The Rumor Thread

We are done for the day with the rumor thread, but feel free to peruse and comment on these rumors throughout the evening.  If anything big happens, we’ll be back with it otherwise we will see you bright and early tomorrow morning for our live blog!

Here at Wild Nation, we love all hockey, not just the Wild. Sooooooo, with that in mind, I’m starting up my very own rumor thread. It’s nothing much, but it will help pass the time leading up to the big day tomorrow. I do want to stress to you, the reader, however that these rumors are all ones that will be from named sources. I will not be starting any rumors myself, or citing any rumors from a certain hockey rumor website that rhymes with Jockey Fuzz.

Anywho. Here’s the first round of ‘em!  Any updates will appear up top here.

*Everyone and their mother has been speculationg about Roloson to the Flyers now that Emery is out.  Literally, everyone.  I’m not linking anyone on this because it’s honestly everyone.  My question, though, is wouldn’t someone like Harding be a better replacement option?

*Frank Seravalli’s Twitter says that Razor Ray Emery needs a bone graft and will be done for the season.

*According to Bruce “Malkin to the Kings” Garrioch on Twitter, the Blues have sent out an e-mail offering up Brad Boyes and Carlo Coliacovo.

*Kevin Allen of the USA Today chimes in on Twitter, saying that while it isn’t a given that Atlanta will trade Colby Armstrong, they likely can’t re-sign him.

*Oops…And I have some catching up to do.  Pierre LeBrun joins the Twitter army, saying that nothing imminent is on the LA Kings front.  Nick Kypreos says that both Kariya and Tkachuk are unwilling to waive their NTC aaaaaaaannnnnnnndddddd BD Galoff says that there’s about a 95% chance that Roloson gets moved.

*And more Mr. McKenzie.  If Wolski goes to Phoenix, the asking price will likely be Mueller and more, saying that Phoenix has been shopping Mueller like whoa.

*Habs Inside Out has tweeted a quote from Jacque Martin that he expects that both goalies will help out during the stretch run.  While this isn’t difinitive by any means, it certainly sounds like he’s not expecting either to be moved.

*Not a trade rumor, but interesting nonetheless.  Nick Kypreos has tweeted that Ray Emery is looking for a surgeon to save his career and that his hip injury is being compared to that of Bo Jackson.  Uh-oh.

*And once more from Bob McKenzie…Anaheim is not considering trading Scott Niedermayer.

*And Mr. McKenzie is back saying that Toronto’s Alex Ponikarovsky is likely to fetch a 2nd round pick and a good prospect and that LA could be the front runner in this one.

*Mr. Russo is also stating that he is no longer hearing that Owen Nolan is not available and that he believes there is a good chance that Nolan is dealt.

*According to Bob McKenzie, Wojtek Wolski is in play by the Avs and the Coyotes are showing interest.

*Some Wild news.  Per Mr. Russo’s Twitter feed, the Wild have re-signed both Marek Zidlicky and Clayton Stoner.  Zidlicky’s contract is as expected, 3-years $12M total with a no-trade clause for the first half of the contract.  Stoner’s contract is a 2-year, $1.1M total with a one-way contract for the first year and a two-way contract for the second.

*Per Tim Panaccio’s Twitter feed, the Flyers aren’t close to any deals.  Prices are high and the Flyers lack the picks at the moment.

*Frank Sevarelli from the Philadelphia Daily News says on his Twitter that the Flyers may be close to something with Nashville.

*Well, that’s what I get for taking a lunch break.  Per Newsday, Andy Sutton to Ottawa for a second round pick.  So, what you’re telling me is that the going rate for a fourth or fifth defenseman is a second round pick?  Sounds a little steep to me.

*It’s time for lunch for me, but I’ll be back in a bit with all the updates you could ever want!  (If there are any, of course.)

*Not a trade rumor, but it should warm those cynical Wild fans among us.  Larry Brooks is reporting that Marian Gaborik will be sitting tonight’s Rangers game out.  I’m sure that Torts is loving the fact that he’ll play in the Olympics, but not when his team is in the midst of a playoff race.

