Trade Talks Heat Up
In 2 weeks the NHL will face the much talked about Trade Deadline. Like every year, there have been big names mentioned, some of which may surprise you.
Yahoo Sports columnist Chuck Gormley wrote an article recently on the trade deadline, and section in particular really makes you sit back and wonder “what can we expect”…
Last February 27, overzealous general managers orchestrated 25 deals involving 44 players and 28 draft picks in the hours leading up to the trading deadline.
In the 26 days of February before that frenzied finale, another 24 trades involving 47
- Chuck Gormley, NHL@ Yahoo
It is perfectly safe to assume that we can expect a similar frenzy over the next 2 weeks. We’ve already seen one multi-player trade, with Ottawa sending Joe Corvo & Patrick Eaves to Carolina in exchange for Mike Commodore and Cory Stillman.
The big names this year however feature players whom people would least expect to be traded, such as Toronto’s Mats Sundin. He may be the heart and soul, and the leader of that team but it looks like he may be shopping for a new home come late February.
Rob Blake of the L.A. Kings, Brian Campbell off the Buffalo Sabres and Olli Jokinen of the Florida Panthers are 3 others whom many are shocked to see on the block.
Atlanta may be forced to trade Marian Hossa, knowing that he does not intend to stay come the end of the season. As they do have a shot to make the playoffs, trading Hossa could be a shot in the foot. If they keep him however, they risk not getting anything in return when he packs his bags as a Free Agent.
Mike Comrie is rumoured to be on the block in New York and Martin St Louis, who has been in many a trade discussion over the recent weeks is said to be a possible mover in Tampa Bay.
The Anaheim Ducks, who have struggled defensively even with Schneider, Neidermayer and Pronger on the blueline are said to be interested in Rob Blake.
Talk of the early season, the Dallas Stars may end up doing very little in the coming weeks, with the team having found it’s scoring touch and with Marty Turco tearing it up between the pipes.
One thing is for sure, we’re in for a fun ride over the coming weeks.
When looking at the latest NHL standings, many are rather shocked to find that annual bottom feeders of the last few seasons, the Phoenix Coyotes, are currently sitting in 8th spot in the Western Conference.
