I’ve written about the decision facing Anaheim in regards to Chris Pronger several times since the turn of the New Year.
I made it pretty clear that it’s obvious Scott Niedermayer is their guy in Anaheim and his decision on whether to retire or not will play a decent sized role in what the club does with their other Norris Trophy winner. (see story from Jan.26)
As we sit today, as long as the Ducks remain in the playoff picture the team will almost certainly hang on to Pronger.
No club is going to want to give up what it would take to land the former MVP without being confident in their ability to sign him to a contract extension.
I don’t see a team giving up what they may have to move in exchange for Pronger just to have him for a year and a few weeks.
No team is allowed to negotiate an extension with Pronger until July first of this year, with that being said they will certainly be made aware of his asking price before hand.
As long as the Ducks keep winning he won’t be leaving Southern California.
I’m a little confused as to why such a strong loyalty to Niedermayer over Pronger anyway? I’m not doubting Niedermayer’s Hall of Fame credentials but if it comes down to having Pronger for four more years or Niedermayer for one is the decision that hard? Obviously money is a major factor here.
The situation with the Blues and Keith Tkachuk is relatively cut and dry. We know the Blues want to see how they do in the next few games leading up to the deadline before making a final decision but the Blues are very well aware of the large task ahead of them. With five teams to leap over to crack the top eight in the Western Conference it will take a miracle to sneak into the playoffs. So factoring that in, the Blues certainly understand that if the price is right for Tkachuk they will have no choice but to move him.
Now, what can the Blues realistically expect in return for Tkachuk? It’s safe to assume Tkachuk’s agent gave the Blues a list of a few teams he’d be willing to go to. Don’t mistake that as meaning each of those clubs are interested in trading for the five time all-star.
We can only assume San Jose, Detroit, and Boston are on his list. If Boston is the only team interested in Tkachuk then how much can we expect them to offer up when they have no other competition for his services? For those out there hoping for a first round pick, I wouldn’t suggest holding your breath. The Blues might be lucky to get a second rounder. Don’t rule out Chcago as a possible destination for “Big Walt” as well.
The only way the Blues add a player at the deadline is if the player has three or four years left on his deal and the Blues feel it’s a guy that can really help the organization down the road.
The Ottawa Senators remain far apart with gritty forward Chris Neil. San Jose and Detroit are the leading contenders for Neil with Edmonton and Pittsburgh also showing interest.
If Detroit loses out on Neil they could turn their attention to Maple Leafs forward Jamal Mayers who has one year remaining after this season. If Ron Wilson isn’t going to use Mayers, then they might as well move him.
There already is some whispering going on behind the scenes involving Leafs GM Brian Burke taking a strong run this summer at the Sedin Twins as well as Canucks forward Alex Burrows.
Word is Burke has a strong dislike for Canucks GM Mike Gillis for how the Dave Nonis era ended in Vancouver and this could be an effort to drive up the price on all three players who the Canucks are interested in retaining.
Vancouver is looking for a puck moving D-man and a center before the deadline but are not looking to move valuable draft picks in exchange.
Coyotes GM Dave Maloney has made it clear that he has several players he’s willing to move including forward Olli Jokinen who has one year left at $5.5 million. Phoenix is desperate to move salary.
There is some talk that Boston who is looking for a puck moving D-man could be talked into moving promising forward Phil Kessel if the right player is involved.
There is no discussion between Montreal and D-man Mike Komisarek about a contract extension. The American defenseman will make some decent coin if he enters the UFA world this July.
I know there was a hockey trade made today but in reality there have been very little deals discussed up to this point among NHL GM's. Lot of talk and discussion involving players but vry few deals on the table.
Blues Clues!
It’s now safe to say Eric Brewer is out for the year after having back surgery several weeks ago. He has stopped skating as he continues to be bothered by a chronic nerve issue.
Former first round pick Ian Cole will not leave Notre Dame early unless he factors into the Blues plans in St. Louis. He won’t sign early to go play in Peoria.
Even though D.J. King is coming along after missing nearly the entire season with a shoulder injury, he has not been cleared for contact. It would be absolutely foolish to even think about placing him in the lineup and that’s why the Blues aren’t considering it.
Erik Johnson does not expect to have to wear a knee brace next season.
I had no problem with the NHL handing Cam Janssen a fine for his hit the other night against Phoenix. You lead with your elbows. With that being said it was a awesome collision by Janssen who has done an outstanding job performing in his role this season.
More to come,
Andy Strickland
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St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • 
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