Here are some of the latest rumors from Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal:
Agent Bryon Baltimore wouldn't be surprised if Jay Bouwmeester's negotiating rights were dealt to one of four NHL teams, the Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens and the Vancouver Canucks. Brochu's take: I think the possibility of this happening is quite high, as Bouwmeester is 99.9% certain NOT to re-sign with Florida.
Matheson adds that if Philly wants to sign Bouwmeester, they would most likely have to shed salary by trading forward Daniel Briere. Los Angeles could be a possibility, while the Canadiens remain in the hunt. Brochu's take: Perhaps Matheson forgot about Briere's no-movement clause, or the fact that he doesn't want to play in Montreal.
The Minnesota Wild have "targeted" four teams as possible trade destinations for impending RFA goalie Josh Harding. The Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings and the Philadelphia Flyers are all looking for goaltending. Brochu's take: Inter-divisional trades are rare, but the Red Wings are definitely a team that is interested.
There is talk that the Boston Bruins will send RFA forward Phil Kessel to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for the third overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: Value-wise, I think the Bruins will have give a little more than that. Probably another 2nd rounder should do it.
Matheson believes that the San Jose Sharks will move Patrick Marleau, possibly to the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs need a no.1 centre, but Matheson believes he would be better in a secondary role.
4 comments:
Detroit and Minny are not in the same division. It would be less likely for the Wild to help out the Oilers or Avalanche who ARE both in their division.
That said, why would Detroit express interest while in the Stanley Cup Finals. I don't even think of opening my mouth considering the chances of upsetting the apple cart. The Flyers are supposed to be imminently signing Ray Emery, so they should be out.
Osgood still looks to be Detroit's guy, and Harding looks to be poised to grab a starting gig. The most likely spots being Edmonton and Colorado.
Wild must hate the market for him. Other options like Biron, Khabibulin, Anderson, Clemmensen also lower potential returns for Harding as well.
Will be interesting to see what transpires. Many times a team not considered is the one a player will go to.
Sorry, I worded it poorly. I meant that the Wild would be unlikely to trade to the Avs and Oil.
I still think Harding needs some seasoning, and is not ready for a starting job. He would be perfect to back up Osgood, who could be a good mentor.
Josh Harding has the same pedigree as Cam Ward. His numbers in junior and the AHL are not dissimilar to Cam Ward.
The only difference between the two was that Carolina had huge deficiencies in net while Minnesota had Fernandez, Roloson, and now Backstrom. If you take a look at his numbers, in 2004-05, he was head and shoulders better than Mike Smith who is a pretty good keeper in his own right.
Harding's numbers in spot duty in 2006-07 allowed Minny to jetison Fernandez letting him walk to FA.
There is nothing to suggest more seasoning required other than...hmmm, he is young...he needs more seasoning.
Harding is a very good young goaltender, that I don't disagree with. But not many NHL teams are willing to trade for a goalie that has proven relatively little in the league (Mike Smith notwithstanding).
The Flyers now have Emery, so that cancels them out as potential suitors.
Post a Comment