You gotta love it...
Oh yeah!!! I can't wait to hear that chant tonight during the game....in Philly!
The Official M.E.R.B. Hockey Thread
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Oh yeah!!! I can't wait to hear that chant tonight during the game....in Philly!
Wrong thread, my very confused scabs-loving friend. Wrong thread. This belongs in the Leafs thread. Capiche?
Today's news & rumors around the NHL (as reported by ESPN)
Talk of Marleau to Flames
There's a good chance Patrick Marleau will leave the San Jose Sharks this summer via free agency, and already there's speculation on where he might end up.
We already know the Los Angeles Kings are reportedly ready to do something big in free agency and that likely means the Kings will target Marleau and Ilya Kovalchuk.
Also, the San Francisco Chronicle adds that that Calgary Flames might look at Marleau, as well, but the Flames are very tight on budget and they won't be able to bring him in unless they deal away one of their marquee players -- perhaps Jay Bouwmeester, Miikka Kiprusoff or Robin Regehr.
SJ Sharks' goalie future
There's a good possibility the San Jose Sharks part ways with Evgeni Nabokov as the 34-year-old is in the last year of his contract.
And if they do, can they get better?
That was the big question ESPN The Magazine's E.J. Hradek had after the Sharks loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. He said, "Do you re-sign Nabokov, who's getting a little long on the tooth now, and hasn't done it for you in several year? ... If they decide to go elsewhere, whose out there? Is it Marty Turco as a free agent or do you trade for someone?"
In the trade market, we know Tomas Vokoun, possibly Tim Thomas and either Carey Price or Jaroslav Halak will be available. However, there are questions about all of them and, despite Nabokov's inability to come up with the big save, the Sharks could still decide they're better off with him.
Kovalchuk to KHL? Not so fast
We were perhaps right to be skeptical of Russian reports saying Ilya Kovalchuk has agreed to play for the KHL club St Petersburg. Those sources are often unreliable and, as a source close to Kovalchuk told the New York Post, "Don't jump to conclusions."
Similarly, the report said Alexander Frolov, but that seems to be more believable since he's rumored to be seeking more money than any NHL team is willing to offer.
Back to Kovy: He said he would listen to KHL offers and, as ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun previously reported, the KHL will offer him something absurd -- around $12 million a year. But even so, Kovy may pass that up, according to his former GM Don Waddell, who tried to negotiate an extension with him in Atlanta.
In the NHL, the Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche could are two of the teams that will likely try to lure Kovy to their city.
Kovy is looking for something in the $10 million range, but most analysts seem to think he'll end up around $8 million. He wants to sign with a stable contender, which we know from the saga in Atlanta where he turned down an exorbitant amount of money.
Tim Thomas trade very unlikely
So much for all the Tim Thomas trade talks.
The 36-year-old goalie underwent hip surgery and will be out three to four months, which might make it tough to trade the former Vezina winner, the Boston Globe write. But the other way to look at this is that the reason Thomas struggled was his nagging hip, but it's unlikely another team will take that kind of risk on an old goalie carrying a big cap hit.
In addition, Thoma may not waive his no-trade clause because of his family. And, secondly, the Bruins might want to keep him around for a little longer in case Tuukka Rask stumbles in his second year.
The Globe writes, "Their best move now may be to keep the 36-year-old Thomas, expecting that he will recover fully, be motivated from his challenging 2009-10 season, and battle Rask for the No. 1 role." And Thomas has said that's what he has in mind, as well.
Boston keeping Wideman....for now
Dennis Wideman had a frustrating year and, although some believe he'll be trade bait soon, the Boston Globe writes that the Bruins will keep him because there's a lack of puck-moving defensemen in the organization.
But that means Wideman needs to play well, like he did in the playoffs, and not like his regular-season self. If he struggles again, the Boston Herald thinks there's a possibility the Bruins deal him.
However, the Globe writes, "Wideman has two years ($3.875 million annually) remaining on his contract. Considering his assets, it's a good bet he'll play out his deal in Boston."
