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.

Jay Feaster had been the club’s GM since 2002 and he was an assistant GM since 1998. This guy turned the Lightning into a cup winner (something no one would have imagined), he brought Martin St. Louis, Dan Boyle and Nikolai Khabibulin.

Although it seems he lost his golden touch after the lockout as the Lightning never returned to its cup winning ways.

In my opinion he did some questionable signings in his last days in the Lightning, but still he could be a good Gm for another team that finds itself with an interim GM (aka Toronto Maple Leafs)

Anyways the Lightning must find a new GM, I wonder who will that be?

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.

However, both players refused to waive the no-trade clauses in their contracts.

Kaberle says that while it’s flattering other teams showed interest in him, he had no intentions of leaving Toronto.

“It’s nice when there is interest,” Kaberle said of the Flyers. “But I’ve said it every day in the past month — I wanted to stay here. I love it here.”

Steve Gorten of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Florida Panthers pending UFA defenseman Jassen Cullimore hopes to stick around with the club past this season.

Still with the Panthers, GM Jacques Martin tells Gorten that there’s nothing new to report in regards to suspended forward Chad Kilger. The former Toronto Maple Leaf is still to report to the team that acquired him on deadline day last month.

Martin said he has talked with Kilger “a couple of times” last week, though he remains unsure whether the veteran pivot will play again this season.

“I don’t know if I can say that, but there’s no new development on it.”

Tim Sassone of the Chicago Daily Herald reports that Chicago Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon shopped forward Martin Havlat and Nikolai Khabibulin at the deadline, but didn’t find the right deal. Sassone suggests that Tallon may try to deal the duo in the summer.

If it were up to Sassone, though, he would hang on to Havlat and try to clear out Khabibulin to make room for goalie Corey Crawford.

Adrian Dater of The Denver Post suggests that Avalanche goalie Jose Theodore “will keep Colorado at the top of his wish list if/when he does become unrestricted” this summer.

There was some thought last summer that the Avalanche may buy out Theodore, but that did not happen. The former Hart Trophy winner may take that into consideration and give the Avalanche a better chance to re-sign him.

The Ottawa Citizen’s James Duthie reports that Murray apparently wanted to get Khabibulin for weeks leading up to the deadline, but needed to move one of his netminders to offset the salaries.

Since he couldn’t deal either Gerber or Emery, Murray decided to get creative and try to make the 2-for-2 swap.

When asked about the 2-for-2 goalie swap, Murray didn’t deny it.

“The trading deadline is over. I talked about a thousand different things. I talked to every manager pretty much in the league about a whole variety of things. I have all these creative ideas and nobody agreed with me, so we’ll just move on,” said Murray.

The Blackhawks didn’t appear to take the offer “too seriously,” because they would gain salary and take more of the cap hit in the deal.

Khabibulin earns $6.75 this year and next and Lalime makes $950,000 this year. Meanwhile, Gerber makes $3.7 million this year and next while Emery earns $2.75 million this year, $3.25 million next year and $3.5 million, after which he will become a UFA.

“We’re not buyers or sellers — we’re building,” Tallon said Saturday before the Hawks went out and beat the Kings 6-5 in overtime.

One one hand, Tallon may try to move pending UFA forwards Martin Lapointe and Yanic Perreault as well as defenseman Andrei Zyuzin. Speculation is that the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings are interested in adding Lapointe.

Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin could also be available. Once again, the Senators may be interested. The Red Wings, too.

On the other, the Blackhawks have apparently contacted the Tampa Bay Lightning to inquire about the availability of forward Brad Richards.

Tallon says that one way or another, he will be involved in the action on or before the 26th.

“We’ll get some things done,” said Tallon, who has assistant GM Rick Dudley and director of pro scouting Marc Bergevin with him here on the trip. “We know what we want to do.”

Blackhawks head coach Denis Savard tells Len Ziehm of the Chicago Sun Times he’s confident Tallon will improve the club if the right deal comes along.

“If [general manager Dale Tallon] thinks he can do something to improve this team, he’ll do it,” Savard said. “There won’t be any hesitation on his part.”

Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli tells the Boston Globe’s Fluto Shinzawa that he has no place for suspended forward Stanislav Chistov to the roster at this time.

Chistov, who remains suspended by the Bruins and still their property, left Salavat Yulayev Ufa, the Russian Super League club he played for this season.

Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson tells Tom Reed of The Columbus Dispatch he expects to meet with Rick Curran, the agent for pending UFA Adam Foote, within the next 48 hours.

Howson wants to find out what how much money Foote is looking for to re-sign with the club.

James Gordon of The Ottawa Citizen suggests that the idea of the Ottawa Senators acquiring goalie Dwayne Roloson of the Edmonton Oilers or Nikolai Khabibulin of the Chicago Blackhawks is “unrealistic and counter-productive.”

While his name has been mentioned in trade rumors involving Martin Havlat of the Blackhawks, Olli Jokinen of the Florida Panthers and even Mats Sundin of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mark Everson of the New York Post is not convinced that the New Jersey Devils want to part with struggling forward Brian Gionta this season.

That doesn’t mean the Devils aren’t looking to improve their roster.

It’s believed that Devils GM Lou Lamoriello is looking to acquire some that matches the the kind of players his head coach, Brent Sutter, likes.

“I like a team that has a junkyard dog mentality,” Sutter said yesterday, discussing the personality of his team rather than the Feb. 26 trade deadline. “You don’t want to be a quiet team because a lot of times, you’re a quiet team on the ice, too.”

Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke said in a conference call with the media that he’s heading into the NHL general managers meetings, set to begin Monday, unsure if he’ll make any deals, reports Rick Sadowski of the Rocky Mountain News.

“I’m not sure what I have yet, and I’m not sure what I’m looking for.”

Burke owns the Oilers’ first-round draft pick for losing restricted free agent forward Dustin Penner to an offer sheet last summer, but he says he’s more inclined to keep it than trade it for a rental.

During the same conference call, Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell sounded as if he was still unsure about what he’ll do with pending UFA Marian Hossa before the February 26 trade deadline.

“We have one of our stars that’s up in the air,” Waddell said of Hossa.

“If we don’t sign the player, then we’ve got to make a decision whether we’re going to trade that player or ride him out for the rest of the year and try to keep our team as strong as we can.”

Feaster says that while he still sees goalie Karri Ramo as the club’s future number one, the Lightning need a proven starter until the rookie can take over the reigns.

“Oh, yes,” he said. “We have to build a bridge from where we are right now to when Karri is ready to legitimately carry the ball. There is no question about that.”

“He’s still just a young kid,” Feaster said. “He needs to get experience doing certain things. There are certain situations that will happen in a game because … he is young and because he’s overly aggressive at times.”

So, what does this mean for the club’s other goalie, Johan Holmqvist? A potential unrestricted free agent, Holmqvist could be moved before the February 26 trade deadline.

Perhaps that is why a number of scouts have been taking in Lightning games lately, as Erik Erlendsson of The Tampa Tribune reports.

Pro scouts from the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets were in attendance during Thursday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks.

The Phoenix Coyotes had their player personnel director scouting the Lightning’s two games and also sent a pro scout to Thursday’s game. As well, Ottawa Senators pro scout Nick Polano was in attendance as he was for the Lightning previous game.

Holmqvist says he doesn’t think much about being moved, though.

“No, no,” Holmqvist said when asked if he thinks about the Feb. 26 trade deadline. “I’m for the moment. I take one day at a time. I can’t walk around thinking what everybody else is. I’m trying to take care of myself. … I still think I’m a good goalie.”

As for possible summer acquisitions, the Lightning could have a number of pending UFA netminders to choose from. The list includes Cristobal Huet of the Montreal Canadiens, Olaf Kolzig of the Washington Capitals, and Jose Theodore of the Colorado Avalanche.

There has also been some speculation that the Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin has been offered back to the Lightning. Perhaps that’s why Blackhawks Assistant GM Rick Dudley, who watched the Lightning for five consecutive home games, was also present at Thursday’s game, as Erlendsson reports.

Of course, before the Lightning can make make any big moves, their ownership situation will have to be settled as the franchise is currently in the process of being sold to Hollywood producer Oren Koules.

“We have a lot of things to talk about internally,” Feaster said. “Clearly one of them is there needs to be a sale consummated so we can talk about the budget and everything else. Until we know where we’re going, it’s a little bit premature to look at all that. We don’t have any definitive answers yet.”

Apparently, head coach Denis Savard and Havlat have a rocky relationship, one that could affect Havlat’s decision to re-sign with the Blackhawks when he becomes an unrestricted free agent after next season. Not according to Savard, though.

“There are no problems as far as I’m concerned,” Savard said.

