Anaheim Mighty Ducks
Status: On The Fence
Story:
The Anaheim Ducks are no longer Mighty but have restocked fairly well and with a few key signings and trades this summer they could be back in the middle of the pack. The Ducks haven't struggled as bad as many had predicted but haven't torn up the league ether. Anaheim still has a hope of making the playoffs so they most likely wont sell unless the players are UFAs or they can better their squad. They could also go the other way and decide that they don't have enough yet to compete so one more season of restocking the system. The first option however is more likely as they are only 3 points out of 8th place in the West. The Ducks have several big name veteran UFA's that they have to decide whether or not they are going to sell them off for a bounty, including Scott Niedermayer.
Needs:
The Ducks still need a 2nd line left winger as Jason Blake is there only real left wing and several other wingers have been forced to the left side to compensate. They also could use another 2nd paring defenseman to help shoulder the load left by the Pronger deal. It's unlikely they'll go after any rentals but look for the Ducks to try for a player already under contract thats affordable tradewise.
Potential Trade Candidates:
LW - Kyle Calder - Calder is yet another NHLer who has struggled to adapt to the new NHL and has found himself entrenched in the AHL toiling away for another chance at being a roster player. Calder could be cheap help for anyone looking for a quick cheap fix. His offensive days are long gone but he could fill a role player spot if injury troubles occurred. Teams Interested: New York Rangers.
C - Saku Koivu - Former Montreal Canadian captain Saku Koivu could be available come March 1st should the Ducks decide to sell off some of their assets. Koivu is a valued leader in the hockey community and his heroic comeback from cancer proved his determination and passion for the game. Koivu would be an instant upgrade in leadership and can contribute offensively. Hes rumored to want a package deal with good pal Teemu Selanne. Teams Interested: Montreal, New Jersey and Minnesota.
RW - Teemu Selanne - The Finnish flash should be nearing the end of his playing career judging by his age but age doesn't seam to effect Selanne who has had another good season and to top it off he just won another medal (Bronze) with team Finland at the Olympic games. Teemu is unrestricted at the end of this summer where he'll sit down and make yet another do I retire? or keep going? decision. The Ducks can give Selanne another shot at another cup by trading him and getting a few picks in return but they also may hold onto him for their own run. As mentioned above he is rumored to want to be a part of any Saku Koivu deal as the best friends are extremely close. Teams Interested: Boston, Los Angeles, Montreal, Pittsburgh and Minnesota.
RW - Evgeny Artyukhin - The massive Russian has had a hard time staying out of the doghouse every team he's played for and has struggled to find his place in a North American game. Artyukhin is a big body and likes to bang but isn't physically tough when the going gets rough. He could play a minor role on a checking line and do spot duty on the 3rd and even 2nd if necessary. Another Anaheim free agent this summer. Teams Interested: Toronto.
D - Scott Niedermayer - The future Hall Of Famer whose been down every road possible has a big decision on his hands as the deadline nears. No I'm not talking about possibly retiring next season, I'm talking about deciding whether or not to waive his no trade clause for the good of his club if the opportunity arises. Niedermayer is instant leadership and hockey sense. A guy who can and you'd want to play every situation possible. Niedermayer holds a no trade clause and has said in the past he wouldn't want to waive it and uproot his family. He unretired as a Duck and wants to finish his career as a Duck still. Management claims they won't approach him at all about it but if the Ducks do feel they can't contend this spring then they may decide to have the trade talk. Niedermayer could fetch a fortune in prospects and picks, he's also a UFA at the end of this season and would/could most likely resign in Anaheim. It's unlikely they'd ask him to waive his no trade however as they have tremendous respect for Scott. Teams Interested: Vancouver and New Jersey.
D - Nick Boynton - Boynton found himself this season a casualty of the salary cap era. He just didn't fit in the Anaheim numbers game and found himself headed down to the minors. Still a decent hockey player he could bring a physical presence to a team looking for toughness and blueline help. A salary cap hit at 1.5$ Mil he's affordable and expendable down in the AHL. Teams Interested: Dallas, New Jersey and Ottawa.