*Some Waiver wire news.  According to Bob McKenzie via Twitter, Brad Lukowich (VAN), Anders Ericsson (PHX), Ryan Jones (NAS) and John Grahame (COL) have all joined Voros and Lisin on waivers.  Also on the list is Chris Chelios, who must pass through waivers in order to be called up to play.

*Interesting.  According to On Frozen Pond, Thomas Vokoun has been advised of a possible trade.  Will he waive or no?

*Darren Dreger on Leaf’s Lunch — says that Chicago has no interest in Finger but that the rumor can’t be dismissed.

*To anyone who thought Twitter was just a passing fad?  Get on the train!  We’ve got another Twitter account breaking news — this one the account of Chris Vivlamore.  Apparently, Chris Chelios has officially signed with the Atlanta Thrashers.  No word yet on if he has already started referring to Zach Bogosian as a whippersnapper.

*Greg Brady’s Twitter has a rumor swirling about Toronto’s Jeff Finger heading to Chicago for Cristobal Huet in a swap of gross overpayments.  If that’s the case, he says, expect the Hawks to go hard after Vokoun and the Leafs to try to flip Crystal Ball Huey.

*According to Larry Brooks Twitter, Enver Lisin and former Wild player Aaron Voros are on waivers.

*From Jeremy Rutherford’s Twitter account, JD says that there’s no serious talks between the Blues and other teams yet, but he has talked to a few people.

*According to Darren Dreger’s Twitter feed, no list has been given by Tomas Kaberle for his NTC and no interest has been shown in waiving it.  Kaberle appears to be staying put.

*The Miami Herald suggests that the only players that could be untouchable for the Panthers are David Booth, Dmitry Kulikov and Michael Frolik.

*The Boston Herald is reporting that the Bruins are looking for a top-six forward, possibly in the form of Ray Whitney, Teemu Selanne or Nathan Horton.  They also repeat the speculation that Tim Thomas could be moved and also that Michael Ryder is being shopped due to cap constraints.

*Tarik El-Bashir reports on Twitter that the Caps are interested in Isles d-man Andy Sutton. The believed asking price is a second round pick.

*The incomparable Mike Russo has reported on Twitter that the Marek Zidlicky deal is all but done and is expected to be announced by day’s end with the term of 3-years, $12 million.  No word on his NTC as of yet.

*CSN Philly is reporting that the Preds have turned down three offers on Dan Hamhuis.

*The Columbus Dispatch is stating that the Lightning have been showing interest in forward Raffi Torres.

*Chip Alexander’s Twitter account is talking about Ray Whitney to Pittsburgh and Aaron Ward to Ottawa.  It’s what he calls scuttlebutt.

March 2, 2010 | Filed Under NHL, Trade Deadline '10 | Leave a Comment 

Tuesday's Links

There are a whopping 11 games on the docket for tonight.  Check out NHL.com for the full list, but here are some of the highlights.  First, the nationally televised game on Versus, the Sabres take on the Flyers.  In a battle of division leaders, Calgary visits New Jersey.  With playoff positioning on the line, Florida travels to Pittsburgh to face the red hot Penguins.  Also on the list, the Sharks will try to exact revenge on the Wild after their embarrassing 4-3 OT Loss.

That’s all for now.  Enjoy and make sure you check back for my thoughts on the San Jose/Minnesota tilt tonight!

March 10, 2009 | Filed Under Morning Links | 1 Comment 

Trade Deadline Podcast

From our friend at HockeyPrimetime.com and Hockeybuzz.com, Sam Woo, we have a trade deadline podcast for your enjoyment.  Follow the link to listen in!  It can also be found on Hockeybuzz here.

March 4, 2009 | Filed Under Podcasts, Trade Deadline '09 | Leave a Comment 

Trade Deadline '09 Live Blog

So here we are…D-Day.  The day where teams can be made or sold off in the matter of minutes.  There are a lot of big names in the rumor mill so far today, but we’ll be trying to keep up with all the rumblings and grumblings, as well as the actual moves today, so keep it tuned here!

7:05 am CST - The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta is reporting that the Anaheim Ducks have taken Chris Pronger off the market and that the Detroit Red Wings are actively searching for a goaltender.  Josh Harding anyone?

