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Rumors: Edmonton/Columbus Talking? Nash? Can Suter Be Bought? Luongo... |
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A few quick hits for you today as I am completing the summer UFA Trade/Rumor Chart which will launch at the start of the Stanley Cup Final...
On Edmonton/Columbus.
Make no mistake about it, the Jackets are none too thrilled they aren't getting the top overall pick in the upcoming draft. This draft was supposed to be the most important draft in Jackets history on so may levels. This draft will be the changing of the guard in Columbus as we will likely see the man who has represented Blue Jacket Hockey since their inception, Rick Nash, dealt away as the new face of the franchise is drafted on the same day. That face was supposed to be that of Russian superstar Nail Yakupov who some are saying would be able to do for Columbus what Ovechkin did for Washington. Some others wonder if the Jackets track record with young Russian superstars would shy them away from Nail...but those people would be very wrong.
Over the last week or so, even back to the just after that evil pingpong ball from Edmonton (perhaps oiling the ping pong balls in Edmonton helps) found it's way into the front of the pack, there has been considerable speculating that the Oilers and Jackets would swap picks. The Oilers really need to draft a stud d-man, and another superstar forward up front may put them into a weird spot. A spot where they simply can't find enough puck (and cap space) to go around.
Add to this the fact Blue Jacket GM Scott Howson is a product of the Edmonton system and all in Edmonton have the utmost respect and admiration for Howson and I truly feel this deal will indeed happen.
What "else" the Jackets have to give up to swap picks could get interesting and may help launch the timeframe up on a Rick Nash trade. One source said, "The Jackets could get a defenseman or a pick added to the Nash sweeps and then use that to make the swap, and due to the closeness between Howson and the Oilers franchise I fully expect Howson will be consulting with the Oilers as to what piece they would like added.."
On Ryan Suter
One source put it this way..."There are going to be a whole lot of disappointed teams when it comes to Suter. The places he wants to go are very limited." It appears that the Canadian teams, as well as the Eastern Conference big teams won't be able to just throw money at Suter after all. From various sources I have heard that he wants to either stay in Nashville or sign with either Colorado, Detroit, or Minnesota. When the playoffs began I would have put the chances of Suter signing in Nashville about 70%, however now I would say 45% that Suter returns....which, while it is a higher percentage than I would give to him signing with any other specific team, means I now feel the chances are slightly greater he is leaving Nashville.
On Luongo...
It looks now as if the Lightning are only willing to go after Luongo if Vancouver would be willing to take the Lecavalier contract...which the Canucks have zero interest in as of my discussions with them this morning...
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