But remember: The Bruins have several high selections in the draft -- four in the first two rounds. So GM Peter Chiarelli could use those to bring in and dump players at the draft. In addition, there have been rumors that the Bruins want to trade for Tomas Kaberle this offseason, which would make Wideman more expendable.
Talk of Marleau to Flames
There's a good chance Patrick Marleau will leave the San Jose Sharks this summer via free agency, and already there's speculation on where he might end up.
We already know the Los Angeles Kings are reportedly ready to do something big in free agency and that likely means the Kings will target Marleau and Ilya Kovalchuk.
Also, the San Francisco Chronicle adds that that Calgary Flames might look at Marleau, as well, but the Flames are very tight on budget and they won't be able to bring him in unless they deal away one of their marquee players -- perhaps Jay Bouwmeester, Miikka Kiprusoff or Robin Regehr.
SJ Sharks' goalie future
There's a good possibility the San Jose Sharks part ways with Evgeni Nabokov as the 34-year-old is in the last year of his contract.
And if they do, can they get better?
That was the big question ESPN The Magazine's E.J. Hradek had after the Sharks loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. He said, "Do you re-sign Nabokov, who's getting a little long on the tooth now, and hasn't done it for you in several year? ... If they decide to go elsewhere, whose out there? Is it Marty Turco as a free agent or do you trade for someone?"
In the trade market, we know Tomas Vokoun, possibly Tim Thomas and either Carey Price or Jaroslav Halak will be available. However, there are questions about all of them and, despite Nabokov's inability to come up with the big save, the Sharks could still decide they're better off with him.
Kovalchuk to KHL? Not so fast
We were perhaps right to be skeptical of Russian reports saying Ilya Kovalchuk has agreed to play for the KHL club St Petersburg. Those sources are often unreliable and, as a source close to Kovalchuk told the New York Post, "Don't jump to conclusions."
Similarly, the report said Alexander Frolov, but that seems to be more believable since he's rumored to be seeking more money than any NHL team is willing to offer.
Back to Kovy: He said he would listen to KHL offers and, as ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun previously reported, the KHL will offer him something absurd -- around $12 million a year. But even so, Kovy may pass that up, according to his former GM Don Waddell, who tried to negotiate an extension with him in Atlanta.
In the NHL, the Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche could are two of the teams that will likely try to lure Kovy to their city.
Kovy is looking for something in the $10 million range, but most analysts seem to think he'll end up around $8 million. He wants to sign with a stable contender, which we know from the saga in Atlanta where he turned down an exorbitant amount of money.
Tim Thomas trade very unlikely
So much for all the Tim Thomas trade talks.
The 36-year-old goalie underwent hip surgery and will be out three to four months, which might make it tough to trade the former Vezina winner, the Boston Globe write. But the other way to look at this is that the reason Thomas struggled was his nagging hip, but it's unlikely another team will take that kind of risk on an old goalie carrying a big cap hit.
In addition, Thoma may not waive his no-trade clause because of his family. And, secondly, the Bruins might want to keep him around for a little longer in case Tuukka Rask stumbles in his second year.
The Globe writes, "Their best move now may be to keep the 36-year-old Thomas, expecting that he will recover fully, be motivated from his challenging 2009-10 season, and battle Rask for the No. 1 role." And Thomas has said that's what he has in mind, as well.
Boston keeping Wideman....for now
Dennis Wideman had a frustrating year and, although some believe he'll be trade bait soon, the Boston Globe writes that the Bruins will keep him because there's a lack of puck-moving defensemen in the organization.
But that means Wideman needs to play well, like he did in the playoffs, and not like his regular-season self. If he struggles again, the Boston Herald thinks there's a possibility the Bruins deal him.
However, the Globe writes, "Wideman has two years ($3.875 million annually) remaining on his contract. Considering his assets, it's a good bet he'll play out his deal in Boston."
