 24. However, tomorrow could be a different story for the B’s, as the NHL trade market begins to heat up in advance of the July 1 opening of unrestricted free agency.

Barring an unforeseen trade on Saturday morning, the Bruins will not pick in the second round of the 2012 draft. In fact, the history of the B’s 2012 second round selection is actually one of the more interesting draft story-lines of the year, as it has been traded a whopping four times! The pick was first dealt to Toronto – along with Joe Colbourne and a first round pick (eventually sent to Anaheim to become Rickard Rakell) – for much-maligned blueliner Tomas Kaberle. The Maple Leafs would then deal the pick to the Avalanche for defenseman John-Michael Liles. From there it was sent to Washington in the trade that landed goaltender Semyon Varlamov in Colorado. Lastly, the pick landed in the Lone Star state when it was traded to the Dallas Stars on Friday evening – with forward prospect Cody Eakin – for former Canadien Mike Ribiero.

The Bruins are also without the luxury of a fourth round draft choice, after sending it to Carolina last summer in exchange for defenseman Joe Corvo. Boston is slated to make four selections on day two of the NHL draft, with one pick in the third, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds.

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It was a 49-year championship drought that was snapped by the Chicago Blackhawks on a warm summer night in Philadelphia just two years ago. A 39-year wait came to an end in June of 2011 when the underdog Boston Bruins took down the heavily favored Vancouver Canucks on Rogers Arena ice. On Monday night, the Los Angeles Kings became the third team in as many years to bring Stanley Cup fever to a long-suffering hockey fan base. The Kings took home their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, defeating the visiting New Jersey Devils by a 6-1 score in game six of the Final.

For the first time since the franchise’s inception in 1967, the Kings have rightfully received their crown.

It started midway through the opening period when the Kings were put on a five minute power-play, courtesy of a Steve Bernier major penalty for boarding Rob Scuderi behind the Los Angeles net.  It was then that Kings’ captain Dustin Brown would redirect a pass from defenseman Drew Doughty through the legs of Martin Brodeur to open the game’s scoring. Just 102 seconds later, the oft-criticized former Flyers’ star Jeff Carter would double the Los Angeles lead with a redirection goal of his own. With just nine seconds left on the extended man advantage, gritty third-liner Trevor Lewis poked home a rebound to extend the lead to 3-0.

Just a minute and a half into period two, Carter would strike once more. The 6’4” London, Ontario native put the puck through a mail slot with a wrist shot of tremendous precision. The shot beat Brodeur high glove side to give the Kings a seemingly insurmountable 4-0 lead. New Jersey would get one back – off the stick of Calder trophy candidate Adam Henrique — with just 1:13 to go in the middle period, but it would simply prove to be too little, too late.

With a 4-1 lead, the Kings were just twenty minutes away from reaching hockey immortality, while creating the biggest party-on-ice in Hollywood history.

At the tail end of the final frame, the Kings would add two more goals in a fifteen second span, off the sticks of two unheralded playoff heroes: Trevor Lewis and Matt Greene. The score was now 6-1.

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, the Staples Center erupted in a black and white roar of epic proportions. The Kings were champions. After a season of ups-and-downs, a coach firing and a blockbuster trade, the Los Angeles Kings sit alone at the highest peak of the hockey world.

General Manager Dean Lombardi’s (Ludlow, MA) gutsy decision to bring in tremendously talented, but troubled superstars Mike Richards and Jeff Carter had paid off. The two combined for 12 goals and 16 assists during Los Angeles’ remarkable 16-4 playoff run. His mid-season decision to replace long-time bench boss Terry Murray with Calgary cast-off Darryl Sutter proved to be nothing short of genius. Just before the February trading deadline, rumors began to surface that suggested Lombardi was toying with the idea of dealing captain Dustin Brown for a package of prospects. The Ithaca, New York native’s league-leading twenty-point postseason output proved that his general manager’s decision to keep him in town was, in fact, the right one. After years of rebuilding, it all came together for the Kings are the best possible time.

Realistically, the Kings unbelievable run to Lord Stanley actually began in mid-March.

For the final three weeks of the regular season, it was unclear as to if this team would even qualify for the postseason. However, an otherworldly 9-2-3 run to end the campaign secured the Kings the number eight seed in the Western Conference playoffs. It was then that they made quick work of the two-time President’s trophy-winning Canucks in a short five game series. Next, it was on to St. Louis where the Kings easily dispatched the second-seeded Blues in an unbelievably dominating four game sweep. The Pacific division champion Phoenix Coyotes were next on the chopping block as Los Angeles advanced to the Conference finals for the first time since 1993. The Kings once again handled their opponent with ease, taking down the Coyotes in just five games, while posting a perfect 3-0 record at Phoenix’s Jobing.com Arena.

As Brown became just the second American-born captain – Dallas’ Derian Hatcher (1999) was the first — to ever hoist the Stanley Cup above his head, his Kings’ squad became the first number eight seed to take home hockey’s Holy Grail in NHL history. The Kings’ improbable run to glory in the spring of 2012 was truly something to behold. As hockey fans, we should be grateful for being able to witness it.

From a personal standpoint, watching the Kings take home the very same prize that ventured around the streets of Boston just one summer ago held a bit of extra meaning.

Being lucky enough to interview a plethora of NHLers throughout this past season, I’ve been able to enjoy a number of encounters with some of the world’s greatest hockey players. One in particular that I will always remember was that with Los Angeles Kings’ centerman Anze Kopitar. After falling 3-0 to the (then) defending champion Boston Bruins, the Kings’ locker room was quite visibly discouraged and distraught. It was their fifth consecutive defeat and had caused them to plummet into the Western Conference basement. The 24-year-old European phenom could have easily opted to forgo his media session in favor of a quick exit from the building. Kopitar wanted no part of it. He stood up and answered for his team’s struggles like a true leader does. Even after fulfilling his duties with the mainstream Los Angeles media, Kopitar remained available, answering questions from myself and a few of my colleagues, providing us with interview experience that is invaluable to rookie reporters. Did he have to do this? Nope, not by any stretch of the imagination. But he did it anyway. And for as insignificant as that three minute clip of audio may be, I will always remember that moment. All class, folks.

Now, almost exactly six months since that chilly December evening on Causeway Street, Kopitar has become the first ever Slovenian-born player to win the Stanley Cup…… Contrary to popular belief, nice guys don’t always finish last.

An eighth-seeded Cinderella story capturing the greatest prize in all of sports. The hockey gods rewarding a player (s) for consummate professionalism. The dramatic conclusion of a four-and-a-half decade-long championship drought. These are the types of magical stories that fuel our passion for this game, the captivating moments that reinforce the profound place in our hearts held by the majestic sport of hockey.

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Part I –> Top Six Forwards

Part II –> Bottom Six Forwards

Part III –> Defense Group

Part IV –> Extra Skaters/Call-Ups

Each day over the next week, I will update this blog with the addition of one player (in numerical order). For the bottom six, I will start with Gregory Campbell.

#11 Gregory Campbell

Age: 28

Contract Status: $1.100 MIL Cap Hit/ Unrestricted Free Agent On July 1, 2012

Regular Season Stats: 78 GP, 8 Goals, 8 Assists, 16 Points, -3 Rating

Playoff Stats: 7 GP, 0 Goals, 2 Assists, 2 Points, -2 Rating

– Duplicating a career season is a tremendously difficult task and one that players throughout the sports world often fall short of achieving. After falling just a goal or an assist shy of reaching the thirty-point mark (13G/16A) for the second time in his career during the 2010-’11 season, Campbell saw his offensive production sliced nearly in half this year (8G/8A). However, as anyone who has watched even a minute of Bruins’ hockey over the past few seasons would tell you, the true value of the 28-year-old London, Ontario native comes in the form of his unmatched grit and intangibles. Surpassing the century mark in the hit column and blocking over fifty shots whilst eating up valuable minutes on the penalty kill, the second-year Bruin’s contributions can not be overlooked. Slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, along with fellow bottom-six forwards Daniel Paille, Benoit Pouliot and Chris Kelly, Campbell will likely seek a slight raise from his last contract, which paid him $1.1 million dollars each year. In all likelihood, the Bruins will bring back just one of the two centermen with expiring deals (Campbell and Kelly). If that is the case, General Manager Peter Chiarelli will face a tough decision in determining whether Kelly’s ability to produce offense on a more consistent basis is worth the presumably hefty difference in the price tags of the two Canadian pivots.

Final Grade: B

#20 Daniel Paille

Age: 28

Contract Status: $1.075 MIL Cap Hit/ Unrestricted Free Agent On July 1, 2012

Regular Season Stats: 69 GP, 9 Goals, 6 Assists, 15 Points, -5 Rating

Playoff Stats: 7 GP, 1 Goal, 0 Assists, 1 Point, -1 Rating

– After struggling to find a spot in the Boston lineup for much of the 2010-’11 regular season — seeing action in only 43 of 82 games –, Paille looked to be the odd man out once again as the 2011-’12 campaign began. With former first round draft choice Jordan Caron — who plays a similar style to Paille — waiting in the wings, it seemed as though the former-Buffalo Sabre would once again become a press box regular. However, the 28-year-old left wing began the season with a strong training camp and earned his spot alongside Gregory Campbell and Shawn Thornton on the Boston fourth line. The Welland, Ontario native went on to enjoy another solid season for the Black and Gold, picking up nine goals and six assists, while seeing time on the B’s top penalty-killing unit. With his contract set to expire on July 1, and a pair of youngsters in Anthony Camara (3rd Round (81st Overall)/2011 Entry Draft) and Lane MacDermid (4th Round (112th Overall)/2008 Entry Draft) ready to take on a bottom-six role with the big club, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Paille pulling on a different sweater come October of 2012.

