The Following Players Have Been Updated on The NHL Trade Rumor Chart
Antropov, Guerin
It's getting dicey.
Here are some quick hits from the "Freaking out Five." (Alright too tired for alliteration...)
In Montreal...
The injuries and Kovalev's slow descent into nowhere land have certainly left the Habs fans scrambling for their 100-year-old lives as of late. I definitely suggest you read some of Eric Engels latest to get a feel for where the psyche of this team is. The Canadiens themselves are scouting heavily and looking to make a few moves while remaining a very stable and solid franchise at their core. They will make some changes, but not anything that cuts to their core unless Vinny or Jay Bo are involved...Then all bets are off. From talking to people, the real issue here is the "Jay Bo dominos." The Habs are a part of five or so teams that are waiting to see if and where Jay Bo goes.
And Jay will go. Or frankly Martin should go. There is not a single person in the industry that I have talked to who can fathom letting a player like Bouwmeester go for free after the season. "It would be cutting off your face to spite your nose," one source waxed eloquently.
However, can the Habs afford to wait that out? Not likely. I am hearing they have stepped it up with Phoenix regarding Morris as well as Toronto involving Kaberle. Beyond that, rumours of Tkachuk and Gaborik continue to pick up speed. And don't forget Vinny, because I was told today beyond any shadow of a doubt Vinny to Montreal is gaining possibilities and that "All the Habs have to do is put the right four players on the table and it is likely over."
The only glitch is that the Lightning are really playing better as of late, and the price is only going to get higher.
In New York...
Well the annual calls for the GM's and Coach's heads are out there and Renney being fired rumors aren't hard to find. I don't see Renney getting fired, although for his sake I am not so sure that leaving wouldn't be a good thing.
This Avery dance has distracted lately from the fact that this team is built one way and coached another way. It feels a bit too contrived, and a bit too public and while I am sure Avery will lend some spunk, a team of this talent level really shouldn't be hanging their hat on a PR Project.
The Rangers are trying to move Rozsival and may have a taker in Tampa if they are willing to take some money back. Also, the Sabres are said to have some interest in Rozsival as are the Ducks should they move Pronger.
The Rangers need direction and leadership. They could relly benefit from a strong player like Tkachuk. I have also heard they are talking to Chicago although I don't have any more details.
I know the Penguins would love to grab Prucha.
The Penguins...
Last year Sid made it known internally and quietly that he needed his winger. On trade day, the call came down and Hossa was a Pen. This year could be very similar. There is a rumor floating around that Martin St. Louis could be on the Pens radar. Now that would be a fit although I am certain that Vinny and Marty aren't both going to be dealt.
I have also heard Kovalchuk rumors this morning with Pittsburgh. A deal that would send Staal and much more to Atlanta. That is from a good source who told me to remember that other teams would be in on Kovalchuk if he indeed was made available. Mainly Toronto, the Rangers, and Montreal. However, none of them have Staal.
The Penguins need help up front and may deal Satan to do it...Unless they grab Billy Guerin who I personally think would be the PERFECT fit for this squad.
On Calgary...
Remember when this team dominated San Jose? Well since being on the top of the world they have definitely collapsed and we have seen more and more unrest out of what was believed to be the kinder and gentler Keenan.
Cammalleri could be dealt. He is another option for the Pens, but I truly feel that the Flames may be having their slump at the perfect time. This team is too good to panic.
On Vancouver...
The Canucks are trying and Ohlund could be the man to go...That being said Bieska could bring a lot more back and I heard just a whisper of talks with the Rangers for Dubinsky. Makes some sense there...
More to come including Season Ticket Holder Chat at 4pm ET and a HOCKEYRUMORCAST AT 5pm.
Quiet talks between Vancouver and NJ have been going on for over a year now. The Canucks love Gionta and the Devils love Ohlund. I am hearing that there may be finally some talks that could make this happen. At first glance one would ask why Lou Lamoriello would make such a move on a top team?
Finally, check out Shawn Gates Blog today on how to get free hockey cards!
more to come.
Thanks to many of you who are becoming a
SEASON TICKET holder of hockeybuzz. If you are still on the fence, not only does your twenty bucks support the site, but you get no more video auto-play ads, full access to
The NHL Trade Rumor Chart, Eklund Exclusive Chats, Special edition podcasts, free entry and better prizes in the fantasy games, insider emails and more. Thanks, Ek.
Join the Discussion:
»