Ek's Note: I am working on the trade rumor chart this morning, for a launch coming later today. One of the more fascinating and WILD years that I can remember...MANY players. all sorts of scenarios...stay tuned, because I will announce the launch in this space by the end of the day...but first another MUST read as Kevin Allen tackles the fascinating Avalanche.
With a month to go before the NHL’s March 21 rade deadline, it is time to sort out what we know and what we think about the marketplace:
The Avalanche’s interest in Claude Giroux is real: Other teams are interested as well and the Colorado Avalanche will have to do salary cap maneuvering to make it possible. This isn’t a slam dunk. But the Avs see this as a major opportunity to enhance their postseason chances.
The Avalanche’s goaltending and defense has come together in recent weeks. The Avs have only given up 20 goals in their last 14 games. Their offense is No. 2 in the NHL, but Giroux’s acquisition adds consistency, experience and versatility. He has never won a Stanley Cup and players often rally around a star player going for his first Cup. It certainly happened when Ray Bourque went to Colorado. Plus, Nazem Kadri will probably leave as a UFA after this season. If the Avalanche win the Cup, maybe Giroux re-signs there for a reasonable short-term deal.
Chris Drury will swing for fences: The Rangers are looking at several different options. They want a veteran left-shot defenseman and a top six forward. They have the cap space. They have drawn a hard line when it comes to their young players on the roster. But they can move their first-round pick and Vitaly Kravtsov and other prospects. They have enough assets to do what they want to do.
Tomas Hertl’s future is still undecided: Don’t rule out that he may re-sign in San Jose. Just a week ago, he said he wasn’t sure what he was going to do. Take him at his word. My guess is he would prefer to stay in San Jose.
Ben Chiarot Could be traded this week: Montreal Hockey Now reported that trade talks have heated up. Something could happen with one or both this week. Seems as if every contender wants Chiarot.
Joe Sakic is busy: NY Islanders Hockey Now reported that Sakic attended an Islanders game. Sources told the website that he was there to scout Cal Clutterbuck. His salary is $3.5 million and the Islanders would have to retain half to give the Avalanche any shot at making it work. The Islanders were playing Montreal when Sakic was there. He could have also been looking at Chiarot. The Avalanche want to take advantage of their opportunity this season.
Latest Marc-Andre Fleury rumor: Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun wrote that he wouldn’t be surprised if Fleury ended up in Boston. Others have signed on to that idea. My belief: the Bruins would want a defenseman and a forward before they would go after a goalie.
Beware of the Florida Panthers: The team has no cap space to speak of, but GM Bill Zito has shown himself to be a creative manager. Almost positive he will do something to improve his team.
Vladislav Namestnikov could be a bargain pickup: He has quietly had a very good season (13 goals). He has played up and down the lines, from third to first in, helping the Detroit Red Wings in a variety of ways. He could provide secondary scoring, penalty-killing and dedicated defensive play for a contender. He could end up going for a third-round pick or a prospect. He will be an UFA this summer.
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