Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Marching Forth into The Trade Deadline...Shanny to Montreal (e3), Buff (e2)

October 30, 2008, 1:23 PM ET [ Comments]
Eklund
RSSArchiveCONTACT
As many of you may have seen the Trade Deadline, or as we call it, "Hockeymas" has been moved by the NHLPA to Wednesday March 4th, 2008. I like it because the later it gets the more teams can make smart, educated decisions. Also impressed that they didn't screw me and put it on my son's actual birthday, March 3rd.

Secondly: Keep your eyes very closely on Shanahan and Montreal in the next day or day and a half. Some VERY strong rumours to this regard that I will be able to fill you in on shortly...I am only putting it out now because it could happen quickly and I have a follow up doctors appointment (more needles....hooorah...)...at least I will be out of doors and breathing human air again! (woohoo)


The general word "the inside" is that Khabibulin will be dealt sooner than later.

And yes, not only do I understand the cap space issues behind making such a move, I also agree with the hockey pundits logic when they state all the clear reasons you would THINK that a team would never take on Khabibulin's contract RIGHT NOW.

But there's a rub, and one of the potential "players" (as in a source on one of the teams looking at Bulin, not an actual player) just tipped me off a little as to what may be happening.

The team that wants Bulin to win a Cup for THEMSELVES is not the team that will trade for him right now.

The team that wants Bulin RIGHT NOW is the team that isn't really going anywhere right now, has gobs of cap space, and the ability to play Bulin therefore increasing his value for the deadline.

There are four teams that I think SHOULD be trading for Bulin right now: The LA Kings, NY Islanders, Thrashers, and Maple Leafs.

Let's look at the Isles...

The Dipietro situation is "a big secret" right now. If he is out long term the following scenario is right up Garth Snow's alley. He is a great "outside-the-box" thinker.

The Blackhawks I believe would make the following trade:

Khabibulin and Cam Barker for Mike Comrie.

Are you saying to yourself that it is absurd? Is it?

Think about it. The Isles would LOVE to get Cam Barker for Mike Comrie right?

But why take on all that money from Khabibulin? Because you can ask for Barker to sweeten the deal and you can play Khabibulin who is in a contract year and just wait.

Just wait, and watch your investment grow...

As the deadline approaches a team with high expectations could always lose their goalie to LONG TERM injury. Look at the teams on the Cup Bubble...The Rangers, The Canadiens, The Pens, The Flyers, The Caps, The Sens, The Sharks, The Wild, The Canucks, etc...Any of those teams lose their goalie in Feb they fall behind in the race. No one wants to wish injury on anyone, but the reality is so many teams have a shot and those teams won't be comfortable making a playoff run with their backup.

So now you are the NY Islanders. You will be able to move Khabibulin for some serious value to the team that needs him. You will get #1 pick + a few good prospects. You know, something that teams "living in the now" are perfectly comfortable giving up.

So potentially the Ny Islanders could give up Comrie for Cam Barker (who many consider a true blue puck moving D-man that they need) AND a #1 pick?

The NY Isles are going to probably have a pretty good #1 of their own in the next draft (which is a killer draft) and they could take their #1 and the #1 for Bulin and move from say #4 to #2 overall.

And at what cost?

Paying another #1 goalie #1 money while their #1 gets healthy?

WHY NOT?
Join the Discussion: » Comments » Post New Comment
More from Eklund
» 14 Games Tonight with SO Much on the line. Previews and Picks
» Best Night of Hockey Yet..With Drama, Comebacks, Upsets!..Picks;Wed's Buzz
» 12 HUGE GAMES. THE BUZZTRON TELLS YOU EXACTLY WHAT WILL HAPPEN...
» Buzztron 7-3 last night. New Tie in Projected President Cup; Mon's Buzz
» The Buzztron Wins another Night Calling Leafs and Rangers Wins. Tonight?