Johan Franzen, who played well in the playoffs last season and had his breakthrough season in 2008-2009 has really shown he can step up when it really matters. He leads the Red Wings with 18 points, half of which come from goals. He has been the biggest asset to Detroit in these playoffs. 

Chris Osgood has also been outstanding. Many doubted his play because of his season stats and most people do not look at him as a Stanley Cup goalie even after last season. He has shown that he is more than capable though. His stats may not be up there with Fleury or even Khabibulin but his 0.922 save percentage and 2.06 goals against average have proven to be strong enough, even without Brian Rafalski in the first five games of the Anaheim series. 

Scoring has been coming from other unexpected places. Pavel Datsyuk has been seldom seen in these playoffs and has been held to just five points in 12 games. Second and third line players like Dan Cleary, Valtteri Filppula and Jiri Hudler have stepped up their game and have combined for 27 points in only 12 games.

Detroit was able to take game 1 of its series against Chicago because of these backup goal scorers. The series is not over yet though, not by a long shot. Detroit won the season series against the Black Hawks 4-2 but they lost the last two meetings. Detroit will need to keep up with the speed and skill of Chicago’s young players like Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews. Chicago’s young blue liners like Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook will also need to be contained. Veterans Brian Campbell and Martin Havlat pose major threats offensively as they have combined for 22 points in twelve games. 

Detroit’s goal-tending has to remain rock solid and their go-to offence-men like Datsyuk have to step up in order for them to win three more games in this series.

Speculation is running ramped about which players will represent Canada. From now until early 2010, there will be numerous amounts of newspapers, articles, blogs and other forms of hockey writing from writer’s to aficionado’s across the country, speculating what the final roster of what the beloved team will be. Whomever they decide, we do know this, there’s certainly no shortage of talent. Players such as; Sidney Crosby, Vincent Lecavalier, Jarome Iginla, Dany Heatley, Dion Phaneuf, Chris Pronger & Mike Green are all locks (barring injury) to make the squad. The management crew certainly does not want to be expeditious in determining the line-up, it would be wise to be very methodical in choosing the players as last Olympics did not fair so well. That being said, there is a myriad of other choices when determining the final roster. Canada has enough talent to send 3 full teams to the 2010 Olympics. However, we do not live in a perfect world and management will have to settle for cutting some very good players that deserve to represent their country on the international stage. In the wake of the managers being named, I thought I would offer my two cents on which players have an excellent chance on being selected:

*Joe Sakic & Scott Niedermayer not listed because of career uncertainties

The biggest controversy will be on the situation of goaltenders. Canada is certainly too deep between the pipes. The main question will be; who is more deserving, Roberto Luongo or Martin Brodeur? While Brodeur has the experience, that in itself may be his downfall. There has been talk that he may be showing signs of aging, coupled with his lackluster performance at the last Olympics could prove to management that Luongo is the right man for the job.

With the NHL toying with the idea that this may be the last time they send players to compete for the Olympics, (although I doubt that will be the case) it certainly puts pressure on the players to make a push to represent their country. For all of these players, it will be the first time they will compete for Olympic glory at home in Canada, they will all want a shot to play. Of course injuries and performances of this year and the early part of next year will play a huge role in who ultimately gets to compete in Vancouver. But for now, isn’t it interesting to speculate?

Until next time,

Alex Fineberg

The Defense has been fairly strong the last few years as Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook have been the anchors that the blueline strength has leaned on. With Brent Sopel coming in last season to lend a much needed veteran presence, the Defensive core got that much stronger on the depth chart. This season the highest rated free agent defenseman, Brian Campbell, signed a big contract to come be a Blackhawk. Whether Brian is the last piece of the puzzle or not is yet to be seen, but at $7.1 million per year expectations will be high. The depth at the #5/#6 spot was filled out last year nicely by James “Wiz” Wisniewski. But Wiz is out until probably December healing up from his 3rd knee surgery. While Cam Barker played defense for 45 games last season, he has been sent down to the AHL partner in Rockford. Rumors suggest Cam will return to the NHL as early as this weekend. The other surprise on the blueline is defensive specialist Niklas Hjalmarsson. With only 13 NHL games under his belt last season, Niklas will surprise in my opinion. I expect good things on the Blueline this year over all.

