Confessions of a Hockey Fanatic Takes on NHL Trade Deadline Day 2017

This year's Trade deadline day started off in the wee hours of Tuesday Feb. 28th with the Canucks starting their sell-off by sending the Jannik Hansen to the San Jose Sharks. It's still pretty taboo among teams and general managers to trade within the division. This will come into play later on in the afternoon.

There were a few trades that happened before the last 24 hours window, I think that pretty much set the market as far as who could get moved.

There were only two transactions this year where salary had to be retained Jarome Iginlas' was one of those transactions. The Avalanche are going to retain 50% of his salary. Could it be the best last chance of the Iginla Cup-chasing dream? The Kings are hoping so - after all it is an odd numbered year.

Then a rather shocking development happened within the last hour of the trade deadline show. The local team Pittsburgh Penguins have made a bold move by turning the valued defenceman Mark Streit, who was constantly burning the rival teams with goals, into one of theirs by acquiring him from Tampa Bay. I don't know if this was planned by the Lightning and Penguins, but it sure messes with the Flyers who probably didn't want a player of that caliber on a rival team.

I made a video of the day's highlights because I expected a rather dull day with plenty of wasted minutes just waiting for the reports and the tweets to come through with the news.
So, what do you think about the Trade deals made today and this week? Let me know in the comment box below.

Sabres and Jets Starts The Trade Season

The Buffalo Sabres attempts at earning the number one overall pick became even more obvious and the Winnipeg Jets have found the solution to the Evander Kane distraction by arriving at a stunning trade in anticipation of the NHL Trade deadline season. It's sure to provide talk for days as the hockey world of analysts have been discussing the back story and setting up the drama. Kane wanted out of Manitoba and the Sabres wanted to get even worse than they are this year.

To Jets:

1. Tyler Myers
2. Drew Stafford
3. Joel Armia
4. Brendan Lemieux
5. (Draft Pick)

To Sabres:

1. Zach Bogosian
2. Evander Kane
3. Jason Kasdorf

The Winnipeg Jets have made the better of the deal as it stands right now. They've gobbled up two of the highly sought after defencemen before any other contending team has. Myers, having the potential to grow into the spotlight as one of the biggest defencemen after Chara, brings the Jets to a playoff push. They've currently fought for the 1st wild card position and increasing their defence with both Myers and forward Stafford. It gives them more depth on the roster and continues the turnover from the remaining Thrashers roster. The prospects work great to again add depth to the Jets minor league development system.

Now, Evander Kane is the other side of the coin and it's the part that gets the most attention - mainly because the drama surrounding the Kane career in Winnipeg. When Kane isn't on his social media accounts doing push-ups with stacks of cash on his back or suffering one injury after another (or also allegedly hiding more recent injuries), being late to team meetings and subsequently hazed by his teammates, or allegedly skipping out on dinner tabs, It was a clear thing that the controversial player had worn out his welcome and become a distraction to the Jets. It's almost like a karmic sense of justice that he goes to the worst team (statistically) in the NHL and forced to watch them from the press box. Kane does have scoring talent with 109 goals and 113 assists in 361 games.

On a side note, the Sabres had also made a deal to toss their goalie Jhonas Enroth to Dallas for Anders Lindback. It doesn't seem like this is that big of a deal other than Lindback has the edge as a big body listed as 6ft 6in. tall.

Confessions of a Hockey Fanatic Takes on NHL Deadline Day 2014

What always feels like a great big national holiday, the NHL trade deadline is met with a lot of hype and anticipation from every hockey fan in North America. Any trade could make or break a team. In my opinion, the cascading result is going to focus onto some of the teams that are on the bubble (just out of the playoffs looking for a boost back in the playoff hunt). Toronto, Detroit, Minnesota, Dallas,.. I'm looking to each team to make a blockbuster deal at the 3pm.

As Penguins fans now know through learning the hard way, the way to build a championship team is through avoiding messing with team chemistry. They have been mentioned a couple of times linked with several

Let's take a look at the trades that have led up to this trading deadline thus far:

To the Florida Panthers goes goaltender Roberto Luongo (aka "strombone" for his twitter handle) for young prospect Markstrom.

