My limited sources have been chirping in with some various rumors for me to litter my blog with. Here they are, take them for what they’re worth.
First, out of New York, Rangers’ GM Glen Sather is considering approaching Chris Drury about a possible trade. Drury, who has a no movement clause, needs to give his permission should the Rangers wish to trade him. As of right now, speculation has Sather in initial talks with the Colorado Avalanche about Ryan Smyth. Just a reminder, however, that Smyth says he wants to stay in the mile high city, while Drury signed with the Rangers because it has always “been his dream” to play for them. Again, I’m told these talks are in the very early stages.
Next, we jump across the border as into Canada’s capital as the Senators are rumored to be making another move quickly on the heels of the move to reacquire Mike Comrie earlier this week from the Islanders along with Chris Campoli for Dean McAmmond and a first round draft pick. Earlier this season, there were rumors swirling saying that Ottawa was interested in acquiring Ilya Kovalchuk for Jason Spezza. They died down, but are now growing some legs again. It is believed that if the Senators think they still have an outside chance of the 8th and final playoff spot in the East, they’ll pull the trigger on Kovalchuk. Knowing Bryan Murray, and how horrendous he has been as GM this season, even if the Sens bottom out, they’d still make the deal and try to reunite Kovalchuk with Danny Heatly and make a late run, even being 15 points back on Sunday night.
Also out of Atlanta, rumors are also beginning to pick up surrounding one of the pieces of the Marion Hossa deal with Pittsburgh last season. Colby Armstrong is believed to be being shopped around by General Manager Don Waddell, and one of his main persons of interest is Pittsburgh’s Jordan Staal. With defenseman Sergei Gonchar back, Pittsburgh is making a run at the bottom spots in the playoff hunt, they could be looking to add pieces to improve an inconsistent roster. Yes, the Pens do sit a mere 4 points from the final playoff spot, but they are playing in a very strong Atlantic Division and of their next 8 games, 6 are against teams currently holding playoff positions. A lot will be learned of Pitt by the deadline.
Keep a close eye on the status of Ryan Miller the next few days. As of right now, the report is his ankle injury, suffered when he was run into by Scott Gomez, is listed as a high ankle sprain. The biggest issue with ankle injuries is that that are all different. Some players heal quicker than others, and with Miller being such a vital piece in the Sabres puzzle of success, they need him to be 100% to not only maintain their playoff position, but perform well in the post-season. If Miller’s ankle doesn’t heal, or the injury is worse than reported, the team will need to think long and hard about their goaltending situation. Right now, they intend to rely upon Patrick Lalime.
The problem with Lalime is that he’s 2-7-1 on the season, but has a 3.07 goals against. The last time he was the #1 starter, it was in Chicago last season, before that, pre-lockout Ottawa, where he has some playoff experience. He can be a premier goaltender, the problem is consistency. One trading partner, should they need to resort to that, is New Jersey. Starting next Thursday, the Devils will have 3 NHL-ready goaltenders, future hall of famer Martin Brodeur returns from injury, current started Scott Clemmensen has 25 wins on the year, and backup Kevin Weekes has both starting, playoff, and Stanley Cup experience. While Brodeur is obviously untouchable, Weekes and Clemmensen could be had for the right offer. Again, all is contingent on the extent of Ryan Miller’s ankle injury.
No comments:
Post a Comment