NHL Trade Rumours

Blake Microcosm

TSN reported that Jason Blake would be welcome a trade, and perhaps that a change of scenery would be better for him and the Leafs. It caps off the Leafs’ season quite nicely, in which the Leafs, whom some considered very good playoff contenders, fell well short of their mark. Paul Maurice was rumoured to be fired almost every other day in the season, and likewise for John Ferguson, Jr. Interim GM Cliff Fletcher was also open to the possibility of trade, which is not surprising, considering he wouldn’t be doing his job if he didn’t explore all possible options.

When asked about changes within the organization and roster, Blake agreed: “I couldn’t agree more. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Let’s hope that the Leafs management have a good idea of what’s going to happen. It would be a very good first step to re-building credibility.

Brunnstrom a Star

Fabian Brunnstrom’s decision to sign with the Stars is no longer news. I feel like I should comment on this a little bit though…

Brunnstrom exploded onto the hockey radar during Christmas. Since then, this guy’s been hailed as the next Peter Forsberg. He’s been pursued by no less than 20 teams at one point, and it’s taken him the past two months to come to a decision. He’s been flip-flopping about his choice since Dave Nonis was fired, and just recently settled on Dallas, who beat out the Wings and Leafs.

As the dust clears, I’m still skeptical about this guy. I feel as if his indecisiveness was a way to create unnecessary hype for himself, and to guarentee himself a top 6 forward position and a max entry-level contract. In a way, I’m glad that Vancouver did not land him, as I can see “bust” and “overrated” written all over him. However, the Wings did express interest, and it does make me think if the guy is the real deal. The Wings did unearth Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, after all. But surely, the fact that Dallas has come this far in the playoffs this year was a major motivator as well.

Senator No More

The Ottawa Sun reports that Wade Redden will not be suiting up for the Sens next year. It was reported that the two sides were too far apart in contract negotiations, with the Sens ready to offer Redden a Chris Phillips-contract, worth about $3.5m/year. It is no secret that Redden’s play has been digressed and been inconsitent at best since Zdeno Chara left, but teams will still be willing to offer the rearguard a contract in the neighbourhood of what he’s earning now, $6.5m/year.

Teams that may be in the running for his services…Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus, Colorado, Los Angeles, NY Islanders, NY Rangers, Phoenix, San Jose, St. Louis, Washington

Coaching Changes to Continue

It will be a busy offseason for teams wishing to hire new front office staff or coaches. The Rocky Mountain News reports that Joel Quenneville will not be returning next season for the Avs. This may be a prelude to a number of coaching changes to come, including Peter Laviolette, John Tortorella, Alain Vigneault, and the already vacant positions in Atlanta, Florida, and Toronto.

Quenneville’s amicable departure from the Colorado organization comes to me as a bit of a surprise, as the Avs finished a surprising second in their division. Their playoff run did come up short and were badly outplayed by a Wings squad, despite acquiring veteran defenseman at the deadline and winning the Peter Forsberg sweepstakes.

Expect a coaching carousel to continue, as Pat Quinn and Pat Burns have been rumoured to be sought after by no less than 3 teams. In time the pieces will fall in place and perhaps soon, as most organizations feel more comfortable going into the draft and free agency with a coach already in place.

Note: As I am currently on vacation and away from the country, Internet will be hard to come by. Posts will be fewer in that time, but I’ll try my best to do one at least every other day.

Dominoes

Now that Paul Maurice has officially been fired as coach by MLSE and Cliff Fletcher, it has opened a whole new window for speculation and rumours. It was originally expected that Fletcher would find a new GM and let him decide what to do with Maurice, but now that it has been done, does this mean Fletcher is here to stay? The Leafs have to make it clear what their intentions are for the future, as the free agent market will open in just less than two months, and decide on the futures of Mats Sundin, Bryan McCabe, and Darcy Tucker.

