charlio lemieux
2-08-06, 3:04 PM
Courtesy of The Score:POTENTIAL UFA'S THAT COULD BE TRADED
Olli Jokinen, C, Panthers
The Panthers captain is enjoying another strong offensive season, despite his team's penchant for playing defensive hockey. Jokinen is very sought after, so the Cats will have no trouble finding fair market value if they cannot re-sign him soon.
Dwayne Roloson, G, Wild
With fellow pending UFA goalie Manny Fernandez now the clear No. 1 goalie in Minnesota, Roloson could be a decent alternative for contending teams with serious issues in the crease. The Wild will make a move to open the door for Josh Harding.
Saku Koivu, C, Canadiens
Could the Canadiens captain be on his last legs with the only NHL organization he's ever known? With the team struggling in the standings, and Koivu still un-signed beyond this season, there's a chance big changes are made in Montreal.
Martin Biron, G, Sabres
With Ryan Miller now back healthy and entrenched as the Sabres' starting goalkeeper, GM Darcy Regier may finally pull the trigger on a deal involving one of his goalies. Biron could help several teams, but Regier is still holding out for a good return.
Ruslan Salei and/or Keith Carney, D, Mighty Ducks
The Ducks have two potential free agent defensemen, so expect the team to negotiate an extension with one and deal the other before the deadline. They've added blueline depth this season in anticipation of this situation.
Brian Leetch, D, Bruins
Leetch has been rumored to be heading back to either of his former clubs--the New York Rangers or Toronto Maple Leafs. However, several other playoff-bound teams would have serious interest in Leetch--the 1994 Conn Smythe trophy winner.
Jan Hrdina, C, Blue Jackets
Right-handed centers who are defensively responsible and good on face-offs are extremely valuable come playoff time. As a result, there could be a big market for Hrdina. With Gilbert Brule on the way, Columbus can afford to move Hrdina.
OTHER PLAYERS THAT COULD BE TRADED
Jose Theodore, G, Canadiens
Theodore's elevated salary and on-ice struggles this season may hinder the possibility of a trade. However, with several Western Conference clubs looking for goalie help, there is a chance for a blockbuster deal with the Habs.
Roberto Luongo, G, Panthers
The Panthers badly want to keep their franchise goalie around, and have already offered him a multi-year deal worth $6 million/year. However, Luongo's reluctance to accept those terms could lead to trade involving a Western Conference club.
Jiri Hudler, LW/RW, Red Wings
Hudler is one of the top scorers in the AHL this season, but doesn't have much of a future in Detroit. That's because the team is loaded up front, and has other players waiting in the wings. His value is high, so a trade is plausible right now.
Tyler Arnason, C, Blackhawks
The Blackhawks need to start fresh with Arnason, so expect a trade before the trade deadline. If not for the team's current lack of center depth, he'd already be gone. Arnason could attract attention from both contenders and also-rans.
Marian Gaborik, RW/LW, Wild
A restricted free agent this summer, Gaborik may be starting to wear out his welcome in Minnesota. Contract issues have been a problem in the past, but the Wild may choose to hold onto the talented winger because of their contending status.
Antoine Vermette, C/LW, Senators
The Senators are expected to make at least one big move before the deadline, with a second-line center being their main target. As a result, Vermette may have to be sacrificed. He's struggled under coach Bryan Murray this year.
Andrew Raycroft, G, Bruins
The emergence of both Hannu Toivonen and Tim Thomas this season, plus the recent acquisition of Craig Anderson from Chicago, suddenly makes Raycroft expendable. However, he may not be dealt to a contender this season.
John LeClair, LW, Penguins
The big left wing has played well of late, but his trade status is still very much up in the air. After all, LeClair still has one year left on his contract and will be 37 years old in 2006-07. That said, his big body is still a presence in front of the net on the power play.
Market Watch
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs needed blueline help before injuries start to kick in, so now it's become essential that GM John Ferguson Jr. addresses his defense corps. Furthermore, the team's top two blueliners--Bryan McCabe and Tomas Kaberle are potential free agents.
