Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Trade Rumours Prior To Draft Day Friday

The trade winds are blowing once again...not as heavily as they do prior to trade deadline day, but it's the next best thing.

Especially when names like Marian Hossa, Vincent Lecavalier and - get this - EVGENI MALKIN, are being thrown around.

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First and foremost, a trade has been made today, as the Flyers sent Vaclav Prospal's negotiating rights back to the Lightning for a 7th round pick in this upcoming draft and a conditional choice in 2009.



It seems as though the Edmonton Oilers are willing to part ways with 24 year old d-man Joni Pitkanen. Pitkanen is reportedly being coveted by L.A. (in a deal that would reportedly involve Mike Cammalleri), and by Carolina (in a deal that would involve any of Erik Cole, Justin Williams or Tuomo Ruutu).

Patrick Marleau's name is resurfacing again, as always. It is being speculated that he WILL be moved prior to July 1st's Free Agent season, and according to a trade rumour website, Ottawa, Florida, Buffalo, Boston, NJ, and Columbus appear to be expressing interest.

Same goes for Olli Jokinen, who is likely being coveted by the same teams plus some others such as Calgary and Montreal.

Montreal are trying to pull a real coup on rival Toronto, it appears, as they are apparently interested in signing Mats Sundin. A trade rumour website suggests it most likely for Sundin to sign on with Montreal, before the options of re-signing with Toronto.

The Habs are also apparently trying to acquire the rights to Marian Hossa, but there are so many different stories on the net about this one. Many are claiming that the Pens have offered Hossa a 7-year $50 million deal, and are also saying that he will take it. Then, another source quoted Hossa's agent Rich Winter saying this: "The newspaper and television reports generated so far are completely inaccurate," Winter said. "None of the information has come from the principles involved in the discussions. Ray Shero and I have not spoken with anyone about a contract, so I have no idea where the information is coming from. There is not even one basic piece of information from those reports that are true." No one really knows what to expect with this whole situation, but many are now beginning to throw up a different Penguin player's name...

Evgeni Malkin's name has surfaced in many articles straight out of Pittsburgh, as the writers are hinting that if Pittsburgh keeps Hossa, they'll also keep Staal and be prepared to part ways with Malkin. Malkin is apparently seeking a lenghty, lucrative deal in the ballpark of 10 years, $100 million, pretty much a la Alexei Yashin. The writers bring up the following point: "Malkin being traded isn't as far-fetched an idea as many may believe...how many years do you expect Malkin to play second fiddle to captain Crosby?" Whatever your favorite NHL team is, you can bet that they would be prepared to make the room for the Russian dynamo.

Ryan Malone's name is also being tossed around a lot, but it appears his trading value is at zero due to what he told the PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: "We will not talk to anyone until July 1st", Malone told the paper. The Penguins had hoped to attract an early-round draft choice by shopping Malone's rights, possibly from the Columbus Blue Jackets who reportedly have serious interest in him. "The Dispatch reported that the Jackets are willing to offer Malone a four- or five-year deal worth at least $4.5 million annually. The Penguins are not willing to go much beyond $3 million annually for Malone, who posted a career-best 27 goals and 51 points during the regular season."

The Vinny Lecavalier to Montreal rumours are back, as expected. Reports suggest that Lecavalier may let his current contract run out to eventually sign as a UFA with his hometown Habs. However, it appears that the Maple Leafs are willing to offer a massive package which would include two first-round draft picks to pluck Lecavalier away from Tampa before he even gets to the end of his contract. Also, the possibility remains that Lecavalier will sign a lifetime deal in Tampa, as he takes part in multiple off-ice charity/benefit functions there.

Wade Redden is being heavily pursued by the New York Rangers. Boston is apparently also intrigued at the idea of reuniting Redden with Chara.

Teemu Selanne is trying to be convinced into coming to play for the Habs next season by Saku Koivu - that's the rumour being spread around, of course. No real leads leading into this story, but, of course, it's just as possible as it isn't, so we'll have to wait and see.

And that goes for all of the rumours mentionned above, as well!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

JEEZ LOUISE!! sal if any of those mtl rumours are true im running naked haha





Jamesyboy

Anonymous said...

If the Habs can get Sundin and Hossa would be a dream scenario. But even just one would be awesome. Come on Gainey, don't come out second again because if you don't win the sweepstakes, 2nd place is as good as 30th.