A source provided by David here at HockeyAnalysis mentioned that the front-runner for the front office position is no other than the “Great One,” Wayne Gretzky. It has been speculated that Walter Gretzky is not doing so well health-wise, and that a move back to Ontario would bring him closer to his father. It’s also been speculated that if Gretzky does become President of the Leafs, he will bring in former agent and Phoenix GM Mike Barnett along with him.

Personally, I think it’s a possibility. It’s common knowledge that Wayne and Walter are close, and if anything Wayne’s move to Toronto would be more personal than anything. However, it’s a little hard to believe that Gretzky would leave Phoenix, seeing how the Coyotes have made leaps and bounds this season and at times challenged for a playoff spot. Gretzky deserves some credit to their marked improvement, and they have an influx of young talent, including Blake Wheeler and Kyle Turris. Remember that the Coyotes picked Turris largely because Gretzky has been high on the kid from Day 1 and have been campaigning for him ever since. This Phoenix organization has made a complete turnaround from the joke of an organization it was just a couple of years ago, and it’s hard to see Gretzky not being part of that in the long run.

Kessel on the Block?

The Boston Globe reports that Phil Kessel, Dennis Wideman, Glen Murray, Peter Schaefer, and PJ Axelsson could possibly be playing for a different team come October.

Murray’s name has been in trade rumours all season long and with no takers the Bruins may be forced to demote him or even buy him out. His expensive contract and declining production are the factors that other teams have refused to trade for him, and this summer will be no different. For the time being, the Bruins are still stuck with the once fearsome sniper, and if there are indeed no takers and the Bruins refuse to take a cap hit with the buy-out, they may be still forced to play him in October.

Kessel’s name being mentioned really surprises me. Although he was benched in this year’s playoffs, there is no doubt that he’s made leaps and bounds since his rookie year. He hasn’t blossomed into a Patrick Kane, but there is still ample time and if Peter Chiarelli deals him it could be a very big mistake. The slick centre should not be rushed, seeing as how Marc Savard and Patrice Bergeron are already ahead on the depth chart.

Wideman is also a name that was mentioned that surprises me. He finished second in scoring for the Bruins’ defense, and although that doesn’t say much considering their defensive corps, his 36-point campaign shouldn’t just be written off. During the playoffs I thought he was one of the more dependable defenseman for the Bruins. He is a RFA this summer and will most likely be tendered an offer sheet, although I can see him settling for a $2.5m-3m/year contract. The Bruins will be well compensated if they lose Wideman via an offer sheet, but I think having the 24-year old rearguard will be a better asset than having two first round picks.

Axelsson, the long-time Bruin and once a standout defensive player, has seen his role diminish with guys like David Krejci, Vlad Sobotka, and Milan Lucic stepping in. He has one more year on his contract at $1.85m, and Chiarelli may chose to keep the utility forward for next year.

Schaefer is as good as gone. The scoring winger had a disappoint campaign and his relatively inexpensive contract, owed $4.6m over the next 2 years, could be an attractive option for teams wishing to bolster their offensive depth. With Kessel blossoming into a scorer, Chuck Kobasew providing some speed, and the return of Bergeron, Schaefer is the odd man out, seeing as how he doesn’t really fit on a checking line either. He is my bet to be the first one out.

The Bruins did not have a spectacular season but they competed and ended up in the playoffs. They pushed the Canadiens to the brink of elimination and their efforts should be applauded. They ended their season on a high note, even though it was a loss, so I don’t expect any drastic changes to the lineup. It’s not needed. A few tweaks here and there, and this team will be a legitimate, consistent playoff contender.

Melrose Back?

Al Strachan on Hockey Night in Canada last night reported that when Oren Koules completes the buying of the Lightning, John Tortorella might not be back behind the bench, and instead the front-runner seems to be Barry Melrose, who last coached the Kings in the 1990s.