Montreal Canadiens
The chemistry on the Habs is not right, and the team is in serious danger of missing the playoff chase. Like Toronto, Montreal needs more help along the blueline and has forwards to spare. They also have issues between the pipes.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are very much alive in their playoff quest, and in fact currently hold down a postseason spot in the West. However, they are still using a three-headed monster in goal and will need to shore up their goalkeeping if they are to make any noise.
Phoenix Coyotes
The Coyotes have made more moves than any other NHL team since the end of the lockout, but the roster is still not quite up to playoff standards. Therefore, expect GM Mike Barnett to continue tinkering, especially since he has several free agents to deal.
Vancouver Canucks
While Alex Auld has done well replacing the injured Dan Cloutier between the pipes, there are still lingering issues with Vancouver's goaltending situation. With division rival Edmonton also seeking a goaltender, the Canucks are primed to pull the trigger.
St. Louis Blues
For the first time in 26 years, the St. Louis Blues will not be in the NHL postseason. Therefore, they need to start looking towards the future, since they currently own one of the worst prospect crops in the league. After dealing away Doug Weight to the Hurricanes, several more vets at every position are available.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Like St. Louis, the Penguins will not make the playoffs this year. Therefore, the team's veterans could be sent packing before either deadline. In fact, the exodus already began, when Dick Tarnstrom was recently sent to Edmonton in a three-player swap.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning have been in search for more consistent goaltending all season, but there is also concern over their puzzling lack of offense this year. As a result, a shakeup may be in order. Moreover, the Bolts have cap issues they need to address.
Two names on that list that jump out at me are Koivu and Gaborik. Calgary and Nashville both need a #1 center. Koivu would be an improvement over Yelle and Perreault respectively. The idea of Gaborik being on the block is a little strange, since he is one of the most offensively skilled players in the league, a definate game-breaker. But as was mentioned his, previous contract was a headache to get done, and would be the motivating factor in moving him.
Olli Jokinen, C, Panthers
The Panthers captain is enjoying another strong offensive season, despite his team's penchant for playing defensive hockey. Jokinen is very sought after, so the Cats will have no trouble finding fair market value if they cannot re-sign him soon.
Dwayne Roloson, G, Wild
With fellow pending UFA goalie Manny Fernandez now the clear No. 1 goalie in Minnesota, Roloson could be a decent alternative for contending teams with serious issues in the crease. The Wild will make a move to open the door for Josh Harding.
Saku Koivu, C, Canadiens
Could the Canadiens captain be on his last legs with the only NHL organization he's ever known? With the team struggling in the standings, and Koivu still un-signed beyond this season, there's a chance big changes are made in Montreal.
Martin Biron, G, Sabres
With Ryan Miller now back healthy and entrenched as the Sabres' starting goalkeeper, GM Darcy Regier may finally pull the trigger on a deal involving one of his goalies. Biron could help several teams, but Regier is still holding out for a good return.
Ruslan Salei and/or Keith Carney, D, Mighty Ducks
The Ducks have two potential free agent defensemen, so expect the team to negotiate an extension with one and deal the other before the deadline. They've added blueline depth this season in anticipation of this situation.
Brian Leetch, D, Bruins
Leetch has been rumored to be heading back to either of his former clubs--the New York Rangers or Toronto Maple Leafs. However, several other playoff-bound teams would have serious interest in Leetch--the 1994 Conn Smythe trophy winner.
Jan Hrdina, C, Blue Jackets
Right-handed centers who are defensively responsible and good on face-offs are extremely valuable come playoff time. As a result, there could be a big market for Hrdina. With Gilbert Brule on the way, Columbus can afford to move Hrdina.
OTHER PLAYERS THAT COULD BE TRADED
Jose Theodore, G, Canadiens
Theodore's elevated salary and on-ice struggles this season may hinder the possibility of a trade. However, with several Western Conference clubs looking for goalie help, there is a chance for a blockbuster deal with the Habs.