Final Grade: B-

#22 Shawn Thornton

Age: 34

Contract Status: $1.100 MIL Cap Hit/ Unrestricted Free Agent On July 1, 2014

Regular Season Stats: 81 GP, 5 Goals, 8 Assists, 13 Points, -7 Rating

Playoff Stats: 5 GP, 0 Goals, 0 Assists, 0 Points, EVEN Rating

– Since arriving on the scene in the summer of 2007, Shawn Thornton has met and exceeded everything that was expected of him by fans, coaches and the Boston Bruins organization. Fresh off a Stanley Cup championship with the Anaheim Ducks, the 34-year-old veteran brought with him the type of toughness and attitude that demands respect throughout locker rooms across the league. His personality, style of play and commitment to the city of Boston have made the Oshawa, Ontario native an ice hockey staple in the Hub. The 2011-’12 campaign was nothing out of the ordinary for Thornton, chipping in with a handful of goals — the most remarkable being his back-hand roof-job against Winnipeg’s Ondrej Pavelec on a penalty shot — while collecting over 150 penalty minutes and dropping the gloves whenever the situation called for it. After sealing a brand new two-year pact in March, Thornton will remain in Boston for at least the next two seasons, earning $2.2 million dollars over the life of the contract.

Final Grade: B

#23 Chris Kelly

Age: 31

Contract Status: $2.125 MIL Cap Hit/ Unrestricted Free Agent On July 1, 2012

Regular Season Stats: 82 GP, 20 Goals, 19 Assists, 39 Points, +33 Rating

Playoff Stats: 7 GP, 1 Goal, 2 Assists, 3 Points, +1 Rating

– General Manager Peter Chiarelli‘s prized acquisition from the 2011 trading deadline, Chris Kelly went far and above expectations in his first full season with the Black and Gold. Posting career-bests in goals, points and plus/minus during his contract season, Kelly has set himself up to sign a lucrative (and well-deserved) new deal on July 1. The hero of Boston’s game one overtime win against the Capitals in the first round of the postseason, Kelly was also one of the few Bruins’ forwards that fully lived up to his playoff expectations in 2012. While Kelly’s increased offensive production (20G/19A) in 2011-’12 came as a surprise to many, the six-foot Toronto-native once again lived up to his billing as a defensive zone stalwart, winning a number of key draws for the Bruins and posting the league’s third highest plus/minus rating (+33). Unfortunately for B’s fans, Kelly may have just played his way out of Boston. After a career year in 2011-’12, Kelly will undoubtedly be looking for significant raise on the deal that’s paid him $2.125 million dollars over the past two seasons. It will be interesting to see if Chiarelli is willing to offer Kelly the type of deal he signed fellow third-liner Rich Peverley to last fall (3 years/$3.250 MIL per).

Final Grade: A

#49 Rich Peverley

Age: 29

Contract Status: $3.250 MIL Cap Hit/ Unrestricted Free Agent On July 1, 2015

Regular Season Stats: 57 GP, 11 Goals, 31 Assists, 42 Points, +20 Rating

Playoff Stats: 7 GP, 3 Goals, 2 Assists, 5 Points, EVEN Rating

– Despite missing nearly the entire second half of the season after suffering a torn MCL, Boston’s most versatile forward was still able to surpass the 40-point mark for the second time in his career. In the absence of the concussed Nathan Horton, Peverley did an admirable job filling in on the Boston top line, and was solid in his role at center — after the Patrice Bergeron injury — during the B’s first round series with the Capitals. Peverley’s five points (3G/2A) in seven playoff games was good for first on the team as number 49 was without doubt the most consistent producer amongst the Boston forward group in the 2012 postseason. Signed to a brand-new three year contract extension (worth a total of $9.75 million dollars) in October, it is evident that the 29-year-old Ontario-native is a major part of GM Peter Chiarelli’s long-term plan for the success of the Bruins.

Final Grade: B+

#67 Benoit Pouliot

Age: 25

Contract Status: $1.100 MIL Cap Hit/ Restricted Free Agent On July 1, 2012

Regular Season Stats: 74 GP, 16 Goals, 16 Assists, 32 Points, +18 Rating

Playoff Stats: 7 GP, 1 Goal, 1 Assist, 2 Points, -1 Rating

– In more ways than one, Benoit Pouliot’s first campaign in a Boston Bruins’ uniform produced eerily similar results to what the B’s came to expect from the man no. 67 replaced: Michael Ryder. In two of his three seasons with the Black and Gold, Ryder hovered around the 30-40 point mark — which is right where Pouliot fell in 2011-’12 — while leaving B’s fans frustrated at his streaky tendencies. At times this season, Pouliot showcased the type of top-line skills that made him the fourth overall selection in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. However, there were also periods in which the Alfred, Ontario native seemed to resort to the type of on-ice behavior that saw him banished to former head coach Jacques Martin‘s doghouse during his time with the Montreal Canadiens. Coming to the Hub by way of a one-year, $1.1 million dollar contract, Pouliot was the epitome of a low risk/high reward-type off-season signing by general manager Peter Chiarelli. Picking up 32-points (16G/16A) in 74 games this season, Pouliot more than earned his salary, but never truly found the type of consistency that Chiarelli and the Bruins had hoped to see from the former Sudbury Wolf.

Final Grade: B-

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“I’m not (happy). I’ve been walking around for two days with a headache. Just because I didn’t decide to lay on the ice and get carted off doesn’t mean it wasn’t a cheap shot. In my opinion, he saw my numbers and took an opportunity to seek revenge from the game prior (for his own hit against Turris). Hopefully he’s a man tomorrow and he’ll stand up when I come after him. I’m not going to try to hurt him. I’m going to try to fight him.” — Joe Corvo

Well, despite being on the ice together on numerous occasions during Tuesday night’s game, Corvo did nothing in the way of even check Turris, never mind drop the gloves with him. The former Carolina Hurricane claimed that Turris declined his invitation to fight during his post-game media session.

“I asked him and he wasn’t interested.  It ended like that. His teammates said he wasn’t going to fight me so that’s it.  I wasn’t going to be the idiot chasing him around.” – Joe Corvo

Taking Corvo at his word (because I have no reason not to), one can easily assume that Ottawa’s undersized forward likely did refuse to fight the Boston blueliner. Even if Turris had declined his invitation for fisticuffs, one would think that the Bruins’ 6’1″ rearguard would at least exact a bit of “revenge” through physical play or (clean) hits. Corvo wanted no part of it.

Now, with eight NHL defenseman in the fold, head coach Claude Julien has been given a variety of options when it comes to how he will organize the back-end of his squad. With this in mind, after actions (or lack thereof) tonight that may cause some to question number fourteen’s character, as well as yet another lackluster defensive performance, I don’t think it’s farfetched to think that Corvo could find himself joining us scribes in the press box sooner rather than later.

The game did not begin the way the B’s envisioned it as it took them nearly seven minutes to register their first shot on goal against Sens’ rookie/sophomore ‘tender Robin Lehner. Things went from bad to worse for Boston as two first frame penalties put the Bruins into a hole. While they were able to successfully kill of the first Ottawa man advantage, the Sens were able to jump ahead after defense prodigy Erik Karlsson blasted a point shot past Thomas amidst their second power-play of the evening. The goal was Karlsson’s league leading (amongst defensemen) 15^th of the campaign as the 21-year-old Swede continues to run away from the rest of the pack in the race for the Norris Trophy. Despite a late period power play chance, the B’s went to the locker room facing a 1-0 deficit.

“Our power play’s got to come through.  I think that was the let down tonight.” — Joe Corvo

The second frame was much of the same for a Boston club that simply couldn’t supply the energy needed to compete in such a pivotal divisional contest. The B’s only managed 15 total shots through the first two periods of play against a young Senators goalie that was making only his third start all season.  Luckily for the B’s, Tim Thomas stood on his head throughout the game, denying the Sens any chance to extend their lead.

“He’s a fantastic goaltender and a huge role model for me having grown up liking him a lot. I watched him last year while we were in the playoffs down in Binghamton and how huge he was for this team and he came up big every single night and helped them win a Cup. He’s a great goalie and it was an honor playing against him tonight.” – Robin Lehner

In the third, the B’s were once again lucky enough to be put on the man advantage with countless opportunities to even the score at one. With only 2:09 remaining in the game, Senators’ blueliner Sergei Gonchar was whistled for hooking, resulting in Boston’s fourth power-play of the evening. Unfortunately for the 17,565 Black and Gold supporters that packed into TD Garden on Tuesday, the B’s still couldn’t muster much in the way of a quality scoring chance, even with Thomas pulled for the extra attacker.

The 1-0 defeat marks the Bruins’ eight loss in thirteen February contests and the fifth time that they’ve been shutout during the month. Boston’s streak of consecutive games without stringing together back-to-back wins has now extended to a staggering 21 contests, dating back to January 10^th through the 12^th.

Being unable to build momentum after a victory has been a serious issue for Boston as of late. During the aforementioned 21-game stretch, the B’s have scored only eleven goals in the nine games following a victory. The Bruins have won exactly zero of those nine games.