But remember: The Bruins have several high selections in the draft -- four in the first two rounds. So GM Peter Chiarelli could use those to bring in and dump players at the draft. In addition, there have been rumors that the Bruins want to trade for Tomas Kaberle this offseason, which would make Wideman more expendable.
actually i heard on one of the broadcasts that the philly fans are actually singing "No Way, no way no way no way, NO WAY., NO WAY!!!!!!!!" as a way to mock the habs fans lol, seems appropriate coming from Philly fans, LOL
Oh yeah!!! I can't wait to hear that chant tonight during the game....in Philly!
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Patrick Marleau to the Leafs makes sense
by Jeff Blair, The Globe and Mail
Go ahead: buy your Patrick Marleau Toronto Maple Leafs jerseys.
Let’s cut all the garbage: Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke said last week that he wanted to add a first line winger with some muscle and scoring touch. This isn’t “moving heaven and earth” to get John Tavares. The draft was too big a puzzle to pull that off.
But throwing money at a guy? Burke can do that better than anybody and remember: for better or worse he usually does what he says he’ll do.
So never mind the song and dance that’s going to follow. Or that Marleau doesn’t mind San Jose – there are few places I’d rather live than the Bay area, too. Of that it’s such an obvious marriage that a true skeptic would shake their head and say: ‘Nah, too obvious. Never happen.’ But if Marleau really wants to think about it, he’ll realize that even though the Leafs have their own warped history – 1967 and all that - being on the same team as Dany Heatley dooms him because Heatley is the ‘Typhoid Mary’ of NHL players: he brings nothing but bad karma with him. He’s like the ‘Old Maid’ of NHL players … the guy you don’t want to be stuck with.
Patrick Marleau.
Leaf.
Get used to it.
Oh, and if you’re looking for some baseball to read lemme save you the trip around the internet: this piece from Bob Klapisch is the best thing out there today.
Hey … you’re welcome ….
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/unwritten-rules/marleau-to-toronto-makes-sense/article1579321/
by Jeff Blair, The Globe and Mail
Go ahead: buy your Patrick Marleau Toronto Maple Leafs jerseys.
Let’s cut all the garbage: Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke said last week that he wanted to add a first line winger with some muscle and scoring touch. This isn’t “moving heaven and earth” to get John Tavares. The draft was too big a puzzle to pull that off.
But throwing money at a guy? Burke can do that better than anybody and remember: for better or worse he usually does what he says he’ll do.
So never mind the song and dance that’s going to follow. Or that Marleau doesn’t mind San Jose – there are few places I’d rather live than the Bay area, too. Of that it’s such an obvious marriage that a true skeptic would shake their head and say: ‘Nah, too obvious. Never happen.’ But if Marleau really wants to think about it, he’ll realize that even though the Leafs have their own warped history – 1967 and all that - being on the same team as Dany Heatley dooms him because Heatley is the ‘Typhoid Mary’ of NHL players: he brings nothing but bad karma with him. He’s like the ‘Old Maid’ of NHL players … the guy you don’t want to be stuck with.
Patrick Marleau.
Leaf.
Get used to it.
Oh, and if you’re looking for some baseball to read lemme save you the trip around the internet: this piece from Bob Klapisch is the best thing out there today.
Hey … you’re welcome ….
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/unwritten-rules/marleau-to-toronto-makes-sense/article1579321/
German defenceman poised to join Maple Leafs
For the Maple Leafs, defenceman Korbinian Holzer is like found money.
A draft pick from another era — he was selected 111th overall in 2006 during the John Ferguson regime — from a place not exactly known for pumping out prospects, Holzer’s game has quietly blossomed to the point that it is almost NHL ready. And the Leafs are poised to cash in.
Holzer is an 18-minute-a-game stalwart on the host German team that has stunned the hockey community by reaching the semifinals of the world championship for the first time since the current format was introduced in 1992.
Soon after the Germans face the heavily-favoured Russians on Saturday, it is expected that Holzer will sign a contract with the Leafs. The 6-foot-3 blueliner will attend Toronto’s training camp in September and, likely, be assigned to the AHL Marlies for further acclimatizing to the smaller North American rinks. But the 22-year-old’s progress isn’t expected to stop there.
