Update - 4:59: According to Tom Gulitti, Devils President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello declined comment on the Marek Zidlicky situation. I know he declines to comment on a lot of things but if it was false could he not just say it is? Would really help clear the air. The fact he didn't tells me that they are at least talking; which has been reported by many.
Update - 3:09: The sense I'm getting from reading all the recent reports out there is that Marek Zidlicky will be moved; but it's unlikely it will happen today. Minnesota Wild beat writer told me that Chuck Fletcher doesn't want to be boxed into talking trade with one team (New Jersey). Regardless of if Zidlicky will waive his NTC to certain teams, it sounds like Fletcher is going to engage in talks with others to help drive up the price for New Jersey - if nothing else. It will be interesting to see where this takes us.
Update - 2:21: Minnesota Wild beat writer Michael Russo tweeted out that Marek Zidlicky is meeting with Head Coach Mike Yeo right now. Russo noted that he thinks this marriage is close to being over; meaning, it appears as though his days with Minnesota are numbered.
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Darren Dreger of TSN started a buzz this morning when he tweeted out that Marek Zidlicky has agreed to waive his no-trade clause to come to New Jersey. Dreger noted that no deal was done as there was still some work to do; however, the sense many got from his tweet was that a deal was imminent. Ever since then, this story has been an absolute mess to follow and cover.
A few hours after Dreger reported that Zidlicky agreed to waive his NTC to come to New Jersey, Minnesota Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher told Michael Russo of the StarTribune that the rumor suggesting he's waived or been ask to waive his NTC is false.
Michael Russo, however, reported in his column today that even if Zidlicky hasn't waived his NTC yet "It’s clear Zidlicky wants to go to New Jersey, where he’s buddies with Patrik Elias and Petr Sykora." Russo also went on to say that "There is no doubt Fletcher and GM Lou Lamoriello have had a lot of conversations."
Nothing is done as of now but a couple things are abundantly clear: Marek Zidlicky wants out of Minnesota and New Jersey is his top choice.
The saying "where there's smoke, there's fire" certainly applies to this situation.
Quick Note: Michael Russo is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks are also interested in Marek Zidlicky.
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