Lots of interesting things going on around the league as we approach the last weekend before the April 3rd deadline.
– Ryan Miller – Buffalo Sabres
Courtesy: David Duprey/Associated Press
It’s been said that at the beginning of the season, Ryan Miller handed over a list of 8 teams he would NOT accept a trade to. The Sabres are brutal. They have fired their beloved coach and the team is going no where fast. If the Sabres want to unload contracts, Miller could start the domino effect in Buffalo. Who wouldn’t want him? Chicago has lost steam in the last few weeks after their run ended. Are they comfortable with their goaltending? Detroit and Tampa Bay are also said to be quietly courting the Sabres and I really wondering if Carolina has made some calls. Cam Ward is still out and the Hurricanes desperately need goaltending.
– Mike Smith – Phoenix Coyotes
Smith’s contract is up at the end of the season and there have been no talks between his agent and Coyotes management because no one knows where the hell the Coyotes will even be next year. Buffalo has been linked to Smith as have the Red Wings. Chances are, he gets shipped out.
– Nikolai Khabibulin – Edmonton Oilers
The Toronto Maple Leafs might be interested in Khabibulin as a veteran backup to either James Reimer or Ben Scrivens. Both Reimer and Scrivens have played better than expected this year, but the Leafs might not be set on the two youngsters together. Two other teams who could make a surprising run at Khabibulin are the Blue Jackets and the Washington Capitals. Both teams need stability in net as Bobrovsky and Holtby, respectively, have done well but need support.
– Evgeni Nabokov – New York Islanders
Like Khabibulin, the aging Nabokov might be ready for a steady backup role. The Washington Capitals could come calling as could the Penguins, but I can’t see the Pens making a move as they have Fleury and Vokoun playing very well together. The Blue Jackets might bite.
– Jonathan Bernier – Los Angeles Kings
Lots of teams have inquired about Bernier. He’s a potential starter stuck behind Jonathon Quick, however he’s out played Quick this season which is why it’s tough for the Kings to let him go. Unless they get a knock out deal, Bernier isn’t going anywhere. The Devils are hot on Bernier as they need someone to take over for either Brodeur or Hedberg or both. The Caps could be interested as well as the Maple Leafs.
– Ben Bishop – Ottawa Senators
With Craig Anderson about to come back from injury and Robin Lehner a solid backup, Bishop might be the key piece Ottawa has if they want to make a trade. Bishop has been great this year in relief and there are plenty of teams who could use his services.
– Michal Neuvirth – Washington Capitals
With only 5 games under his belt this year, Neuvirth could be secretly in play for something the Caps need. He’s an RFA after this year and with Holtby taking over as the clear number one, Neuvirth’s time might finally be up.
– Lubomir Visnovsky – New York Islanders
The Winnipeg Jets are said to be interested, but he might stick around in New York as the Islanders are starting to win games. The Red Wings and Oilers are also interested.
– Keith Yandle – Phoenix Coyotes
Yandle is most likely available as the Coyotes future is up in the air. The New York Islanders might be the team to land Yandle. The Red Wings and Candiens might not be able to afford his contract and will be looking elsewhere.
– Ryan Whitney – Edmonton Oilers
Whitney’s future with the Oilers is all but over. He’s still a great defenseman even though he’s ‘lost a step’ according to some scouts. The Canadiens are interested as are the Flyers and Tampa Bay.
– Jay Bouwmeester – Calgary Flames
Bouwmeester’s contract is the only thing hindering a trade at this point. The Devils and Senators seem to be in the running for the big man. The Flyers could make a pitch, but the Flames would have to absorb some of JayBo’ contract.
– Ladislav Smid – Edmonton Oilers
Smid is a good versatile defenseman that a lot of teams are calling on. The Hurricanes might be the front runners now but the Senators and Devils have entered the race.
– Robyn Reghar – Buffalo Sabres
Reghar might be the best shut down defenseman available and every playoff team is calling to see what it would take for him. The Kings might be in the best spot as they have Bernier to dangle potentially. The Blues as well as Brian Elliot could be available.
– Jordan Leopld – Buffalo Sabres
The Minnesota Wild or the Carolina Hurricanes might be the landing spot for Leopold. He’s still a good puck mover and both teams are hot on the playoff trail. Look for Tampa Bay to call as well.
Courtesy: USA Today
– Jaromir Jagr – Dallas Stars
The Stars might be out of the playoffs come deadline day and they already traded their captain, Brendan Morrow. Jagr is still valued around the league, even at 40. The Kings, Canadiens and Devils are interested.
– Milan Hejduk – Colorado Avalanche
The longtime Avalanche might finally be ready to move on. The Avalanche are doing terribly and they could get a decent return for Hejduk. The Canadiens and Devils are in on him, but look for the Bruins to make a move.
– Brad Boyes – New York Islanders
Boyes has played fairly well for the Islanders, and his NHL stock is still strong. The St. Louis Blues might be interested and I wonder if the Bruins would be interested after they lost out on Morrow and Iginla.
– Kyle Okposo – New York Islanders
Okposo is a good little grinding playmaker who teams would love to have. The Isles might be ready to see what return they could get. The Oilers and Blackhawks are interested.
– Mike Ribeiro – Washington Capitals
Ribeiro’s future is up in the air. The Blackhawks and Sharks are said to be the front runners for his services. The Caps apparently want a top pick and prospect for him. He’s a UFA at seasons end, so they can’t let him go for nothing.
– Derek Roy – Buffalo Sabres
The Blackhawks and Ducks are interested but the Bruins might make a desperate deal to land him.
– Bobby Ryan – Anaheim Ducks
He could be dealt for Sean Couturier of the Flyers, but that may not happen until the summer. The Ducks would love to keep him, but they may not be able to after signing Perry and Getzlaf.
More to come…