More importantly, tonight’s win moves the Senators into a point of first place in the Northeast division.The Bruins do have the luxury of having four games in hand over the Sens, but that shouldn’t diminish the accomplishments of this Ottawa squad. Just one year after finishing dead last in the Eastern Conference, GM Bryan Murray and new head coach Paul MacLean have completely turned the Ottawa franchise around. Never has “what a difference a year makes” been a truer statement in the NHL.

“I don’t think we knew what to expect going into this year. We worked hard to get where we are. I don’t think we took anything for granted. It’s always hard work, always trying to get better. Also I think we have a great group and we have a lot of fun together. I think during a tough schedule like an NHL season, it’s important to use the off days to gather some energy, I think this team sticks together, doing activities together and having fun so it doesn’t feel like such a drag.” – Daniel Alfredsson

Ben’s Three Stars:

1) Robin Lehner (32 Saves)

2) Tim Thomas (37 Saves)

3) Erik Karlsson (1 Goal, 4 Shots)

What’s Next?

– Up next for the B’s as they continue on their three game home-stand will be Zach Parise and the New Jersey Devils on Thursday evening at the TD Garden.  The B’s will then finish up the three-game set on Saturday afternoon against the New York Islanders. The Sens will be off until Friday when they host the Chicago Blackhawks at ScotiaBank Place.

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Records: Boston 36-20-3 (75 Points) , Ottawa 32-22-8 (72 Points)

Location: ScotiaBank Place , Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Time: 7:00 P.M. (EST)

TV/Radio Info: NESN (Edwards, Brickley, Funayama) – 98.5 The Sports Hub (Goucher, Beers)

Last Game: Bruins 1 , Buffalo 2 (SO) ……. Washington 2 , Senators 5

Tonight’s Lineup (Subject To Change):

FORWARDS:

Marchand–Bergeron–Seguin

Lucic–Kelly–Krejci

Pouliot–Camper–Caron

Paille–Campbell–Thornton

DEFENSE:

Chara–Boychuk

Seidenberg–Corvo

Ference–McQuaid

GOALTENDER:

Thomas

Rask

Scratches– …… Andrew Bodnarchuk , Josh Hennessy

Injuries:

Nathan Horton (Concussion) – Boston’s top right winger remains sidelined with a concussion he suffered back on January 21.

Rich Peverley (MCL) – Peverley will sit out his fifth consecutive game as he continues to rehab his MCL injury.

Last Time We Met: Senators 3 , Bruins 4

– The last time these two Northeast division rivals made acquaintances was back on January 31 when the Bruins erased a 3-1 deficit late in the second period and held off the Sens for a 4-3 victory at TD Garden. The B’s have won each of the three contests with the Senators this season, by a combined 14-8 score.

Stat Of Note: Tonight’s contest marks the 60th game of the season for the Black and Gold and their final outing before Monday’s 3 P.M. trading deadline. While highly unlikely — at least in the eyes of this scribe — tonight’s game could be the last of someone’s career with the B’s. I find it hard to believe that GM Peter Chiarelli would tinker with the chemistry of the team that won him a Stanley Cup just one season ago. This leads me to believe that IF anyone is moved off this roster Joe Corvo and Benoit Pouliot would be your likely candidates.

Prediction:  A tough loss last night in Buffalo undoubtedly hurt a Bruins’ squad that hasn’t put together back-to-back wins since January 10th to the 12th. Despite the absence of starting netminder Craig Anderson, something tells me the Sens will be able to edge the B’s on home ice tonight.

Bruins 3 , Senators 4 (OT)

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Now, as in any situation where a player as versatile as Brown is being shopped multiple teams will be lighting up the phone lines of Kings’ GM Dean Lombardi (Ludlow, MA). The six-foot, 205-pound Ithaca, New York native is a former United States Olympian and has reached the twenty goal plateau four times during his eight seasons in Los Angeles, with a career high of 33 coming in 2007-2008.

Not only is Brown a capable 20-goal, 50-point per season player, but he can also be used in a variety of situations including on the penalty-kill and power-play. Obviously a solid locker room presence, the former first round draft choice was named the youngest captain in Kings history back in October of 2008, when he was just 23 years old. Brown has also proven his ability to play in any number of roles, from being a prominent top-line scorer to being a shut-down player on a checking line (even once leading the NHL in total hits).

With top two right wingers Nathan Horton and Rich Peverley sidelined for an extended period of time, Brown would be the perfect fit for a gaping hole on the right side of Boston’s forward lineup. Brown also comes at an insanely cheap $3.1 MIL per season cap hit on a contract that runs through the end of the 2014-2015 season.

In dealing Brown, the Kings will likely be looking for cap relief and help up front, as well as assets to help increase the depth of their prospect pool after surrendering a first round pick in the Carter deal. In Boston’s case, one would assume any offer for Brown would have to look something like this (despite ESPN Boston’s proposal to include David Krejci):

To Boston: Dustin Brown

To Los Angeles: Ryan Spooner OR Jared Knight , Jordan Caron , 1^st Round Pick

To those unaware, Spooner and Knight are Boston’s two most coveted forward prospects who both hold a legitimate chance to make the big club next fall. Spooner, the 20-year-old Sarnia Sting center, nearly made the Boston roster out of training camp back in 2010-2011.

On the face of it, it seems as if Brown would be a perfect fit for a Bruins team that’s been mired in a mid-season slump as of late. However, B’s GM Peter Chiarelli will have his work cut out for him if he wants to get the Kings’ captain into a Black and Gold sweater before Monday’s 3 P.M. deadline as a plethora of other clubs are also rumored to be in on the Brown sweepstakes.

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The loss continues what has been an exceedingly tough month of hockey for the defending champs, as their February record has dropped to a very pedestrian 3-6-0. Overall, Boston’s record stands at 7-9-1 over their last 17 games as the Black and Gold haven’t been able to string together back-to-back wins since January 10^th and 12^th at TD Garden.

So, what is it that’s been ailing a team that steamrolled the rest of the league throughout November and December, compiling an otherworldly 21-3-1 record of that span? Is it the second coming of a “Stanley Cup Hangover” that they struggled with amidst a 3-7-0 stretch in October? Do they need a shake up? Is this team truly not as good as they were one year ago? However you like to phrase it, “What is wrong with the Black and Gold?” has been the question on the minds of Boston’s all month long.

The answer ? Depth.

From 1-22, the Boston roster of 2011-’12 could not hold a candle to that of the 2010-’11 season. Like every other team in this league, the Bruins were dealt their fair share of injuries throughout last season, and even more prominently, in the playoffs. However, in almost every one of those scenarios, the B’s had a more-than-capable replacement to take the place of the injured party. Whether it was Tyler Seguin emerging from head coach Claude Julien’s dog house to score four points in a crucial game two victory in the Eastern Conference Finals, or Rich Peverley heroically stepping in for a concussed Nathan Horton in the Stanley Cup Final, the Bruins’ depth was on display at every turn.

Often overlooked in this town, mostly due to his tendency to be inconsistent for the better part of the regular season is the presence (or lack thereof) of Michael Ryder. Currently the leading scorer on a Dallas Stars team that features the likes of Jamie Benn and Loui Eriksson (amongst others), Ryder has more than proven himself worthy of the two-year, seven million dollar contract he received from Stars’ GM Joe Nieuwendyk last summer.

Now, as both Horton and Peverley remain sidelined amidst the aforementioned slump that Boston finds itself in, the Bruins’ depth has been truly put to the test. Thus far? The B’s haven’t been making the grade.  Replacing Horton and Peverley have been a number of combinations that include Benoit Pouliot, Jordan Caron, Zach Hamill and most recently, Josh Hennessy. In a total of 20 games this month, the four forwards have amassed a whopping total off two goals and zero assists, while posting a combined minus-11 rating. Those numbers far from match the type of production that Horton and Peverley bring to the table on a nightly basis.

However, as in all sports, when faced with the adversity of injury a team is wise to look to their leaders, not the fill-ins to guide them in the right direction. The responsibility to pick up the slack for a fallen teammate always falls on the leaders and proven players in the room. In the Bruins’ case, that falls of the shoulders of David Krejci, Milan Lucic and Tyler Seguin, just to name a few. Arguably Boston’s most feared offensive talents, these three players should be providing the Bruins’ with much more consistent performances than what they’ve been turning in as of late. Combining for just four goals and two assists over their past nine games, Boston’s dynamic offense trio has not been able to successfully make up for the loss of the B’s top-two right wingers.

Now that we’ve identified one of the main sources of Boston’s struggles over the past month, one could ask the question? How do the Bruins right the ship?

Well, the answer most fans want would be to make a trade. While that is sound logic, one shouldn’t expect any franchise saviors to walk through that door with a hockey bag on his shoulder between now and February 27. The simple fact here is that the Bruins don’t need a Rick Nash. They don’t need a Zach Parise. Well, I’m sure they’d love to have either of those two prominent superstars, but not for the price of mortgaging the future to get them here.

It is my belief that winning the Stanley Cup last summer has earned Peter Chiarelli and the Boston brass a year off from trade deadline madness. In the sense that Chiarelli can stand pat through next week and not face criticism for keeping his roster intact. After all, he was the architect of the team that ended a 39-year Cup drought in the most hockey-mad city this side of the Mississippi.

