It’s hard to imagine this phenomenon of a player has any competition for the number 1 spot in this year’s draft, but alas, he does. Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman is making headway to the top of the 09 draft. Often mentioned in the same breath as fellow country man and six-time Norris trophy winner Niklas Lidstrom, Hedman has quickly drawn favorable comparisons to the Anaheim Ducks’ Chris Pronger. Certainly, there will be doubters, especially with the recent trend of over hyped prospects emerging out of Europe. Including but not limited to: classic late-bloomer Fabian Brunnstrom, who has yet to step foot on NHL ice, but is already drawing comparisons to Henrik Zetterberg and Daniel Alfredsson, which mind you is very possible, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet. Lest we forget glorified Toronto Maple Leaf defenseman Anton Stralman, who by many accounts from over-zealous Maple Leaf followers is considered to be the next Bobby Orr. However, while these players receive warranted attention, this particular 6’6, 220lbs defenseman is considered the complete player. He skates like the wind and plays a risky, bordering on dirty game, and completes that with sublime offensive skills. Last year at the age of 17, he was playing full-time for MoDo in Sweden’s Elite League (SEL). A paucity in a league deemed to be not that far removed from the caliber of the NHL. This upcoming season, he will be expected to be a staple on the parent squad. He has franchise defenseman written all over him and has proved time and time again, whether it be in the SEL or a circuit in the World Juniors, that he can play with the best of them.

Of course, there are a select few others that may take the ranks of the #1 spot this fall. 2006 1^st overall selection of the Spokane Chiefs; Jared Cowen is turning heads in the WHL, and is widely considered to be a lock in the top 5. Another standout comes from the WHL, his name is Brayden Schenn. Sibling to Toronto Maple Leaf’s first round selection Luke Schenn. Unlike his brother, he plays forward. In his inaugural season, he amassed 28 goals and 43 assists, for 71 points in 66 games. By all accounts, he is expected to improve on those numbers with aplomb. Rounding out the top 5 is Swedish prospect; Magnus Svensson-Pääjärvi. A name I still have trouble trying to pronounce, this slick Swede is being mentioned in the same breath as Ilya Kovalchuck. While these players have an amazing amount of skill, scouts across the globe believe that the number 1 pick belongs to one of John Tavares or Victor Hedman. This upcoming season will be the mitigating factor in which we see these potential franchise players end up.

Personally, I believe that these two players have an inordinate amount of talent. They are both masters at their craft and equally skilled in their own regard. That is why I imagine that when D-day arrives, it will be a choice of position rather than skill. For years, the philosophy amongst NHL GM’s is that they will always take the best player available. While that statement still rings true, I believe that these two franchise players are equal in talent and will ultimately be up to the specific teams needs. For the purpose of simplicity, let’s analyze only the projected bottom five teams of this years’ NHL season. The Atlanta Thrashers, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings & St. Louis Blues all have a legitimate shot and receiving the 1^st overall pick this June. With Ilya Kovalchuk’s contract coming to a completion at the conclusion of the 09-10 season, the Atlanta Thrashers will be desperate for offence. Furthermore, with the inclusion of recently drafted Zach Bogosian, they already have a potential franchise defenseman. Could the addition of John Tavares entice Kovalchuck to stay? Next is the New York Islanders. Seemingly devoid of any top-line talent at forward or defense, they could go either way. A duo of John Tavares and Kyle Okposo could be very intriguing. However, they are severely lacking in defensive prospects as well. The Toronto Maple Leafs recent drafting of Luke Schenn pretty much eliminates them from choosing Hedman, as they are desperate for a scoring forward. What better way to replace long-time captain Mats Sundin with home-grown native John Tavares, something that will certainly please Leaf nation. The Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues are two teams that are stock-piled with defensive prospects. While the former has Drew Doughty, Thomas Hickey and Jack Johnson, the latter has Eric Johnson, Alex Pietrangelo and Steve Wagner. These two teams would almost certainly jump at the opportunity to bolster their lineup with some much needed offence. At first glance, it almost seems that the glaring need for these five bottom-feeding teams is offence, in which John Tavares certainly fits the bill. But, in what may become one of the biggest debates throughout the NHL’s 08-09 season, it really comes down to choice. Who would you pick?