7:07 am CST – TSN.ca‘s Bob McKenzie reports that Devils GM Lou Lamoriello is actively shopping Scott Clemmensen now that Brodeur has returned.  Clemmensen could be very tempting for anyone looking to upgrade in net.

7:32 am CST – Everyone’s favorite rumor mongor on Hockeybuzz is linking Pascal Leclaire to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

7:37 am CST - Multiple sources (The Fourth Period, Hockeybuzz, TSN) report that the Sabres are closing in on an extension with Tim Connolly.  Dinks everywhere rejoice.

7:39 am CST - Jay Onrait of TSN.ca reports that Bryan Murray will be looking for picks and prospects for players such as Antoine Vermette, Chris Neil and Filip Kuba and that “he doesn’t want to bring any money back.”

7:45 am CST – Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski reports Kevin Bieksa of the Vancouver Canucks as a name that was popping up in the rumor mill last night.

7:51 am CST - The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta is reporting that the San Jose Sharks are going after a depth center, with Jeff Halpern and Dominic Moore squarely on their radar.  He also speculates that a deal for Coyotes defenseman, Derek Morris, will be completed shortly as the ‘Yotes went to sleep on a deal last night and that the Ducks will move Pronger if the deal is good enough.

One thing’s for sure.  The rumor mill is certainly starting to pick up.  As of yet, though, no trades have been completed.

7:56 am CST – TSN’s Pierre McGuire speculates that it will be Nick Boynton, not Jay Bouwmeester, that will be moved today from the Panthers.  Boynton has got to be an enticing option for anyone looking for help on the blueline.

8:00 am CST - One hour in, no moves yet, but the rumors are certainly picking up.  For those of you keeping track at home, the NHL website has a fantastic list of each team’s available draft picks.  Good stuff if you’re looking at assets that could be moved.

8:01 am CST - The Fourth Period reports that Ryan Smyth continues to garner interest.  Where Dave Pagnotta was once skeptical, he now says that he’s “no longer surprised if he’s dealt.”  Keep in mind, however, that Smyth has a No Movement Clause in his contract.

8:08 am CST - Interesting news coming from The Fourth Period.  Dave Pagnotta reports that Ryan Malone was offered up to Pittsburgh yesterday, but the Pens balked at the price.  I no longer think that anyone on the Lightning roster is safe.  We may even see Wes Walz traded to the Wild for Mario Tremblay…That’s a definite e3…

8:13 am CST - ESPN.com’s Pierre LeBrun reports that Garth Snow is making one last ditch effort to get his original trade for Bill Guerin done.  He goes on to say that, if it isn’t completed soon, he may move on to his Plan B, which I can only assume involves Rick DiPietro and a secret government plan to turn him into the 6 Million Dollar Man.

8:16 am CST - On Puck Daddy, Greg Wyshynski has a list of teams he’s strangely obsessed with today.  I do have to admit Wysh…It’s strange to hear that anyone is obsessed with the Florida Panthers any day.

8:18 am CST - Per The Fourth Period, Sean O’Donnell has been inked to an extension by the Kings.  Also, the Habs have recalled goalie Marc Denis from the AHL.

8:37 am CST - Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy has warned people not to read too much into the recall of Marc Denis.  Apparently Jaroslav Halak has the flu.

8:41 am CST - On TSN, Cory Woron reports that he has been told by Brian Burke that there have been multiple offers for Nik Antropov.

8:53 am CST - From Andy Strickland on Hockeybuzz, apparently the asking price by Anaheim for Pronger in negotiations with the Blues was T.J. Oshie.  As Strickland said, it “was never going to happen.  The Blues consider Oshie untouchable.”  Also from Hockeybuzz, Filip Kuba has re-signed with the Ottawa Senators.  3 years, $3.75M per.

8:56 am CST - Per Puck Daddy and TSN, the Sabres have offered everyone’s favorite dink, Tim Connolly, a 2-year deal, reportedly worth over $4M per year.

9:00 am CST - Per TSN and TFP, Pascal Leclaire has been traded to Ottawa for Antoine Vermette.  Big trade for both teams, as it fills in needs both places.  The Jackets needed a center and Ottawa needed goaltending.  More to come on this in a bit.