On the Free Agent Frenzy day (July 1st) Dale Tallon (Blackhawks GM)surprised and shocked the NHL by signing Christobel Huet while already having Nikolai Khabibulin under contract. With $13 mil worth of starting goaltending, it is most likely that one will be dealt. Rumors have abounded that Khabibulin will be traded, but no substantial action has taken place yet. Having two starting goaltenders has pushed back the promotion of either Corey Crawford or Antii Niemi for now. Look for Khabibulin to be dealt and both Crawford and Niemi to make appearances in the NHL. If it’s Crawford, expect big things from the talented netminder who shut out the Ducks for his first NHL career win. But keep a close eye on camp stand out Niemi, as he has shown alot of promise.

Robert Lang being dealt left the veteran presence on the Forward lines thinner. Craig Adams is the oldest Forward on the team at a measely 30 years old. But don’t let the youthfulness on the club fool you. Kane and Toews have already been mentioned at only 20 years old a piece. They might not be legal to buy beers, but they can still play. No doubt about that. Dustin Byfuglien switched up to Forward from Defenseman last season and has slowly developed into a more competent and able power forward. Martin Havlat claims he’s ready to play 82+ games this season, but I wouldn’t take that to Vegas. Though possibly the most talented forward on the team, his career has been plagued by a string of injuries. IF Havlat was to remain healthy he would no doubt lead the team in scoring and be a giant boost to the entire offense.

It will be a DO or DIE year for 2005 1st round pick Jack Skille. Many expect big things from him, but at this point in his career and contract, it’s breakout or move on for him. Dave Bolland will make his first full season debut having made the NHL roster for this year. Kris Versteeg will also make his first full season debut this year with Colin Fraser. With question marks having over these players’ heads it will make for an interesting season. Whether they will be up to the challenge is up to them.

Andrew Ladd was the surprise mid season addition last year when the Blackhawks unexpectedly traded energy player Tuomo Ruutu. After coming to Chicago his game caught fire and he clicked with the game style played in Chicago. Whether that was a fluke will be seen this season. I suspect him to come out ready to go and surprise.

Patrick Sharp was snubbed in All Star voting last year for I imagine the last time in his career. Every season has seen Patrick’s play improve by leaps and bounds. With a penchant for stickhandling into and through traffic and a dangerous shot, Sharp earned himself an “A” on his sweater. This year he should get the respect and esteem he deserves after flying under the radar last season.

I could not possibly skip over either Adam Burrish or Ben Eager. Eager will begin the season with a 3 game suspension. If he doesn’t step it up, he’ll be playing Rockford before the season is over. While Adam Burrish also spends his share of time in the box, his super pest game and razor tongue get results without suspensions. I have a sneaking hunch that Adam will find the back of the net more than 4 times this year. Despite being a defensive specialist and a pest, he possesses a high level of skill for the game. My advice is to never take your eye of the guy when he’s on the ice.

I expect the Blackhawks to come out hard and heavy from the word “Go!” this season. Having only missed the Playoffs by a measely 3 points last season, they’ll be playing for blood this season. Finally having put the “C” on a player and giving a nod to leadership will be strong. Whether 20 year old Jonathan Toews is up for the challenge of being a Captain in the NHL is yet to be seen, but the players seem to be behind him all the way. Whether that unification will pay off is not known. At any rate I can assure you that Blackhawks hockey will be an exciting entertainment outlet for all Hockey afficiandos. Tune in Friday October 10th to see the Blackhawks kick their season off against fellow Original 6 franchise the New York Rangers.

First the update. Habs Inside Out is stating that the new contract that Maxim Lapierre inked with the Habs will pay him $575,000 for 2008-09 and $800,000 for the 2009-10 season for an average of $687,500 a season. Not far from the $700,000 I suggested in a previous article.

Next we have RDS who is reporting that the Kloten Flyers of Switzerland are interested in Corey Locke. Well I guess that this gives an out to Habs General Manager Bob Gainey. If he Locke decides to play for the Flyers of Kloten then that would give the Habs a little more to work with and combine it to what they have all ready. Locke is a good minor league player however at 5′9 and 169 pounds he is a little on the smallish side for the NHL at the centre position.

Next we have un-confirmed reports that the Habs asked about acquiring Brian Campbell when the Marian Hossa deal fell through, and that there is a possibility that they are wondering if he will be available come July 1.

I don’t know why the Habs would pay Campbell 7-$8 million when there are other possibilities available to them if they are looking for a defense-man.