“I think this kid has a real good chance to play in the National Hockey League in the next two years because he’s . . . intelligent and he has above average skating ability for a guy his size,” says Toronto general manager Brian Burke, who met with him while in Germany heading up the American entry in the tournament.
“He’s a wide load — my kind of defenceman — but he’s skilled; European skill level.”
Holzer’s presence helps maintain a Toronto angle to the IIHF championship long after Team Canada flamed out. Nikolai Kulemin is on the Russian squad. (Burke, by the way, notes there has been no progress in contract talks with the soon-to-be restricted free agent.) In the other semi, Sweden has a hat trick of Leafs in Jonas Gustavsson, Carl Gunnarsson and Rickard Wallin that will face a Czech-team of mostly Euro-based players.
“Nobody expected us to be in the semifinals. It’s a good feeling to see how the whole country is getting into it,” said Holzer in a telephone interview on the eve of the semis.
“We’re going into the game (against Russia) to win the game, that’s for sure. We didn’t come this far to lose to the Russians by five goals or something. We’re going to give them a fight.”
Whatever the result, Uwe Krupp, the head coach of the German squad and a Stanley Cup-winning defenceman with the Colorado Avalanche, also believes Holzer is ready to make the move to the North American game
Twice during the world championship, Burke ended up in the gym at his Cologne hotel working out at the same time as Krupp and understandably the conversation turned to Holzer’s progress.
“Uwe said this kid is ready to play, he’s ready to make the shift over and play on the smaller rink,” recounted Burke. “The one thing he says is that he’s got to have a harder finish to his game.”
Burke said that’s just the difference between playing defence in Europe and the NHL but he is confident Holzer, who thinks the game well and makes a smart first pass, will grow to have that edge.
“In European hockey, they bodycheck and as long as they separate the player from the puck, that’s okay, that’s a good check,” explained Burke.
“We want a harder finish on those checks and a little more of a statement when you hit a guy. Don’t just separate him from the puck, thump the guy if you can. Discourage him. We think that’s going to develop.”
Burke was undoubtedly encouraged when a melee erupted at the end of Germany’s 1-0 win over Switzerland in the quarterfinals. There in the middle of it was Holzer. He was assessed 14 minutes in penalties once the bodies were pulled apart.
“I have to get used to more physical play because there’s not that much in Europe or Germany,” said the Munich-born Holzer. “(In North America) you always have to be ready to hit and get hit. That’s probably the biggest challenge when I go over there. But it was like that at the Olympics and I really liked that game. It was faster and more physical and way more fun to play.”
For the Maple Leafs, defenceman Korbinian Holzer is like found money.
A draft pick from another era — he was selected 111th overall in 2006 during the John Ferguson regime — from a place not exactly known for pumping out prospects, Holzer’s game has quietly blossomed to the point that it is almost NHL ready. And the Leafs are poised to cash in.
Holzer is an 18-minute-a-game stalwart on the host German team that has stunned the hockey community by reaching the semifinals of the world championship for the first time since the current format was introduced in 1992.
Soon after the Germans face the heavily-favoured Russians on Saturday, it is expected that Holzer will sign a contract with the Leafs. The 6-foot-3 blueliner will attend Toronto’s training camp in September and, likely, be assigned to the AHL Marlies for further acclimatizing to the smaller North American rinks. But the 22-year-old’s progress isn’t expected to stop there.
“I think this kid has a real good chance to play in the National Hockey League in the next two years because he’s . . . intelligent and he has above average skating ability for a guy his size,” says Toronto general manager Brian Burke, who met with him while in Germany heading up the American entry in the tournament.
“He’s a wide load — my kind of defenceman — but he’s skilled; European skill level.”
Holzer’s presence helps maintain a Toronto angle to the IIHF championship long after Team Canada flamed out. Nikolai Kulemin is on the Russian squad. (Burke, by the way, notes there has been no progress in contract talks with the soon-to-be restricted free agent.) In the other semi, Sweden has a hat trick of Leafs in Jonas Gustavsson, Carl Gunnarsson and Rickard Wallin that will face a Czech-team of mostly Euro-based players.
