– The NHL and NHLPA will be polling players about the use of visors. If the majority of players vote in favor of them, then the NHL and NHLPA will most likely ‘Grandfather’ in a rule that would make visors mandatory for players who entered the league after a certain year. About 73% of players wear one now and almost all junior and college players are required to wear one, so this makes the most sense.
– Also during the NHL GM meetings this week, they discussed the use of hybrid icing and goalie equipment. The NHL is seriously considering using hybrid icing to reduce the risk of injury when two players crash into the boards at high speeds. Goalie equipment is being looked at again because they want to reduce the size of the padding to make goalies more ‘honest’ and have them use more of their natural skill.
– The most interesting topic at the meetings was cheating on faceoffs. It’s something that has come to light in the last year since last years playoffs when Jarret Stoll would use his hand to win the faceoff. The new rule this year states that a player cannot use his hand to win a faceoff or manipulate the puck in any way. Also the league wants to put a stop to players deliberately getting kicked out of a faceoff to waste more time especially after an icing. The NHL wants to put a stop to this ‘cheating’ and bring the integrity of the faceoff back.
– The Toronto Maple Leafs have waived Mike Komisarek. The defenseman hasns’t played much this season and his contract would hinder the Leafs from making any big moves. He’s up for grabs and at half the price, however it remains to be seen if anyone wants to take a chance. He could still give someone some help however, and could be a steal.
– The Leafs are looking to make a splash as they are on the playoff hunt for the first time in almost a decade. Dallas Stars forward Derek Roy is atop their list and rumor has it he could go very soon as the Stars might firesale.
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– Dallas also is looking to unload Jaromir Jagr. The 40 year old is playing well again this year and a lot of teams are kicking the tires. The Flyers would love him back in Philadelphia to play with Giroux, but the Kings are also interested. The Penguins and Canadiens are flirting with the idea as well.
– Jarome Iginla is still the hot topic of the trade deadline and it’s getting closer and closer to actually happening this year. The Flames aren’t gaining ground in the playoff hunt and the Kings are now said to be in hot pursuit of Iginla. The Kings have Bernier to dangle as the Flames desperately need a goaltender especailly if they unload Miikka Kiprusoff. The Toronto Maple Leafs are said to be very interested in the goaltender. If Iginla is traded, it will be the end of the Flames and the firesale will begin. Boston is also interested in Iginla. There are murmurings that he gave a list of teams he’d accept a trade to, but that isn’t verified, however it is intriguing.
– Maxime Talbot is a name that is popping up a lot lately. The Blackhawks are said to be interested as well as the Penguins. Pittsburgh never wanted to let Talbot go in the first place, but it ended up that way. The Flyers are not doing well and they need defenseman desperately. They aren’t going to blow anything up obviously, but after this season there will be some changes.
– The Flyers will need to bolster their defense over the summer and bring some help on offense as some key players flopped this season. Dustin Byfuglien is still on their radar but it’s doubtful the Jets would let him go now. Head coach Peter Laviolette will also be on the hot seat next season.
– Defenseman are a hot commodity and there are plenty to go around. Lubomir Visnovsky is being looked at by the Sharks. Danny Boyle is being shopped and the Rangers are very interested. Jordan Leopold could be shipped to L.A. or San Jose. Jay Bouwmeester is intriguing for the Flyers or Boston. Keith Yandle’s is being tossed around. But all of these players could scare off teams with their contracts or be re-signed. The most user-friendly option? Robyn Regehr of the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres are a train wreck and need to hit reset. Regehr could fetch a decent return if Buffalo plays their cards right. L.A. is said to be interested if the Sabres don’t resign him, which I doubt. The Flyers could also inquire about him as he would be a great fit.
– Marian Gaborik is being shopped by the Rangers. He’s playing like garbage and his $7.5M contract is going to be quite a burden next season if they don’t get rid of him. Multiple teams have inquired but the price might be too high. As he’s playing, he isn’t worth much at the moment, but he could make a big impact next season with another team, so the Rangers have to play this right. I wonder if the Blue Jackets would come knocking?
– The Washington Capitals. I just don’t know what is wrong with them save for the fact they suck. Players are coming back from injury which is better than a trade, but they are not gaining much ground to make the playoffs. Mike Ribeiro, who has proved himself on and off the ice to be a real leader for this team and has been the best Caps player by far this season, will most likely be traded. The Blackhawks, Maple Leafs, Sharks and almost every other team in the playoff hunt would love to have his services. If the Caps are out of it, he’s gone. GMGM wouldn’t be able to resign him anyway because of Ovechkin’s contract – which is worth every penny, right? The Caps will most likely be sellers this year and try to unload Ribeiro, Poti, Chimera, Ward, and Hendricks. I know. I’m sad, too. Doesn’t mean it will happen, but it’s what I’ve been hearing.
More to come…