9:03 am CST - Sounds like the trade was Leclaire and a 2nd to Ottawa and Antoine Vermette to Columbus.  Vermette definitely adds a new wrinkle to the Blue Jackets team and it was pretty obvious that Leclaire was going to be the one on his way out after Steve Mason’s emergence.

9:19 am CST – Per TFP, Tim Connolly was signed to an extension.  Details forthcoming.  I am heading into a meeting, so I will update when I return!

9:46 am CST – Back from my meeting and there’s quite a bit to report so far.  From TFP, Dave Pagnotta is reporting that the Predators are looking for an inexpensive scorer (about $2M worth), the Capitals are looking for a 2nd line forward or 2nd pairing defenseman and the Leafs are waiting on a counter offer they’ve made.  Hockeybuzz is reporting that Jonathan Cheechoo is not in play and that Chris Neil is being shopped to San Jose.  Also that San Jose is looking at either Ryan Smyth or Milan Hejduk, but it is importat to note that both have No Trade Clauses.  More meetings upcoming, so I’ll update once I’m out!

9:56 am CST - With just over 4 hours remaining until the deadline, Dave Pagnotta from TFP is reporting that talks appear to be heating up involving both Olli Jokinen heading out of Phoenix and Mark Recchi heading out of Tampa Bay.  Apparently the asking price for Recchi so far has been a prospect and/or a 2nd round pick.

10:16 am CST – More from TFP.  According to Pagnotta, Chicago is pushing hard for a center, while the Flyers are targetting either Derek Morris or Jay Bouwmeester.  Also, Boston is working the phones trying to get a “high-impact player.”  Also, from Hockeybuzz, Dan Tolensky warns buyers to be careful what they wish for.  On Puck Daddy, Wyshynski is speculating that Connolly’s signing and Vermette’s trade could cause Jokinen’s price to jump.

10:30 am CST – Scott Burnside of ESPN.com speculates that the Red Wings could make a run at Chris Neil if the Sens can’t get him signed before the deadline.

10:32 am CST - TFP reports that the Canucks are shopping Mason Raymond as trade bait and TSN is reporting that the Flames are close to acquiring Olli Jokinen.

10:33 am CST -  Hockeybuzz is reporting that the Canucks have interest in Michael Nylander in a multi-player deal.  Could this be part of Raymond being shopped?

10:35 am CST – Puck Daddy is saying that the Maple Leafs could be overvaluing Dominic Moore a tad.

10:40 am CST - In small deals, Sportsnet.ca is reporting that the Blues have traded Andy Wozniewski to to Penguins for Danny Richmond.

10:44 am CST - Per TFP, Colorado has traded Jordan Leopold to Calgary.  No more news yet on details, but Leopold was a key part of Calgary’s Cup run a few years back.  Great move for the Flames.

10:53 am CST - The trade was for Lawrence Nycholat.  The Flames get Leopold, the Avs get Nycholat.

10:59 am CST – Pierre McGuire of TSN loves the Leopold trade for the Flames, saying “Jordan Leopold is a better player than Derek Morris.”  He also would be “shocked” if Kevin Bieksa got traded.  I have to say, I agree on both counts.

11:05 am CST – Mark Christopher of Hockeybuzz has stated that talks with Chris Neil are all but dead and speculates that the team has set a soft deadline of 1pm EST (one hour) to decide what to do with him.

11:09 am CST - Sportsnet reports that the Flyers are no closer to acquiring either Derek Morris or Jay Bouwmeester.  They also report that the Oilers are pursuing Atlanta’s Slava Kozlov and Colby Armstrong, noting that it would kill two birds with one stone; a top line winger and sand paper for a soft line up.

11:11 am CST - Waiver claims galore from TFP.  The Leafs claim Martin Gerber and Erik Reitz, Dallas claims Brendan Morrison and Pittsburgh claims Craig Adams.  From Hockeybuzz, Gary Roberts clears waivers.

11:13 am CST - More from TFP.  Phoenix trades Mikael Tellqvist to Buffalo for a 4th Round pick.