Now some of you may say; the last four years have been horrendous for Leaf fans.   They have had to endure a half-decade long playoff drought; so, the Leafs must make the playoffs.  Others would say; rebuilding a team is a process, this method takes time.  This recent trend of black and white thinking has become an eternal struggle, it is an argument I have had with many followers of the Maple Leafs.  Though I do not have a dogmatic, narrow-minded view of the current Maple Leaf situation, I am inclined to agree with the latter.  Simply because while the Maple Leafs do have a myriad of future assets including but not limited to; Jiri Tlusty, Nikolai Kulemin, Justin Pogge and the newly-acquired Mikhail Grabovski, to name a few. None of these potential stars really stands out to attain the status of super-star.  Now that they have finally obtained one of these superstars in Luke Schenn, it is time to acquire someone equally as high in status and talent to launch the Maple Leafs into triumph.

Take a second to look around the league, while the most extreme example being the Pittsburgh Penguins (Crosby, Malkin, Fleury) there are many others around the league who have had high draft picks over the last few years and will surely be successful in the near future.  Perhaps the most talked about turn-around in hockey, the Chicago Blackhawks, have a dynamic duo in Jonathan Toews (3^rd overall in 06) and Patrick Kane (1^st overall in 08) to go along with their abundance of other career NHLers such as Cam Barker, Dave Bolland and Jack Skille.  The Los Angeles Kings who have been quietly stock-piling future talent for years, made there biggest splash this year with 2^nd overall pick Drew Doughty to accompany future stalwart Jack Johnson (3^rd overall in 05).  Another standout of course is Wayne Gretzky’s new and improved Phoenix Coyotes who acquired Danish prospect Mikkel Boedker (8^th overall in 08) to complement Kyle Turris (3^rd overall in 07) and Peter Mueller (8^th overall in 06). FYI: I firmly believe these aforementioned teams will be a top the NHL standings in no later than two years.

These are just mere examples of what the Leafs are now facing. But one thing is abundantly obvious; most dominant teams are built on at least two or three standout prospects.   It has been 41 years since the great city of Toronto has seen the Leafs hoist the Stanley Cup.  Is it really too much to ask to endure one more season of failure?  Personally, I do not wish for a top 10 pick, I believe it’s imperative to obtain a top 3 pick.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have the choice between mega-prospects John Tavares, Victor Hedman and Luke Schenn’s brother; Brayden, among others. The Maple Leafs have been mired in mediocrity for so many years, it has certainly become an exercise in futility.  Many Leaf followers wish for the return of Mats Sundin and for some strange reason, Maple Leaf brass is seemingly leaving the door open for his return.  The team Cliff Fletcher has fielded for the 08-09 season has hockey pundits everywhere saying that not only is this team not good enough to make the playoffs, they will be lucky to escape with the 13^th spot in the Eastern Conference.  It is almost set in stone that the Leafs are a shoe-in for another playoff mishap for the fifth consecutive year. With presumably the only bottom-feeders below them being the Garth Snow inflicted; New York Islanders and the one-pony show; Atlanta Thrashers.  So if Sundin loyalties get their wish, it is my belief that it may only move them up a mere one, maybe two spots in the standings.  Is that really what we want?  You really have to ask yourselves Leaf-fans, do you want another Nik Antropov in the 09 draft, or someone who can vault this team to Stanley Cup success? So I implore you Leaf fans, as a life-long fan myself, we must lose, really lose, to win.

It’s always easy to point at a coach when a team fails as dismally as the Lightning did this season. Hell, they’re only a few years removed from winning the Stanley Cup (2004)! This year, they managed to finish dead last in the NHL. In fact, since the lockout ended (the lockout was the season following their championship), the Lightning have struggled for two playoff berths before their plunge into the league cellar this year.

So, has Tortorella lost the room? What is the reason for a sudden, covert coaching change, assuming it happens?

Tortorella is notorious for being a hard-liner, often in conflict with his players. A few seasons ago, it looked like he may have alienated Vincent Lecavalier, to the point where trade rumours were floated almost daily. The two apparently made peace, but it is possible that Tortorella simply isn’t getting the most out of his players anymore.

But, on the other side of the coin, one has to consider Tampa’s woeful goaltending situation this past season. They started with the tandem of Johan Holmqvist and Marc Denis, who might well be considered a pair of backups on any other team. Neither looked particularly comfortable in the starter’s role, and neither met with much success. It got to the point where prospect Karri Ramo was inserted into 22 games as the go-to guy, also without great results.

A third factor that people point to is the absence of Dan Boyle, who only played 37 games after having wrist surgery. Boyle is viewed as a very solid puck-moving defenceman, and his absence definitely didn’t help the Bolts, but to attribute their failure this season to his absence is a bit of a stretch.

In reality, the Lightning’s awful season was due to a combination of all of the above, and that necessitates change.