To the St. Louis Blues goaltender Ryan Miller and Steve Ott for goaltender Jaro Halak and...

NHL Entry Draft 2013 Recap

Credit: NHL

Hosting the National Hockey League has become the try-outs to give the best impressions on the NHL selection committee to host a future All-Star game. But the marvelous weekend that has become the NHL Player Entry draft has become an event in and of itself. I've seen it first hand when it was here in Pittsburgh. The Prudential Center, in downtown Newark, NJ, had the unique flavor of the Devils fans and Jersey experience. They had a giant cake effigy of Martin Brodeur.

TSN took care of all the footage as the NBCSN in America just syndicated their feed. Why bother having it on NBC if they're just going to have someone else's talent on it?

Leading up to the draft, the Colorado Avalanche had time to think about the new direction they were going. They had a new front office with Avs legends Sakic and Roy. Were they going to make the new #1 selection by keeping it in the state by selecting Seth Jones knowing he would want to be an Avalanche. When the Avs won the earlier draft lottery, many fans felt as if the draft was fixed in the Jones' family's favor. But as the draft start time crept near, it was learned that Sakic and the gang actually coveted another prospect.
Nathan MacKinnon, of the Halifax Mooseheads and recent hero of the Memorial Cup, is a tall centerman that looks to be in the same Joe Sakic style. But instead of comparisons to the legacy hall of fame center, MacKinnon was immediately compared to Sid Crosby because he comes from the same Cole Harbor and studied at Shattuck-St. Mary's prep in Minnesota (much to the ire of many Crosby-haters in attendance.)

Listening to the TSN analysts in shock and disappointment believing that their #1 Seth Jones was passed over not once, but three times - finally going 4th overall to the Nashville Predators. His dad, Popeye Jones, was born and raised in Tennessee - so at least the family can show poetic justice.

Here is how the first 5 picks in the draft went:

1. Nathan MaKinnon - Avalanche
2. Aleksander Barkov - Panthers
3. Jonathan Drouin - Lightning
4. Seth Jones - Predators
5. Elias Lindholm - Hurricanes

How many former Stanley Cups champions are among those teams? I count 4. It just goes to show you that the League can get cyclical.

There were some trades that went on, but not quite enough as to what was expected in preparation to the July 5th FA Frenzy. But the biggest shocking deal made on the draft floor was felt like the spur-of-the-moment decision to send hot prospect goaltender Cory Schneider to the host New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider, was one of the goaltenders involved in the Vancouver Canuck goalie controversy where Roberto Luongo and his long term expensive contract wore out his welcome.

Cal Clutterbuck, a Minnesota Wild favorite, was dealt to the New York Islanders for Neno Niederreter. I'd call this a very fair deal. What do you think?

My hometown Penguins traded Tyler Kennedy to the San Jose Sharks to move up to the second round where they previously had no selection.

Lastly, the Toronto Maple Leafs picked up the Chicago Blackhawks intimidating center and Stanley Cup hero Dave Bolland.

In a final note, the NHL decided that it would be fitting that one of the last picks in the draft, Marty Brodeur in host team city New Jersey can draft his son to the New Jersey Devils. It's charming on one side, but nepotism on the other. What would an undrafted player say that Brodeur's son got taken over him?

COHF Takes on NHL Trade Deadline Day 2013

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Live Broadcast from BlogTV - NHL 2012 Trade Deadline

Check out the chat screen live here on Confessions of a Hockey Fanatic as I talk about the pending trades and those made at the deadline today. Please send in your questions at the blogtv.com website or check out the rumormethis website and live chat.
HockeyKnight- Broadcast your self LIVEHere is the live chat with real-time chatroom features about all the trade deadline deals.
Leave a comment in the comment box or wherever appropriate!

Heatley For Havlat Trade

"Shocking" doesn't quite describe the emotional response to the news late tonight that the Sharks have unloaded Heatley to a team that could desperately use him. To give up on his services this early means that the Sharks weren't as patient as they first thought they would be. But the real focus should be on the new direction of a Minnesota Wild team which lacked scoring and new coach.