11:19 am CST – Per Hockeybuzz and TSN, the LA Kings have signed Erik Ersberg to a 2-year extension.  Somewhere, Jonathan Bernier just kicked a puppy.

11:21 am CST – TFP has updates on the Calgary/Phoenix situation.  Apparently the offer on the table is Olli Jokinen to Calgary for Matthew Lombardi and a 1st round pick.  Also, apparently Nik Antropov has been agreed to as part of a deal.  The question now is did Brian Burke or “brian burke” approve this deal.

11:36 am CST – Per TFP, Olli Jokinen has been traded to Calgary.  No word on the final deal yet though.  Also, the Thrashers are in talks for Kari Lehtonen, Marty Reasoner and Slava Kozlov.

11:38 am CST - Per TSN, the Jokinen trade is only a rumor at the moment; however, they did mention that a team that was in the running for Jokinen has now been told that he is no longer available.

11:47 am CST – A lot of trades sound to be in the works right now.  I’m pushing off for lunch, but I’ll be back aroudn 12:30 CST with all of your updates for you!

11:49 am CST - Just kidding.  One quick hit before I go.  Boston has acquired Steve Montador from Anaheim in exchange for Petteri Nokelainen and the Calgary deal has been finalized.  Olli Jokinen to Calgary for Matthew Lombardi, Brandon Prust and a 1st Round Pick.  Let the Antropov Wars begin!

12:43 pm CST - So I’m back from lunch and it looks like I’ve only missed one deal.  That deal would be, heading to Boston is Mark Recchi and a 2nd Round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft and heading to Tampa Bay is Matt Lashoff and Martins Karsums.  It looks to me like Boston is stocking up for a solid run, as they have added Montador (who is an extremely under-rated d-man in my books) and Recchi so far.  TFP has reported that they have heard Phil Kessel’s name being bandied about, so Boston may not be done and may be working on something bigger.

Also, from TFP, Dominic Moore has been traded to Chicago, but it has not been released as to who is coming back to Toronto.

12:49 pm CST - The first real Wild news of the day.  Hockeybuzz has reported that the Wild are in talks with both Vancouver and LA in regards to Gaborik.  I have a hard time believing Vancouver, as I doubt the Wild would make a trade to their own division, but if he is indeed being shopped, this could mean that the Wild go into sell mode, especially after dropping three in a row.

12:52 pm CST – Interesting tidbit from Mike Russo at the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.  Apparently Bill Guerin was nearly dealt to the Capitals a few days ago, but the Capitals were unable to unload Michael Nylander, so the trade fell through.

12:55 pm CST - Per Puck Daddy’s blog, Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province is on twitter (don’t worry, it’s Jason Botchford and not “Jason Botchford”) and has said that a deal is almost worked out that would send Jay Bouwmeester to the Canucks.

More on Bouwmeester rumour mill: Florida wants Vancouver to add hodgson (no chance) or Bieksa to Raymond and a first offer #nhltrade (18 minutes ago)

Bouwmeester rumour mill: Flor and Canucks have agreed to Raymond and a first, but the Flor wants something significant added #nhltrade (8 minutes ago)

1:02 pm CST – Breaking news out of Pittsburgh.  According to Sportsnet.ca, Bill Guerin has been traded to the Pens.  Still awaiting word of whom for, but that is a huge piece added to the Penguins.

1:05 pm CST - Confirmation from TSN.  Billy G is now a Penguin.

1:07 pm CST - TSN is now reporting that the Dominic Moore to the ‘Hawks deal is no longer a done deal and that the deal may have fallen apart.  Updates will come as soon as I know anything.

1:09 pm CST - Confirmation from TFP that the Moore deal isn’t done.  Moore’s still in the mix, it just hasn’t been finalized.  Also, Tampa Bay isn’t done dealing, according to TFP and the Avs continue to field calls for Ryan Smyth and Marek Svatos.

1:12 pm CST - E.J. Hradek of ESPN reports that the Derek Morris sweepstakes are heating up, with Washington, Philly and the NY Rangers as the frontrunners.

1:14 pm CST - Sportsnet.ca is reporting two things of interest.  First, Bill Guerin was traded for a conditional draft pick and second, the Flyers have dropped out of the running for JayBo.

