NEWS:
3-on-3 Overtime might be on its way to the NHL. The AHL has been experimenting with it this season, and, so far, it has been a surprising success. One NHL executive said, “It gets the job done. I think it’s coming.
The NHL has been trying to figure out a way to make the game a little more fair when deciding the winner of each game when a tie is involved. Shootouts are fun, but they can be biased in terms of judging how the overall game was actually played.
TRADES:
Sergei Gonchar was traded to the Montreal Canadiens for Travis Moen. Gonchar, 41, has a cap hit of $5M, which the Dallas Stars will retain 8% of. Moen has a cap hit of $1.85M.
RUMORS:
DEFENSEMEN
Courtesy: Getty Images
Tyler Myers – Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres are trying very hard to not win any games so they can have the first overall pick in the draft to nab Conner McDavid. With Myers, the Sabres might be able to get a decent return in order help rebuild the franchise on the heels of McDavid. Myers has been heavily scouted by the Detroit Red Wings, who would love to take on the big man. His offense upside is still there and who else but Mike Babcock to find it. Dallas is also in the hunt.
Mike Green – Washington Capitals: Green’s name is still in the rumor mill and until he re-signs, or is traded, he will remain there. The Caps are not in a position to trade him yet, but if they struggle again closer to the deadline, Green could wind up in Detroit, who have been very interested. If Green does re-sign, he would have to take a hometown discount, which may happen considering the amount of charity work he does around the city.
Cody Franson – Toronto Maple Leafs: Detroit, again, is looking at Franson, so is Dallas. Both teams are in the market for a right-handed shot and whoever doesn’t land Mike Green (if he becomes available) will most certainly look for Franson. He may be dealth sooner though, as the Leafs are looking to tweak their lineup.
Andrej Sekera – Carolina Hurricanes: The Canes will most likely re-sign him, but Sekera could bring in a nice return as he has become a decent offensive contributor. The Canes are re-building, but they may not blow it all up and start from scorched earth. The Flyers are always interested in defenseman.
Zdeno Chara – Boston Bruins: The Bruins thought they were in trouble with the big guy went down with a knee injury, however, Boston has been playing very well lately. Life after Chara might not be so bad, and the Bruins have to be wondering if moving his $7M contract would be better than potentially losing young prospects because of cap restrictions. Chara would yield an amazing return, and a young team like Edmonton could profit from his size, skill and leadership. And you know the Flyers would be interested.
FORWARDS
Courtesy: Zimbio
Mike Richards – Los Angeles Kings: Richards has been struggling this year on a cap-strapped L.A. Kings team. He is a 2nd line center playing on the 4th and the Kings are wondering if they would be benefit from moving him. Nothing imminent yet, as the Kings are still waiting to hear what happens with Slava Voynov’s court case, but if Richards is made available, you know teams will come calling.
Eric Staal – Carolina Hurricanes: Staal doesn’t want to go anywhere, and the way the Canes are playing right now, they may not want to trade him, but at some point the wheels will probably fall off for the Canes, and they’ll have to make a move. The Maple Leafs want Staal, and they will offer up Kadri and Gardiner to get him. James Reimer may even be in that lot.
Alex Semin – Carolina Hurricanes: Semin has had a miserable season, going scoreless so far and putting a few assists. He is a candidate for a buy-out and that means that any team could swoop in a grab him for cheap if they wanted. The Canes are holding on to him for now because his offensive upside is great, when he wants to play. Could watch the Caps here and see if they inquire about Semin if he is indeed bought out.
Chris Stewart – Buffalo Sabres: Stewart will not be a part of the Sabres rebuild. He hasn’t done too much this season, but neither have the Sabres. Still, the Bruins could be interested and he would fit in nicely. The asking price for Stewart is a pick and prospect, and the Sabres have all the time in the world to wait.
Evander Kane – Winnipeg Jets: Kane might still be available and Montreal and the Islanders are apparently very interested. The price for Kane would be very high, as the Jets want to profit off of his skill. The Islanders would love to see Kane and Tavares together, but do they have enough to give? GM Garth Snow is just crazy enough to bet the farm.
GOALIES
Martin Brodeur – Free Agent: Retirement is looking pretty good right now for Brodeur who is still waiting for a team to come calling. However, no one is really looking for a 42 year old starter and Brodeur isn’t looking to be a backup. If he still waits until it’s closer to the playoffs, he may be waiting forever. He should take a backup job and prove himself worthy of starting, that is, if anyone even wants him. The Capitals were once rumored to be interested. The Stars could come calling, if they aren’t interested in Vokoun. New Jersey is also someone to watch. Brodeur has not ruled out returning to the Devils, and if Schneider went down with an injury, they may ask Brodeur to fill in.
More to come…