Heatley has been criticized by the media and the NHL fans for not giving a full effort on the ice especially during playoff time. Fans and pundits should be amazed that there is one more team out there willing to take a chance on him. You can count me in that group. Heatley would have to prove something to me and a lot of Wild fans if he actually has something left in the tank.

Martin Havlat is the other side of the coin, to overuse another cliche. He's been misused in Minnesota and now looks to be on better terms with San Jose. Just make sure that Havlat's agent,  Allan Walsh, doesn't make use (or misuse)  of the twitter account again.

Havlat's scored 209 goals in his NHL career with 3 teams. But Heatley's proven more scoring power with 325 career NHL goals with his 3 previous teams.

It's also a minor subscript to this trade is that it was made as a "1 for 1" deal. No side deals or draft picks. Two disgruntled players were traded for each other in hopes that they could find change and a way up through changes in scenery - and uniforms.

[Via: NBC Sports ]

NHL 2011 Trading Deadline: Part 2

The remaining day to the trading deadline was just a mild surge of player transactions at best, which left a lot of pundits and hockey fans disappointed in the anticlimactic resolution. There was no blockbuster deal to be had. The teams on top of the standings decided to "dance with who brung ya." as the perception of others who are in the middle of the pack were the most active at trading deadline.

The biggest name that everyone would hope would be moved didn't. Brad Richards, a UFA at the end of the season, only wanted Ranger blue and the Stars weren't going to accommodate. It is sure to be a continuing story through the playoffs and rest of the season as to what Brad Richards will do.

But the biggest name on the list of people who did change jerseys was young forward Dustin Penner. From what I heard from the media who saw his press conference, he seemed more pleased to go back to Souther California. His time in Edmonton was a colossal underachiever as compared to his expectations when he arrived. I like this move for Los Angeles who now has a bankable player for the fans and their playoff push. They had to give up on a defensive prospect, but that is what the Oilers are looking to build on for the future.

Also moving to the Alberta province is Fred Modin. Can we call him a journeyman player now? NHL Home Ice on Sirius questioned this move as to where he fits in the perceived Calgary Flames.

Jason Arnott moved to Washington D.C. in a trade that sent "Crosby Killer" David Steckel. Which means that Penguins fans may see him a possible 6 more times next year as well as 3 more times before the end of the this regular season. Unlike most players today, Arnott got what he wanted by choosing to waive his no-trade clause to go to a contending Cup team. I like this move for the Capitals to add depth at center.

The last noteworthy trade saw the last remaining "Original Blue Jacket" Rusty Klesla, a blueliner for 10 years in Columbus being their first ever draft pick, got moved to Phoenix in exchange for Scottie Upshall and Sami Lepisto. It's an end of an era in Columbus, but perhaps it's time to turn a page and create a new winning tradition culture.

Of course, the news during trade deadline day does affect the other hockey leagues. With many prospects in the AHL and ECHL system, today also gets the attention from smaller markets to see if their teams gain anybody else new.

Overall, I would say that the media hype that gives this a day to talk about hockey in a 24 hour marathon is something that can create a festival-like atmosphere. When ideas and communication gets exchanged, something can always become of it - even if it's not always set to action. Perhaps the names that weren't called today will get their chance next season.

Welcome to the new trading deadline. Welcome to the new NHL.

NHL 2011 Trading Deadline: Part 1

Since the media has caught up to the hype and stratagems of the NHL general managers, the new media (i.e. Twitter and websites) have kept the grist of the rumor mill grinding. But as a whole, it's become a national media event at the trade deadline that becomes a festival of wall-to-wall punditry and various talking heads. There's even a Facebook campaign to make it a National holiday. Since I am unable to be in front of my computer all day as it happens, I will talk about the lead up to this point. Be sure to check back either later today or tomorrow with the rest of Monday's trades.

