With the trade deadline almost 24 hours away, several players have been placed on waivers in an effort for their teams to cut some salary. These players will likely have until noon ET tomorrow to clear waivers when waiver wire will come to a close for the 2008-09 season. The list of players currently on waivers include:
Miroslav Satan, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins
Brendan Morrison, C, Anaheim Ducks
Gary Roberts, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning
Martin Gerber, G, Ottawa Senators
Brendan Bell, D, Ottawa Senators
Aaron Voros, LW, New York Rangers
Erik Reitz, D, New York Rangers
Eric Perrin, C, Atlanta Thrashers
Craig Adams, RW, Chicago Blackhawks
Jon Sim, LW, New York Islanders
Lawrence Nycholat, D, Vancouver Canucks (claimed by Calgary Flames on 3/3/2009)
Most of these players are likely on waivers because they have little or no trade value right now. Satan is probably the most marketable player on this list and could be of some use to a team looking to acquire a top-six forward for the playoffs. However, he has had a poor season and has never really clicked well with linemate Sidney Crosby. Perhaps a change of scenery could do Satan some good. The Ducks are looking to free up cap space for returning injured players, so Morrison was the odd man out. Several teams have expressed interest in Roberts, but he will likely have little impact on a playoff team's success. Gerber has been on waivers many times this season and cleared each time, so expect him to clear waivers once again. Bell could be of some interest to teams looking for a depth defenseman. Voros and Reitz were likely waived to make room for Avery. Voros could be of use to teams seeking a physical forward, while Reitz could be of use to anyone looking for a young, physical defenseman. Sim could be of use to a team seeking a depth forward, while Perrin and Adams have played awful this season and will almost certainly go unclaimed.
Showing posts with label 2009 NHL Trade Deadline. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009 NHL Trade Deadline. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
NHL Players Who Will Not Be Dealt by the Trade Deadline
The NHL trade deadline is one of the most exciting times of any hockey season as playoff contending teams build up their rosters for a Stanley Cup run, while non-playoff teams trade away impending free agents, veterans, and other assets for prospects and draft picks to rebuild their teams. With the 2009 trade deadline only a few days away, I'm going to take a look at some of the players who I believe will NOT be dealt by the 3:00 PM, March 4 deadline. In no particular order, they are:
1. Jay Bouwmeester, D, Florida Panthers - With the Florida Panthers currently holding onto the sixth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and their first playoff berth in almost 10 years, they are not about to trade their star defenseman. Sure, there has been plenty of interest in him from around the league and GM Jacques Martin has stated that he would only trade him if they got a really sweet offer, but the Panthers do not want to destroy their chances at making the playoffs. Trading Bouwmeester could send the wrong message to Panthers fans that the team does not care about making the playoffs. He is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and if the Panthers cannot re-sign him, expect them to trade Bouwmeester near the June draft, not at the trade deadline.
2. Chris Pronger, D, Anaheim Ducks - With the Ducks slipping down through the standings in recent weeks and in danger of missing the playoffs, there has been rampant speculation that Pronger will be traded at the deadline. The problem with that is the Ducks only have two defensemen signed through next season, Pronger and the recently acquired Ryan Whitney. With uncertainty over whether Scott Niedermayer will retire or whether impending free agent defensmen Francois Beauchemin, Steve Montador, Bret Hedican, or Kent Huskins will be re-signed, it would be a devastating blow to the Ducks blueline if Pronger was traded. As with Bouwmeester, it would be more logical if the Ducks traded Pronger near the June draft when it may be more clear as to which defensemen will be returning to the team next season.
3. Vincent Lecavalier, C, Tampa Bay Lightning - The Lightning have sat near the bottom of the Eastern Conference for most of the season and have made several trades and free agent signings throughout the hockey year to get better. About two months ago, wild speculation began to emerge that the Lightning were going to trade captain and franchise forward Vincent Lecavalier to the Montreal Canadiens. The rumors were quickly shot down by Lecavalier and the Canadiens, and for good reason. The Lightning are not about to give up on their star player just for a quick fix, plus he carries an expensive, long-term contract. Most teams would have to dump considerable salary in order to acquire Lecavalier. The same goes for Martin St. Louis. Neither player is getting traded this season.