“Nobody expected us to be in the semifinals. It’s a good feeling to see how the whole country is getting into it,” said Holzer in a telephone interview on the eve of the semis.
“We’re going into the game (against Russia) to win the game, that’s for sure. We didn’t come this far to lose to the Russians by five goals or something. We’re going to give them a fight.”
Whatever the result, Uwe Krupp, the head coach of the German squad and a Stanley Cup-winning defenceman with the Colorado Avalanche, also believes Holzer is ready to make the move to the North American game
Twice during the world championship, Burke ended up in the gym at his Cologne hotel working out at the same time as Krupp and understandably the conversation turned to Holzer’s progress.
“Uwe said this kid is ready to play, he’s ready to make the shift over and play on the smaller rink,” recounted Burke. “The one thing he says is that he’s got to have a harder finish to his game.”
Burke said that’s just the difference between playing defence in Europe and the NHL but he is confident Holzer, who thinks the game well and makes a smart first pass, will grow to have that edge.
“In European hockey, they bodycheck and as long as they separate the player from the puck, that’s okay, that’s a good check,” explained Burke.
“We want a harder finish on those checks and a little more of a statement when you hit a guy. Don’t just separate him from the puck, thump the guy if you can. Discourage him. We think that’s going to develop.”
Burke was undoubtedly encouraged when a melee erupted at the end of Germany’s 1-0 win over Switzerland in the quarterfinals. There in the middle of it was Holzer. He was assessed 14 minutes in penalties once the bodies were pulled apart.
“I have to get used to more physical play because there’s not that much in Europe or Germany,” said the Munich-born Holzer. “(In North America) you always have to be ready to hit and get hit. That’s probably the biggest challenge when I go over there. But it was like that at the Olympics and I really liked that game. It was faster and more physical and way more fun to play.”
Yeah, I'm sure Marleau (a guy who hates the media glare) wants to be reunited with Ron Wilson ( who routinely called him out in SJ) - NOT!
The only free agents Burke will be landing are third and fourth-liners with limited or no options who will find the Leafs appealing (as they have in the past). The better players will look to – and land in – more hopeful circumstances around the league, basically every other team in the NHL but Toronto!
this comment sums it up:
Why is it that every Toronto writer and every Leaf fan deludes themselves into thinking that every player in the league is just dying to play for the Leafs?
Fact is, there are 29 better places to play. And that's just in North America. Get used to it.
Hello all,
It's early in the game as the Flyers lead 3-1 with 12:00 apx left in the 2nd period. I really don't care which way it goes in the end at all. I just hope the city of Montreal doesn't have to go through any more of the wanton behavior and destruction that runs parallel to the conclusion (whenever that may be) of these hockey series. It's been disgraceful and inexcusable...whomever does it.
sympathies,
Merlot
It's early in the game as the Flyers lead 3-1 with 12:00 apx left in the 2nd period. I really don't care which way it goes in the end at all. I just hope the city of Montreal doesn't have to go through any more of the wanton behavior and destruction that runs parallel to the conclusion (whenever that may be) of these hockey series. It's been disgraceful and inexcusable...whomever does it.
sympathies,
Merlot
Nice to be able to make up your own rules isn't it Doc? GHG is just doing what you do all the time - putting a link to a legitimate hockey article.
What's even MORE funny is that GHG put a link to this very same article on April 11 and you didn't complain then - in fact, a few days later YOU posted a link to the second part of the SAME article. Too bad your memory is about as accurate as your hockey knowledge. Capiche?
Here was GHG's first posting of the article, back on April 11th, which Doc obviously could not remember.
And here was where Doc posted the second half of the article back on April 14th (3 days after GHG posted both parts!) - which Doc obviously ALSO can't remember.
Hey, that's okay Doc - after all, most people can't remember the last time the leafs played in the finals of the Cup. (Hint: think pre-expansion).
