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Rumors: S. Niedermayer to Van, Dubinsky for Cogliano? Props for Trotz...

November 23, 2009, 1:40 PM ET [ Comments]
Eklund
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Niedermayer to try and win one for his hometown team?

First off, I am told the Canucks have jumped to the top of the list for Scott Niedermayer. This is in no way surprising, and it is important to note that Niedermayer came about as close as you can get to signing a player this summer with their talks to Niedermayer. Also Scotty is a player who plays with passion on every level and has made decisions based on his heart before. When Scotty went to Anaheim many were surprised, but he went there to play with his brother and win a Stanley Cup. Now it is not a stretch to think that the team Scott may want to help the team he grew up watching as a kid in Cranbrook, BC.

Rangers talking to Edmonton?

They are two teams with expectations that are definitely now dealing with a mounting frustration. The Rangers can't keep the puck out of the net right now, and while they are playing exciting hockey behind Gaborik, who has been an absolute star this year, the Rangers are on the outside of the playoffs looking in. With all the money that has been spent, it is hard to imagine that being acceptable. Rangers fans, are you ok with where they now sit?

The Oilers have long had a desire to acquire Brandon Dubinsky and right now it makes some serious sense. Remember this past summer when Dubinsky was basically ignored by the Rangers in a bizarre paradox. It is because the Rangers wouldn't trade Dubinsky that they did not acquire Dany Heatley, and yet the Rangers and Dubinsky had a very contentious negotiation that ended up with the key piece to the blueshirts future signing a one year deal for less than $2M.

Dubinsky will again be an RFA this summer and I think there is little doubt that he doesn't test the market and search for an offer sheet. Dubinsky could bring some skill to the depleted

The Oilers have a player in Cogliano that could bring the Rangers what they need. Cogs has less offensive upside but is definitely the two way Center that could help the Rangers right now. The Rangers need some balance and some defensive minded players. Cogliano is a +3 on a team where players O'Sullivan and Horcoff are -11 and -10 respectively.

The emergence of Gilbert Brule has really made Cogliano dispensable. As many of you know, I was a huge fan of Brule going way back to when he was drafted and I am really happy that this solid player and person has found his potential.

Can we finally give Barry Trotz props?

Every year I hear the same thing. This is the year that Barry Trotz won't survive, and this year I have to admit I thought it could happen. Not because of any deficiency in Trotz, but because this Preds team just didn't possibly seam to have enough talent and how many years can a GM and a coach take so little perceived talent so far?

Well apparently at least one more year. Right now, Trotz would be my hands down winner for "Coach of the Year."

Look at the Preds.

*The Preds are 6 games over 500
*They are sitting in 6th place, 1 point and 2 points behind Colorado and LA front of them.
*The Preds have played 2 less games than Colorado or LA.
*The Preds are only 4 points behind division leading Chicago.
*The Preds are 8-2 in their last ten games.

But what is truly remarkable, and what just points HUGELY to the job Trotz is doing...

*The Preds have scored 62 goals and given up 64. Only 2 teams have scored less, but only 3 teams have given up less.

*The Preds leading scorer is JP Dumont with 17 points, but he has missed 7 games.
*The Preds leading Goal scorer is Arnott with 7 and he has missed 6 games.
*The Preds leading +/- is a +4 and is named Tootoo (actually Franson is also a +4)

Now granted, the West is ridiculously tight right now with the difference between 4th and 13 being a remarkable 5 points and the Preds have 31 points along with Dallas and Phoenix and are only listed in 6th based on the games played being less.

But seriously. Props for Trotz.

I will be back wth another update later this afternoon on the Montreal rumors and Kovalchuk..
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