Even if that was the case, the Blackhawks themselves may not want to bring back the injury-prone Havlat, especially at his current $6 million salary, or more.

That’s why Sassone suggests that Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon could trade Havlat before the February 26 trade deadline, perhaps to a contender that loses out on other top players moved before the deadline.

But while Sassone speculates that the Czech forward is already being shopped by the Blackhawks, Tallon tells Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune that he is not looking to move Havlat.

“I’m not shopping him at all,” Tallon said.

That’s not to say the GM isn’t shopping for deals to improve his roster before the February 26 trade deadline.

“We’re waiting to see what happens here the next couple of weeks,” he said. “I think there will be a lot of action at the deadline.”

Should Tallon deal Havlat and goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, as has been rumored, would clear up to $13 million to spend on players for next year.

The Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks are said to be “the finalists” in the Brunnstrom sweepstakes, who becomes available to sign in March or early April.

Of the three teams, the Red Wings are believed to be the only team that have made a him a firm offer.

Brunnstrom, an undrafted player playing for Farjestads of the Swedish Elite League, is regarded by many as the best player playing outside the NHL.

Still with the Maple Leafs, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that GM Cliff Fletcher will meet next week with pending UFA forward Mats Sundin in an effort to convince him to waive his no-movement clause and allow a trade to a contender.

Should Sundin agree to be moved, the Red Wings, Ducks, San Jose Sharks, and Calgary Flames are believed to make a play for his services.

Garrioch also reports that the Flames would love to acquire Florida Panthers forward Olli Jokinen. The problem is that the Panthers are maintaining they aren’t shopping him.

The Flames would love to Alex Tanguay in return, but the Panthers would have no interest.

While Chicago Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon would like to make some moves to improve his club, he tells Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune that the trade market is currently at a standstill.

“It’s pretty quiet. We’re lacking some firepower in our lineup. The [Feb. 26 trade] deadline is starting to creep up on us. Some of the teams aren’t sure what direction they want to go.”

Tim Sassone of the Chicago Daily Herald reports that the Tampa Bay Lightning may have some interest in picking up Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin. Blackhawks pro scout Marc Bergevin has been busy taking in Lightning games this week.

But if the Oilers are “definitely” out of the playoff race by the February 26 trade deadline, and current starter Mathieu Garon keeps up his strong play, the club me decide to shop Roloson.

However, the 38-year-old goaltender, who is in the second year of a three-year contract with a salary cap hit of $3.667 million, could be hard to move. There isn’t that big of a market for an old and expensive goalie who has underperformed this season.

Still, a few teams might have some interest.

If the Chicago Blackhawks can shed goalie Nikolai Khabibulin’s $6.75 million paycheck, they may be willing to take a flyer on Roloson.

The Lightning have been looking all season long to upgrade in net, so they may bite.

And if the Washington Capitals can’t sign pending unrestricted free agent goalie Olie Kolzig to a contract extension, they may look for some insurance.

Matheson believed that the Oilers would want a draft pick or a young, scoring forward prospect with in exchange for Roloson.

However, Jim Matheson of The Edmonton Journal believes that there is a 75% chance Selanne will return to the Anaheim Ducks this season.

Matheson also reports that the Columbus Blue Jackets have been scouting the Ottawa Senators in recent games against the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes.

The Senators are pursuing a top-six forward, likely a center, and may have some interest in Blue Jackets’ forward Sergei Fedorov. The link here is that current GM Bryan Murray traded for Fedorov while he was the GM in Anaheim.

Both Matheson and Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Post Dispatch agree that if the Edmonton Oilers haven’t locked up a playoff spot by the February 26 trade deadline, they will shop goalie Dwayne Roloson.

The Chicago Blackhawks might have some interest if they can move their Nikolai Khabibulin, their high-priced starter.

Portzline also reports that the Blue Jackets are interested in Pittsburgh Penguins forward Erik Christensen, and may have to part with defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen in return.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that the Carolina Hurricanes would love to acquire Senators defenseman Joe Corvo or forward Antoine Vermette.

However, Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford isn’t willing to meet the Senators’ asking price of forward Erik Cole. That’s contrary to chatter that Rutherford might be interested in sending Cole to the Blue Jackets for forward David Vyborny, though.

Garrioch also reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to dump goalie Andrew Raycroft, but aren’t finding any takers.

Lastly from Garrioch, word is that Florida Panthers prospect Michael Frolik might re-enter the draft, where “he’d be a top-five pick.” The Czech forward is yet to sign an entry-level contract with the club after being low-balled by the Panthers.