Ownership changes usually means changes in the front office, and it would not be surprising if Tortorella was let go. Melrose, however, is an interesting choice, as the long-time analyst has not been in the league for a long time and whose name has not been mentioned for other coaching vacancies. Personally, I don’t think Melrose is a good choice, especially for a team that is expected to be re-building. He has been too far from the rink for too long to provide a stabilizing voice in the locker room.

What’s Next for the Wild?

It’ll be an interesting summer for Minnesota this year. To answer a couple of possible questions…

1) Will Pavol Demitra be back?
- I don’t think so. Doug Risebrough has to really think about this one, as Demitra’s departure could also mean the departure of Marian Gaborik. The Wild have $32m committed to 13 regulars, and if the cap is set at $55m that means it’s roughly $20m to fill out the regular roster of 23. If they commit too much money to Demitra, that would mean it would be too expensive to retain Brian Rolston. Demitra, who earns $4.5m this year, could fetch more than that on the free agent market.

2) Will Brian Rolston be back?
- I think so. Risebrough has to decide between Rolston and Demitra, and if Risebrough goes with Demitra, it’ll be for no other reason than to keep Gaborik happy. While Rolston has been the more valuable player, and one of the league’s best bargains at $2.4m, he does not the same weight as Demitra in Gaborik’s heart. Ultimately, it will come down to Rolston or Demitra and I think Risebrough will go with Rolston, and hopefully lock up Gaborik to a long-term contract. Rolston can and will easily command double what he earned this year. He is two years older than Demitra at 34 years old, his production has declined since his 79-point campaign two years ago, but he still an invaluable veteran leader with Cup experience.

3) Will Jacques Lemaire be back behind the bench?
- The Minnesota Star-Tribune hinted at the fact that he might not return next season. If that is the case, and if Risebrough doesn’t head east to Toronto, it means that once again, Pat Burns and Pat Quinn’s names will be popping up again.

4) What will happen to Mark Parrish?
- The winger has been regulated to spot-duty on the fourth line and at times a healthy scratch. His production hasn’t really changed any - he had 39 points in 76 games last year to this year’s 30 points in 66 games played - but Lemaire believes he can play much better. He hasn’t been defensively responsible, which is required of all players who play under Lemaire, so the onus is on Parrish to improve his game. His contract isn’t undesirable, at $2.85m/year until 2012 there are worse contracts out there, but he could be difficult to move considering his poor play. Perhaps there will be some takers out there with some cap room to spare who need some scoring, but Parrish’s future is up the in as long as Lemaire is coach.

5) What went wrong in the playoffs?
- Gaborik only had one point in the playoffs, and that is a big reason why the Wild lost the series. He was a team worst -3, and did not shoulder the offensive load he was expected to. Again, it was veteran Rolston who led the way with 6 points in 6 games. Jose Theodore was also a major reason why the Wild lost. Most people will point to the Wild’s lack of offensive depth, but Pierre-Marc Bouchard has developed into an incredible playmaker and Rolston and Mikko Koivu have been providing secondary scoring all season long.

Flames’ Top 6 to Change

The Calgary Sun reports that Craig Conroy, Alex Tanguay, and Kristian Huselius are in danger of being traded or let go via free agency if they don’t perform better in the playoffs. The Sharks are a very good team and not many picked the Flames to win, but the three players have played poorly, and the next game (or maybe the game after that) will determine their futures in the organization.

While Conroy has spoken publicly that he needs to pick up his play, Tanguay and Huselius haven’t. I don’t think it’s a bit of a reach to say that the locker room is divided. Jarome Iginla reportedly got into a heated argument with some players in the locker room about the lack of effort from some players, and a heated argument with assistant coach Rich Preston in a video session about player assignments. Iginla insists that the argument is in the past, but you can’t help but think when it comes down to it, Darryl Sutter and Mike Keenan will side with their captain. I expect Conroy to be re-signed, considering the lack of depth in the free agent market this year, but Tanguay and Huselius have been subject to trade rumours all year and it would not surprise me if neither are back next year. Their games have been inconsistent and do not play with an edge that Keenan likes to see.