However, if the Bruins want to assure themselves a legitimate chance to retain their crown, they simply cannot let February 27 come and go without addition(s). They must take out an insurance plan in case the concussed Nathan Horton does not return at all this season and find a ways to increase their depth. Adding some new blood to the room can only help the Bruins’ chances of busting out of this slump and putting together a solid run to become the first team in over fifteen years to repeat as champions.

Ultimately, regardless as to if Chiarelli pulls the trigger on a deal before next Monday or not, the responsibility to pick this team up falls on the shoulders of the players. The leaders in the room, the stars, the players that have been there before must find a way to break the struggles of a team with a championship resume.

What’s Next?

It doesn’t get much easier for the B’s, as they take on a  tough St. Louis team with the best goaltending tandem in the NHL tonight at the Scottrade Center, a building where the Blues have posted an astonishing 25-3-1 record this season.

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Down two of their top-six forwards for what looks like an extended period of time, the Boston Bruins have found themselves in an interesting situation as the February 27 trade deadline approaches. As this year’s trading deadline drew closer, hockey pundits in the Hub rightfully suggested that the Bruins simply needed to add a couple of depth pieces to their Stanley Cup champion core. However, without Horton and Peverley, the B’s lineup looks like an absolute mess. Check for yourself this evening when the team takes on the Jets from Winnipeg at 8 PM.

Under these new found circumstances, I’ve thrown together a few trade ideas that one could assume Chiarelli has at least thought about since hearing of the severity of the knee injury to his prized acquisition from one year ago. Keep in mind that these are IDEAS, and if the Boston lineup was at full strength, none of these would even become a consideration.

1.) —–> To Boston: Rick Nash, Curtis Sanford

—–> To Columbus: Tuukka Rask, Dougie Hamilton, Jordan Caron, 1st Round Pick, 3rd Round Pick

– Let’s start with the obvious elephant in the room. Columbus captain Rick Nash is available to be had for the first time in his nine-year NHL career. The list of team’s who’d like to have big no. 61 in one of their sweaters? It’s 30-teams long. However, the list of team’s he’d accept a deal to? Reportedly only 5-teams long. Luckily for Boston, rumors have it that the Hub of Hockey is indeed on Nash’s brief list of acceptable locations. The 6’4″ Brampton, Ontario native is a prototypical power-forward with 40-50 goal potential, IF put in the right situation. The 27-year-old Nash would instantly become the premier forward in the Boston arsenal, and could be paired with budding star Tyler Seguin for this, and many years to come.

2.) —–> To Boston: Patrick Kane

—–> To Chicago: Tim Thomas

  — There is no questioning the on-ice talents of Patrick Kane. Despite all the questions of character and judgements of what he does when he is away from the rink, Patrick Kane remains one of the most skilled forwards in the entire National Hockey League. He is a United States Olympian. He scored the game winner in a clinching game 6 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Final. He’s scored at least 20 goals in each of his four full seasons with Chicago. Kane would provide an instant lift to a struggling Boston offense and would, like Nash, instantly become the most powerful offensive force in the B’s lineup. While it would be excruciatingly difficult to give up the defending Vezina trophy winner, a 23-year old proven all-star with a reasonable cap hit would be one heck of a return for an aging netminder. The reason this makes sense for the ‘Hawks is not only the fact that they have enough depth at forward to survive without Kane, but that their goaltending, as currently constituted is far from strong enough to take them deep into the playoffs.

3.) —–> To Boston: Martin St. Louis, Pavel Kubina, Ryan Shannon, Mathieu Garon, 2nd Round Pick

—–> To Tampa Bay: Tuukka Rask, Joe Corvo, Jordan Caron, Jared Knight

  — Now, this deal is perhaps the most far-fetched of the three, based purely on the number of moving parts involved. However, a deal like this could make a lot of sense for both squads. In St. Louis, the B’s will fill the vacancy left by Nathan Horton up on the top-line with a proven NHL playmaker, not to mention the chemistry that could be sparked with former Vermont University teammate Tim Thomas. In Kubina and Shannon, Boston would get two valuable depth players who both will become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Garon, Tampa’s current back-up goalie would come to Boston merely as throw in, being that the Bolts would likely not want to carry three ‘tenders with the addition of Rask. The young Finnish backstop would provide the Lightning with something they’ve been missing for quite a while: a young, dependable goaltender of the future. Corvo, whose two million dollar cap-hit will come of the books on July 1, was put in the deal to free up space for the incoming additions. In Caron, Tampa would get another young, gritty player who is extremely versatile with the ability to play in all three zones of the ice, as well as kill penalties. Jared Knight, a former second round selection by the B’s could immediately step in next season for the Bolts, alongside London Knights teammate Vladimir Namestnikov, Tampa’s prized prospect who was taken in the first round of last year’s Entry Draft.

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Tonight’s Line-Up (Subject To Change):

FORWARDS

Marchand–Bergeron–Seguin

Lucic–Kelly–Peverley

Pouliot–Krejci–Caron

Paille–Campbell–Thornton

DEFENSE

Chara–Boychuk

Seidenberg–Corvo

Ference–McQuaid

GOALTENDER

Thomas

Rask

Scratches– …… Bodnarchuk (Healthy) , Hennessy (Healthy) ,Horton (Concussion)

NEWS & NOTES

– Immediately following Tuesday’s contest, the Black and Gold will depart on an 11-day, six-game road trip that will feature stops in Minnesota, St. Louis and Buffalo, amongst others. This road swing, coinciding with the NHL trade deadline only thirteen days from now has lead many to believe that Peter Chiarelli will be looking to make any necessary improvements to his squad sooner rather than later. Thus providing the new players with an opportunity to gel with their new teammates during an extended period of time together. As we saw just one year ago, Chiarelli made moves to acquire Rich Peverley, Chris Kelly and Tomas Kaberle at the onset of a six-game roadie that would see Boston post an astounding 6-0-0 record and kickstart their run to a championship.

– In the wake of recently demoting youngsters Zach Hamill and Steven Kampfer, Bruins’ GM Peter Chiarelli has opted to call-up a new set of AHLers to bring along for his team’s upcoming road swing. The first of which is defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk. While building an AHL resume of over 250 games played, the  5’11″ blueliner has only appeared in five NHL contests, all of which coming in the 2009-’10 season. The second promotion was given to Brockton, MA native and veteran AHLer Josh Hennessy. The 6’0″ forward is the leading scorer for the P-Bruins this season with 15 goals and 15 assists in 49 games played.

– Tonight will mark the second meeting of the season between these two Original Six franchises. The Blueshirts took home a victory in Boston back on January 21 when Marian Gaborik scored in overtime with only three seconds left on the clock. These two Eastern Conference powerhouses will meet twice more this season, with both games to be played at Madison Square Garden.

– Reports over the past twenty four hours have suggested that Columbus Blue Jackets’ star and Canadian Olympic forward Rick Nash has been put on the trade market, by GM Scott Howson. A perennial all-star, the Blue Jackets’ captain has proven himself as one of the NHL’s elite talents throughout his nine-year career in the league. Now, while I would not be shocked if a deal were to be made that removed the 6’4″ 220-pounder out of Ohio’s capital city, I sincerely doubt that his destination will be Boston. There is no question that Peter Chiarelli has the necessary assets to make such a deal, but his willingness to part with the plethora of young talent that it would take to get Nash into a Black and Gold sweater is still yet to be determined. For example, any sort of trade that would bring a player of Nash’s caliber to the Hub would have to look something like this:

To Boston: Rick Nash, Curtis Sanford

To Columbus: David Krejci, Tuukka Rask, Steven Kampfer, 1st Round Draft Pick

Now my question to you is this, would you feel comfortable giving up your inconsistent but highly skilled top-line center, future franchise goaltender and a first round selection for a proven all-star with 45-50 goal potential?

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5.) —–> To Chicago: Hal Gill, Travis Moen, 5th Round Pick

—–> To Montreal: Kyle Beach, Brandon Saad, 2nd Round Pick

– Seemingly going nowhere this season it may be time for the Habs and GM Pierre Gauthier to start thinking about unloading some pieces in an attempt to build for the future. Both Gill and Moen are set to become unrestricted free agents this summer and could provide a Cup-hunting Blackhawks team with some added depth and grit for a playoff run this spring. Neither Moen nor Gill give you much in the way of flash or skill, but both are very durable players who have a Stanley Cup on their resume. For Montreal, both Beach and Saad fit the mold of what the Habs need the most: big, strong power forwards who can put the puck in the net. While neither will give Montreal much in the way of immediate assistance, they both have the potential to become cogs in the Canadiens’ lineup for years to come.

4.) —–> To Boston: Tuomo Ruutu, Bryan Allen

—–> To Carolina: Jordan Caron, Matt Bartkowski, 2nd Round Pick

– For a team that has simply run roughshod on the Eastern Conference since the start of November there really aren’t many glaring holes on a roster full of Stanley Cup winners. However, like we saw last February, GM Peter Chiarelli isn’t afraid to tinker with his team in order to add the necessary depth to make another run at Lord Stanley. This trade makes perfect sense for a Boston team that still relies on an inexperienced Steven Kampfer as it’s seventh defenseman. The hard-nosed Bryan Allen isn’t known much for his offense (0G/7A in 51 games this season) but can provide a solid defensive presence in his end of the ice, as well as log some valuable time on the penalty kill. Like Allen, the 28-year-old Ruutu will be a free agent on July 1. The Finland native seems to have been cut from the same mold as Boston winger Rich Peverley in the way that he can be trusted in any situation. Ruutu has posted fifteen goals and added eleven assists in 51 games this season while being shuffled up and down the Carolina lineup.