The Miami Herald wrote that soon to be restricted free agent Jay Bouwmeester is noncommittal about his future for the Florida Panthers. Jacques Martin had this to say about the situation,

“There is no progress in contract talks. He wants to win. That’s the issue. He wants to be in the play-offs. We all do.”

Why not try and grab Bouwmeester instead of Campbell. He would be just as good and a little bigger but would not cost as much in salary as Campbell. Unfortunately to get Bouwmeester would mean a trade.

How about RFA Shea Webber of the Nashville Predators? At 6′3″ and 213 pounds with a mean streak, why wouldn’t the Habs offer a little package for him?

Of course this is all speculation as Canadiens GM Bob Gainey stated in an end of season press conference that he will be looking to bolster the forward position. Was that statement a smoke screen? Are the Habs trying to land a D-Man and a forward?

Well one thing is for sure, the Habs are in on a lot of high profile names at the forward position.

With all the projected restricted free agents, and un-restricted free agents to hit the market come July 1, teams will once again have a bidding war for certain players, and salaries will rise up again. Take Marian Hossa for example, he will reportedly be asking for something between 7 and 9 million dollars, Mats Sundin will most likely ask for 6 million if he plays for another team, Brian Campbell will ask for between 6 and 8 million, are theses guys crazy. Oh, and don’t forget that Evgeni Malkin’s contract is up at the end of next season, anyone care to suggest how much he will ask for?

The only thing that changed was the fact that players salaries can’t exceed 48 per cent of revenues, but nothing is stopping the owners from paying a player 20 million a season, sure they wouldn’t have much of a team after that, but the possibility still remains. Look at what happened to the Tampa Bay Lightning, they were a really good team, until they were basically paying three players almost 30 million, and couldn’t afford a great goalie because of that, this season Tampa will be lucky to not finish last.

So the fans lost hockey for a year for nothing, and players lost their salaries, and owners lost revenues for nothing. Fine, there’s a cap floor, and a salary cap, big deal! Owners are the first one’s to complain about player salaries, they are also the first one’s to offer them, the NHL should adopt a policy which puts a limit on how much a player can make, and how long they can be signed for, 15 years, 10 years, that is too long, and players will never refuse offers like that.

The salary cap is expected to go up again this year, giving owners a little bit more room to try and compile a team together. And also allowing owners to offer more people on their respective teams higher salaries. It’s ridiculous. Sure players should be compensated for what they accomplish, but their is a limit, no-one is worth all the money they are getting, I know Alex Ovechkin is the best player this year, and yes if I was an owner, I would most likely give him alot, but I’m not, and as a fan saying that tickets are already almost over-priced for most people, giving players too much money will only result in fans not being able to go see the games, it might make your team better, but no-body will be able to afford going to watch them.

I love hockey, and there is alot of skill and talent out there that I enjoy watching, but I don’t think anyone is worth 10-15 million dollars, I don’t care what your name is! Hockey is a great sport, the lock-out gave owners a limit of what they could spend on their team, but not how much one player could make, and with Sidney Crosby set to make 8.5 million starting next season, Malkin will probably ask for more than that, there are a few free agents for the Pittsburgh Penguins come July 1, will they become the next Lightning?

Hockey is heading back to what it was before, by the time the CBA runs out, the cap will probably be over 60 million, which a few teams were able to manage, and we will all say that hockey is the same as it ever was.

Mainly, the Blue Jackets will look to add a couple of puck-moving defenseman.

With all of Rostislav Klesla, Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and Kris Russell signed through at least next season, the Blue Jackets have three spots to fill in their top-six.

Dick Tarnstrom is unlikely to return.

And then there’s restricted free agents Jan Hejda and Ron Hainsey, who may not be brought back if Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson finds their asking prices too costly. Hejda is likely to get a raise on his current $1 million salary, and it is thought that Hainsey may seek upwards of $3-4 million per season.

Staying in-house is an option for Howson. The Blue Jackets have Marc Methot and Aaron Rome in their system (both RFAs) who “are held in high” by the club. The Blue Jackets could also bring up Duvie Westcott, who is currently playing for the Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate team.

However, picking up reinforcements from the open market appears to be a more viable option for Howson if he really wants to give his club a stronger defense.

John-Michael Liles of the Colorado Avalanche, Wade Redden of the Ottawa Senators, Brian Campbell of the San Jose Sharks and Brad Stuart of the Detroit Red Wings are all set to become UFAs July 1st. A number of second tier defensemen could also become available.