Tortorella will have no trouble finding a job, and Barry Melrose can hop back behind the bench of a team that isn’t very good, just like in the old days of his Billy Ray Cyrus mullet.

Now, let’s take a look at who is out there, and who is looking for a coach.

• Toronto Maple Leafs: The Leafs canned GM John Ferguson Jr. and coach Paul Maurice, and had high hopes of luring in a big name to take charge of both the GM and coaching roles. However, to date they have been rebuked in most of their efforts, save for a multi-day interview with former Canucks’ GM Dave Nonis. In terms of a coach, there hasn’t been much said. Realistically, this could be a great fit for Tortorella, as the Leafs are in desperate need of a whip-cracking coach who will not hesitate to call out players who aren’t pulling their weight.

• Ottawa Senators: The Sens fired John Paddock after the team began a mid-season nose-dive. Many people point the finger to Paddock’s inability to rein in loose cannon goaltender Ray Emery for his firing, but the team overall seemed divided and directionless. More aptly, it was Paddock’s inability to gain the respect of the room that led to his dismissal. So far, it seems that Pat Burns, Pat Quinn and Doug McLean are the top candidates to take over from “interim” coach Bryan Murray. Oh, wouldn’t it be ironic if they ended up with Pat Quinn…

• Colorado Avalanche: They fired agreed to part ways with Joel Quenneville after being ousted from the playoffs in the second round, and have since replaced him with former Avs head coach Tony Granato. This is somewhat odd, since Granato was replaced by Quenneville at the end of 2004. Granato holds a solid 72-33-17-11 record in his previous stint with the Avs, and is a good replacement for Quenneville, who just never caught on in the Mile High State.

• Vancouver Canucks: Tired of not making the playoffs? Fire your ASSISTANT coaches! That’s the approach that new Canucks’ GM Mike Gillis took, sending in head coach Alain Vigneault to do the dirty work. Then, Gillis turned around and extended Vigneault, who is widely viewed as the wrong style of coach on an offensively challenged team like Vancouver.

• Atlanta Thrashers: When Don Waddell fired Bob Hartley early in the 2007-08 season, the thought was that he’d replace him temporarily. Well, that stretched out to the end of the season, and another season of not making the playoffs. So, the impoetus now has to be on finding a capable bench boss to turn things around. A prime candidate here would be Joel Quenneville, at least in my opinion. Other possibilities are Brad McCrimmon or maybe Pittsburgh assistant coach Andre Savard.

When Marian Hossa played for the Ottawa Senators his performance was undoubtedly marginal for a player with his talent. Hossa’s numbers for the Sens in the post season were 51 games played, 13 goals, 21 assists for 34 points. Hossa only played four games in the post season for the Atlanta Thrashers– a team which he was traded to with Gregg de Vries for Dany Heatley– and his totals were 1 assist for one point.

While in Ottawa Hossa played with Martin Havlat, and Daniel Alfedsson, which is why people were wondering why his totals weren’t higher. When Hossa was playing for the Sens, they really didn’t have more scoring than that line, so it was easy for a team to shut down the Sens.

While in Atlanta, Hossa played with Marc Savard, and Ilya Kovalchuk. To Hossa’s defence he only played in 4 games for the Thrashers in the post season, but he only managed to total 1 assist, which some fans were saying that if Hossa would have scored more, perhaps the Thrashers would have gone further.

Now that Hossa is in Pittsburgh, he seems to be on a tear, with 8 goals, and 7 assists for 15 points in 12 games, I don’t hear anyone criticizing him this year in the post season. Sure Hossa is playing with Sidney Crosby, and the while fact that Evgeni Malkin is on the team doesn’t hurt either, Hossa is having a great play-off run.

Hossa has played with arguably some of the best players in hockey over the last few years. Kovalchuk, Crosby, Alfredsson, Havlat, and Malkin have all called Hossa a team-mate. All three teams that Hossa has played for, have had the luxury of being able to put talent on his line, why is it that in Pittsburgh Hossa is thriving?  Are Crosby and Malkin more talented than Havlat and Alfredsson? Perhaps more talented than Kovalchuk and Savard. Well Savard is the one with the least amount of talent amongst those other names, but having Alfredsson and Havlat as line-mates isn’t bad at all, and having Kovalchuk as your other winger isn’t bad either, so why is Hossa playing better in Pittsburgh?

Perhaps there are better leaders in Pittsburgh. Maybe the coaching suits Hossa’s style more. But possibly, the fact that Hossa’s line– which includes Crosby– isn’t the only line scoring, so teams aren’t only watching, and defending against Hossa. Let’s face it, in Ottawa Hossa’s line was doing almost all of the scoring, in Atlanta, same thing.