3.) —–> To Philadelphia: Ryan Suter, 3rd Round Pick

—–> To Nashville: James Van Riemsdyk, Brayden Schenn, Andrej Meszaros, Jody Shelley, 1st Round Pick

– Now, I’d put this trade as the least likely to happen, at least not until this summer. A deal like this makes perfect sense for a Flyers team that will be without captain Chris Pronger for the remainder of the season. Ryan Suter is perhaps the most underrated defenseman in the entire NHL. Often overshadowed by Shea Weber, Suter has quietly stacked together one all-star season after another and is slated to finally cash in this summer when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. The question still remains as to if the cash-strapped Predators can re-sign Suter to a long term deal to keep him in Nashville. However, if GM David Poile comes to the realization that he will not be resigning with the Preds, he would be better served to deal him now than let him walk for nothing this July. The package I’ve presented seems like quite a hefty price for one player but keep in mind, true number one defensemen simply do not grow on trees. While I really can’t see this one happening before the deadline, if Suter is adamant about not re-upping in Nashville, I can’t see any better scenario for the Predators’ franchise both now and into the future.

2.) —–> To Toronto: Jeff Carter, 3rd Round Pick

—–> To Columbus: Luke Schenn, Nikolai Kulemin, 2nd Round Pick

– There’s no question that Jeff Carter’s brief stay in Ohio’s capital is coming to an early end. Reportedly frustrated by the entire situation, the former Flyers star has put up only seventeen points (10G/7A) in 30 games this season while playing for the league-worst Columbus Blue Jackets. While many teams would be skeptical of accepting any player with ten years left on his contract, the Leafs have been on a league-wide search for a true number one center since Brian Burke took the helm in November of 2008. It’s my belief that if Carter is surrounded by a talented team (like he was in Philadelphia) he will once again be able to return to his elite form. While many could think of this as an overpayment for Carter, I would argue that while Schenn still looks like a future all-star, he seems to be the odd man out on a Leafs’ blueline already manned by Dion Phaneuf, Mike Komisarek and John-Michael Liles — all of whom are signed to lucrative contracts. Kulemin is a young player with loads of skill and potential who seems to be struggling under the hockey-crazed pressure cooker that is Toronto. Perhaps a change of scenery would do him a world of good. In Toronto, Maple Leafs’ fans may be foaming at the mouth with the thoughts of putting an elite pivot in between all-star wingers Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul.

1.)  —–> To Minnesota: Zach Parise

—–> To New Jersey: Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle, Jonas Brodin, 2nd Round Pick

– This trade simply makes too much sense. With Parise still unsigned and the Devils’ ownership situation still uncertain, it’s easy to suggest that New Jersey will be unable to retain Parise at year’s end. Recent speculation has suggested that the 5’11″ Minneapolis would like nothing better than to return to his home state to continue his career, making him a perfect fit for the Wild. However, a former 40-goal scorer with extensive leadership qualities simply does not come cheap. With this package the Devils pick up a solid return for a guy who will likely be gone for nothing on July 1. Devin Setoguchi is a solid young winger who can play top-six minutes and provide some pop playing across from Ilya Kovalchuk. In Coyle and Brodin New Jersey receives two former first round selections who look to be sure bet NHL contributors in the near future. Parise should provide the right type of boost for a Wild team trying to work themselves off of the playoff fringe.

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5.) Jackets Fail For Nail

– Without question the worst team in hockey through the first half of the season, the Blue Jackets have been an unmitigated disaster all year long. Entering the season most hockey journalists (including myself) had Columbus pegged for their second post-season appearance in franchise history. However, the aforementioned NHL pundits could not have been more wrong. With the acquisitions of Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski not panning out, look for the Blue Jackets to deal one of the two before the deadline. Purely based on Wisniewski’s massive contract, my guess would be Carter moves on for greener pastures elsewhere. The former Flyers’ standout should bring GM Scott Howson a decent haul and will help them continue to build for the future as they trudge along on the “Fail For Nail” campaign.

4.) Kessel Posts 90 Points, Finally Quiets Critics

– Perhaps the most talked about trade in recent Boston sports history, the Bruins–Leafs swap of September 2010 sent crafty winger Phil Kessel to the epicenter of hockey in exchange for three draft selections. Bruins’ GM Peter Chiarelli then used those picks to select forwards Tyler Seguin and Jared Knight as well as defenseman Dougie Hamilton. While Seguin has exploded onto the scene in the Hub, amassing 19 goals and 24 assists through 46 games this season Kessel has truly emerged as one of the league’s most prominent scorers. With 51 points (26G/25A) in 49 games, he and linemate Joffrey Lupul (20G/32A) have completely turned the Toronto franchise around, leading them to a top-eight position in the Eastern Conference. In the second half of this season, I believe that Kessel will easily reach the 40-goal marker and surpass his career high of 64 points to finally justify this trade and quiet the throngs of critics who have harassed the Minnesota native ever since he arrived on the scene in Toronto.

3.) Hitchcock, Blues Continue Magical Run

– Without doubt the biggest positive surprise of any team in the league this season has taken place underneath the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The Blues, who struggled mightily to begin the season under former coach Davis Payne, have been given new life since the arrival of veteran bench boss Ken Hitchcock. With no players in the NHL’s top-50 scoring leaders, the Blues’ team-first philosophy has shown through this season, leading them to the fifth seed in the Western Conference — a comfortable eleven points ahead of ninth place Colorado –. Captain David Backes seems to have his team — a seemingly perfect blend of youth and experience — poised for a deep run through the post-season. In the shocker of the season, I can see the Blues becoming this year’s NHL Cinderella story, upsetting a team or two and making it to the Conference Finals this spring.

2.) Sabres, Habs Continue Rapid Fall From Grace

– Mired in the basement of the Eastern Conference, this season simply has not gone the way fans in Buffalo and Montreal had once thought it would. Currently sitting eight and ten points out of the playoff picture, the Sabres and the Habs have been absolute train-wrecks on ice the entire season. In Montreal, things went awry immediately out of the gate and have only been trending downwards since then. In a year that’s seen the departure of both an assistant coach and a head coach, an unheard of mid-game trade and continuous public outcry for a French-speaking bench boss, the city of Montreal has been an absolute circus all year long. In Buffalo, fans and players alike had Stanley Cup aspirations after new owner Terry Pegula’s ill-advised off-season spending spree. Unfortunately for the hockey-mad folks in Western new York, it just hasn’t quite worked out this season as their beloved Sabres sit tied for dead last in the Eastern Conference. What’s worse? GM Darcy Regier is handcuffed by the insanely generous contracts of Christian Ehrhoff and Ville Leino.

1.) Bruins, Rangers Will Battle For Eastern Conference Crown

– Now I could be getting ahead of myself a bit here but right now all signs are pointing towards an Original Six showdown with a spot in the Cup Finals on the line. Without a doubt the two best teams in the East through the first half of the season, New York and Boston have put together the two best records in the Conference through the first half of the season. Armed with gritty, two-way players who aren’t afraid to put the team before themselves, the B’s and Blueshirts almost mirror one another in terms of playing style. After putting together an instant classic earlier this month at TD Garden, it’d be easy for one to expect three more beautifully played contests between these two squads this season. However, I’m going to take it a step further and say that New York and Boston will once again meet in the Eastern Conference Finals this spring for yet another chapter in the Boston  vs. New York rivalry.

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As we sit today, on a brisk  New England evening  at the end of October, the Boston Bruins reside in the basement of the Eastern Conference. Yes, you read that right, the defending Stanley Cup Champions are sitting in dead-last in the East through one month of the season.Through 9 games this season, the B’s have accumulated only 6 out of a possible 18 points.

What is ailing the Bruins through the season’s first 9 games is far more than simply the inability to score and finish around the net, or even the  defensive deficiencies that have haunted them thus far. Rather it is the inconsistency and lack of focus (As pointed out by Head Coach Claude Julien) that are the reasons why it is becoming painstakingly obvious that GM Peter Chiarelli must attempt to shake up the locker room dynamic. Consistent  failures in execution, combined with an inability to meet the level of urgency shown by their opponents have amounted to  2.11 goals per game and the league’s 5th worst offense.

As I pointed out yesterday, with the stark reality of the situation is that without an immediate turn-around, it will become  increasingly difficult for the Bruins to crawl back into the top-8 in the East. However, it now appears that Chiarelli is attempting to once again be a pro-active GM, in an effort to turn his team around. This from award-winning Boston Globe Bruins beat writer Kevin Paul Dupont:

“Chiarelli is on the hunt. Officially. In an e-mail exchange late yesterday morning, he said he was “diligently’’ making his calls to other GMs, a clear indication of his concern. He would not identify what he is targeting, but it’s a good bet his No. 1 priority is goal scoring.”

Chiarelli has proven in the past that he will not shy away from a deal, if it has the potential to make his team better. Mid-season acquisitions like Chris Kelly & Rich Peverley are living examples of such. As Dupont also points out, perhaps a trade would go a long way towards re-awakening this team and help them realize that last season is over.  –”An acquisition now should capture the attention of everyone on the roster, which in itself could be a catalyst for better performance, front to back. Nothing wakes up a sleeping team like seeing names that were chiseled into the Cup just weeks ago get sent out the door.” –.

