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To see the most current team speculation on all the possible trade-able players and some comments updated regularly, go to
The Rumor Chart. Players are added and adjusted throughout the days as to what percentages I feel are their most likely destinations based on the hundreds of phone calls, emails, texts, IMs and telegrams I receive.
It has certainly been better theatre than usual around here...
It is always interesting to sort of test the mood of hockey people. We have been very accustomed to seeing even the biggest UFA's signed on July 1. Last year, when Brad Richards waited until the second day, he said it would be announced at noon, and it was. Brad sort of forged the way for Parise and Suter with the concept of "this is a major life decision, I can take my time." On July 1 it wasn't even expected to see on of these guys signed.
So yesterday when Parise emerged from the hallowed halls of Newport to speak, all remaining UFAs and all 30 teams held their hands on the remote...preparing to "un-pause" the Free Agent Frenzy only to have to place the remote back on the stand when Zach announced he wasn't ready yet to decide.
It was quite the buzzkill, but then again...it is Parise's right. Suter, for his part, didn't even pretend to be close to a decision...
Soon after we saw a few trickles of the Free Agent Frenzy as Dallas and Buffalo pulled the trigger, and then last night, Mr Jokinen was jetted off to Winnipeg.
But still we sit and we wait. And while the UFA's may continue to trickle it's the trades that are really being held up right now...
In many years the Rick Nash trade would be enough to keep us entertained...right now, the Nash deal is just a fun act to come after all hell breaks loose.
I always say there is a huge difference in what I do when it comes to reporting rumors and reporting signings...I am not about making predictions, but we are in between the second and third intermission of overtime here...and we need programming!
So here is how I will predict this plays out...(only for entertainment purposes please no wagering.)
#1. Parise will announce he is signing with the Blackhawks around 5pm. (because that will be the time at which I will have sent my loving family to the beach for tonight and the 4th of July and I won't be able to attend with them if he waits that long...)
#2. Suter will announce he is signing shortly after with the Red Wings.
#3. The Predators or Flyers will then sign Matt Carle
#4. The Flyers or Rangers will trade for Bobby Ryan
#5. The Oilers or Stars will sign Jagr. Although the Coyotes will make a last minute offer.
#6. Alexander Semin will then sign with Detroit.
#7 . Whoever DOESN't get Bobby Ryan of (Flyers or Rangers) will duel with the Sharks and possibly Hurricanes for Rick Nash. And shock above shock, the Leafs will get back in on the Nash sweeps despite having been emphatic about NOT being in on Nash. (just a prediction, no need to get all riled up)
#8 The Leafs will also make a "take it or leave it offer" for Luongo and get him. The Panthers will realize they have a great future in goal already and the top 6 forward they have said no to repeatedly demanded by Vancouver will remain a Panther.
#9 The Hawks will make a huge pitch to trade for Bernier.
#10 The Wings will acquire Yandle to go along with Suter.
Or NONE of this will happen. Anything is possible...thats what makes this fun. If you are taking this stuff too seriously you are missing out on a very good time.
Cheers
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