First off, Pierre LeBrun reported that almost 20 NHL are coveting the so-called best hockey player outside the NHL, Swedish Elite League forward Fabian Brunnstrom of Farjestads BK Karlstad.

However, Brunnstrom has apparently given his agent a list of five teams that he would like to play for, namely the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, and two other unnamed clubs.

Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. is believed to be pursuing Brunnstrom the most. Word is that Maple Leafs officials went to Sweden to convince Brunnstrom that Toronto in the place where he should play, where they took the player and his family to dinner and presented him with a DVD showing what life is like in Toronto.

According to LeBrun, though, Brunnstrom doesn’t plan on coming over to North America this season. The Swede intends to sign a two-year entry-level contract with an NHL team next season.

Still with the Maple Leafs, Al Strachan reported that pending unrestricted free agent forward Mats Sundin would accept a trade to the Vancouver Canucks. Due to a number of investments in Canada, it would be more beneficial for Sundin to remain in the country if he were to be traded. The Canucks have been rumored to be interested in acquiring the Maple Leafs captain.

Strachan also said that Sundin would be willing to extend his contract past this season, something the Canucks would require in order to complete a deal with the Maple Leafs.

The catch is that Ferguson is asking for an extravagant return for Sundin, and the Canucks have no intentions of overpaying.

Scott Morrison mentioned the Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames as two other teams interested in Sundin’s services.

According to Strachan, the Philadelphia Flyers are the front runners in the Peter Forsberg sweepstakes. Morrison claims that the UFA forward is close to a return to the NHL and could be healthy enough to play past this season.

The panel also discussed the Chicago Blackhawks, and their interest in Buffalo Sabres pending UFA defenseman Brian Campbell. The Blackhawks are also said to be shopping goalie Nikolai Khabibulin around the league.

Lastly, Strachan added that Florida Panthers forward Olli Jokinen has requested a trade out of town.

Western Conference

The top 10:

Detroit: What do you buy for the person who has everything? Still, if the Blue Jackets fall out of contention, Sergei Fedorov could head north.

San Jose: Jonathan Cheechoo’s drop-off will have them looking for a big-time winger to play on Joe Thornton’s line.

Vancouver: The heat will be on general manager Dave Nonis to add one (or two) offensive threats.

Dallas: A tough question looms: Do they still believe in goaltender Marty Turco, or is this Mike Smith’s time?

Calgary: Coach Mike Keenan has leaned hard on goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff this season, but it’s not working.

Minnesota: Look for the Wild to play defenseman Martin Skoula less and Keith Carney more down the stretch.

Anaheim: They have no salary cap room to add a player. It’ll have to come from within.

Colorado: With Joe Sakic and Ryan Smyth out for extended stretches, they need to simply persevere.

Columbus: Might finally be a buyer at the trade deadline. The pressure is on, GM Scott Howson.

St. Louis: The addition of center Andy McDonald was an early present, but you know team president John Davidson has got something else up his sleeve.

The other five:

Phoenix: Adding goalie Ilya Bryzgalov was huge. But don’t be surprised to see defensemen Ed Jovanovski and Derek Morris moved.

Chicago: The future is bright, but goalie Nikolai Khabibulin has been a major bust.

Nashville: By the time injured winger Steve Sullivan returns, it could be too late.

Edmonton: It has been a disastrous 12 months for the Oilers, who now have a long way back.

Los Angeles: They’d be smart to unload defenseman Rob Blake and center Derek Armstrong to a contender.

Eastern Conference

The top 10:

Ottawa: The drama surrounding goaltender Ray Emery threatens to derail a return trip to the Cup Finals.

New Jersey: The Devils can never have enough “D.” Look for them to add a shut-down defenseman.

Carolina: They’re giving up way too many goals, so look for a move to shore up the back end.

Montreal: A defensive-minded forward or a shut-down defenseman would help a woeful penalty kill.

Pittsburgh: Keep an eye on Marc-Andre Fleury’s health. There’s no way they’ll go into the playoffs with Ty Conklin in goal.

Boston: Could be looking for a center. It doesn’t look like Patrice Bergeron will be back this year.

New York Rangers: “What can we get for you, Mr. Jagr?” As if Scott Gomez and Chris Drury weren’t enough.

New York Islanders: No way this holds, with so many minus players. Look for a second-half downward spiral.