A great run for the Habs, but like all good things ….
Congratulations to the Flyers, but I think Chicago in five.
Congratulations to the Flyers, but I think Chicago in five.
Hello GHG,
Classy post.
It was a great run by the Habs...sorry to see it end.
Congrats to Les Canadiens de Montréal and thier fans for a great season.
While it did not culminate in the ultimate - bringing the cup back to Canada - it was none the less a success in many ways and a great ride. The team should be proud. The Habs accomplished feats in these playoff games that no team had done since the inception of the current playoff format in 1994. Way to go Habs!
Have fun,
Jman
Well said but... to me it doesn't make any difference now.
As long as they beat themselves up and go for 7 games.
I don't mind. This is coming from this board's #1 cyberstalker, after all.
Close: it's actually the board's # 1 conscience.
more like the #1 ....... well, this is the friendly Hockey thread so, use your imagination everyone!
Today's news & rumors around the NHL (as reported by ESPN)
Rumors of Marleau signing with Leafs persist
Patrick Marleau says he likes San Jose, but that's never stopped anyone from testing the free agent market, which he'll likely do.
And now we have a report that says the Toronto Maple Leafs could land the veteran forward. Leafs GM Brian Burke has said he'll chase a top-line winger, and outside of Ilya Kovalchuk -- who he said he would not pay $10 million a year -- Marleau is the next choice. Now, the Leafs need to clear up some cap space, because he's expected to demand at least $7 million a year. Some of that cap space might come via a Tomas Kaberle trade.
A more likely landing spot, however, might be the Los Angeles Kings, who are ready to do something big in free agency. This likely means the Kings will target Marleau and Ilya Kovalchuk.
Also, the San Francisco Chronicle adds that that Calgary Flames might look at Marleau, as well, but the Flames are very tight on budget and they won't be able to bring him in unless they deal away one of their marquee players -- perhaps Jay Bouwmeester, Miikka Kiprusoff or Robin Regehr. But that move would finally bring a solid centerman to Calgary for Jarome Iginla.
Habs trade plans
Outside of the goalie situation, which we covered in this post, the Montreal Canadiens may be looking to trade a handful of other players for cap reasons.
There has been speculation that Andrei Kostitsyn and Roman Hamrlik could be dangled, as well as the trouble Sergei Kostitsyn, but these players aren't exactly valuable commodities so it might be tough to find suitors for them.
That said, there has also been some speculation that Andrei Markov could be dealt because he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season. But there are rumors that the Habs are working on an extension for him, as well as Tomas Plekanec. Those rumors are only made more likely by GM Pierre Gauthier's statements to the Montreal Gazette: "We want to keep a good part of the core and continue to build."
The biggest trade this summer will probably include a goalie -- Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price. Fox Sports' Lyle Richardson speculates they may look to land a "big scoring forward" via that deal.
Possible Martin St-Louis trade in future?
Already, there's speculation that new Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman might trade veteran forward Martin St. Louis.
St. Louis is 34 and in the final year of his contract. In addition, his relationship with the Tampa organization has been strained as of late. But he does like the Yzerman hire, despite being left off the Canadian Olympic squad by Yzerman.
But for a rebuilding team like Tampa, St. Louis might yield some valuable assets -- especially near next year's trade deadline when contenders are making a final push. He has a manageable salary -- $4 million -- and still tallied 94 points this season. In addition, Yzerman and owner Jeff Vinik have hinted that they think this team is a long-term project, so St. Louis might not be in those plans.
In addition, the Lightning's top priority is to get Steven Stamkos locked up, and it will cost them big money. So they may not have the money to bring back the aging St. Louis at a price tag that the veteran is happy with.
All that said, St. Louis has a no-trade clause. So if he wants to play out his contract, he will.
Halak might be trade bait
Jaroslav Halak is has arbitration rights, his value is peaking and he is expected to demand "an obscene offer," which could be up to $3.55 million.