4. Ryan Smyth, LW, Colorado Avalanche - As the Avalanche sunk through the standings this past week, rumors began to surface that the team was shopping Smyth. While there are rumors that plenty of teams are interested in him, he has a no-trade clause and has refused to waive it. Smyth is not going anywhere and will finish the season with Colorado.
5. Marian Gaborik, RW, Minnesota Wild - Gaborik has been the subject of trade rumors all season, but has also been injured for most of the season. Plenty of teams were interested in him before he suffered his latest injury, Gaborik's trade value right now is very low as he recuperates from hip surgery. No one is going to take a chance on Gaborik given his injury history and the Wild are prepared to lose him for nothing when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.
6. Niklas Backstrom, G, Minnesota Wild - While on the subject of the Wild, Backstrom's name has popped up a lot in the rumor mill recently. He is an unrestricted free agent this summer and contract talks are reportedly going slow. However, the Wild are very close to a playoff spot and trading Backstrom would signal that they have given up on the season. If they are to make the playoffs, they are going to need Backstrom to help them do it. He will remain with the Wild until the end of the season, and if they cannot get him re-signed prior to July 1, it is possible they could shop him close to the draft.
7. Nikolai Khabibulin, G, Chicago Blackhawks - The Blackhawks spent the first couple months of the season deciding whether or not to trade the goaltender and his strong play convinced them to keep him. Given Cristobal Huet's struggles this season, the Blackhawks will keep Khabibulin and will go with him as their goalie in the playoffs. Plus, Khabibulin has won a Stanley Cup and Huet has yet to win a playoff series, so it makes sense for the Blackhawks to retain him.
8. Olli Jokinen, C, Phoenix Coyotes - Jokinen's name began to surface in the rumor mill a few weeks ago given his average play this season. While his name is getting mentioned more frequently in rumors as the days go on, I believe the Coyotes will retain him at the deadline. The likely asking price for Jokinen will be high and coupled with the fact that Jokinen has never once played in the Stanley Cup playoffs will probably turn most teams away. The Coyotes may have more lucking shopping Jokinen at the draft when more teams will know what their salary cap space will be like for next season.
9. Ilya Kovalchuk, LW, Atlanta Thrashers - Kovalchuk's name began to pop up in rumors several weeks ago as it became apparent that the Thrashers were going to be sellers at this year's deadline. However, given Kovalchuk's fine performance in recent weeks, the Thrashers are keen to retain him. Besides, if the Thrashers were to trade him, it may send the wrong message to the fans that the team is unwilling to retain its star players. The soonest I could see the Thrashers shopping Kovalchuk is next year at this time, but only if they are out of the playoffs and if they know they cannot get him signed to a new contract, as he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2010.
10. Christoph Schubert, D/W, Ottawa Senators - With the Senators set to become sellers on Wednesday, Schubert's name is still showing up in trade rumors. Given his lowly production this season, there is currently no market for the 27-year-old player and his trade value is near zero. He will still be a Senator through the end of the season.
1. Jay Bouwmeester, D, Florida Panthers - With the Florida Panthers currently holding onto the sixth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and their first playoff berth in almost 10 years, they are not about to trade their star defenseman. Sure, there has been plenty of interest in him from around the league and GM Jacques Martin has stated that he would only trade him if they got a really sweet offer, but the Panthers do not want to destroy their chances at making the playoffs. Trading Bouwmeester could send the wrong message to Panthers fans that the team does not care about making the playoffs. He is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and if the Panthers cannot re-sign him, expect them to trade Bouwmeester near the June draft, not at the trade deadline.
2. Chris Pronger, D, Anaheim Ducks - With the Ducks slipping down through the standings in recent weeks and in danger of missing the playoffs, there has been rampant speculation that Pronger will be traded at the deadline. The problem with that is the Ducks only have two defensemen signed through next season, Pronger and the recently acquired Ryan Whitney. With uncertainty over whether Scott Niedermayer will retire or whether impending free agent defensmen Francois Beauchemin, Steve Montador, Bret Hedican, or Kent Huskins will be re-signed, it would be a devastating blow to the Ducks blueline if Pronger was traded. As with Bouwmeester, it would be more logical if the Ducks traded Pronger near the June draft when it may be more clear as to which defensemen will be returning to the team next season.