The belief is that Carter will seek a similar deal to the one signed by teammate Mike Richards, who signed a 12-year, $69 million contract extension earlier in the season. Carter and Richards have similar career statistics, and so would be comparables during negotiations.

Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch suggests that the Columbus Blue Jackets may re-sign pending UFA forward Michael Peca because he has a great “dressing room presence” and could help guide Rick Nash through the “early stages” of his captaincy.

Portzline also speculates that the Buffalo Sabres will botch contract negotiations with goaltender Ryan Miller much in the same way they did with forwards Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, and defenseman Brian Campbell.

Miller is set to become a UFA after the 2008-09 season, and word is that he already sees himself playing for the Detroit Red Wings in 2009-10. A native of East Lansing, Michigan, Miller is also good friends with Red Wings goaltending coach Jim Bedard.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun suggests that if the Toronto Maple Leafs can’t trade forward Darcy Tucker, they should buy him out.

A buy out would cost the Maple Leafs two-thirds of Tucker’s $6 million contract; the club would be on the hook for a $1 million cap hit per season, over six years.

Garrioch also wonders if teams like the Flyers, Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks may put in an offer sheet to Montreal Canadiens pending restricted free agent goalie Jaroslav Halak this summer. Aside for Cristobal Huet of the Washington Capitals, the free agent market appears to be pretty bare, leaving teams looking for an upgrade in net to perhaps try and poach RFAs.

Lastly from Garrioch, he reports that if Boston Bruins struggling forward Glen Murray doesn’t start scoring and help the team earn a playoff spot, he will likely be dealt in the off-season.

Murray’s $4.15 million salary could then be used by the Bruins to try and land Pittsburgh Penguins pending UFA forward Marian Hossa.

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach John Tortorella tells Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times that 23-year-old defenseman Paul Ranger is an “untouchable” in terms of trades.

“To me, he’s an untouchable because of what he’s going to be.”

“He’s one of the most underrated players in the league,” Tortorella said. “He’s a huge piece of our team as far as transition, as far as his stick, getting us out of our end zone, penalty killing. Ranger is more physical than any of our D. He’s grown.”

“This season is going to get played out,” said Campbell, who appeared in his 400th game Friday. “It’s nothing against nobody; I just need to be in the best frame of mind to play my best hockey, and by leaving that on the back burner is the best for me.”

Campbell says that he was distracted by contract talks with the Buffalo Sabres earlier in the season, and doesn’t want to go through that situation with the Sharks.

“It bothered me a lot in Buffalo – it just got to me so much that it affected my play,” he added. “There’s too much at stake, too much on the line, and it’s not fair to me or the guys in the locker room probably. I haven’t heard anything anyway.”

But that doesn’t mean Campbell isn’t interested in staying in San Jose. Campbell says there are a lot of reasons why he could remain with the Sharks.

“I’ve been treated really well here,” Campbell said. “I really like the makeup of the team. I’ve said before it reminds me of what we had in Buffalo going into the lockout with a good mix of young guys and a good mix of veteran leaders.”

“I was told earlier that every person who has come here has enjoyed playing here and has liked it. I’ve been very impressed with the home crowds. Obviously the city isn’t too crazy big, which I kind of like. It’s been a lot of fun. The guys have been really good to me. I can’t say there have been too many negatives so far.”

Of course, playing with childhood friend, forward Joe Thornton, doesn’t hurt either. It also doesn’t hurt that the Sharks are keen on re-signing the puck-moving defenseman long-term (though they are yet to approach him with an offer).

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun speculates that it would take a five-year deal worth $30 million for the Sharks to lock up Campbell before he reaches free agency.

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.

Their biggest need appears to be on offense, where they need some skill up front as well as a puck-moving defenseman to patrol the blueline.

Two potential candidates to fill those roles are forward Marian Hossa of the Pittsburgh Penguins and defenseman Brian Campbell of the San Jose Sharks. However, either, and certainly both, would be expensive acquisitions. Especially when taking into consideration that the Bruins have almost $39 million committed for the 2008-09 season, and even though the salary cap will rise to approximately $53 million.

Word is that Hossa could get as much as $8 million per season for a five-year deal, or more. That would be a steep price to pay for the Bruins. Unless of course they dump forward Glen Murray and his $4.15 million cap hit.

In San Jose, players are already trying to convince Campbell to re-sign with the Sharks. Longtime friend Joe Thornton was among them.