1:18 pm CST - Per Andy Strickland of Hockeybuzz, there may be a deal in the works with the Blues involving Keith Tkachuk.

1:22 pm CST - From Mike Russo at the Minneapolis Star-Trib:

I am told by a very good source that Marian Gaborik is in play right now, meaning the Wild’s working the phones.

Very interesting indeed.

1:27 pm CST - Per TFP, Chris Neil has been dealt to Florida.  No word as to for whom yet, but I can only assume it’s not for JayBo.

1:30 pm CST - Hockeybuzz, vaugely as usual, is now saying that Edmonton has a major deal in the works.  Also, Montreal is now in the Gaborik picture.

1:35 pm CST - Less than a half-hour left until the end of the world trade deadline is up.  Things are really starting to heat up now.  Also, keep in mind that trades can be made after the deadline as long as they were submitted to the league offices prior to the deadline.  All trades are subject to league approval, and they will approve or deny trades submitted up until the deadline.

2:00 pm CST - Back from another meeting and the deadline is officially up.  Three trades have occurred in the last 20 minutes.  Per Sportsnet, Daniel Carcillo was traded from Phoenix to Philadelphia for Scottie Upshall and a 2nd round pick, Toronto traded Nik Antropov to the Rangers for a 2nd round pick and a conditional pick and Derek Morris was traded from Phoenix to the Rangers.  I’ll keep updating (though probably not as frequently) now that the deadline is up, because as I mentioned deals can still get approved.

2:36 pm CST – From Mike Russo’s blog:

I think what this tells you is exactly what’s been reported the past few days; it’s been, to quote Doug Risebrough, “surprisingly quiet” for the Wild.

The team maintains that it will not trade its core players like Mikko Koivu and Brent Burns or its young talent like James Sheppard, Colton Gillies and Tyler Cuma.

What that left were UFA’s like Stephane Veilleux and Marc-Andre Bergeron, and there clearly wasn’t a market or the Wild would have likely moved them. This has been the quietest trade deadline leaguewide I’ve ever seen.

It clearly has to do with how many teams are close to the salary cap ceiling and how uncertain the economic future is in the league. Teams are also not willing to give up prospects and high draft picks unless it’s guaranteed they’re going to go far.

I was told by a very good source that Marian Gaborik was in play, but clearly the Wild wasn’t able to find a market. 

Assistant GM Tom Lynn said the Wild was in a “major deal” up until this morning, and then it fell through.

This is pretty telling of the deadline in general this season.  Very, very quiet.  A lot of talk and not a lot of action on a whole.  We may continue to see a few move trickle down after the deadline, but on a whole, the wheeling and dealing is done.

2:38 pm CST - According to TFP, the NHL Central Registry is fairly backlogged at the moment, so trades will likely continue to come in.  Also, Tampa Bay traded Steve Eminger to Florida for Noah Welch and a 3rd round pick, Buffalo traded a 2nd round pick to Toronto for Dominic Moore, Atlanta traded Erik Christiensen to Anaheim for Eric O’Dell and Calgary traded Kevin Lalande to Columbus for a 4th round pick.

2:41 pm CST - Trades continue to roll in.  Kyle McLaren was traded from San Jose to Philadelphia for a 6th round pick and Anaheim traded Sammy Pahlsson to Chicago for James Wisniewski.

2:45 pm CST - San Jose gets Travis Moen and Kent Huskins from Anaheim.  No word on what is coming back the other way yet.

2:51 pm CST - Big trade coming to Carolina.  Patrick O’Sullivan has been traded from LA.  No word on who is coming back.  The others involved in the Anaheim/San Jose deal are Nick Bonnino, Tim Pielmeier and a conditional pick going to Anaheim.

3:10 pm CST - Interesting development in the O’Sullivan trade.  Carolina traded Justin Williams to LA for O’Sullivan, then turned around and traded O’Sullivan and a 2nd Round pick to Edmonton for Erik Cole.  Also, Edmonton traded a 2nd Round pick to Buffalo for Ales Kotalik.

3:15 pm CST – Per Hockeybuzz, the return for Derek Morris was Petr Prucha, Nigel Dawes and Dimitri Kalinin.