They say that sometimes, without enough fresh faces and attitudes that winning can breed complacency. And for Boston, with 18 returning players from last year’s Stanley Cup championship squad, it looks as if there are not enough fresh legs in the room. Perhaps the most telling evidence of this has been the play of Tyler Seguin. Appearing as if he is the only one not suffering from the dreaded  “Stanley Cup Hangover”, the 19-year old Brampton, ON native has posted 9 points through 9 games. Last night it was most evident, as Seguin was flying up and down the ice against the Canadiens, even making former-Bruin Hal Gill look like a boy amongst men as he blazed up the side boards past him on multiple occasions. Meanwhile, his teammates were seemingly unable to keep up with him, and looked often lost and out-of-place. To this point, no Bruins’ forward has proven the ability to keep up with the speed and agility that Seguin has shown this season.

Right now it is not particularly clear what exactly the Bruins will be looking for on the trade market, but ultimately it is the overall impact of an early season deal that is more important to the B’s than the position or skill set of the acquired player. (The guess here would be a minor deal for a bottom-six forward).

Can the defending Stanley Cup Champions recover from this rough start? Tonight’s game at Montreal’s Bell Centre may very well be this group’s last chance to get things together. If they aren’t able to right the ship, Chiarelli may be forced to make a change sooner, rather than later.

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Last February, as the 2011 NHL trade deadline was fast approaching, many believed they knew what  Bruins’ GM Peter Chiarelli was looking for; a “puck-moving defenseman”, something that had alluded the team for quite a while.  For better or worse, Chiarelli brought in Tomas Kaberle, to fill that void. However, in order to acquire that defenseman, the GM had to clear some cap space. He did so by sending former first round pick Mark Stuart, and under-achieving forward Blake Wheeler to the Atlanta Thrashers, in exchange for AHL d-man Boris Valabik and forward Rich Peverley. On the surface, the deal looked to have only been made, in order to comply with the salary cap, and to accommodate the acquisition of Tomas Kaberle. However, the B’s savvy GM was well aware of the type of player Peverley is, and knew that the 29-year-old Guelph, ON native, and former 55-point scorer could provide a much bigger impact on his team, than most previously believed.  Eight months later, and a Stanley Cup championship under their belts, it has become apparent which of the two deadline deals, would have more of a long-term impact, on the team.

The B’s leading scorer this year, with 2 goals in 3 games, has now recorded 6 goals and 9 assists, in 26 regular season games, as a member of the Black & Gold. Undoubtedly more impactful was Peverley’s 4 goals and 8 assists in 25 playoff games for Boston, during their memorable run to the Stanley Cup.  Peverley’s impact on the team has run far deeper than just the points he has put up. #49 has proven himself to be one of the most durable players on the B’s roster, being able to be successful  in every situation; whether that be playing alongside Campbell & Thornton on the 4th line, or filling in for the injured Nathan Horton, on Boston’s top line, Peverley can do it all. Peverley has also become a valuable player on the penalty-kill for Boston, as well as the power-play.

On Tuesday, Peverley’s hard work and contributions were well rewarded by Chiarelli & Co. , as he became the recipient of a 3-year contract extension, worth a total of $9.75 Million (cap hit of $3.25M per year). Peverley’s new deal  also came with a no-trade clause, meaning that any trade involving #49, will have to be approved by the player. Rich seemed genuinely excited by the new deal, and the chance to play 3 more seasons in the Hub of Hockey:

“You look back, but I don’t really like looking back too much. I was given an opportunity in Atlanta that gave me a great opportunity to get my foot in the door and I came here and was lucky to fit in on a team and found a role with a team, and with a great team. I really kind of enjoy the fact of committing to an Original Six team, coming to a place where hockey is a big deal.” — Rich Peverley

 Krejci Injured At Practice; Out Indefinately
Despite the struggles of Boston’s 1st line to begin this season, David Krejci has been the most consistent performer of the trio. The leading scorer from last year’s playoffs (12 goals, 11 assists) was injured yesterday during practice at Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington. While the team has yet to confirm or deny the nature & severity of the injury, it is being reported that Krejci suffered injury to one of his knees. Krejci has not been given a timetable for return, but it is known that he has not made the trip to Carolina with his teammates, for Wednesday’s game against the ‘Canes. It is unknown at this point, whether or not he will join the team in Chicago, for their game on Saturday evening, at United Center.

With Krejci absent from the lineup, it is expected that 19-year-old phenom Tyler Seguin will take his place, centering Milan Lucic & Nathan Horton. Seguin has 3 assists in 3 games this season, and the Bruins hope he can provide a spark and provide some  production  from that top line. The success of the B’s 2nd line would be hard to tamper with at this point, so it is likely that Claude Julien wants to keep that group together. With Seguin moving up to the top line, one would expect Jordan Caron to slide into Seguin’s former position on the 3rd line, alongside Benoit Pouliot & Chris Kelly.

Bruins Set To Take On Hurricanes In Raleigh

On Wednesday evening, the Bruins (1-2-0 (2 points)) will take on the Carolina Hurricanes (0-2-1 (1 point)) , in Raleigh, North Carolina at the RBC Center, in their 1st road game of the 2011-12 season. Tonight will mark the first time defenseman Joe Corvo will face his former team, since being traded to Boston on July 5, 2011. Former B’s blue-liner Tomas Kaberle will also get his first crack at the Bruins, since signing with the ‘Canes over the off-season. The Czech native has 0 goals and 0 assists, with a -3, in 3 games for Carolina.  Tonight’s Line-Up projects as this:

Forwards

Lucic–Seguin–Horton

Marchand–Bergeron–Peverley

Pouliot–Kelly–Caron

Paille–Campbell–Thornton

Defense

Chara–Boychuk

Seidenberg–Corvo

Ference–McQuaid

Goaltender

Thomas

Rask

Tonight’s game can be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub, the flagship station of the Boston Bruins, and can been seen on Versus, beginning at 7:30 PM. As a side note for B’s fans, Versus will be running a Stanley Cup special at 6:30 PM, for all those interested on once again reliving the glorious moments of the 2011 playoffs.

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There is not much to say about Mark Streit being named captain because it was pretty clear when Doug Weight hung up the skates that he was the only viable candidate besides perhaps Kyle Okposo.

It is tremendously silly by those touting that John Tavares should have been named captain. This team needs a leader and someone with a few years under their belt at such a vulnerable juncture. Tavares was, is and will never be that kind of guy. Doesn’t make him any less of a player. Just people, fans, bloggers and media need to separate contract and scoring from the leadership role of a team. Apples to oranges.

Other vets like Brian Rolston and Marty Reasoner are just too short term and too new. Though both of who seem to be working on some kids this training camp as Josh Bailey and Blake Comeau have been lodged with each as linemate respectively. This wasn’t random, folks.

Centering Expectations and Futures

While we are deflating some opinions, let me deflate the thoughts of Ryan Strome being on this years team. Not happening. Needs another year, to fill out and gain mass, and most of all… No room.

In fact, if you look at the center position, you have Tavares, with perhaps Strome growing to that 2nd line center or an alternative #1. So, what then with Frans Nielsen and Bailey?

There is a lot on line for both players. If it’s Bailey finally breaking out, well… Frans is a UFA after this season. If Franz is the better man this coming year, expect him to be locked up. What of Bailey? Well at his contract, he is a bargain for another team to take a shot at a prospect who might be a better fit elsewhere.

 Funny how those possible expendable players have very svelte and attractive contracts, don’t you think?

In Conclusion

With the team rounding the corner and moving up, it will be time for it to make some hard decisions soon on goalies, centers and more. The 2011-2012 season is huge for these Isles. Judgments are beginning to be made that will affect this team far longer than this season. I’d pay a lot of attention than just standing around being giddy or you’ll have missed quite a bit.

Note: Still checking into the Isles and the ECHL Kalamazoo breaking off their affiliation. I am told that is likely over stats and playing time for Isles players assigned there. Expect a new affiliation coming soon. Isles will not just have only Bridgeport. That would create a three-goalie crowd in the AHL as well.

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But I am miffed at the reaction some Islander fans are having. I am going to go out on a limb, and say some fans overreaction to Martinek’s departure is  staggering. It is as if Martinek is a 4 time cup winner with the Islanders who scored 60 points per season. A reality check…

Games Played for Radek Martinek — Year by Year
2010-11 — 64
2009-10 — 16
2008-09 — 51
2007-08 — 69
2006-07 — 43
2005-06 — 74
2004-05 — LOCKOUT
2003-04 — 47
2002-03 — 66
2001-02 — 23

Point by Radek Martinek — Year by Year
2010-11 — 16
2009-10 — 3
2008-09 — 10
2007-08 — 15
2006-07 — 17
2005-06 — 17
2004-05 — LOCKOUT (best season with 12G – 18A- 30pts in CzRep)
2003-04 — 7
2002-03 — 13
2001-02 — 5

While Martinek had some solid play, I wanted to get a feel of why so many Islander fans are crying so loudly for a mid-level #3-4 defender on the Isles who would be a #5-6 on most other teams?

This is not as if we let Mark Streit go…. or decided to cut ties with Dennis Potvin. This is a solid player that plays a roll, but by no means is a top player.

As the numbers above indicate, this is a player who is seldom in the line up due to injury — bad luck or otherwise. It is hard to hear and read the comments coming in because this was also the same group of fans loudly calling for the need to upgrade the Islander blueline. I find it equally puzzling that Isles fans would believe that resigning Martinek would suddenly stabilize the blueline, and was part of the solution.