“Whoever plays here just loves it,” Jumbo Joe told the Ottawa Citizen last week. “You’re in shorts. I’m in shorts. Life is good out here.”

Expectations are that Campbell could receive at least $7.5 million per season on a five-year deal. And with around $38 million already locked in towards next season’s payroll, the Sharks aren’t in a much better position to sign Campbell than the Bruins. Still, they have the upper hand as they have the right to negotiate through to July 1st.

The one plus for the Bruins is that their assistant GM, Jim Benning, was the Sabres’ director of amateur scouting when Campbell was drafted by the the Sabres. Surely he’ll try to make a case to Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli for bringing in Campbell.

And that appears to be just fine with Hejda, who tells Derek Van Diest he’d very much like to remain with the Blue Jackets.

“I would like to stay here. I don’t like moving. My family is here, my daughter’s in school. I don’t like to move around.”

It’s expected that the Czech blueliner will receive a pretty good raise on the $1 million he earned this season.

Should San Jose Sharks pending UFA defenseman Brian Campbell become available on the open market, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun suggests the Ottawa Senators will try to sign him. Especially if the club decides not to re-new defenseman’s Wade Redden contract, who is also set to become an UFA July 1st.

Word is that the Senators tried to acquire Campbell from the Buffalo Sabres before the trade deadline, but the Sabres had no desire of dealing him to an Eastern Conference rival.

Scott Morrison of the Toronto Sun reports that New York Rangers pending UFA forward Sean Avery is looking for an average salary of $3.5 million on his next contract.

The news, however, doesn’t signal the two sides are parting ways. At least not as far as Hainsey is concerned.

“I definitely like it here,” he said. “I like playing for the coaching staff.”

“This team is getting closer as we grow together, and that’s especially happened in the last seven to 10 days. It was getting that way before, but we have a lot of young guys who have come together in the last week, and there’s a lot of positive stuff that I’d like to be a part of.”

Expectations are that Hainsey will receive a healthy raise from the $900,000 he earned this season whether he hits the open market or re-signs in Columbus.

The Blue Jackets, who will have plenty of salary cap space to throw around, may decide to go in a different direction.

Possible targets could include Brian Campbell of the San Jose Sharks and Wade Redden of the Ottawa Senators should they become are available.

The Blue Jackets will no doubt have to make a few hard decisions, including what to do with the club’s other soon-to-be UFA blueliners in Jan Hejda and Dick Tarnstrom.

Do they go big and give their defense group a whole new look? Do they bring back their UFA trio? Time will tell.

“There are a number of ways we can get better and one is by adding more bite to our game,” Fletcher said yesterday as the Leafs took off for Boston. “I don’t think it will be that hard. Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, there are a lot of players out there.”

Should New York Rangers pending UFA forward Sean Avery hit the open market, might the Maple Leafs take a run at him?

Stan Fischler of MSG Network suggests that Avery will not leave the Big Apple because he loves playing in New York.

San Jose Sharks forward Joe Thornton tells Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun that he has already begun trying to convince newly acquire defenseman Brian Campbell to re-sign with the club.

If he does not sign a contract extension with the Sharks, Campbell is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1st.

Campbell claims David Pollak of the Mercury News that he does not want to think about a contract until the end of the season.

Michael Zuidema of mLive.com reports that forward Darren McCarty will return to the Detroit Red Wings Monday when his two-week conditioning stint with the Grand Rapids Griffins ends.

“You know, my home state would be a nice opportunity but honestly, Buffalo’s been great to me,” Miller said. “I have a lot of fun here. We have a young core of guys. As far as I know, you guys got Hasek and (Chris) Osgood. I’m settled here and happy here.”

“I’d like to stay. I’d like the opportunity to keep building here. Who knows how hockey careers go?”

While the Philadelphia Flyers went hard after defensemen Dan Boyle of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Brian Campbell of the Buffalo Sabres to fill their need for a puck-moving blueliner, team president Peter Luukko tells Ed Moran of the Philadelphia Daily News that it may be a good thing.

“Sometimes,” Luukko said, “the best deal you make is the one you don’t make.”

The Flyers appear to be content with not having dealt their young talent at the trade deadline, like forward Jeff Carter.

Meanwhile, Moran reports that the Flyers may not offer a contract to pending UFA defenseman Jason Smith.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s Dave Molinari reports that Pittsburgh Penguins pending unrestricted free agent forward Marian Hossa will “be entitled to have a no-trade clause in his next contract.”

