Here at Pucking Hockey, I believe this is going to be a BIG trading season in the NHL. I expect A LOT of trades to happen, long term and short term deals.
TRADE RUMORS:
Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks & LA Kings:
The Oilers are taking calls for Ales Hemsky as half the league is looking for a top 6 forward. The Oilers need a puck moving defenseman more than a draft pick. It’s unlikely the Predators would give up Ryan Ellis for Hemsky. One scout thinks the Predators would rather have Ryan Smyth over Hemsky, but Smyth likely won’t waive his no-trade clause at the deadline.
The Senators are a wild card for Hemsky.
The Oilers have liked Drew Stafford. Maybe the Kings would be interested in a Jonathan Bernier for Magnus Paajarvi deal this summer.
The Blackhawks might take a look at Chris Campoli for their 4-5 hole that they are looking to fill.
The Predators may look at taking offers for backup Anders Lindback this summer.
New York Rangers: GM Glen Sather needs to add a defenseman that can handle big minutes down the stretch. They’ve always liked Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason. Stars Sheldon Souray is an interesting option given his ability on the power play, but there are questions about his ability to defend. Ryan Suter is a possibility if he becomes available and if they want to go that direction.
A FEW “RENTAL” PLAYERS WHO MAY BE AVAILABLE:
Jason Blake (Ana) Josh Green (Edm) Nicklas Hagman (Ana) Adam Hall (TB) Ales Hemsky (Edm) Kristian Huselius (CBJ) Saku Koivu (Ana) Dominic Moore (TB) rans Nielsen (NYI) Samuel Pahlsson (Ana) Jay Pandolfo (NYI) P.A. Parenteau (NYI) George Parros (Ana) Vinny Prospal (CBJ) Tuomo Ruutu (Car) Teemu Selanne (Ana) Ryan Smyth (Edm)
Then again, Ilya Kovalchuk was apparently just a “rental” player for NJ Devils, and look at what happened there. Again, these are just some “rental” players who may get moved before the trade dead line.
Washington Capitals: Alex Ovechkin will have a hearing today for his high hit on Michalek. Although Ovie did leave his feet, slightly, I don’t see him getting suspended. He plays the game hard and physical almost every time he steps onto the ice, you can’t punish a guy for that style, it’s part of the game. And since Michalek didn’t get suspended, there should be no suspension.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Zbynek Michalek will have a hearing today for his elbow on Hendricks. Elbow, says it all. Shanahaban don’t take kindly to elbows, most likely a suspension.
Dalla Stars: Have placed Jamie Benn on the IR and recalled Matt Fraser.
Chicago Blackhawks: Jonathan Toews will not play Tuesday.
Winnipeg Jets: Jets Dustin Byfuglien and Evander Kane didn’t accompany the team to Carolina for tonight’s game. They play the Rangers on Tuesday in NY. Byfuglien and Kane are not expected to play until after the All-Star break.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Forward R.J. Umberger could play tonight after missing the last 5 games with a concussion.
Nashville Predaotrs: Predators defenseman Ryan Suter is expected to be back after missing 3 games with an upper-body injury.
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