What’s Next for the Sens?

Chris Stevenson asks the following on his article at the OttawaSun.com.

1) Where does coach and GM Bryan Murray go from here?
- I think Bryan Murray’s stronger in a managerial role, although the Sens responded to him very well last year. He will need to find a replacement for himself over the summer, and will be sure to hire from the outside rather than promote from within. Once he’s found a coach, he’ll find players that will be more suitable for the coach, and regardless of who that may be, Murray will have to find a puck-moving defenseman, which everyone is looking for these days, and figure out what to do with Ray Emery.

2) Who will be coach next season?
- Stevenson reports that Pat Quinn, Pat Burns, and Bob Hartley will be some names that are going to be bounced around. Quinn’s name will be popping up everywhere, as he is rumoured to be in the running for the Canucks’ vacant GM job as well. The Sens mysterious freefall will have to be remedied by a tough coach, and those three do definitely fit the bill.

3) What happens to Wade Redden?
- In short, he’s not coming back. He hasn’t been the same since Zdeno Chara left, and the Sens will be wondering if they kept the right rearguard. He has battled inconsistency since Chara’s departure and the Sens deemed him expendable after the emergence of Chris Phillips and Anton Volchenkov as the shut-down pair. He will still be able to land a lucrative contract this summer, but it will most likely be out west. Los Angeles has been rumoured to be after him, and if the Sharks cannot re-sign Brian Campbell, Redden will also be an option for them.

4) Who replaces Redden?
- Nobody in his size or stature. Murray is looking for a puck-moving defenseman, and the premier puck-mover that will most likely hit the open market is John-Michael Liles. Ron Hainsey is also expected to test the market but does not move the puck as well although he is more physical than Liles. The Sens will have roughly $15m in cap room this summer, so don’t expect Murray to find the bargains. They will make their move in the first week of June.

5) What can the Senators afford under the cap?
- Considering the depth of the market this year, pretty much anything. The biggest and most expensive catch will be Campbell, but only if he doesn’t re-sign with San Jose, and I don’t see why he wouldn’t. The ceiling is supposed to go up to around $55m next year, and with roughly $40m committed the Sens will have ample room to at least add an elite player and fill out the rest of the roster adequately.

6) What to do with Ray Emery?
- He has been a headache for the Sens all season, and it would not surprise me if he was bought-out this summer. Because Emery is not yet 26, the cap hit for the buyout will only be 1/3 of his salary, which translates to about a $1m/year cap hit rather than a $3m/year cap hit. Martin Gerber is undoubtedly the number one goalie in Murray’s eyes, and if Emery hits the market he will be quickly snatched up by other teams looking for goaltending.

7) Are there any other goaltending options out there?
- No. No one the Sens sign this summer will be a significant upgrade over Gerber. Cristobal Huet might have the edge but the Caps do intend on re-signing him.

8/9) Who could stay and who could go up front? On the blue line?
- In the hockey world, after a momentous collapse, there are no “safe” players. The top line is secured for the next couple of years, but that doesn’t mean Murray won’t be entertaining offers for the three of them. The Sens have 5 potential UFAs this summer, and it is quite possible that none will be back. The core pieces are set, with the top line signed long-term and Mike Fisher and Chris Neil providing the depth. All Murray needs to do is find the right coach and the right players to fill up the holes. That is easier said than done, but for the most part the Sens won’t be making any drastic changes to their lineup. Asides from Redden, I don’t expect anyone significant on their blue line to be dealt.

10) Will the Sens make the playoffs next year?
- Yes. The East is getting stronger, but I don’t see how the right coach can’t turn this team around and bring them back to the top of the conference. The have great players and good depth - if they don’t make the playoffs next year it won’t be because of a lack of talent, but rather a lack of leadership, character, and cohesion.