According to Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post Dispatch, the St. Louis Blues are in dire need of a front-line center.

However, it’s uncertain if Campbell has a desire to remain in San Jose past this season.

According to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, Campbell felt pressured to turn down an extension with the Buffalo Sabres.

Whether by his own volition, or perhaps at the advice of the NHL Player’s Association, Campbell is said to have passed on a deal with the Sabres so as to not lower the market value for top free agent blueliners.

The result, of course, was Campbell being dealt to San Jose Sharks, something he may not necessarily wanted.

Should he and the Sharks not reach an agreement, a number of teams are believed to make a play for Campbell. That list could include the Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks, since they all called Sabres GM Darcy Regier to inquire about the defenseman’s availability.

However, the team believed to make the strongest push for Campbell is thought to be the Chicago Blackhawks.

The deadline is a revealing moment in the NHL season. It prescribes an honest self-examination by all 30 clubs. General Managers, scouts, and team personnel maneuver through a cascade of e-mails, faxes, phone calls, and conversations about who is available and how much they will cost. The worst teams must answer a very direct question: is it time to part ways with a top player — who will probably walk come July 1st — for prospects whose earning potential won’t bust their salary cap? Look at recently successful squads like Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and, to an admittedly lesser degree, Washington, and there’s a clear trend to assemble a roster internally.

Teams on the postseason bubble, conversely, operate amid more dire circumstances — choices routinely cost coaches and GMs their jobs. In the case of Atlanta, would Thrashers GM/coach Don Waddell dump winger Marian Hossa for a potentially comparable player, or retain him in slim hopes of making the playoffs? If Hossa remained, and Atlanta failed to advance, the Thrashers would have lost a remarkable player and received nothing. Obviously, the nuances of altering a dynamic are more severely pronounced when the fate of the team in question is unknown.

Last year’s deadline was borderline lackluster, the loudest move made when the Nashville Predators swapped forward Scottie Upshall, defenseman Ryan Parent, and a first and third round pick for Peter Forsberg from the Philadelphia Flyers. But yesterday was filled with big-name movement, all in preparation for the final playoff stretch. Here we (subjectively) review some of the wisest deadline transactions.

(For those interested in the technicalities of trades, NHL.com kindly provides this short tutorial.)

Dallas Stars

Dallas ended Tuesday with a substantially deeper lineup than it started with by adding center Brad Richards and goalie Johan Holmqvist. In return, the 29th-ranked Tampa Bay Lightning received forwards Jussi Jokinen, Jeff Halpern, and goalie Mike Smith. Richards is an adaptable player who performs at even strength and on special teams, averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per game. Dallas got a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe winning forward whose durability is surpassed only by his skills. Richards allows coach Dave Tippett to spread Mike Modano, Mike Ribeiro, Brendan Morrow, and Jere Lehtinen across multiple lines. They’re now an immediate threat to Detroit whose defensive corps has (to put it lightly) taken a beating.

Meanwhile, Tampa has a chance to develop Smith as a number one goaltender. Holmqvist struggled since October, and GM Jay Feaster stressed that signing a goalie was his primary concern. But Holmqvist’s experience will be vital should Dallas starter Marty Turco go down or need a break. Holmqvist may have tanked thus far, but he also wasn’t playing in Dallas.

Colorado Avalanche

Is it 2008 or 2001? Not only did Colorado Avalanche GM Francois Giguere do the presumably unthinkable by signing Peter Forsberg days after announcing he would not return to the NHL this year, but he relinquished a mere draft pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets for veteran defensemen Adam Foote. A grinder with a proclivity for cheap shots, Foote was a staple of Colorado’s last Cup winning team. Not the fleetest afoot, he brings a physical element to the blue line that will keep traffic away from Jose Theodore’s face.

Giguere smoothly avoided jeopardizing Colorado’s young talent. Foote’s and Forsberg’s experience will ground the Avalanche lineup. Combine the return of Joe Sakic and sniper Paul Stastny with the grittiness of Ryan Smythe and consistency of Milan Hejduk, and suddenly the Aves seem poised to scrap for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Philadelphia Flyers

What a year for the Fly guys. After an abysmal 2006-2007 season in which they finished dead last, they currently own the eighth playoff position in the Eastern Conference. But the past month has been unkind to the turn-around-team of the year. The Flyers dropped 10 in a row until a shootout victory over Buffalo on Monday (any Sabres fans still fuming at Briere’s game winner?); they’ve been weakened by injuries (notably Simon Gagne, Mike Richards, and Joffrey Lupol), defensive lapses, and shoddy goaltending.