The lead-up to the NHL trading deadline has been a story of both patience and panic. It's a wonder if sometimes the GMs actually take a look at the fan-produced trade offers and derive some ideas from them. But the GMs most active during February are either the team struggling in a bad spot or

Two teams that have really arranged things lately are the Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs. Even with the results of trading to each other, the Leafs have gone 8-6 during February hoping that their push for the last playoff spot is not just a tease. Anaheim is quietly adjusting things to where ex-GM Brian Burke left it where they won the Stanley Cup. Bolstering up the defense with familiar faces and veteran goaltending, the Ducks are within striking distance of the playoffs.

I also like what the Pittsburgh Penguins had to do before the trading deadline. They needed help on the wings and got veteran sniper Alex Kovalev on the real cheap from Ottawa and James Neal from Dallas who looks like he can thread a needle. My source says that Shero isn't closing up shop for now, but it will be not as stressful come 4pm EST.

Boston Bruins impressed everybody by landing the biggest player rumored to be traded. Tomas Kabrle, a drama headache while he was in Toronto, got out of this deal a better chance of experiencing a deep playoff run and surely showcasing himself for a new contract. Boston also received Chris Kelly and Rich Peverley in separate deals which shores up the middle for Savard's absence.

Then there are the teams who seem to be just re-arranging the deck chairs, St. Louis, Florida, Colorado, and Ottawa have all made trades with the understanding that whatever they do, it will be for next season.

It's a pleasant surprise to see ex-Otter Brad Boyes go to the Sabres. It will make up for the loss of their captain from waivers.

Lastly, the one interesting trade thus far is veteran Brian McCabe going to the New York Rangers to help out a young defensive corps. I don't know how much of a return the Rangers are going to get out of him come playoff time, but it will certainly showcase him for a contract signing in the summer.

Kovalchuk Traded to Devils

The Atlanta Thrashers were primed to rid themselves of a real headache and today they were able to choke back the bitter solution. Ilya Kovalchuk (forever known here as "Kovalchick") was involved in a 5 player deal that sent him to the Atlantic division leading New Jersey Devils.

Lamoriello is known to have the keen eye for drafting talent, so it was only reasonable for the Devils having the best offer for the Thrashers as far as prospects go. John Oduya, Nicklas Bergfors and recently disgraced junior prospect Patrice Cormier and the Devils 2010 1st round pick make for an excellent return. Swedes, Johny and Nicklas, have been ready for the big time in Jersey and in an offensive minded team, perhaps they can have the opportunity to score with the talent they have.

Kovalchick, had been spending the past several weeks involved with a back-and-forth negotiations with the Thrashers management (who is already distracted in court) over a long term deal worth more than the Ovechkin contract.

The only real losers here are the loyal fanbase of the Thrashers who have watched Kovalchick develop into a top 5 player in the league. Looking around the blogisphere, you can sense the frustration of having another player skip town for more money or glory. Who knows how many more times will the fans will collectively cope with the perpetual heartbreak.

[Via: FOX Sports]

Heatley Traded to Sharks

The Dany Heatley vs Ottawa story has ended... for now.

The former 50-goal scorer was traded to the San Jose Sharks, along with a fifth-round pick in 2010 for forwards Jonathan Cheechoo and Milan Michalek and a second-round 2010 pick.

Even though some media pundits understood it was just a matter of time before Heatley was going to be traded, the main hold up was Ottawa being satisfied with the return value. When Heatley becomes troublesome again, will San Jose regret giving up Michalek and Cheechoo? If there was any doubt that Heatley wouldn't continue to open up to the media and provide another gem of insincerity, think again.

"I'm excited obviously, I'm excited to be a Shark," Heatley said. "I want to thank everyone in Ottawa, the organization, the fans, and the city. I had a great four years here (and) I'm happy to move on."

That would be a great example of a "left-handed compliment." Allow me to translate: "Hey, Ottawa, it's been real, but I really am glad I am not in your stinkin city anymore"

Unless these two teams meet in the Stanley Cup finals, the Sharks do not play a regular season game in Ottawa, but is scheduled to play the Senators in San Jose on December 1st.

[Via: Rogers Sportsnet]

Trade Deadline Deals

On one of the most busiest news days of the NHL regular season, the Trading Deadline, came and went with little blockbuster deals. For several hours this afternoon, bloggers, pundits and sports newscasters were all at a loss for commentary when the biggest name of the afternoon was Antoine Vermette to the Blue Jackets.