Marian Hossa is making some spectacular passes, and scoring some nice goals in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately given the fact Hossa becomes an unrestricted free agent this July 1, it will be hard for the Pens to keep him. Pittsburgh has to deal with Ryan Malone–if they choose to keep him– and Sidney Crosby starts earning the 8.5 million next season, not to mention the fact that Malkin’s entry contract is up after next season.

Hossa has always been a star in the NHL, now he is trying to be a post season star as well. Hossa who almost ended up playing for the Montreal Canadiens in late February, has been rumoured going everywhere, most notably Boston, or Montreal next season. With these play-offs being great for the Slovak, his asking price just went up from 7-8 million to 8-10 million for his next contract. Someone will give him that amount of money, especially if he keeps producing in the post season.

For now Hossa is silencing all of his critics. It’s good to see someone with all that talent not being criticized be everyone for once. Let’s hope that he keeps producing for the Pens.

Sure there are the Marian Hossa’s, and the Mats Sundin’s of the world, but who are the under-rated players that could help the Canadiens next year? There are some funny rumours in Montreal that fans have brought forth, I guess they are more hopes rather than reality, but the suggestions are to trade Mikhail Grabovski, Jaroslav Halak, the Habs first round pick this year, and possibly Ryan O’Byrne, and maybe Chris Higgins to the Atlanta Thrashers for Ilya Kovalchuk. Well if you want to put all your eggs in one basket, he is not a bad player to get, but trading all of that seems a little steep.

A player which has been getting absolutely no attention from the media in Montreal is Paul Gaustad. This 6′5″ 225 pound centre could be exactly what the Habs need. He’s big, physical, not afraid to get a little nasty, and is a centre, a big one, which could solve some problems down the middle where the Habs need help. I believe that Gaustad would be the no.3 centre that the Habs have been looking for. Gaustad can play well, and isn’t afraid to stand in front of the net either, which could have helped in the Philadelphia Flyers series. Gaustad may not be a superstar, but he could be a piece of the puzzle.

Another player that the Habs should inquire about is the Jordin Tootoo. He does take some stupid penalties from time to time, but he is a pinball, and is definitely not afraid to mix it up. He loves the physical, and nasty play, why not in Montreal? Tootoo might be in the penalty box a little too often, but he inspires his team-mates with loud and crushing hits, unlike Maxime Lapierre. Tootoo could be a good fit in Montreal, as coach Guy Carbonneau enjoys the gritty type players.

If the Canadiens were thinking of landing a proven fighter on the team, then if they are not able to get Georges Laraque, unfortunately, there aren’t many options, perhaps the big Derek Boogaard from the Minnesota Wild would be an option. Boogaard is not fast, but at 6′7″, and weighing 256 pounds, he could crush some people in the boards, and I’m sure that neither Laraque, nor Zdeno Chara would frighten him. There are a couple of other fighters in the league that could use a new home, but they are all about the same as Boogaard, just not as big. However, I do like Zack Stortini from the Edmonton Oilers also as a fighter.

Raffi Torres is another gritty forward which would have helped in the Philly series, he plays physical, and loves going to the net and disturbing the goalie. Although this year he had some problematic injuries, he remains a good player, one which I’m sure the Habs would enjoy. Also in Edmonton, Jarett Stoll, although I prefer Gaustad to Stoll, Stoll does have the edge in winning face-offs. Stoll would be a good replacement for Brian Smolinski, but as I said, I would prefer to see Gaustad.

One of the Canadiens problems is the fact that they are so small at the centre position. Saku Koivu, and Tomas Plekanec, both of whom are talented, but on the smallish side, Smolinski was a decent size, but didn’t pan out, and his best days are behind him. Maxim Lapierre is bigger than Koivu, and Plekanec, but will he be good enough?

The Canadiens have some talented wingers, and defense-men coming up soon, they also have some centres, but they are not much bigger than Koivu, or Plekanec, so perhaps it’s time to think about size, which has been the issue in Montreal for a few years, this year they escaped it by being the number 1 team in the East, but the lack of size up front amongst other things, hampered their play-off hopes.

More to come in part 2.

Perhaps that’s why Flyers GM Paul Holmgren has initiate contract talks with Carter’s agent, Rick Curran, as Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post Online reports. However, a deal isn’t close to being completed.

Carter was almost traded along with a first round draft pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs before the trade deadline in exchange for defenseman Tomas Kaberle. The deal was called off when Kaberle refused to waive his no-trade clause.