In response, GM Paul Holmgren traded Alex Picard — a 22-year-old defensemen who’s played only 72 NHL games — and a conditional draft pick to Tampa for Vaclav “Vinnie” Prospal. (Philly drafted Prospal 71st overall in 1993.) Despite posting respectable numbers throughout his career, he’s struggled to be consistent — a hindrance that may expose itself without Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. Nonetheless, Prospal has a ring and more than a decade of experience. Although he doesn’t embody offensive stability, Prospal can still play. And considering the injury ridden Flyers roster, a forward like Prospal that can play both center and wing will only strengthen his team’s limp into the playoffs.

Washington Capitals

Did anyone see this coming? The Caps acquired Cristobal Huet, the Montreal Canadians’ starting net minder for most of this season, for a paltry second round draft choice. Then they snagged Sergei Fedorov from Columbus for 2007 draftee Theo Ruth, a defenseman so unknown, not even Yahoo! Sports recognizes him.

(Here is where other writers would likely excoriate Montreal for getting so little in return for a number one goalie. Such lunacy speaks for itself. More importantly: Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Viktor Kozlov, and now Fedorov. Is Washington the new Detroit?)

The Caps also traded Matt Pettinger to Vancouver for Matt Cooke. Cooke, a low-line winger with practically no points for the Canucks, will give Washington toughness and speed up front. As a result, the Caps lose an insignificant forward. Washington completed other minor deals, all helpful enhancements as the Caps challenge for the top spot in the Southeast Division.

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks are barely holding fifth in the West with 74 points. Eighth seeded Nashville is only two points behind; the West is that close. So, GM Doug Wilson scored the most coveted defensemen on the block: Brian Campbell. The Sharks gave Buffalo a first-round pick and mediocre forward Steve Bernier. Bernier has rotated among the bottom two lines for most of this season, not offering much productivity (13g, 10a).

Campbell, on the other hand, plays roughly 25 minutes per game, has a microscopic 12 penalty minutes, and went to his second All-Star Game last month. A fast, yet physical blue-liner, Campbell’s ability to skate and quickly move the puck increased his value. The Sharks recognized their need for a reliable defenseman that could make swift breakout passes and anchor the point on the power play. Campbell’s 43 points is second among Sharks scorers. And with 38 assists, he noticeably reduces Joe Thornton’s playmaking burden.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins are second in the East with Sidney Crosby on the shelf. Evgeni Malkin, averaging almost two points per game in Sid’s absence, is all but unstoppable. Ty Conklin has been solid in net, while Marc Andre Fluery was recalled from injury. Now they have Marian Hossa — the pervasive desire for whom was league-wide — and speedster Pascal Dupuis from Atlanta, plus Hal Gill from Toronto. In an immensely beneficial trade for the Pens, Atlanta received promising, albeit average forwards Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen (replaceable role players). Christenson has been superb in the shootouts — success he’s failed to employ during regulation. Armstrong, who was Crosby’s roommate on the road and close friend, is a muckraker who will just as easily give a beating as take one. Sadly, their collective point totals hardly match Hossa’s.

Hossa was highly discussed and his final whereabouts speculated for weeks. That the news came with under five minutes remaining until the deadline is curious, especially since Don Waddell publicized weeks ago that Hossa was going to be dealt. Pittsburgh is a growing complication for the East; and they just scared the shit out of the entire Atlantic Division.

See You Next Year

February was busy, indeed — 25 trades involving 45 players on the final day alone, big names and small, draft picks, and the hope of future success. Many teams modified their rosters for various reasons: to dump salaries, for draft picks, to make playoff runs. The Anaheim Ducks and New York Islanders each made a couple subtle changes. Those mentioned above were by no means the only ones, nor the most important. They were simply the transactions deemed the best for their organizations.

As fun as it is to tout theories and predictions of who will go where, the truth is that the push begins now. Both conferences have a tight race for its final postseason openings. Barely 20 games remain on each schedule. The trades that were hailed could quickly be scorned; those questioned eventually praised. There was enough inaction by teams that needed improvement to warrant a separate column. Regardless, the hype is over; all that’s left to do is watch. And that’s the best part about the trade deadline.

< a href="http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=230612&hubname=nhl" rel="external">TSN is reporting that forward Steve Bernier and the Sharks’ first-round draft pick are heading to the Sabres.