Philadelphia: Biggest need is secondary scoring, even with the emergence of center Mike Richards.

Buffalo: Left winger Darcy Regier needs a big move to restore his reputation among Sabres fans.

The other five:

Florida: Putting lots of pressure on goaltender Tomas Vokoun will catch up to them eventually.

Atlanta: Stuck in a tough spot between “almost there” and “time to gut the roster.” Coach Don Waddell has a tough call.

Toronto: The torches are being wrapped and dipped in fuel. They’re coming for you, GM John Ferguson.

Washington: At some point, they’ve got to consider moving goaltender Olaf Kolzig to a contender.

Tampa Bay: Bad goaltending killed the season. Which one of the “big three” is on the move?

The Lightning would gladly move forward Brad Richards and the $23.4 million they owe him for the next three years. And according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Lightning have shopped goaltenders Johan Holmqvist and Marc Denis but were unsuccessful in trading them.

There is also word that Lightning GM Jay Feaster would like to re-acquire goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who currently plays for the Chicago Blackhawks. The problem is that Feaster was told by Lightning ownership he is not to add salary until the team is sold.

As for the Kings, the only untouchables on their roster are forwards Anze Kopitar and Mike Cammalleri.

Garrioch also notes that both the Lightning and Kings may put in offer sheets to New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist should he become a restricted free agent July 1st. Both clubs are in dire need of improvement in net, and Lundqvist would provide that and more.

It could cost upwards of $8 million to ink Lundqvist.

“There has been (trade) talk around the league and it continues,” Toronto general manager John Ferguson said last night. “But I don’t get the feeling that a one-week freeze is going to be the impetus for anyone to (fast track a deal).”

The holiday roster freeze takes effect Wednesday at midnight and lasts until midnight December 27. Teams are not allowed to make any sort of roster changes during that period.

Darren Dreger of TSN reports that the Pittsburgh Penguins are contemplating approaching unrestricted free agent goaltender Curtis Joseph with a contract offer.

The Penguins are said to have interest in adding a veteran netminder due to the injury to first-stringer Marc-Andre Fleury.

Joseph, who has been keeping in shape, has set January “as his optimal point of return.”

Tim Sassone of the Chicago Daily Herald reports that Edmonton Oilers GM Kevin Lowe took in the Wednesday’s game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings in what could have been a scouting mission.

Word is that Lowe is looking to deal forwards Jarret Stoll and Raffi Torres.

Still with the Blackhawks, Sassone reports that Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon has given no indication that he will try to move goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Carolina Hurricanes aren’t likely to deal forward Erik Cole.

While some rumors have the Hurricanes interested in Ottawa Senators defensemen Joe Corvo, the Hurricanes “wouldn’t deal Cole for Corvo.”

Besides, as Garrioch points out, Cole’s trade value could be hampered by his hefty $4 million salary.

Jack Todd of The Montreal Gazette reports that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier has no desire to play for the Montreal Canadiens. In fact, “doesn’t want to play” Montreal.

San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau tells David Pollak of the Mercury News that he’s not overly concerned with the trade rumors coming out of Canada that have mentioned his name.

“I have a job to do on the ice and that’s all I can worry about and take care of. It’s a hockey country, a hockey hotbed, so there’s always talk up there. There’s always rumors.”

Tallon is apparently on the look-out for ways to fill his club’s most pressing needs. Among the Blackhawks’s deficiencies is their need for a veteran defenseman and a scoring forward.

But while a deal is not imminent, indications are that he’d like “to do something sooner than later.”

And that “something” might very well include trading some players off the club’s current roster.

Sassone suggests that Tallon should explore the possibility of dealing starting goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who has not performed up to his capabilities thus far into the season.

However, moving Khabibulin may be easier said than done. The Russian goalie has a $6.75 million salary for this and next year, making him a huge ticket for any team to take on.

ANAHEIM DUCKS

Needs: They’d like to deal for an upgrade on D Sean O’Donnell. Small possibility they could make a move in net.

Possibilities: Chicago D Jassen Cullimore could be a potential acquisition.

ATLANTA THRASHERS

Needs: Dealt for C Eric Belanger (Columbus via Nashville), so GM Don Waddell may have already made his move.

Possibilities: They may have been involved in the Forsberg sweepstakes.

BUFFALO SABRES

Needs: The Sabres are expecting to get C Tim Connolly back from his post-concussion issues, but that is complicated by a stress fracture in his leg.