Erik Erlendsson of The Tampa Tribune suggests that with the addition of “couple of top-six forwards” (whether acquired via free agency or the entry draft), “at least one more veteran defenseman,” and “a solid backup goaltender” the Tampa bay Lightning would be a much better team.

The Lightning have $33 million already committed to 14 players for next season, leaving them perhaps as much as $23 million to spend under the salary cap. Of course, the club may have a different budget to work with depending on what ownership may impose.

Atlanta Thrashers forward Slava Kozlov tells Craig Custance of The Atlanta Journal Constitution that his team could really use a top defenseman.

“This team needs a foundation, defensively - like a [Zdeno] Chara or [Nicklas] Lidstrom. Good teams, they have one or two very good defensemen who can play 30-35 [minutes per game]. Like [Chris] Pronger on Anaheim - one of those guys. They’re hard to find, but that’s what we need. With our goalie, he can win a game by himself, but we have to help them. We can’t let the other team shoot 40-45 times.”

According to Damien Cox of the Toronto Star, the future of pending UFA forward Mats Sundin with the Toronto Maple Leafs is up in the air.

The team may decide to offer him an $8 million deal over two years, or not even bother to bring him back.

Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun suggests that any team thinking of spending the $3 or $4 million Calgary Flames pending UFA forward Kristian Huselius may ask for this summer, would be better off spending their money elsewhere.

“I’m an Islander at heart,” Dubielewicz said. “If I was given the opportunity to continue to be an Islander, I think I’d probably jump on it.”

“I think my value goes up over time. They can see I’m consistent and that my size isn’t a big factor. If I went to another team, I’d probably have to spend a lot of time knocking down those hurdles again.”

Defenseman Alexei Zhitnik tells Craig Custance of The Atlanta Journal Constitution he has not received word from the Atlanta Thrashers about his future with the club.

After being told to stay home for a recent three-game road trip, the veteran blueliner says he is unsure how he fits into the Thrashers’ long-term plans.

“I have no idea,” he said.

Zhitnik, who’s set to earn $3.5 million next season, says he hopes his situation will get resolved quickly after the season’s end.

“I hope everything will be finalized in May and June.”

Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press suggest that Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios will return for at least one more season with the club.

And that would be just fine with the Red Wings.

“I’ve talked to Chris and told him, he’s been around here long enough to know I’m not into a youth movement,” general manager Ken Holland said Friday. “I’m into putting the best product on the ice. Let’s see a strong finish to the year, and there’s a good probability he’ll be back.”

Holland says that the 46-year-old veteran blueliner is a great mentor for the club’s young defenseman.

“The little plays he makes on the penalty kill to his partner, so his partner can ice the puck — those are things you can’t teach,” Holland said. “He’s been able to extend his career for almost a quarter of a century because of his determination, work ethic and passion for the game. I can talk to people about it, and Mike Babcock can talk to people about it, but you just gotta watch Chris. He’s a role model.”

Still with the Red Wings, Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun reports that the club are so keen on re-signing pending UFA defenseman Brad Stuart that they would like to ink him before he can reach free agency.

Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun suggests that Calgary Flames forward Matthew Lombardi could replace pending UFAs Daymond Langkow, Craig Conroy, and Stephane Yelle at the center position if none of them can be re-signed.

Sundin refused to waive the no-trade clause and allow the deal to go through.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs were also close to acquiring Philadelphia Flyers forward Jeff Carter and the club’s first round pick in return for defenseman Tomas Kaberle on deadline day. The deal “was written up at the league office and awaiting approval,” but Kaberle invoked his no-trade clause.

The Edmonton Journal claims that the New Jersey Devils will sign Flyers defenseman Jason Smith in the off-season as an unrestricted free agent.

Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell told Craig Custance of The Atlanta Journal Constitution that he is not negotiating contract extensions with any of the club’s pending free agents.

“There are no talks going on right now,” Waddell said.

Waddell says that there is plenty of time to discuss new contracts with possible UFAs Mark Recchi, Johan Hedberg, Eric Boulton, Bobby Holik and Steve McCarthy, and the team’s lone pending RFA Kari Lehtonen.

“On our current team there’s only one restricted and that’s Lehtonen. We have a couple unrestricted guys but right now no talks have gone on with any of our players. I think the [current] situation, I don’t see a big need just yet. We have a couple weeks here to focus on winning hockey games.”

Pat Hickey of The Montreal Gazette suggests that the Canadiens will have an easier time attracting quality free agent in the summer due to their excellent play this season and good group of talented young players.

Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette suggests that the Pittsburgh Penguins should not trade forward Sidney Crosby for any reason. Duh!

According to Bucky Gleason of The Buffalo News, the Chicago Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon will try to move high-priced forward Martin Havlat and goalie Nikolai Khabibulin during the off-season.

Trading both players, who become unrestricted free agents next summer, would give the Blackhawks $12.75 million to spend in free agency.

If the Blackhawks don’t trade both players, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun believes that the club will certainly deal Havlat.

Jim Matheson of The Edmonton Journal reports that Los Angeles Kings pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Rob Blake would like to continue his NHL career for one or two more seasons. And preferably with the Kings.

However, for that to happen, Matheson suggests that the veteran blueliner will have to take a significant pay cut down to around $3 million per season.

Matheson also reiterates earlier reports that the Ottawa Senators can buy out goalie Ray Emery between June 15 and June 30 at one-third of the $6.75 million left on the last two years of his contract. That translates to a salary cap hit of $562,000 each of the next four years. Matheson suggests that that the Senators will indeed take advantage of this opportunity to dump Emery.

Look for the Edmonton Oilers to shop defenseman Joni Pitkanen in the off-season, according to Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch.

Portzline also reports that Oilers pending UFA forward Geoff Sanderson will retire at season’s end.

Garrioch believes that the New York Islanders will not trade goalie Rick DiPietro despite the friction he and head coach Ted Nolan.

Garrioch also reports that Colorado Avalanche pending UFA goaltender Jose Theodore could be pursued by the Kings and the Tampa Bay Lightning should he decided to go on the market.

More from Garrioch, he reports on a number of non-trades leading up to last month’s trade deadline.

First off, word is that the Philadelphia Flyers were willing to part with forward Jeff Carter and their first round draft pick for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle. The deal fell through when Kaberle invoked the no-trade clause in his contract.

Secondly, the Atlanta Thrashers were unsuccessful in their attempts to move defenseman Alexei Zhitnik.

Lastly, Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough wasn’t willing to meet the asking price for Florida Panthers forward Olli Jokinen.

According to Section 13 of the Standard Players Contract, players that are under 26 years of age can be bought out at only one-third of their deals. Since Emery turn 26 in September, the Senators would have to pay the struggling goaltender $2.25 million of the $6.75 million left on his remaining deal. The club would only take a $562,500 per season salary cap hit for the next four years.

There is a catch, however. If the Senators want to buy out Emery during the buyout period from June 15-30, they will have to place him on waivers and risk losing him for nothing.

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun suggests that the Toronto Maple Leafs will buy out back-up goalie Andrew Raycroft in the summer and replace him with rookie Justin Pogge.

The Maple Leafs will have to pay Raycroft $666,666 in each of the next two seasons.

Detroit Red Wings pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Brad Stuart tells Ansar Khan of mLive.com he’s not necessarily looking to sign his next contract with a Western Conference team.

“I’ve read that I’m a West Coast guy. I don’t see myself that way,” Stuart said. “I don’t have to play on the West Coast.”

Khan suggests that the Red Wings will wait until season’s end to begin negotiations with Stuart, if they choose to pursue him at all.

Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch reports that Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson would like to sign pending unrestricted free agent goaltender Pascal Leclaire to a contract extension before his current deal expires.

However, negotiations with Leclaire’s agent will not commence until the end of the regular season.

According to Luke DeCock of The News & Observer, the Carolina Hurricanes have been negotiating an NHL contract with the agent for junior forward Brandon Sutter for the past week.

Sutter’s season in the Western Hockey League will come to and end this weekend, and the Hurricanes are hoping to call up their first round pick in last summer’s entry draft to the big club.

However, it’s unclear if the CBA allows the Hurricanes to bring up Sutter straight to their big club or if the youngster will have to first suit up for their AHL affiliate.

“That’s a decision, obviously, that [general manager] Jim [Rutherford] and the coaches would make,” Hurricanes assistant general manager Ron Francis said.

Atlanta Thrashers co-owner Bruce Levenson tells Craig Custance of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Marian Hossa’s decision not to re-sign with the club wasn’t necessarily because he didn’t like “what he saw about the future of the organization.”

“I don’t think that’s an accurate statement. It was more complicated than that. To say Marian didn’t want to be here is a gross simplification of what happened.”

However, by naming Peca an alternate captain, management may be sending him a message.

“Hopefully, it says they want me to be around for a little while,” said Peca, 33.

“This is a place we would love to stay and there has been an indication that it might be a reciprocal feeling on their part, but we’ll see what happens.”