Does the team need to add a defenseman? YES.

Was Martinek the answer? I dont believe he was.

I believe an upgrade is still available, and I am not so sure Snow is done with trade options. The season is still several months away. Trades may yet come much like the Wisniewski deal came in August. At least 2 free agents are on the boards now and could be helpful to the Islanders — Bryan McCabe and Scott Hannan, the later being particularly interesting as reclamation project. Neither player would be “core” solutions for the Islanders, but shoudl the core of the team be centered around free agent signings, or drafted talent?

Panic by Islander fans is staggering. They are seemingly looking for instant gratification that year-after-year has never come during free agency. They equally seem to believe that free agent signing will be at the heart of team success.  This is followed by the natural reaction to complain that Snow has not tried, or does not want to go after these free agents or is not willing to pay them. Of course, we could have drastically overpaid as many GMs did on July 1. A different GM could yield different results. But are you in favor of your GM trading away Kyle Okposo, Frans Neilsen, Travis Hamonic, Josh Bailey and perhaps even John Tavares for “established” players…???

We tried that method of “rebuilding.” You know — the one where we trade away future stars for slightly above average talent. We had THAT GM here for 11 seasons. And where did it take us? What did it get us? Future stars like Zdeno Chara, Roberto Luongo, Todd Bertuzzi, the afore mentioned McCabe. The lack of patients and wild and careless trading that some fans spew — that was out GM. Marian Gaborik/Dany Heatley……could have been. Zach Parise. anyone?

No. I am not in favor of paying Christian Ehrhoff — who had a good couple of seasons — a 10 year deal. I am not in tune with paying Ville Leino — who up to this point was a 3rd/4th line player who had one average year of 19 goals $4 mil per. Sorry. We have been down that road as well, and it got us nothing.

I would like to see the Islanders add a defender. There is a clear need. I would be OK on a max 3 year deal if the player is young enough. McCabe would be a reasonable fit for this team on a 1-year deal as a PP specialist. I would like to see that veteran presence on the blueline to take some pressure of a returning Mark Streit, and the younger players. The addition of a vet gives the De Haan’s, Ness’, Donovan’s some time to develop properly.

The biggest concern through it all for this team — HEALTH.

Which brings us back to the original point. Why would you want to retain a player who has never played a full season in the NHL? Part of the equation for the Islanders must be games played. So when viewing a player like Scott Hannan — if he is brought in as an example — we see a player who can play a nice shut down roll, who at 32 years old should have plenty left to contribute, and has a history of playing 75+ games per season, including 6 season over 80 games — putting up the better numbers then Martinek. How is that not an upgrade?

Feel free to express your view. Id be curious to hear the argument for keeping Martinek over a different player….

On day 2 of the draft the Islanders shipped out defender Bruno Gervais to Tampa Bay for “future considerations” and on Monday, they did not give Jack Hillen a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent on July 1. To add to that, it is expected that UFA Radek Martinek has played his final game as an Islander as well.

This has left the Isles with an interesting mix on the blueline.

Certainly the return of Mark Streit will be a huge boost to the Islanders. Streit gets my vote (if I had one) as captain of the team, and while I expect him to be rusty from the year away with injury, he should make the team, and the blueline much better. To this the emergence of Andy MacDonald and Travis Hamonic is evident. Both players solidified key rolls last season in the midst of injuries to other players, and it is hard to imagine the season starting without either suiting up in blue and orange in October. Thought he may not get the credit, Milan Jurcina rounds out the top 4 as the “big guy.” He wont score a lot of goals, or add many points, but his presence is apparent when he is on the ice.

Outside of those 4, the team has Mark Eaton and Mike Mottau who are good depth players, but hardly top 4 blue line help. Plus, both are coming off major injuries and it is unknown what they will provide. Ty Wishart showed he can play but at this point is he capable of being more then a depth player? Too early to tell perhaps. My guess would be that Calvin de Haan plays in Bridgeport for a season, and that Donovan and Ness are not ready. This means an upgrade is needed if the team is going to have a really solid defense.

Enter Christian Ehrhoff.

The Islanders acquired Ehrhoff’s negotiating rights for a 4th round pick in 2012 from the Cunnucks. This is, if nothing else a bold, and I believe calculating move by Garth Snow. With Bieksa, Pitkanen, and Brewer all resigning with their current teams, management felt a window was closing. Perhaps Ehrhoff was always the target and this was planned at the draft, however the Islanders have a major opportunity to lock up an emerging top 2 defender with major playoff experience. The upside to Ehrhoff’s game would seem to be like have “another Mark Striet” in the fold. Ehrhoff had a 50 point campaign last season, brings size and is still young at 28 — entering his prime!

Some wonder if Snow did not just throw a 4th round pick into the garbage. Anything is possible. Ehrhoff could say “no” to the Islanders as much as Nabokov did last season. However, I have to believe, as Chris Botta indicated in his blog — Michael Grabner should making the short trip to visit Ehrhoff in Germany to sell him on the Islanders.

With plenty of cap space, and a need to spend to get to the floor, the Islanders will likely offer Ehrhoff similar money to what Bieksa just signed. The rumor that the same deal that Bieksa received was turned down by Ehrhoff. Perhaps it was, but then again, we won’t ever know. It is a rumor. A 4-5 year deal in the mid 5 million dollar range is not out of the question. That seems to be the going rate for this type of player, and the idea that he could come to the Islanders for less is unlikely. I am sure that pundits will say that the Islanders will overpay to get the contract done. That is what they all said about Mark Striet when he was signed at $4.5 million per season. Today, that contract looks like a steal!

This move demonstrates Snow is serious about addressing his clubs needs on the ice. It certainly should communicate to fans and the hockey world, the Islanders are as committed to building a winning hockey team as any of the other 29 teams. The question is — will Ehrhoff sign. The ball  or I should say puck — is in his end of the ice, and it is now up to him.

AUTHORS NOTE — AS PER THE NY ISLANDER WEBSITE — CHRISTIAN EHRHOFF’S RIGHTS HAVE BEEN TRADED TO THE BUFFALO SABERS FOR THE SABERS 2012 4TH ROUND PICK

Today’s news that Ehrhoff will not be a part of the New York Islanders was disappointing. He could have made a nice impact on the Islander blueline. Still this could be a blessing in disguise.

As I mentioned in the main body of the article, Snow took a calculating risk to add a key element to his hockey club and improve the teams chances at a playoff berth in April 2012. The player may not have signed, but the word is out the Snow is serious about his intentions. He was fortunate to receive approximately equal compensation from another team so late in the process.

I had some thought about the nature of Ehrhoff’s reluctance to sign with the Islanders. I am not so sure it is only the lack of stability with an arena. I am not sure it is the money because like Dan Hamhuis and Paul Martin and Ryan Smyth — management was willing to spend the money. Is it the lack of skill on the team? I find it surprising that players would fail to see that the Isles boast a pretty sharp lineup albeit a young one that perhaps has yet to prove anything.

No — I am wondering if there is something else happening. Perhaps those who wish can comment below — but is there a single NY Islander with a no trade or no movement clause in his contract?

I understand that DiPietro’s deal and health make it a NTC, but I can’t think of  a single Islander with a NTC or NMC in his deal. And I am wondering if that is a club policy. And, I further ask — is that policy a part of the reason players don’t sign on Long Island. It is just a curiosity. Mind you I have no proof — but it is curious. The recent deals for Moulson, Grabner and Okposo don’t have the clause in the contracts. Neither did Mark Streit’s.  Very interesting. I will research this as best as I can…and will post when possible on further news as free agency approaches.

If the Hawks are able to deal Campbell they would have to alter their style of play. That may happen anyway but Campbell’s importance in generating offense should not be discounted. Nick Leddy might be as good of a puck mover as Campbell someday. But that day won’t come next season.

Campbell is too expensive for most teams to consider acquiring. If the Hawks would deal Campbell they would want to open cap space, not carry the same salary burden with a newly acquired player. In essence the Hawks would be looking to distribute some of the money spent on their defenders to other areas of need.

All reports point to Campbell not wanting to leave the Windy City. He also has a no movement clause, so most likely he will be on the ice for the Blackhawks this October.

Sharp is the type of player most teams would love to have. The word going around the league last summer was the Hawks were going to be forced to trade Sharp.

Those which closely follow the Hawks will remember Bowman called a mid summer press conference to dispel any trade rumors involving Sharp. Bowman sent a message to other GM’s and also let Sharp concentrate on getting married and not worry about being dealt.

My feelings are the same as those mentioned by Bowman as to the importance of Sharp to the Blackhawks. He is a leader and has a big presence in the dressing room. Sharp brings some maturity to a young Hawks’ squad. He is also a big fan favorite. Sharp’s production has been consistent.

There are a couple of factors which would limit Sharp’s trade value and also could help put a more realistic dollar amount on his next contract..

Although Sharp had a very good season and scored 34 goals, 12 of his tallies came on the power play. Back door tap-ins are pretty but Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane wouldn’t be following Sharp to his new destination. A potential suitor will look at that stat, and so will Bowman when negotiating a contract extension for Sharp.

Sharp is 29 years old, so he will be looking for a big contract with some security. Management values Sharp a lot, so they won’t lose him over a $1 million. Sharp and the Hawks will probably agree on a four year contract extension for a tolerable amount. The price for 30 goal scorers is not going to down as the salary cap will most likely continue to rise.