But once the deadline had been over and the time had progressed to the late afternoon, some of the more familiar names mentioned at the deadline were soon announced to have new teams. Olli Jokinen, considered the best available player, was selected to the Calgary Flames for a playoff push. Way to go, Calgary. Bring in somebody with absolutely no playoff experience whatsoever.

My Penguins shocked some pundits by grabbing up Bill Guerin from the hapless Islanders. This works out great for Shero who propped up his reputation for trade deals. Both my "Pittsburgh insider" and "Washington insider" say that originally Guerin was supposed to be a Capital, but the trade fell through for the Penguins to offer something else better. Guerin has Stanley Cups with two teams and is a great veteran for a young team. Later on, Mark Recchi, also went to Boston who offers some experience to get the young Boston Bruins some more respect as the top team in the East.

The last interesting trades to pop up were how the New York Rangers bolstered their playoff hopes with the additions of Antropov from Toronto and Morris from Phoenix. The blue line is the Rangers Achilles' heel and at least they have one guy on defense who knows what he is doing. Antropov's deal has conditions attached to how far the Rangers progress through the playoffs.

Edmonton has both guys named Ales.

And the last trade to go through at the deadline, the Maple Leafs decided to take a bunch of salary off Tampa Bay's hands in exchange for one of their minor leaguers. It raised a few eyebrows of concern, but the League said it was okay, and I want to believe them. It doesn't really affect the competitive ballance of the league and some of them are FAs at the end of the year. Could there have been a diamond in the rough for Toronto? Wait and see next year.

Hockey Trading Rumors Start Early

The season hasn't even begun yet, but some bored hockey writers still have to come up with new material. FOX Sports writer, Lyle Richardson, has come up with a list of stars that could be dealt during the course of the season if not at the usual trading deadline drama.

Surprisingly enough, I do not disagree with any of his team-by-team selections. He makes a rational argument for each one. However, I don't understand him mentioning that most of the players he has nominated for trade-bait have no-trade clauses in their contracts?

My view of trading speculation is always just that - speculation. The mainstream drive-by media will often post things like this as something to prompt reader feedback and participation. The key is to use certain topics like you would a deep poker hand. Use them when the advantage is at the highest.

[Via: FOX Sports & FOX Sports]

Players Traded During 2008 Draft

With the #1 overall selection a sure thing this year (just like every year), the real surprise tonight during the NHL 2008 Entry Draft is the marquee players who were traded.

Steve Stamkos is expected to be a great (and cheaper) replacement for former TB Lightning player Brad Richards. I have not seen this guy play in the OHL yet, but the hype surrounding him could vault his moniker's value to "household name". Could Stamkos be a star player that the NHL is looking for to go through the 21st century? Only time will tell.


Mike Cammeleri, once rumored to be traded to Pittsburgh, found himself given to Calgary. And that acquisition left Alex Tanguay expendable.

"I'm very excited," Tanguay told TSN's sister station in Quebec RDS on Friday. "I'm really like the style the Canadiens play and I believe it fits my style of play."

A Ste-Justine, Quebec native, Tanguay is coming off a disappointing season that saw him score only 18 goals and 40 assists in 81 games while hearing his name mentioned almost constantly in trade rumours.

"Alex Tanguay was not comfortable with the Calgary Flames," general manager Bob Gainey told RDS. "He was on our list of coveted players and was always available. At 28 years of age, I think could be on our team for several seasons."

I like this deal from both Montreal's and Calgary's point of view. Alex didn't work out in a defensive grinding system like Calgary's roster had been built. But Montreal now gets a Stanley Cup champion and 80 pts scorer, something that they could have needed to get them through some dry spells in the opening rounds of the playoffs. Tangay is a true top-line center, but could fit in nicely behind Saku on the #2 line.

My Penguins do not have a draft pick this year in the first 3 rounds. That's okay. We can't afford the cap pressure right now as it is. Look for the Penguins to take a defenseman to replenish the ones that we may lose July 1st.