Bob Hunter of The Columbus Dispatch suggests that the Blue Jackets may pursue a trade for struggling San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau to fill their first-line center position.

The Blue Jackets could receive a first round draft pick, from a deadline deal that saw defenseman Adam Foote moved to the Colorado Avalanche, that they can package along with “a good player or two” to acquire Marleau.

Marleau has a no-trade clause that takes effect July 1st, so he’d have to be moved before then without his approval.

Speaking of the Sharks, USA Today’s Kevin Allen suggests that should Sharks defenseman Brian Campbell become an UFA he could get a six-year deal worth at least $50 million this summer.

Campbell will undoubtedly be the most sought after blueliner on the market due to the lack of top-tier defensemen due to become available.

Allen also believes that pending UFA defensemen Wade Redden of the Ottawa Senators and Michael Rozsival of the New York Rangers could also get significant contracts.

As for Pittsburgh Penguins soon-to-be UFA forward Marian Hossa, he could definitely land a deal averaging more than the $7 million per season the Atlanta Thrashers were offering him before they traded him.

Lastly from Allen, he suggests that the Thrashers will have a big off-season after losing Hossa, while the Edmonton Oilers continue their efforts to land a “Star” player. Look for the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders to possibility do the same.

- The biggest rumbling and evidence about the NHL Winter Classic this week came out of New York involving the Rangers. The Daily News of NY went as far to say that the Rangers have all but locked up to be the host, but with only the task of finding the right opponent. The game would be at Yankee Stadium, and it would be the last event in its history. And here is more evidence of this:

That photo was taken by a man who was touring the stadium and happen to stumble upon this evidence. Its an interesting placement for the rink. The picture is courtesy of the website NHL Tournament of Logo’s, and you can read the whole story here. I am all for NYR getting an outdoor game as I have said before, but I have a few problems with this idea and situation.

Baseball stadiums are unique venues. As you can see from the photo, the first rows near the dugouts will be closer than a football stadium but will they be high enough to see all of the action? I like how it will be a closer feeling to the rink, but I would rather have the NHL stick to keeping the Winer Classic in football stadiums. Another thing with this photo is that they would almost certainly build makeshift stands in the outfield, bringing the fans even closer. Wikipedia says that the stadium holds just under 58,000 for a baseball game. So an accurate guess with the layout above would be around 60-65,000 due to the fact that most of the outfield seats wouldn’t be used because of the makeshift stands that would have to be created in the outfield. I do not think that is enough people, which is why the Winter classic should stay in Football stadiums, where more people can get through the gate ($$$) and where putting the rink up wouldn’t be a logistical problem. If the Rangers have truly locked up the ‘09 classic, they should attempt to play it in Giants Stadium, which fits 80,000 no problem. I see a couple of advantages and disadvantages.

For one, filling Giants stadium wouldn’t be a problem. 40,000 tickets sold out in Buffalo in 37 minutes, which is a testament to the loyalty to the fans and what a fantastic event this is. Another advantage and disadvantage at the same time is that Giants Stadium is located in New Jersey. Its an advantage because the event wouldn’t be in the Bronx, but its a disadvantage because it might turn away the average fan FROM the Bronx who doesn’t want to travel. Regardless, I’m glad to see that the Rangers are heavily in the talks for the ‘09 classic. Rumored teams to play the Rangers are the Islanders, Bruins, and Red Wings. I believe the best choice would be the Bruins. The media would play off the Boston-NY rivalry heavily. If you chose the Islanders the Buzz might not grow as big because of the game being so local. If you chose the Red Wings it might become to bland. The Bruins play hard and have given NYR great games this season, and all I want is to see a hockey fight outdoors in the Bronx on National TV.

- Moving on to Franchise relocation. Being an old-tyme (get it, with a y!) Hockey-ist, I’ve never liked the rapid expansion into the Southern part of the US by the NHL. And to begin, if the NHL decides to expand past 30 teams they will surely regret it. The NHL has planted the seeds of the “New” NHL, now they need to water it from time to time and let it grow. I feel like the NHL is trying to “grow” hockey upon markets instead of trying to find Hockey markets and place teams there. There are many rumbles of possible cities for relocation above the Mason-Dixon line involving Kansas City, Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Milwaukee, and moving into Canada with Hamilton, Quebec City, Winnipeg and Saskatchewan. Teams that are involved in moving rumors are Florida, Tampa Bay, Columbus, Nashville, Atlanta, and Phoenix. First I will Rank each team in my opinion on who should move ASAP from 1 through 6.