3. Vincent Lecavalier, C, Tampa Bay Lightning - The Lightning have sat near the bottom of the Eastern Conference for most of the season and have made several trades and free agent signings throughout the hockey year to get better. About two months ago, wild speculation began to emerge that the Lightning were going to trade captain and franchise forward Vincent Lecavalier to the Montreal Canadiens. The rumors were quickly shot down by Lecavalier and the Canadiens, and for good reason. The Lightning are not about to give up on their star player just for a quick fix, plus he carries an expensive, long-term contract. Most teams would have to dump considerable salary in order to acquire Lecavalier. The same goes for Martin St. Louis. Neither player is getting traded this season.
4. Ryan Smyth, LW, Colorado Avalanche - As the Avalanche sunk through the standings this past week, rumors began to surface that the team was shopping Smyth. While there are rumors that plenty of teams are interested in him, he has a no-trade clause and has refused to waive it. Smyth is not going anywhere and will finish the season with Colorado.
5. Marian Gaborik, RW, Minnesota Wild - Gaborik has been the subject of trade rumors all season, but has also been injured for most of the season. Plenty of teams were interested in him before he suffered his latest injury, Gaborik's trade value right now is very low as he recuperates from hip surgery. No one is going to take a chance on Gaborik given his injury history and the Wild are prepared to lose him for nothing when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.
6. Niklas Backstrom, G, Minnesota Wild - While on the subject of the Wild, Backstrom's name has popped up a lot in the rumor mill recently. He is an unrestricted free agent this summer and contract talks are reportedly going slow. However, the Wild are very close to a playoff spot and trading Backstrom would signal that they have given up on the season. If they are to make the playoffs, they are going to need Backstrom to help them do it. He will remain with the Wild until the end of the season, and if they cannot get him re-signed prior to July 1, it is possible they could shop him close to the draft.
7. Nikolai Khabibulin, G, Chicago Blackhawks - The Blackhawks spent the first couple months of the season deciding whether or not to trade the goaltender and his strong play convinced them to keep him. Given Cristobal Huet's struggles this season, the Blackhawks will keep Khabibulin and will go with him as their goalie in the playoffs. Plus, Khabibulin has won a Stanley Cup and Huet has yet to win a playoff series, so it makes sense for the Blackhawks to retain him.
8. Olli Jokinen, C, Phoenix Coyotes - Jokinen's name began to surface in the rumor mill a few weeks ago given his average play this season. While his name is getting mentioned more frequently in rumors as the days go on, I believe the Coyotes will retain him at the deadline. The likely asking price for Jokinen will be high and coupled with the fact that Jokinen has never once played in the Stanley Cup playoffs will probably turn most teams away. The Coyotes may have more lucking shopping Jokinen at the draft when more teams will know what their salary cap space will be like for next season.
9. Ilya Kovalchuk, LW, Atlanta Thrashers - Kovalchuk's name began to pop up in rumors several weeks ago as it became apparent that the Thrashers were going to be sellers at this year's deadline. However, given Kovalchuk's fine performance in recent weeks, the Thrashers are keen to retain him. Besides, if the Thrashers were to trade him, it may send the wrong message to the fans that the team is unwilling to retain its star players. The soonest I could see the Thrashers shopping Kovalchuk is next year at this time, but only if they are out of the playoffs and if they know they cannot get him signed to a new contract, as he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2010.
10. Christoph Schubert, D/W, Ottawa Senators - With the Senators set to become sellers on Wednesday, Schubert's name is still showing up in trade rumors. Given his lowly production this season, there is currently no market for the 27-year-old player and his trade value is near zero. He will still be a Senator through the end of the season.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
NHL Players Who Will Be Dealt by the Trade Deadline
The NHL trade deadline is one of the most exciting times of any hockey season as playoff contending teams build up their rosters for a Stanley Cup run, while non-playoff teams trade away impending free agents, veterans, and other assets for prospects and draft picks to rebuild their teams. With the 2009 trade deadline only a few days away, I'm going to take a look at some of the players who will most likely be dealt by the 3:00 PM, March 4 deadline. In no particular order, they are:
1. Bill Guerin, C, New York Islanders - On Saturday night, Guerin was a late scratch by the Islanders and it was quickly rumored that he was being traded to an Eastern Conference team. On Sunday, it was rumored that the team acquiring Guerin was either the Montreal Canadiens or Washington Capitals, but the rumors were quickly shot down in those markets. Other teams stating they were not trading for Guerin were New Jersey, Boston, and Carolina. The team that was supposedly acquiring Guerin was being kept secret so the deal would not fall through, but no trade was announced as of Sunday night and it's believed the deal fell through. Whether the Islanders and the mystery team are still working out details or the trade was cancelled, Guerin will be dealt by Wednesday. Whoever he gets traded to, he will bring plenty of offensive depth and veteran experience to the team, especially in the playoffs.
