There is a very odd dynamic going on right now. Teams can throw stuff up the flagpole without fear. When trade negotiations usually are happening there is always one side, usually the side who feels they are getting the better end of a trade (which is often both sides), who is afraid to mention what they are working on to other GMs with fear that the other GMs will swoop in and offer a better deal and mess up their deal.

A trade freeze changes that dynamic. GMs can talk without fear that a better deal happens and they have no chance to top it. And they are absolutely talking.

So far today I have updated Brodeur, Hemsky, Daley and Ehrhoff on Eklund's Trade Rumor Chart

On Brodeur....

It is no secret that Marty wants one more playoff run. He is the best goalie of all time and if he wants that I have no doubt Lou will oblige. There is no doubt that Marty will return to work for the Devils and has a lifelong invite to do so...There are currently 4 teams I am hearing associated with Brodeur...and they are teams associated also with Ryan Miller. Brodeur definitely complicates things for the Sabres. The top two teams are Washington and Minnesota. I am not hearing Minnesota as a player for Miller, but I am for Marty...

On Hemsky...

The Blackhawks have been making some interesting moves as of late and my belief is they are building up assets to go after a top 6 forward...This might be the best bet there. Det, Pitt, and the Flyers are also interested...Hemsky will be a highly fought over player in a few weeks...at least if you were to base it on the amount of people discussing him at this point in the trade freeze...

On Trevor Daley...

There may be no better fit in Pittsburgh to help the Penguins than Daley. This of course even more so now that Letang is recovering from his stroke. Daley brings speed and two way play to whatever team he is moved to...as well as a reasonable contract. The Wild and Flyers also look to be preparing something for Dallas....Dallas could just hold onto him as well...they should...

On Ehrhoff....

He is a piece the Sabres are in no hurry to move, but the NHL has such a need for what he does that the Sabres have to listen. Boston, San Jose, and Phoenix are interested....that is certain.


more to come...

Join the Discussion: » 176 Comments » Post New Comment

» Panarin Suspension? Quinn Fired In San Jose; Buzzcast at 3pm

» UFA Season Starts Now. Top Five Centers.

» Four Games on Monday: Who Are Your Picks? Mon's Buzzcast

» Home Teams Ruling the Day. Will It Continue? [email protected]. UFA's Tomorrow.

» Get Ready for The Utah Outlaws.