I have lots to report here today as the playoff races are heating up in both conferences. Let us start in the Gretzky and move to the Howe. I will give a team by team rundown and let you all know what rumors are circulating around the league.
In Florida it is rumored that Maxim Afinogenov or Ilya Kovalchuk can be moved before the deadline to bring in a maximum return that would push the Panthers to immediate frontrunner to win the cup. Apparently Dick Tarnstrom is working on a new contract to remain a part of this cup run; time will tell what is going to happen there.
The Habs are apparently shopping for a shutdown defenseman, GM Beerfund is trying to get all the pieces he wants in place to give the Habs a chance at a long postseason. Jere Lehtinen or Sergei Fedorov may be moved to bring in this player.
The Canes are happy with their current position and are not immediately looking for any major change; however there are rumors that the Canes may be in talks to bring in a veteran scorer before the deadline.
The Caps are on a good run and have been constantly tinkering with their lineup to find the Chemistry Helsa wants. If the Caps struggle down the stretch look for either Demitra or Naslund to be shipped out for a package of offensive players.
There is turmoil in Atlanta, as for some reason GM Sutaria is not happy with the effort of his top players. There are rumors that star Peter Forsberg may be playing in a different city very soon.
Big News out of New York as Jaromir Jagr is on the block. JJ is tearing up the league with 57 points, but it seems the Rangers want to focus more on youth. Look for a team out west to pry hard for Jags in the near future.
Injuries are the story in Pittsburgh as the Pens lost newly acquired Ryan Smyth in his first game as a Pen. After struggling without Sergei Gonchar in the lineup, it appears that the Pens may be forced to trade to keep the team in the playoff race.
Niitymaki may not be the goalie that GM Droopy once thought he was. It appears that the Bolts skipper is looking to move out Niity for more experienced and proven net minder. New Jersey appears in all the speculation I hear.
GM Noob is in a spot he is very familiar with, just outside the playoff picture looking in. Noobs group is playing very well as of late going 6-3-1 in their last 10, but it is yet to be seen if they can keep it up to become a legitimate playoff contender.
The Leafs made some big movement in the trade market last week shipping out veterans Ryan Smyth and Marty Turco. The question is now whether or not Henrik Lundqvist can bring the Leafs to within striking distance of the playoffs. If not look for more trades very soon in TO.
The Nords are looking to make improvements to get in the playoff race. Unfortunately for GM Protto if he doesn’t make them soon it will be too late for his Nords to have a shot at the postseason. The Nords are looking to move some good prospects for immediate help on the offensive side of the puck as well as another defenseman that can help their squad.
The Devils are one of the surprise teams so far, although they are not in the playoff race; they are not a pushover and have pulled off a lot of upsets in the first half of the season. The only question coming out of NJ is whether or not Khabibulan will remain with the team.
One of the disappointments of the season the Sabres have been playing really well lately, however they have no real shot at seeing the postseason this year. Look for the Sabres to try and ship out the majority of their veterans at the deadline.
The Flyers are another team looking to next year. It is unknown whether veterans Rod Brind’amour and Michael Nylander are part of next years plans or not, but chances are if a decent offer came along involving youth either man could be playing in the playoffs this season.
The Ottawa Senators were thought to be a contender at the start of the year, but they have disappointed so far this season and it is hard to explain why. GM Red has a great team in place but can’t seem to find the right chemistry. Kozlov would be an attractive addition to any team, and if the right package was offered he could see his plane leaving Ottawa at any time.
The Bruins were once a powerhouse, now they are 2nd last in the whole league. GM KG is on the rebuild meaning that Boston is a good team to call if you are looking for veterans for a playoff run.
Well that is the Gretzky Conference deadline preview; I will be back later this week with a team by team rundown of the Howe.
A good writeup and one that is veryr interesting. As of right now I am undecided as to what I want to do with some of the players on my team. Do I trade some young studs for maximum return? Do I ship out all of my UBER prospects for the playoff run? Do I sit tight and stand pat seeing as I am already in 1st place and proving I can win with what I have?
Lots of questions and ones I am struggling with right now. Interesting times ahead for the Panthers.
Oh Man you missed the most obvious choice.. Sanderson, Zednik, Dowd, even mark Bell could all be moved. Maybe even an Defencemen the deal is right. ok not Pronger, Seabrook or Hamhuis.. dont get to excited Becky.
Yeah, Bruins have a couple vets that could probably help a team pushing for the playoffs. And we are in the position to send cap. We will also deal just cap to teams that are looking for it.
Mogilny - 75 OV - Has 2 years left on his contract but will probably retire this summer so his $5.5 will be off your books with no buyout.
Also some cheap roster filler types in the 71 OV range. Guys that you wont have to carry after this season. Boguniecki, Orszagh, Matt Walker.
Not really looking to deal Knuble or O'Donnell but if you are interested message me on MSN. Souray isn't going anywhere though.
Eklunde's Trade Deadline Preview