If the Hawks were going to deal Sharp, doing so last summer would have made the most sense. The acquiring club would have had the surety of Sharp being locked up for $3.9 million for two more seasons. Now his trade value is not as great due to a contract which would expire after the upcoming season.

Bowman has commented the Hawks will look to resign Sharp, which could happen by the beginning of next season. Look for Sharp to get about a $1 million raise per season. My take is he will sign a four year extension valued in the $20 million range.

There isn’t any cost certainty for a potential suitor of Sharp, but that is not the case for Hjalmarsson. Hammer signed an offer sheet last summer and would be eligible to be traded by mid-July.

Hjalmarsson is signed through 2013-2014, at $3.5 million per season. That amount is high for a third pairing, penalty killing specialist which might be his role next season with the Blackhawks.

If Chris Campoli and Leddy are playing in Chicago next year they will eat into Hammer’s ice time.

Realistically Hjalmarsson may not fit here as a top four defenseman any longer.The key to dealing Hjalmarsson is he could be worth more to another club than to the Hawks.

Although Hjalmarsson doesn’t score many goals, he could be an effective top pairing dman for some teams. On most clubs Hammer would be at least a top four defender and that makes him valuable trade bait, plus he is still young. Hjalmarsson’s salary is not moderate but not really out of line for a number two or three defender.

A potential suitor could plug Hjalmarsson in for the next three seasons and not have to worry about contract negotiations. Hammer has been highly praised in the past by Scottie Bowman. If there wasn’t a salary cap the Hawks would probably not consider trading him.

For a number of reasons Hjalmarsson will most likely be the biggest name to have a new address in the fall.

Next week I will discuss what the Blackhawks need to do this summer beyond the trading of one big name player. Valuable additions can be found for under $2 million.

The Vancouver Canucks added Chris Higgins ($1.6 million) and Maxim Lapierre ($900,000) before the trade deadline. Those two players have proven to be great assets. The Rangers Brandon Prust ($800,000) is the type of players the Hawks desperately need.

Those values are not easy to find, but they are out there. Blackhawk management will need to define their style of play and correctly target additions.

Al’s Shots

I did an interview Thursday night with Jamie Shalley and Rob Higgins from XM Home Ice. We talked bout the Canuck series and changes for next season.

Here are the two links….

11-04-28 Ice Cap Cimaglia part1

11-04-28 Ice Cap Cimaglia part2

The interview is only about 12 minutes long but it was delivered in two parts.

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

Will Isles GM Garth Snow will have a quiet deadline day?

The standings suggest the New York Islanders are not buyers — that is certain. But does that automatically make the Islanders sellers? I don’t think you will see the Isles involved in something like the big St. Louis/Colorado deal we saw late Friday night.

Islanders GM Garth Snow has been a somewhat honest guy when it comes to the Islanders and the rebuild. I believe him when he has been saying repeatedly he will not part with young talent or high picks unless it makes long term sense for the franchise. He utters these very words at almost every opportunity. If we take Snow at face value this is where it leave the Islanders.

In the No Way in Hell will they be traded category we have…
John Tavares, Josh Bailey, Frans Neilsen, Kyle Okposo, Nino Neiderreiter, Andy MacDonald, Travis Hamonic, Calvin De Haan, Kevin Poulin and Brock Nelson.

These 10 players represent either proven players that currently make up the Islanders young core, or are Snow draft picks — and in the case of De Haan and Nelson, assets that have already been drafted at the expense of other picks — both players are the result of trades to move up to get them.

Next we have the You Would Have to Offer Us A Kings Ransom category…
This group features the players management likes and will keep unless someone comes in with a ridiculous offer. This group features Blake Comeau, Michael Grabner, Mark Striet and Matt Moulson. These are all players of varying skill but key factors for the team with the possible exception of Comeau — though he is at this point part of this group. I would look for Comeau to get to that 20 goal plateau this year if he can remain healthy. I would put Casey Cizikas in this level as well. Though he has not played for the Isles or Bridgeport, the team seems very high on him coming off his World Juniors run.

Third, we feature They Just Got Here department…
I think Ty Wishart, the recently re-signed Milan Jurcina and P.A. Parenteau will be here to stay — the later two for the remainder of this year and next. Wishart only played a few games but looks darn close if not already NHL ready.

Last the Highly Unlikely department I place…
Rhett Rakshani, David Ulstrom, Aaron Ness, Blake Kessel, Mikko Koskinen, Anton Klementyev, Andres Lee, Matt Donovan, Kirill Kabanov and Kirill Petrov: I think this list of players can’t all be kept and be expected to play for the Islanders. But, I think for the time being, Garth Snow is going to try to hold onto this group of young assets. Some of these players have shown major improvements, others have had setbacks. But this group currently hold more value to Snow then they would to another GM. Of this group, Rakshani, Ulstom, Kessel, Donovan and Lee all seem to be making some kind of a case for themselves, while the others seem to be in a limbo state.

So what does that leave the Islanders as far as trade assets??
Evgeni Nabokov: can’t be and won’t be dealt and should be tolled for 2011-12. If he fails to show up more then likely his career is over in the NHL and he should depart for Russia never to be heard from again!
Doug Weight: has no trade value and will likely retire officially at the end of the season to take a front office or coaching position.
Trent Hunter: has no value at this deadline, but I think he will be moved in June at the draft as part of a package. We wont get much, but his Isles career is sadly over — a real shame his injuries have killed his career.
Bruno Gervais: will more then likely not be offered a new deal and will either walk or if Snow can get a mid round pick, he will move him. I can’t see Gervais garnering any value on Tuesday.
Rob Schremp: could be traded but I find it unlikely. His year was up and down with injury. Maybe he is moved as part of a deal, but I find it unlikely. He may not be offered a new dael, and could be moved in a package over the summer.
Mike Mottau: has no current value. Perhaps they too can be packaged as part of a small deal at the draft in June.
Mark Eaton: has no current value. Perhaps they too can be packaged as part of a small deal at the draft in June.
Zenon Konopka: “Z” has some real value and could be traded, but the likely 3rd round pick the Isles fetch for Konopka does not compensate the team for the intangibles he brings. Re-signing Konopka is a more likely scenario unless the Islanders are offered at least a 2nd rounder.
Trevor Gillies: He just doesn’t have trade value.
Jesse Joensuu: Does Joensuu have value — yes, but I think he will remain with the team through the season, and likely not be tendered an offer this summer.
Matt Martin: He is a tough player, and very likable, but he has a long way to go to prove he is an every day NHL player. He has some value, but I would think he give the Islanders more value as a player right now then as a trade asset.
Rick DiPietro: Rick DiPietro is untradeable. His career remains in shambles at this time — some of it his fault, some not – and the Isles have little choice but to suck on it. He is no longer a number 1 goalie, and the team can’t compete with him in net on a consistent basis. This is the most difficult situation facing the franchise next to the arena issues. As long as DiPietro remains in consideration as the teams #1 or #1A, the franchise will struggle to be anything more then mediocre.
Radek Martinek: is the only one who should be traded between now and the deadline. He will likely fetch a 3rd round pick — I would be surprised if Snow nets a 2nd rounder for the underrated defenseman.

2011 First Round Pick: I think this pick is going to land in the top 5. If there is a specific players Snow sees available he will move to the podium to make the pick in June. If not, he may trade it to move back and try to add an asset that gives the Isles a bump in the rebuild. This is where perhaps a package deal could be helpful. Swapping our first round pick to a team who wants to move up — The Isles would include a player like Hunter or Schremp while the Isles would get a proven player with a few years left on his deal back plus move back 8-10 spots in the first round. This scenario makes a lot more sense then seeing Snow simply deal the pick and not have a first round pick at all.

The days of the Islanders being real “sellers” are seemingly over. They are not really sellers because as you can see, they dont have much they would be willing to sell any more — which makes complete sense because since 2006-07 they have turned the roster over to youth and home grown guys you really don’t want to sell. The players in the list above you could potentially move don’t offer much if any value at this time. I think Snow will have a bigger day at the 2011 draft then he will at the 2011 trade deadline.

Just when you think everyone in the mainstream media finally had the good sense to realize the Dallas Stars won’t be trading star center Brad Richards this season up pops a pundit – who is either engaged in wishful thinking or really hasn’t paid much attention to Richards and the Stars – envisioning trade scenarios.

The Boston Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont recently suggested Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli should utilize the available salary cap flexibility now afforded him by Marc Savard’s season-ending concussion to make a major acquisition, naming Richards as the target Chiarelli should pursue.

Dupont acknowledged the Stars probably won’t trade Richards even at the risk of perhaps losing him to free agency for nothing this summer, but that didn’t prevent him for envisioning trade possibilities involving either the Bruins or the Maple Leafs first round pick, along with perhaps forward Blake Wheeler and defenseman Mark Stuart.

If the Stars were out of the playoff race by now and unable or unwilling to re-sign Richards Dupont’s scenario might be a good one.

But the Stars despite a recent slump currently remain third overall in the Western Conference and management wants to re-sign Richards and is hoping the team will have new ownership in place by season’s end to facilitate that possibility.

Despite the team’s ownership situation, the Stars simply won’t move their best forward who could be key to a lengthy post-season run.

It remains to be seen what moves Chiarelli will make with his new-found cap flexibility but he won’t pry Brad Richards out of Dallas at the trade deadline.