The Yzerman trade that never was

In a wide-ranging and fascinating article from the Detroit News, the Red Wings management team of Jimmy Devellano, Ken Holland, Jim Nill, Scotty Bowman, and owner Mike Ilitch discuss a variety of hockey topics, including talks of trading Steve Yzerman.

Detroit News: On that subject, how close was Steve Yzerman to being traded?

Devellano: There were talks. Steve Yzerman knows that. I've told him that. But as I told Stevie, even while it was going on, 'Look, Steve, if you're going to be dealt to Ottawa, we have to get something real good now to replace you and a whole lot more for the future.' Ottawa couldn't deliver on it. I don't even think they could pay the contract. Source

In the same article, Devellano is confident that Las Vegas will be an expansion team in four years, and the Red Wings will move back to the Eastern Conference. Apparently, commissioner Gary Bettman has promised the Red Wings will have more games against Eastern Conference teams in the new schedule.

The Ducks could possibly be making a deal in the next few days. Scouts from Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, Nashville, Phoenix and San Jose were spotted at the Duck's AHL affiliate team in Portland. The players rumoured to be involved appear to be Ilya Bryzgalov and Aaron Rome.