In addition, both Halak and Carey Price will not be happy with splitting time, since both feel they are No. 1 goalies. As Price told the QMI Agency, "It would be pretty tough. I feel like I can play and I know Jaro definitely feels the same way."
And the Habs might not want to keep both, either, because they'll have to do some financial finagling to keep two guys they can't get full value from.
So that said, QMI's Chris Stevenson thinks that Halak will be dealt and the Habs will go with Price. It will certainly be the cheaper option for them, which will give them more space to sign unrestricted free agent Tomas Plekanec, as well as a handful of other guys.
Rumors of Marleau signing with Leafs persist
Patrick Marleau says he likes San Jose, but that's never stopped anyone from testing the free agent market, which he'll likely do.
And now we have a report that says the Toronto Maple Leafs could land the veteran forward. Leafs GM Brian Burke has said he'll chase a top-line winger, and outside of Ilya Kovalchuk -- who he said he would not pay $10 million a year -- Marleau is the next choice. Now, the Leafs need to clear up some cap space, because he's expected to demand at least $7 million a year. Some of that cap space might come via a Tomas Kaberle trade.
A more likely landing spot, however, might be the Los Angeles Kings, who are ready to do something big in free agency. This likely means the Kings will target Marleau and Ilya Kovalchuk.
Also, the San Francisco Chronicle adds that that Calgary Flames might look at Marleau, as well, but the Flames are very tight on budget and they won't be able to bring him in unless they deal away one of their marquee players -- perhaps Jay Bouwmeester, Miikka Kiprusoff or Robin Regehr. But that move would finally bring a solid centerman to Calgary for Jarome Iginla.
Habs trade plans
Outside of the goalie situation, which we covered in this post, the Montreal Canadiens may be looking to trade a handful of other players for cap reasons.
There has been speculation that Andrei Kostitsyn and Roman Hamrlik could be dangled, as well as the trouble Sergei Kostitsyn, but these players aren't exactly valuable commodities so it might be tough to find suitors for them.
That said, there has also been some speculation that Andrei Markov could be dealt because he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season. But there are rumors that the Habs are working on an extension for him, as well as Tomas Plekanec. Those rumors are only made more likely by GM Pierre Gauthier's statements to the Montreal Gazette: "We want to keep a good part of the core and continue to build."
The biggest trade this summer will probably include a goalie -- Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price. Fox Sports' Lyle Richardson speculates they may look to land a "big scoring forward" via that deal.
Possible Martin St-Louis trade in future?
Already, there's speculation that new Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman might trade veteran forward Martin St. Louis.
St. Louis is 34 and in the final year of his contract. In addition, his relationship with the Tampa organization has been strained as of late. But he does like the Yzerman hire, despite being left off the Canadian Olympic squad by Yzerman.
But for a rebuilding team like Tampa, St. Louis might yield some valuable assets -- especially near next year's trade deadline when contenders are making a final push. He has a manageable salary -- $4 million -- and still tallied 94 points this season. In addition, Yzerman and owner Jeff Vinik have hinted that they think this team is a long-term project, so St. Louis might not be in those plans.
In addition, the Lightning's top priority is to get Steven Stamkos locked up, and it will cost them big money. So they may not have the money to bring back the aging St. Louis at a price tag that the veteran is happy with.
All that said, St. Louis has a no-trade clause. So if he wants to play out his contract, he will.
Halak might be trade bait
Jaroslav Halak is has arbitration rights, his value is peaking and he is expected to demand "an obscene offer," which could be up to $3.55 million.
In addition, both Halak and Carey Price will not be happy with splitting time, since both feel they are No. 1 goalies. As Price told the QMI Agency, "It would be pretty tough. I feel like I can play and I know Jaro definitely feels the same way."
And the Habs might not want to keep both, either, because they'll have to do some financial finagling to keep two guys they can't get full value from.
So that said, QMI's Chris Stevenson thinks that Halak will be dealt and the Habs will go with Price. It will certainly be the cheaper option for them, which will give them more space to sign unrestricted free agent Tomas Plekanec, as well as a handful of other guys.
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