Roberto Luongo, G, Panthers
The Panthers badly want to keep their franchise goalie around, and have already offered him a multi-year deal worth $6 million/year. However, Luongo's reluctance to accept those terms could lead to trade involving a Western Conference club.
Jiri Hudler, LW/RW, Red Wings
Hudler is one of the top scorers in the AHL this season, but doesn't have much of a future in Detroit. That's because the team is loaded up front, and has other players waiting in the wings. His value is high, so a trade is plausible right now.
Tyler Arnason, C, Blackhawks
The Blackhawks need to start fresh with Arnason, so expect a trade before the trade deadline. If not for the team's current lack of center depth, he'd already be gone. Arnason could attract attention from both contenders and also-rans.
Marian Gaborik, RW/LW, Wild
A restricted free agent this summer, Gaborik may be starting to wear out his welcome in Minnesota. Contract issues have been a problem in the past, but the Wild may choose to hold onto the talented winger because of their contending status.
Antoine Vermette, C/LW, Senators
The Senators are expected to make at least one big move before the deadline, with a second-line center being their main target. As a result, Vermette may have to be sacrificed. He's struggled under coach Bryan Murray this year.
Andrew Raycroft, G, Bruins
The emergence of both Hannu Toivonen and Tim Thomas this season, plus the recent acquisition of Craig Anderson from Chicago, suddenly makes Raycroft expendable. However, he may not be dealt to a contender this season.
John LeClair, LW, Penguins
The big left wing has played well of late, but his trade status is still very much up in the air. After all, LeClair still has one year left on his contract and will be 37 years old in 2006-07. That said, his big body is still a presence in front of the net on the power play.
Market Watch
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs needed blueline help before injuries start to kick in, so now it's become essential that GM John Ferguson Jr. addresses his defense corps. Furthermore, the team's top two blueliners--Bryan McCabe and Tomas Kaberle are potential free agents.
Montreal Canadiens
The chemistry on the Habs is not right, and the team is in serious danger of missing the playoff chase. Like Toronto, Montreal needs more help along the blueline and has forwards to spare. They also have issues between the pipes.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are very much alive in their playoff quest, and in fact currently hold down a postseason spot in the West. However, they are still using a three-headed monster in goal and will need to shore up their goalkeeping if they are to make any noise.
Phoenix Coyotes
The Coyotes have made more moves than any other NHL team since the end of the lockout, but the roster is still not quite up to playoff standards. Therefore, expect GM Mike Barnett to continue tinkering, especially since he has several free agents to deal.
Vancouver Canucks
While Alex Auld has done well replacing the injured Dan Cloutier between the pipes, there are still lingering issues with Vancouver's goaltending situation. With division rival Edmonton also seeking a goaltender, the Canucks are primed to pull the trigger.
St. Louis Blues
For the first time in 26 years, the St. Louis Blues will not be in the NHL postseason. Therefore, they need to start looking towards the future, since they currently own one of the worst prospect crops in the league. After dealing away Doug Weight to the Hurricanes, several more vets at every position are available.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Like St. Louis, the Penguins will not make the playoffs this year. Therefore, the team's veterans could be sent packing before either deadline. In fact, the exodus already began, when Dick Tarnstrom was recently sent to Edmonton in a three-player swap.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning have been in search for more consistent goaltending all season, but there is also concern over their puzzling lack of offense this year. As a result, a shakeup may be in order. Moreover, the Bolts have cap issues they need to address.
Two names on that list that jump out at me are Koivu and Gaborik. Calgary and Nashville both need a #1 center. Koivu would be an improvement over Yelle and Perreault respectively. The idea of Gaborik being on the block is a little strange, since he is one of the most offensively skilled players in the league, a definate game-breaker. But as was mentioned his, previous contract was a headache to get done, and would be the motivating factor in moving him.