It's Christmas Eve!!!

Well, not literally obviously, but this is one of the few major days which are always marked on a hockey fan’s calendar: The Trading Deadline.

A handful of moves have already been made, most recently the Devils acquiring veteran defenseman Niclas Havelid for rookie Anssi Samela. Some speculate this may be the only move New Jersey will make, I, however, could see another move being made.

Here is a quick list of information and speculation:

-Marian Hossa was taken off the ice tonight on a stretcher in the game against the Blues. As of right now there is no word on his condition nor the severity of the injury, if any, but reports say he waved to the crowd as he was carted off the ice. That is definitely a good sign but not a guaranteed indicator he’s 100% okay.

-Reports from Toronto say that GM’s Lou Lamoriello and Brian Burke shared a luxury box for the game tonight. GM’s do not usually do this, so it begs any observer to wonder what could be in the works.

I don’t see the devils making a move for Antropov because they already have one oversized and relatively heavy in the feet center in Zubrus. The price tag for Tomas Kaberle is quite high and I do not see Lou making the kinda move that could drain the farm system of talent in order to acquire the puck moving defenseman. He would also need to give up an everyday roster player to take on Kaberle’s salary so it all but rule’s out that deal. Not to mention Burke’s statement from earlier today where he basically declared Kaberle unavailable.

-As per Toronto’s radio feed “Thomas Kaberle has not played since the 1st period, he is not on the bench.”

-NJ.com reported tonight that the Devils will try to trade former starter, and savior, Scott Clemmensen by tomorrow’s deadline. GM Lou Lamoriello stated that he made a promise to Scott that he would do what he could and see what is out there. As much as it will sting to see him leave the team, it is what’s best for Scott, as he could be a started on a few teams around the league right now. Colorado, I am looking in your direction.

-Radio stations in Alberta have been rumored to staying that both the Oilers and Flames are in the market for a backup goaltender. While it wouldn’t be the starting role Clemmensen desires, the rumor is that Calgary is offering up Matt Lombardi as bait for a #2 keeper. Personally, if I were the Devils, I’d jump on that in a heart beat. Lamoriello has already said he’s looking for a 2nd line center, and Lombardi could fill that need. He’s very fast, and has solid hands, not to mention he’s under contract for next season, with a cap hit of a mere $1.81 million. Coincidentally, that is borderline close to the current Devils’ cap space.

-I would honestly be shocked if Maxim Afineogenov is still a Buffalo Sabre tomorrow at 3 pm. He is absolutely miserable in Buffalo, has been scratched for 2 weeks, missed 25 games. It is no secret he has worn out his welcome in the eyes of the fans, some believe management as well. He is finally healthy and would a preferred piece to move for the Sabres rather than taking out Connolly, who is on a roll right now.

My predictions for who will NOT be traded tomorrow: Gomez, Lecalvier.

Wrong predictions already: Avery is a Ranger again. Oh well, they still have greater problems to worry about.

Past predictions I think will be proven wrong tomorrow: Bouwmeester getting moved, Devils trading a goalie.