|
This Trade Deadline Feels Strange |
|
|
|
|
|
I don’t know for sure if this Trade Deadline will have a ton of transactions with some blockbuster deals thrown into the mix. This does feel like an odd Trade Deadline though. There are many teams that could use help but are up against the Salary Cap so it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
Stories were going around that my favorite UFA center, Dominic Moore, was involved in current contract negotiations. A short time ago TSN reported that Moore and Nik Antropov will not be in the lineup tonight as the Leafs face the Devils. So it appears now that Brian Burke will look to deal Moore.
The Hawks put Craig Adams on Waivers and when he clears and is either claimed on re-entry Waivers or assigned to Rockford the Hawks will benefit from some Salary Cap relief.
I would assume no one puts a claim in for Adams at first but regardless placing him on Waivers today indicates a need to open Cap space. Adams earns $600,000 for this season and is an upcoming UFA.
I hear no new news on the Havlat contract negotiations, I guess we have to wait and see if he is held out of the lineup tonight too. I don’t expect that to happen but not much would shock me at this point.
I do believe the only way Havlat gets traded by tomorrow is if he can be exchanged for a future core player that would be less expensive than Marty is now. Possibly he could be a piece to a much bigger deal but once again it would probably require a sign and trade.
Most likely the only way Havlat is dealt before the Deadline would be if his salary demands are too extreme, otherwise Tallon can keep working on him until July1st.
Khabibulin tried to skate yesterday and from what I hear he still won’t be back for awhile. Does that mean he won’t be dealt?....No, but it doesn’t improve the likelihood.
Khabby always seems to land on his feet and get a big contract when needed.
The chips are falling into place once again for Nik to attract some interest as a UFA this off season. Niklas Backstrom, who would have been the top tick UFA goalie this summer has now signed a four year extension with the Wild.
The only real issue with Khabibulin is he has been injury prone. When he does suffer a lower body injury he is often out for quite awhile. None the less he will still garner interest this summer from a few NHL teams, if not maybe Russia could be an option. I wouldn’t bet against Khabby becoming a member of the Wings next year.
As of now nothing further to report on the trade front.
It is difficult to get an accurate handle on the current Salary Cap total for the Hawks.
Before Adams was put on Waivers , I have heard they were anywhere from $200,000 to $2,000,000 under the Cap. I am going with $800,000, without including any savings from Adams as that number was reported on the NHL Network the other night….but it gets complicated …???
I still find it odd Jack Skille would not be dressed for tonight and sent back to the IceHogs, who don’t play until tomorrow. By sending him to Rockford the team would avoid a further distraction if he were to be traded before the Deadline, out of sight…somewhat out of mind, maybe. It would also insure he would be healthy.
I thought Skille played well in both games over the weekend.
Maybe another Club wanted to get a look at Tim Brent, so he was brought in for Skille tonight just to audition.
Skille has been mentioned as a player who can fetch some value in return and we will see in less than 24 hours if he will remain a Hawk. I have heard his name has been dropped around in Tampa, so Jeff Halpern would be the obvious choice from that team.
Probably an uncomfortable time for a few Blackhawks and a lot of other players around the NHL, but the suspense will end soon.
.
Join the Discussion:
»