2. Derek Morris, D, Phoenix Coyotes - With the Coyotes currently in a free-fall, it has become apparent they will be sellers at the deadline. Morris has reportedly given Coyotes GM Don Maloney a list of teams he's willing to life his no-trade clause to accept a trade to. In the meantime, he has decided not to play in any games until a trade is completed so as not to risk an injury. Rumor has it that Morris is only willing to accept a trade to an Eastern Conference team. Which ever team acquires Morris will be getting a decent, physical veteran defenseman that will help them in the playoffs.
3. Niclas Havelid, D, Atlanta Thrashers - The Thrashers will once again be sellers at the trade deadline and Niclas Havelid is currently their most marketable player. He is a decent puck-moving defenseman who could really help out a team's power play. Expect to see him get dealt to a team looking to add defensive depth for the playoffs, such as Boston, New Jersey, or Calgary.
4. Nik Antropov, C, Toronto Maple Leafs - Ever since Brian Burke took over as GM of the Maple Leafs, Antropov has topped the list of most likely Leafs players to be dealt by the trade deadline. Burke has stated that he wants a first round draft pick in return for Antropov, which seems kind of steep for a player who is having an average season. However, there are plenty of teams looking for offensive depth at center and some may be desperate enough to part with a first rounder to improve their offense. Even though the asking price for Antropov is high, he will still likely be dealt by Wednesday.
5. Jordan Leopold, D, Colorado Avalanche - With the Avalanche in last place in the Western Conference and currently 10 points out of the playoffs, it appears that they are going to be sellers at the trade deadline. Jordan Leopold's name has popped up in rumors over the past few weeks and it appears the Avalanche are keen to move him. Expect Leopold to wind up with a team looking for a depth defenseman, with rumors that Boston is very interested in his services.
6. Chris Neil, RW, Ottawa Senators - Since the beginning of the 2008-09 season, it has been rumored that this would be Neil's last season in Ottawa and that he would test the free agent market in the summer. While Senators GM Brian Murray would like to re-sign Neil prior to the deadline, rumors have popped up that contract negotiations have stalled. If that is the case, then expect to see Neil playing elsewhere by Wednesday. He would be a good pick-up for a playoff team seeking a physical winger for their penalty kill and checking lines.
7. Mark Recchi, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning - With the Tampa Bay Lightning sitting near the bottom of the standings in the Eastern Conference, they have decided to become sellers at the deadline. Among their most marketable players is Recchi, who has had a decent season thus far. Expect to see him get dealt to a Stanley Cup contender seeking scoring depth to their wing.
8. Ville Koistinen, D, Nashville Predators - Koistinen has been a frequent healthy scratch for the Predators over the past several weeks. He is reportedly unhappy over the situation and has requested a trade. The Predators will likely accommodate him and deal him to a team seeking defensive depth in the form of a fifth or sixth defenseman.
9. Mathieu Dandenault, RW/D, Montreal Canadiens - Dandenault has been a healthy scratch many times this season for the Canadiens and recently went to GM Bob Gainey and politely requested to be traded. He could likely generate plenty of interest from teams given his speed and his ability to play both as a forward ad defenseman. Expect a playoff team looking for veteran depth in either of those two areas to acquire Dandenault.
10. Ian Laperriere, C, Colorado Avalanche - With Laperriere set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, rumors have surfaced over the past few weeks that the Avalanche could trade him by the deadline. It is highly likely that Laperriere will be dealt to a playoff team seeking a physical center. Expect him to be on the move by Wednesday.