Possibilities: Will listen to offers for G Martin Biron, C Derek Roy and LW Ales Kotalik.

CALGARY FLAMES

Needs: They dealt for D Brad Stuart and C Wayne Primeau, but many believe GM Darryl Sutter has one move left to make.

Possibilities: The Flames might be looking to pry LW Martin Gelinas out of Florida.

CAROLINA HURRICANES

Needs: The Hurricanes would like to make a move. GM Jim Rutherford wants to add veteran leadership in the run for the playoffs.

Possibilities: St. Louis LW Keith Tkachuk and Philly LW Geoff Sanderson are on the list.

COLORADO AVALANCHE

Status: Buyer and seller.

Needs: They’d like to find somebody stupid enough to take G Jose Theodore, but that likely won’t happen. A forward would help.

Possibilities: Veteran D Ken Klee could be moved.

DALLAS STARS

Needs: The Stars made a big move to get Phoenix LW Ladislav Nagy last week. There was some thinking they might bring Bill Guerin back.

Possibilities: May take a run at Florida RW Todd Bertuzzi and Tkachuk.

DETROIT RED WINGS

Needs: Would like to add a big centre or winger. They are about $2 million US under the cap and would also take fourth-line help.

Possibilities: Watch for them to go after Bertuzzi, Guerin or Tkachuk.

MINNESOTA WILD

Needs: What they really have to find is a faceoff man. There are still whispers they might deal G Manny Fernandez.

Possibilities: Will call the Coyotes about C Yanic Perreault. He’ll be hard to wrestle away.

MONTREAL CANADIENS

Needs: Everything, but have been focused on a No. 2 centre. Have to find someone to take offensive pressure off Saku Koivu.

Possibilities: Plenty of talk about Smolinski. Will try to deal RW Sergei Samsonov.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Needs: Already have done plenty. GM David Poile picked up D Vitali Vishnevski from the Thrashers and Forsberg from the Flyers.

Possibilities: RW Scott Hartnell is an upcoming UFA and contract talks have gone nowhere.

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

Possibilities: Will have to waive players to make any moves without subtracting.

NEW YORK RANGERS

Needs: They can’t afford to sell in this neighbourhood. The club gets pressure to chase everybody. A winger would help.

Possibilities: Will take a run at Tkachuk and Guerin. D Darius Kasparaitis could be moved.

OTTAWA SENATORS

Needs: GM John Muckler wants to add a veteran, but doesn’t have a lot of cash to play with. Summer decisions have been costly.

Possibilities: This club wants Roberts who, as a Maple Leaf, killed them in the Battle of Ontario.

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Needs: Would like to bring in protection for Sidney Crosby and wouldn’t mind a defensive defenceman as well.

Possibilities: Might call Montreal to see if they can get D Craig Rivet.

SAN JOSE SHARKS

Needs: A defenceman to help the power play.

Possibilities: Have been persistently trying to get Phoenix D Nick Boynton in a three-way deal.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Needs:The Bolts would like to add a puck-moving defenceman. Doubtful they will make a move for Chicago G Nikolai Khabibulin.

Possibilities: Will likely try to pick up Berard from the Jackets and move C Vaclav Prospal.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Needs: The Leafs wouldn’t mind adding another veteran winger who can play alongside C Mats Sundin and help the club make the post-season.

Possibilities: Sturm is a possibility for Toronto, which could move D Brendan Bell.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Needs: Would have loved to add Forsberg to centre Markus Naslund. Have been looking for help there all year.

Possibilities: Would move C Brendan Morrison. They might end up with Smolinski.

Lalime has been on a two-week rehab assignment in the AHL where he was rehabbing from back surgery he underwent in September. The goalie is set to return next week, but his role with the team remains unclear.

With Nikolai Khabibulin entrenched as the team’s number one goalie, and Brian Boucher performing admirably as the back-up, where does that leave Lalime?

It’s “doubtful” that the Blackhawks are going to keep three goaltenders on the roster, so something’s got to give. One of Boucher or Lalime could be traded. Or might the Hawks risk losing Lalime on waivers, and send him down to the minors for a little while longer?

Blackhawks head coach Denis Savard tells Sassone that nothing has been settled yet.

“We’ll make that decision and cross that bridge at that time, but Boucher is our backup right now,” Savard said. “We’ll see where we’re at next week. I’m sure (general manager) Dale (Tallon) and I will sit down and discuss what we want to do here and what’s his plan.”