Check out Erin Nick's blog as she is the greatest Ottawa blogger there covering the draft and relaying a lot of extra anecdotes of the events going in and around Kanata, ON.

[Via: TSN.ca]

Hossa Brothers Find New Homes at Trading Deadline

I had not heard anything all day because of my day job, but once 3pm hit, I was quick in the car to turn on Hardcore Sports Network (Sirius #186) and hear about all the draft day trades.

Anyway, the reshuffling in the league that occurs once every season at the trading deadline is fodder for water cooler talk and no real superstars getting traded other than Hossa to Pens and Fedorov to Caps. Kinda boring. But exciting if you are a hockey wonk like me and know who all the players are.

People here in Pittsburgh are a little giddy with Hossa's arrival but a little saddened with the loss of 2 very popular players in Armstrong and Christensen. Colby was widely known as the "comedic relief" that gelled a group of guys into a team. Colby and Erik grew up in the Penguins organization they both will be truly missed.

This trade has some shades of the trade that was made during the first Stanley Cup bringing over Larry Murphy, Ron Francis, and Ulf Samuelsson, but surrendering a very popular John Cullen. But mostly all Penguins historians suggest that the trade then had built the franchise into what it is today.

Marian Hossa is a great player and I am really glad that he is here so I can once again invest some of my pride in my family's Slovak heritage. Hossa's arrival will only make one dangerous power-play unit even scarier.

The wrastlin' obsessed The Pens Blog looked at the trading deadline as if it were a storyline angle (a.k.a. "WORK") That's true hysteria! That is Def Leppard-esque hysteria!

---

In an interesting twist of the day's trading action, Marian's little brother Marcel was traded from the New York Rangers to the Phoenix Coyotes in a 5 player deal. Has this ever happened before? Two brothers traded on the same day?

Yea! Finally A Trade!

This hockey season has been thus far uneventful for the blockbuster trade, so ANY trade that happens is big news. The Ottawa Senators, who are holding on to a top ranking in the Eastern Conference, is bringing in two key players from the 2006-07 Stanley Cup to get them over the hump and to the promised land of hockey greatness.

Mike Commodore, a fan favorite in both Calgary and Carolina, came to national recognition after starting the trend of wearing white terrycloth bathrobes. He hits big and scores big from the blueline. Stillman is an aging and often injure-prone forward, but still has a scoring touch. This looks like a real good change of pace for the Sens, which many message board fans quickly judged this a huge steal for Bryan Murray. But what did good 'ol "JR", Jim Rutherford think of his end of the deal?

"We're very happy to address one of our needs, making our defence more mobile and adding a player like Joe that can play on the power play," Rutherford told The Canadian Press. "Also, we view Patrick as a real character player, a real good young player that can fit into our style of play.

The Canes were playing inconsistent and underachieving for a team one year removed from the Stanley Cup. Maybe this makes Carolina a better team when something clearly wasn't working.

As for me, I am glad there is a trade to talk about. Whoopie!

[Via: TSN.ca]

NHL Trading Deadline 2007

And now for something completely different....

[Author's Note: I have enlisted the help of a certain professional who can help me grade the teams that made blockbuster deals at the trading deadline. Roger Smith is a formidable negotiator in a city with no memory of the past while living in a mansion with a butler and a monotone-speaking female android.]

Roger's Take: One of my goals as a third-party negotiator is to make sure all parties are satisfied, but it looks like a lot of fans (particularly in Anaheim and Alberta) are in a state of shock. I am going to grade each team's acquisitions before the deadline. It's show time!!!






