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Ryan Smyth Rumors, Habs Goalies, Jason Blake, Berard, Chat 3pmET

February 19, 2007, 10:50 AM ET [ Comments]
Eklund
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Mondays are always a crazy day, but when you are 8 days from TD -Day (Trade Deadline Day) all bets are off. This is getting more and more interesting every day around here, so let's get to a few things buzzing around...

Word is that Ryan Smyth is just asking too much at this point for the comfort zone of the Edmonton Oilers. Of all the NHL teams that I talk with, I feel the Oilers may have the best long-term plan. It would be an extremely sad and almost devastating day when Ryan leaves Edmonton. He has been the face of this proud and amazing franchise for years now. He is the epitome of leadership. He is more valuable to Edmonton than he is to anyone else.

So the contingency plan has started. The Red Wings are the first team that has really shown interest, and I am told the Ducks and the Sabres may kick those tires today. Another source heard rumblings in a press box last night that the Leafs were also talking to Edmonton.

So does this mean the Oilers are sellers? I would think so, but my sources in Edmonton say they are NOT. Three different sources told me that "there is a plan, and Kevin Lowe may really shock some people. The Oilers are still hell bent on making the playoffs. After all they were pretty much in the same exact spot last year." Don't be surprised if Eric Brewer is an Oiler in short order.

A source said to me, "Ryan doesn't want to go, but also realizes that this next contract is the contract that will set his family up for years to come."

Ryan has been added to CLICK ON: The Chart.


The Sabres are VERY interested in Ruslan Fedotenko, and I expect that we could see something there in the next 24-72 hours.

The Canadiens are still scouting Philly quite a bit and word is that Robert Esche may be on the way to Habsland.

The Rangers are still trying to land scoring help. The latest player, Anson Carter {~).

The Sharks and Red Wings are also leading the chase for the Islanders' Jason Blake, a player that my sources firmly believe will be given an ultimatum this coming weekend. "Don't be shocked if Bergevin moves with Blake for a significant roster move.

Bryan Berard and Columbus is "not working out" according to sources today. The BJs should be able to get a nice return on Bryan with several contending teams looking for power play help...look to Atlanta.

And this is the tip of the iceberg today...

CLICK ON: The Chart to see the latest changing percentages.


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We all know the Flyers have their injury woes, but to tell you how bad it is, my 4-year-old daughter took our Simon Gagne Bobble Head doll to "show and tell" recently...(The letter was "h" so she brought in a "h"ockey player...) Anyway she came home in tears later on...She showed her class the doll and how the head bobbed, and apparently Simon was brutally decapitated buy 12 swarming pre-schoolers.

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Today I will be in the chat room at 3pm ET and then tonight at points during the Flyers game.
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