1. Nashville. As much as Business is reportedly coming back, the franchise is in trouble. Bettman did now allow Basile to buy the franchise because of his intentions to move it to Hamilton in Ontario. I have a feeling this franchise will be on the move in the next five years though. The following isn’t enough to support a franchise with greater market opportunities out there.
2. Florida. Florida for this season so far is ranked last in % filled in total attendance. (ESPN) Although you don’t hear about many problems from Florida, you don’t hear much of anything either. When your home city is named Sunrise, your just not a hockey town. Its bad enough Florida has two teams, and at least one has to go. Sorry Panthers, but you don’t have a cup unlike your in-state foes on the west coast.
3. Next up would be Columbus, who edges out Florida in total attendance by 1.2%. The same goes here. As much as there aren’t many problems, there also aren’t many positives coming out of Ohio.
4. Phoenix. A move back to Winnipeg could be in the cards for the former-Jets. Winnipeg is pressing hard for a franchise and Phoenix hasn’t enjoyed much success in the desert since its move. There are two problems though. First, Jobing.com arena is almsot brand new and in sparkling condition. Second, Winnipeg needs a new arena. Don’t look for this to happen anytime soon.
5. Atlanta. The All-Star game might not have been a big hit on TV, but fans packed Phillips Arena all weekend. Phillips arena is another obstacle as it too like Jobing.com is in fantastic shape. Atlanta will still be around past 2015 but if its still below the 90% mark after that, they could be moving.
6. Last is Tampa Bay. Again, hockey and Florida don’t really mix, but the league will be reluctant to move Tampa as it in its short history the already have a ring on their fingers. Plus as I watched the Islanders visit them, there was a good show in the stands, especially in the 100 seats.

So basically I want to obliterate the South-eastern division, but its just a clear fact that Hockey isn’t America’s sport, so why should the NHL try to force it in area’s where Ice doesn’t even form once a year? Hopefully in the next ten years we see a northern migration. My top US cities would be Salt Lake and Las Vegas. My top Canadian cities would be Winnipeg and Quebec/Hamilton. I just worry about the affect of putting a team in Quebec city due to the strong Montreal following.

There’s a little rant for you. I’ll be doing more of this over the summer. Rangers at Panthers, Friday night at 7:30, let’s go Rangers. - Rob

Even after benching the veteran four times already this season.

“Absolutely. Right now, there’s no reason not to,” he said.

Things could change though. With Zhitnik set to earn $3.5 million next season, perhaps the Thrashers will realize that having that much salary invested in a player that can’t crack their line-up on a regular basis may not be the way to go.

So what can they do?

Well, the Thrashers could try to trade Zhitnik. However, due to his salary and inconsistent play it’s unlikely there will be any takers.

Buying him out is another option, though Custance doesn’t believe it will give the club any worthwhile “financial relief.”

The Thrashers also have the option of placing Zhitnik on waivers. A team in need of some depth on defense might want to claim Zhitnik on re-entry waivers at half his pay check.

Regardless of what happens, look for the Russian native to continue his hockey career in the NHL as he still hopes to win the Stanley Cup someday. So, don’t expect Zhitnik to bolt for an European league any time soon.

“I have played [in the NHL] for 15 years. I have another year on my contract,” he said. “I wouldn’t think to go anywhere else. I want to win a Stanley Cup. There are no Stanley Cups in Russia.”

Now, more and more NHL teams are employing the hockey version of cheerleaders.

The Anaheim Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers, Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Tampa Bay Lightning all have them. That’s 16 teams.

Three Canadian teams have them, too, including the Calgary Flames, Ottawa Senators, and the Vancouver Canucks.

So, what exactly do Ice Girls do?

Well, according to PuckThatHit.com, this is what the job entails:

Ice Girls often (but not always) step onto the ice, clean away excess snow, wipe down the glass, and of course give away t-shirts. Any excuse to have them parade their increased chest sizes and minuscule waists is good enough for management and fans.

For those interested, there’s a poll over at PuckThatHit.com where you can vote for which team has the best ice girls. There’s pictures, too… pretty pictures… go check ‘em out. I threw in my vote for the Chicago Blackhawks’ Ice Crew.

Anyway, I’m wondering how soon will it be before ALL NHL teams has a crew of Ice Girls dancing in a seat near you? And which team will it be the next in line? Will it be the Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, or the Washington Capitals?

This is an unscientific poll, by the way.

The Boston Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont reports that Atlanta Thrashers forward Erik Christensen wanted out of Pittsburgh because he wasn’t getting enough playing time.

Dupont also suggests that the Boston Bruins should give goalie