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Rumour: Kesler for Stafford ... Part of Something Bigger? Wolski 1st Star |
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Rumours swirling today that the Sabres and Canucks may be working a deal that "involves Kesler and Stafford." However I am relatively certain that another team may be involved and that although Kesler and Stafford are rumoured to be involved, it is not a given that Kesler or Stafford stays with their new team for very long.
From the NHL...3 Stars
FIRST STAR -- WOJTEK WOLSKI, LW, COLORADO AVALANCHE
Wolski led all NHL scorers last week with six points (four goals,
two assists), including two game-winning goals, as the Avalanche
(22-19-1, 45 points) went 3-0-0 and moved into the eighth and final
playoff spot in the tight Western Conference race. Wolski tallied both
Colorado goals in a 2-1 victory over the Nashville Predators Jan. 6,
notched the game-winning goal and added an assist in a 2-1 win over the
Chicago Blackhawks Jan. 8 and recorded two points (one goal, one assist)
in a 5-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins Jan. 10. Playing in his third
full NHL season, Wolski ranks fourth on the Avalanche in scoring with 25
points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 41 games. He also leads all NHL players
in shootout goals (six) and shootout scoring percentage (six goals in
seven attempts, 85.7%).
SECOND STAR -- BOBBY RYAN, RW, ANAHEIM DUCKS
Ryan led all goal-scorers for the week with five, highlighted by
his first career NHL hat trick in a 4-3 loss at Los Angeles Jan. 8. The
21-year-old Cherry Hill, N.J. native became the first rookie in Ducks
history to record a hat trick and his three goals in a 2:21 span marked
the fastest three goals by an NHL rookie since 1938 (Detroit’s Carl
Liscombe, vs. Chicago on March 13, 1938, 1:52). Ryan also scored once
each in Anaheim victories over the Kings (3-1, Jan. 6) and New Jersey
Devils (4-3, Jan. 11). Since his season debut Nov. 16, Ryan leads all
NHL rookies in scoring with 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists) in 26 games
and has climbed to fourth in the overall rookie scoring race.
THIRD STAR -- GREGORY CAMPBELL, C, FLORIDA PANTHERS
Campbell recorded six points (two goals, four assists) and posted
a +6 rating as the Panthers (20-16-6, 46 points) won three consecutive
games and closed within one point of a playoff berth in the Eastern
Conference. He began the week by recording one goal and one assist in a
4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs Jan 6, notched one goal in a
4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes Jan. 8 and registered three assists
in an 8-4 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers Jan. 10. Campbell already
has set NHL single-season highs in goals (eight) and points (20),
ranking fifth on the Panthers in scoring.
FROM YESTERDAY...
It's coming my friends! It is in the air...Here are some quick hits..
Starting with Vinny LeCavalier...
Not going anywhere fast I am told. I would really expect that Vinny is going to be here at least through this season. From a source, "This summer, Montreal will make an enormous pitch that may be impossible to ignore." I have also heard that Flames have made inquiries.
As for Spezza, new rumours that Columbus may move for Jason. I have heard Nash and Leclair for Spezza and Volchenkov.
Kovalchuk rumours intensify every day, and will continue to despite Waddell not even listening to offers. Toronto, Minnesota, Edmonton and the NY Islanders are the top teams in this race including a rumour that the Isles would consider moving the first round pick that could potentially be Tavares for a "signed" Kovalchuk. That could end up landing the Thrashers Tavares AND Hedman.
The Leafs are working on a plan to sign Jay Bo this summer. A source last night at the game said it would be "Burke's #1, 2 and 3 priority." Given Burke's history of building through a solid defense, it makes all the sense in the world.
Jovanovski is once again in the Rangers sights. The Coyotes talk of trading Jovo, Doan, and even Jokinen is really kind of surprising given the teams play. Phoenix is still very much in a playoff battle right now.
Sources tell me that the Ranger and Penguins are both talking to the Blues regarding Tkachuk
more to come...
Note...
I will continue to update today as rumours come in, but it is my 41st birthday today and my INCREDIBLE wife surprised me and took the day off. She came into my office early this morning with a bunch of movies and snack foods! A perfect lazy day birthday present...Definitely recommend it!
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