Anaheim: Brad May knows GM Burke from their days with other teams. This was an easy round for Burke who didn't have to do much for a Ducks squad that has been hot all year. Grade C

Atlanta: This shake-up was bound to happen to provide a better support group around Hossa and company. It also shows that the Thrashers will go into the playoffs trying to regain their hold on the Southeastern Division. I like the Tkachuk and Zhitnik trades because it adds veteran depth to the later lines. Grade B+

Boston: They had a little whimper of a deal go through when Glen Murray was left dangling. Boston didn't have all that much to begin with, so they just did what they could. The good to come out of this is that they didn't hurt themselves and will wait for the off season.Grade C-

Buffalo: The Sabres must have a very short memory. Did they forget what happened in the Cup Finals? Ty Conklin will be on his 4th team in 2 seasons. The journeyman goalie won't be an upgrade when they had Martin Biron and his starting goalie level talent. Zubrus was in constant trade rumor talk and it is nice to finally see him go to a contender. Grade D+

Calgary: They only needed one player and American-born David Hale was that man. A 6'2" 220lbs. shores up a defense in desperate need of depth. Hale was getting lost in NJ and Calgary will see him break out while reaping the benefits. Grade A

Chicago: They didn't need to build for the immediate need, just grab up whatever they could to make the people of the Windy City believe they knew what they were doing. Nikita Axeleev and a few draft picks. Can't predict what this team will do with them later this spring. Grade C-

Colorado: Another team that didn't really need to do anything come deadline. They gave away a draft pick they could have used for themselves. Stupid. Grade F-

Carolina: They acquire Anson Carter before anybody else could. Risky move. But as of today, he has had very little return. Good Ol JR is sitting there with egg on his face. Grade F-

Dallas: Stars needed help with depth and a stopgap with all of the walking wounded currently occupying the IR. They didn't get that. Clever for Dallas to get Nordstrom reunited with Boucher to form some sort of comfort level on defense. Grade B-

Detroit: Red Wings fans caused the biggest stir of the trading deadline and acquired Todd Bertuzzi. Say, doesn't the Wings play Colorado often? Calder hasn't found a home yet, but he may do so with the Wings. Grade B-

Edmonton: Cap room. The Oilers got cap room to work with next year and the burden to play the bad guys as they watch another Canadian icon fly south and work for a team in the States. O'Mara is the part to a great return and the draft pick will later decide on weather or not this was a good deal. Grade D+

Florida: Addition by subtraction. Also, they get a fine young defenseman who carries the tradition style of Bobby Orr with him. Noah Welsh will be a good one. Grade B+

Los Angeles: Modry is a veteran that will hopefully remember that LA was the place he had done the most good. The #1 draft pick from Dallas is great. Build up the prospects while Jack Johnson gets ready. Grade B+

Minnesota: Dominic Moore is a great 2nd line center and will match up well in the Wild offense. A team with few true third liner checking centerman, Moore will adjust the line match-ups and straighten things out for the wingers when Wes Waltz was centering the first line. Grade A

NY Islanders: It is fun dealing other people's money, isn't it Garth Snow? I hope you are going to have all that money again once the cap comes up next year. Does your GM career ride on the dire need to make the playoffs or else? Getting what was thought of as "the impossible get" Ryan Smyth will set up the lifeless first line on the Island. And now Miro Satan has a playmate with Richard Zednik. Grade A-

NY Rangers: A lateral move just so Jagr doesn't have to look at A-Ward ever again. Mara is a warm body that will get the puck moving offensively. Grade C

Ottawa: They made only one move and it wasn't all that good of one. They already acquired Comrie so where Saprykin fits in on this lineup is an unknown. Grade: Incomplete

Phoenix: The FOG team had to get tougher on defense and younger. Carcillio and Bell make great acquisitions to at least get a foothold on a transparent blue-chipper field. Grade: B

Philadelphia: They got themselves a go-to goaltender for next year and committed grand larceny acquiring young Brayden Coburn from the Thrashers. Next they get Marty Biron from Buffalo and what a steal there! Even if Biron doesn't sign with the Flyers, they are in better shape than what they were in now. Grade A+

Pittsburgh: They got an aging winger who was never the same without his buddy and a one-trick pony from the desert. Shero is seduced by the idea that making the playoffs in his first year from one of the worst teams statistically last year is a miracle undertaking. The Penguins needed playoff experience so, Gary Roberts went to Pittsburgh just to piss off JFJ and the Leafs (or so the urban legend goes). Laraque will cause a lot of havoc on the ice and with the lineup come Thursday. Grade B-