Stand by for more information as it becomes available.

Carbonneau stated earlier this month that whatever goalie wins, stays in goal. Does this mean with Price losing his last outing against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his still being in goal for the next game that Huet will be dealt? Could there be a trade in the works? Possibly Huet, Micheal Ryder, a draft pick, and possibly Alex Emlin’s rights could go to the Edmonton Oilers for Jaret Stoll, Dwayne Roloson, and Joni Pitkanen?

Martin Havlat of the Chicago Blackhawks has been reported to be on the general manager of the Canadiens Bob Gainey’s radar, along with Robert Lang also of the Hawks. Does the fact that some players have exercised their no trade clause tie Gainey’s hands of sort being that he has coveted those players? Marian Hossa of the Atlanta Thrashers, and Olli Jokinen of the Florida Panthers have had their market value triple in the last few hours, does this mean Gainey has to revert to plan B and go after Havlat and Lang?

The Montreal Canadiens defence of late has been less than desirable, will the Habs reinforce their defence for the play-offs by getting Buffalo Sabers Brian Campbell? Would the Canadiens be able to sign him, and with the free agents the Habs have to deal with at the end of next season, how much could they afford to sign him for? The Canadiens need help at defence as it’s hard to believe that Patrice Brisebois will be the salvation of the team. Campbell would be another offensive threat from the blue line and be moderate in the defensive zone which, would be better than nothing, but would it be worth 4-6 million a year, which is probably what Campbell will be asking for.

“I fully expect the Sabres to move him,” said Campbell’s agent, Larry Kelly.

Apparently, Campbell was upset with the Sabres only offering him a three-year deal at an average of $5.75 million per season.

“At 28 years old, Brian should be getting six or seven years,” Kelly said.

Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch reports that the Columbus Blue Jackets are still in negotiations with pending UFA defenseman Adam Foote regarding a contract extension believed to be worth between $3 million and $4 million per season for two years.

Foote’s agent, Rick Curran, says the ball is in the club’s court.

“We’ve had good conversations,” Curran said. “We’ve got a clear indication of what each is looking at. Now it’s up to the club to make a decision.”

Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson says he’s considering the offer, and word is that two parties will talk again later tonight.

“We have an offer from him,” Howson said. “And we’re considering it.”

Ansar Khan of mLive.com reports that Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland is actively looking to add secondary scoring to their line-up in the form of a second-line forward.

A depth defenseman is also on their shopping list.

Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock tells Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press he’s convinced that forwards Valtteri Filppula and Johan Franzen won’t be used as trade bait.

“Guys like Val Filppula and (Johan) Franzen, they’re not going anywhere, I can tell you that right now,” Babcock said.

Meanwhile, unrestricted free agent forward Darren McCarty accepted the Red Wings’ contract offer and was immediately assigned to the club’s AHL affiliate for a two-week conditioning stint.

Graeme, one of our readers, brought this to our attention:

Hal Gill was a late scratch from the Toronto lineup tonight.

Sportsnet’s Greg Millen reported (at 8:34PM) during the Maple Leafs game against the Ottawa Senators that Gill is in fact sick, according to the club… bumer.

However, it’s unlikely that Sundin would waive his no-trade clause to allow a move to Minnesota.

Garrioch also reports that the Anaheim Ducks are willing to part with the Edmonton Oilers’ first round pick and prospect Bobby Ryan to make significant additions to their roster before the deadline.

Word is that the Ducks are waiting on Sundin to make up his mind on whether he’ll waive his no-trade clause. The Ducks are also said to be interested in Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vaclav Prospal.

Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports that 10 teams sent scouts for Saturday’s game between the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Rangers.

Among those scouting the game was Dave Taylor, the director of player personnel of the Dallas Stars. Taylor has been keeping a close eye on the Sabres all week long.

Mark Purdy of the Mercury News suggests the San Jose Sharks could use a puck-moving defenseman such as pending UFAs Brian Campbell of the Sabres and Dan Boyle of the Lightning.

Purdy also believes that, despite all the rumors, forward Patrick Marleau will be a Shark after the 26th.

Marleau tells David Pollak of the Mercury News that he doesn’t worry about what may or may not happen before the deadline.

“You can’t think about it,” he said. “It’s no use worrying about stuff you don’t have control over.”

The Nashville Predators may be in the market for a forward after a rash of injuries, reports Jessica Hopp of The Tennessean.