1. Bill Guerin, C, New York Islanders - On Saturday night, Guerin was a late scratch by the Islanders and it was quickly rumored that he was being traded to an Eastern Conference team. On Sunday, it was rumored that the team acquiring Guerin was either the Montreal Canadiens or Washington Capitals, but the rumors were quickly shot down in those markets. Other teams stating they were not trading for Guerin were New Jersey, Boston, and Carolina. The team that was supposedly acquiring Guerin was being kept secret so the deal would not fall through, but no trade was announced as of Sunday night and it's believed the deal fell through. Whether the Islanders and the mystery team are still working out details or the trade was cancelled, Guerin will be dealt by Wednesday. Whoever he gets traded to, he will bring plenty of offensive depth and veteran experience to the team, especially in the playoffs.
2. Derek Morris, D, Phoenix Coyotes - With the Coyotes currently in a free-fall, it has become apparent they will be sellers at the deadline. Morris has reportedly given Coyotes GM Don Maloney a list of teams he's willing to life his no-trade clause to accept a trade to. In the meantime, he has decided not to play in any games until a trade is completed so as not to risk an injury. Rumor has it that Morris is only willing to accept a trade to an Eastern Conference team. Which ever team acquires Morris will be getting a decent, physical veteran defenseman that will help them in the playoffs.
3. Niclas Havelid, D, Atlanta Thrashers - The Thrashers will once again be sellers at the trade deadline and Niclas Havelid is currently their most marketable player. He is a decent puck-moving defenseman who could really help out a team's power play. Expect to see him get dealt to a team looking to add defensive depth for the playoffs, such as Boston, New Jersey, or Calgary.
4. Nik Antropov, C, Toronto Maple Leafs - Ever since Brian Burke took over as GM of the Maple Leafs, Antropov has topped the list of most likely Leafs players to be dealt by the trade deadline. Burke has stated that he wants a first round draft pick in return for Antropov, which seems kind of steep for a player who is having an average season. However, there are plenty of teams looking for offensive depth at center and some may be desperate enough to part with a first rounder to improve their offense. Even though the asking price for Antropov is high, he will still likely be dealt by Wednesday.
5. Jordan Leopold, D, Colorado Avalanche - With the Avalanche in last place in the Western Conference and currently 10 points out of the playoffs, it appears that they are going to be sellers at the trade deadline. Jordan Leopold's name has popped up in rumors over the past few weeks and it appears the Avalanche are keen to move him. Expect Leopold to wind up with a team looking for a depth defenseman, with rumors that Boston is very interested in his services.
6. Chris Neil, RW, Ottawa Senators - Since the beginning of the 2008-09 season, it has been rumored that this would be Neil's last season in Ottawa and that he would test the free agent market in the summer. While Senators GM Brian Murray would like to re-sign Neil prior to the deadline, rumors have popped up that contract negotiations have stalled. If that is the case, then expect to see Neil playing elsewhere by Wednesday. He would be a good pick-up for a playoff team seeking a physical winger for their penalty kill and checking lines.
7. Mark Recchi, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning - With the Tampa Bay Lightning sitting near the bottom of the standings in the Eastern Conference, they have decided to become sellers at the deadline. Among their most marketable players is Recchi, who has had a decent season thus far. Expect to see him get dealt to a Stanley Cup contender seeking scoring depth to their wing.
8. Ville Koistinen, D, Nashville Predators - Koistinen has been a frequent healthy scratch for the Predators over the past several weeks. He is reportedly unhappy over the situation and has requested a trade. The Predators will likely accommodate him and deal him to a team seeking defensive depth in the form of a fifth or sixth defenseman.
9. Mathieu Dandenault, RW/D, Montreal Canadiens - Dandenault has been a healthy scratch many times this season for the Canadiens and recently went to GM Bob Gainey and politely requested to be traded. He could likely generate plenty of interest from teams given his speed and his ability to play both as a forward ad defenseman. Expect a playoff team looking for veteran depth in either of those two areas to acquire Dandenault.
10. Ian Laperriere, C, Colorado Avalanche - With Laperriere set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, rumors have surfaced over the past few weeks that the Avalanche could trade him by the deadline. It is highly likely that Laperriere will be dealt to a playoff team seeking a physical center. Expect him to be on the move by Wednesday.
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