3:18 pm CST - Wow…Here’s the minor trade that Toronto made with Tampa that there were some rumblings about.  Toronto’s getting Olaf Kolzig, Jamie Heward, Andy Rogerd and a 4th round pick and Tampa is getting Richard Petiot.  A huge salary dump by Tampa Bay.  Petiot’s total NHL experience?  2 games.

3:20 pm CST - Sportsnet is reporting that Vancouver was in it until the end on JayBo, but the final price was just too high for GM Mike Gillis to pull the trigger.

Well, it’s been real and it’s been fun…Heck…It’s been real fun today!  I’m shutting down for the day, but I will be back on later today with some analysis on how the day went.  Until then, if you have any questions, comments or verbal abuse, you can reach me at blake.benzel@gmail.com.

March 4, 2009 | Filed Under Live Blogs, Trade Deadline '09 | 5 Comments 

Backstrom Inked to 4-Year Deal

Per Mike Russo, the Wild have signed goaltender Niklas Backstrom to a 4 year, $24M deal.  The deal also will include a partial no-trade clause in it that is at least two years in length and will continue as long as Backstrom’s ice time continues to prove that he is the team’s number one goalie.

What this does, however, is put the future of Josh Harding in question.  Keep in mind that Harding was supposed to be the future.  He was supposed to start being groomed to take over for Manny Fernandez three years ago.  Harding got injured in camp, Backstrom stepped in as the back up and eventually won the starting role away from Fernandez when Manny got injured.

After two seasons of being Backstrom’s back up, many thought that Harding would supplant him as the starter next season.  After this deal, however, it is fairly obvious that this will not be the case.  With this, Harding easily becomes one of the Wild’s most valuable assets going towards the trade deadline.  With a wealth of goalies in their system (Barry Brust and Nolan Schaeffer have combined to become one of the AHL’s top goalie tandems), the Wild could find themselves in the position to be able to shop a talented young goaltender to address a more pressing need.

Over the past couple days, the Wild have also waived both Craig Weller (yesterday) and Peter Olvecky (today).  By my count, this may leave the Wild with an open roster spot.  Yes, it’s purely conjecture on my part, but an open roster spot at this point in the season is certainly telling.  With the number of teams out there currently looking for goaltending, it is not out of the realm of reason to think that the Wild could move Harding.  His price tag for this season ($750K) also makes for a very tempting trade, especially with the contenders that could be considered to be in the hunt for a goalie and up against the cap.

Who are those contenders you ask?

Washington Capitals: “Wild Killer” Jose Theodore has been solid recently for the Caps, but this does not mean that the team won’t want to shore up with a solid goaltender behind him.  That also does not mean that the team has confidence in him past this season.  The Caps have approximately $1.75M left in cap space and Harding’s salary would be easy for them to fit.  Possible players that the Wild could target in return could be Brooks Laich, Eric Fehr or Tomas Fleischmann.

Detroit Red Wings: GM Ken Holland has been quite frank in his comments that the Wings would not pursue a goalie at the trade deadline.  Until now, however, most of the goalies talked about have had a salary considerably higher than Harding’s.  The Wings have no lack of scoring (which the Wild need) and this could be a strength for strength trade.  The Wings currently only have about $250K in cap room left, but the return for the Wild could easily mitigate that number.  Possible targets for the Wild could include Johan Franzen, Jiri Hudler, Ville Leino, Darren Helm or Valtteri Filppula.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Trades are typically made amongst friends, and Risebrough and Brian Burke are just that.  Combine that with the fact that there is going to be a fire sale occurring in Toronto and that Burke was in town scouting the LA Kings game and that could lead to a Wild/Leafs trade.  The Leafs have over $8M in cap room, so salary is no problem and it makes no sense to speculate as to who the Wild could target, because only Luke Schenn is considered untouchable by the Leafs at the moment.

Are there any other teams that could be in the running for Harding’s services?  Certainly, but these three are the best three possibilities for the young goaltender to end up at in my mind.  In any event, this signing pretty much is saying “Congratulations Nik and good luck Josh.”

March 3, 2009 | Filed Under Minnesota Wild | Leave a Comment