I haven't really slept in like a week. (That's hilarious!)
Anyway, with our web traffic heading into the deadline blowing away last year's record numbers and the LACK of trades making the rumor mill a big frigging logjam of a haze, I literally haven't even left my office. It reminds me of working on a dissertation. We are in hunker down mode!
It is amazing what one trade of one of the domino players would do right now.
So last night I finally left my office, went downstairs and I had to eat something. (I am also in that 'forget to eat" place). My wife and kids were watching the Caps and Flyers...AN ACTUAL HOCKEY GAME! WHAT A CONCEPT!
I sat down and watched the third period of one hell of a game.
As much fun as the deadline puzzle can be it was so great to remember that the reason we love this game is not to try to figure out where players are heading but it is because the game itself just plain rocks. When you see two teams with all of the talent that the Flyers and Caps possess, skating and performing at the level that they were last night it is pure art.
Anyway, note to myself to make time during the last few weeks into a deadline to stop talking hockey and start watching hockey.
all that being said...
BACK TO THE RUMORS!
Gomez
Ok Scott Gomez is getting lots of interest. There was a time before the Mats saga ended when the Canucks were very interested. Go back to Gomez's last year in NJ and the Flames had HUGE interest...Right now however it appears to be four other teams that are driving this: Dallas, Edmonton, Phoenix and Anaheim...
One source went a step further saying, "I wouldn't rule out a scenario where Scott Niedermayer were to end up on Broadway as a part of a Gomez deal.
Guerin
Word is that although Calgary really likes Billy it appears most likely that Guerin will stay in the East. All along we have been hearing that Guerin wants to stay nearby but that won't stop a team, or players on that team, to try the old "end around" convincing game. There is a deal on the table according to a source that would land Guerin in Boston. I have heard this on three occasions now. Also, the Caps and the Devils have expressed interest. As a darkhorse, don't count out the Flyers.
Weight
Despite the injury I still am hearing that a team will take a flyer on Weight. The top three candidates: Montreal, Chicago, Buffalo.
Jay Bo
As the clock swings back and forth between he is going to be traded to he is not going to be traded...Today it is very much sticking in the "He is going to be traded" realm. What I keep hearing is that there is a deal or two out there that does keep the Panthers very much competitive down the stretch. This deal really need to happen sooner than later though. The Panthers players, who are very good and talented, deserve a breather from the constant questions...
Teams to Watch: The Hurricanes and Avalanche
No real specifics here but I continue to hear that these two teams are VERY much trying to make a bigger splash than we have been led to believe at this point. Adrian Dater, who is one of the best in the business and should have been on my list of top rumour journalists, also wrote about this yesterday. see http://blogs.denverpost.com/avs
It would not be out of the blue for the Avs to make a splash, but the Hurricanes would be surprising, yet it really appears that the Canes are trying to land a "superstar" type of player.
looking for more on that...
Cole to Pens (e4)
Yes...still very much a reality I was just told.
Brian Burke Joins Julie and me to Talk Deadline at 5pm ET.
Very excited about today's Hockeybuzzcast. Julie and I will be taking your calls starting at 5pm and then be joined by Brian Burke sometime after 5:30. Part of the interview will include some questions sent in by you. Feel free to post your "Questions to Burkie" in the comments section of this thread.
Win an XBOX 360 and NHL 09...(and whoop my ass once you get it set up)
That's right. The Trade Deadline Game is Back and it's a ton of fun. It is free to play for all Season Ticket Holders. Just predict where the players will be traded to (or if they aren't going to be dealt at all)
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