San Jose: Excellent. They get their rent-a-player to jolt some life into the already heavy-loaded Sharks Powerplay squad. Billy Guerin will not let the Sharks get shut out in consecutive games anymore. It is a do-or-die situation before the Sharks cut their losses and rebuild differently once again. Grade A+

St. Louis: Boyes is already a journeyman player in his young career and it is only getting worse. How long will the Blues keep him once Johnson shows up at the door next season. Boyes might want to start looking for places to live in Peoria, IL. The first rounder draft pick is the salvageable position here. Grade D+

Tampa Bay: In Hockey Bay, safe is death. But so is a team that forgot what won them the Cup several years ago. Karl Stewart can play that third line checking center and Jason Ward the wing for what went missing since then. Grade B

Toronto: Grabbing up Yanic Perreault so that nobody else could was a smart move. They are on the outside the line, but flirting with a possible playoff seat. They have to outlast three teams to get there. Perreault's skills with the faceoff is known league wide as a lucrative commodity. Grade B-

Vancouver: I thought the Canucks got rid of Sopel for a reason? Like the Kings and Stars, the Canucks want Sopel to realize some of his glory years and find comfort with familiar faces. Grade C

Washington: Jiri Novotony is not a steal, but more like a rescue or liberation. He looks to be the next part of a puzzle that will join Semin and Nick Backstrom into the future of Capitals hockey. Grade A-


[Author's note: Roger Smith is property of Bandai Entertainment circa 1999. He has been "borrowed" without permission.]

da Floppah is latest Nashvile Star

The conclusion to all of the media hype and speculation about Peter Forsberg being traded has been written. Quickly rushing to the publishing block, sports writers and bloggers have all jotted down their opinions and evaluations of who got the better of the trade. "A rush to judgement" said hockey's trusted insider Bob McKenzie.

So far, nobody has put much thought into the stability of the Nashville Predators franchise when it is the giant elephant in the room that everybody is ignoring. Just like the Penguins, the Predators could wind up in a new home because as one blogger suggests, Music City provides a regular amount of cultural entertainment that rural middle-America (re. Caucasian country cowboys) causing them not to grasp the concept of the coolest game on ice.

Does this now provide a little more star attraction to the Predators where they can gain more attendance? We shall soon see in the coming weeks.

'This trade could be our defining moment and we didn't want to look back 20 years from now and wonder whether or not the Peter Forsberg trade might have made a difference on helping the Nashville Predators win the Stanley Cup.''

- Predators head coach Barry Trotz on the acquisition of Peter Forsberg.

Coach Trotz has it right on the money whereas this franchise needed a quick attention grabber even more that somehow stars like Vokoun and Paul Kariya have failed. But will the Predators even exist 20 years from now?

Forsberg returns to the Western Conference, a place where he saw more success than laboring in the East with the Nordiques and Flyers. He will no doubt wreak havoc on Red Wings fans who know him very well as an Avalanche player.

The Predators are now an instant Stanley Cup contenders and should they now figure out how to survive in the playoffs, they will arrive as the Western Conference representatives in the finals.

[Via: TSN]

Author's Note: da Floppah is a nickname Peter Forsberg earned for his aggressive playing style that has often had rival fans observing Forsberg tripping himself over opposing players sticks to draw extra penalties - hence flopping onto the ice.

Leafs Trade Prospects for Owen Nolan

After returning to State College from a brief vacation to see my brother perform as The Near Professionals, I checked my email & the news around the NHL world.

I was surprised to see that the San Jose Sharks had traded Owen Nolan to the Toronto Maple Leafs. In return, they got Alyn McCauley and Erie Otters standout Brad Boyes.

The trade looks great to the Maple Leafs who are looking to a strong push towards the playoffs. Their offence was lagging a little and looked for a way to boost a quiet Mats Sundin. I was really impressed with Brad Boyes having seen him play in Erie for major Junior OHL hockey. He looked to be a great prospect. Both new S.J. Sharks Boyes and McCauley have both been rumored to be offered to the Penguins for Alexei Kovalev.

The trading deadline for the National Hockey League is March 11th.