G - Vesa Toskala - Toskala was the scape goat in Toronto for much of this season when he was healthy and with the arrival of future goalie Jonas Guvtafsson he found himself shipped out to Long Beach. Now with another young "Jonas" ahead of him in the line he looks to be set to move on once again. Still a decent goalie that has been overshadowed by his time in Toronto. He could be moved at the deadline to a team desperate for goaltending help but it's unlikely anyone would want his 4$ million dollar contract when many cheaper goalies are out there. Teams Interested: Nothing Yet.
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Dallas Stars
Status: Buyers (Minor)
Story:
The Dallas Stars are going through some financial turmoil at the worst possible time. While most teams look to bulk up for a lengthy playoff run they are looking to shed some unwanted salaries and get some return on potential UFAs such as Marty Turco, Jiri Lehtinen and Steve Ott. The Dallas Stars are only 1 point of 8th in the Western Conference. The Stars will have a tough road ahead with Detroit and Anaheim so close behind them. The Stars besides their financial problems are going through a goaltender shuffle so to speak. The management decided to deal Marty Turco as they wish to take the team in a different direction next year or so they thought and now with Kari Lehtonen his apparent replacement in Dallas they have flipped flopped on it. The Stars have a lot of questions that need to be answered with their UFAs and only have less than a week to do so.
Needs:
The Stars really need a top six right winger as they have nobody within the organization to fill that role for the playoffs. They could also use a depth signing on the wing to help out in case injuries occur. The Stars also need a backup 5 to 6 defenseman that can add stability to the backend. Dallas also needs to make some key decisions regarding the potential unrestricted free agents and also figure out their goalie situation before they try to move forward past the deadline. If they decide to trade away Marty Turco they'd need to pick up an insurance goalie. The Stars wont make any shocking moves or anything major. Look for them to add but stay in the budget and most likely trade man for man.
Potential Trade Candidates:
LW- Jere Lehtinen - Jere Lehtinen's well known for his ability to shut down opposing lines while still being about to produce points. The point producing is just about gone as well as his ice time in Dallas. The Stars have to make a decision on the Finnish veteran as he is a UFA after this season and whether or not he can help them on their run. If they were to trade him they'd get decent return and clear some salary which they need but they'd be down a key shut down guy. He's a -7 this season so the stats say they can afford to trade him in order to upgrade. Teams Interested: Colorado, Tampa Bay and Buffalo.
LW - Fabian Brunstrom - Brunstrom was a much hyped European free agent that most teams were trying to sign desperately. However once in North America he struggled to find his game and adapt to the new style of play. He's found himself shuttled between the farm teams and Dallas the past two seasons. He still has lots of promise but will take more time to develop properly and Dallas is getting impatient. He's an important bargaining chip for any trade with the Stars as hes easily expendable at this point and due for an undeserved raise at the end of this season as an RFA. Teams Interested: Toronto, Montreal, Columbus, Philly, and New York Rangers.
LW - Steve Ott - The often annoying and pesky Steve Otts contract is up at the end of this season and The Stars have furiously been trying to sign him to a long term but financially affordable contract but Steve appears to be heading to free agency this summer to see what the market value can bring him. Ott is a great penalty killer and a irritating presence whenever he's on the ice. He also can score a timely goal or two, a perfect fit for a playoff team. The Stars will most likely deal him unless they can come to a deal before March 1st. Teams Interested: Vancouver, Ottawa, Washington and, Boston
C - Mike Modano - Longtime Star and former captain Mike Modano is longer an elite player and has been bumped down into a checking role with occasional powerplay time. He serves as a mentor and teacher to Dallas's young prospects and will most likely end up behind the bench once his career is over. The new generation in Dallas has taken over and Modano may become expendable in the hunt for some playoff help. It's highly unlikely the Stars would ever part with their franchise player unless he consents. Teams Interested: Ottawa and Boston.
G - Marty Turco - Leading up to the past month the question for Dallas was can Marty Turco get us to where we have to get or is it time for a new era? Shortly after Kari Lehtonen was acquired by the Stars and even Turco himself thought the end was near. Joe Neiwendyk admitted to putting Turco's name out there but no offers stood out and thats when Turco started standing out himself. The Stars now appear to be satisfied so they say with both goalies even so much they waived Alex Auld and placed him on re-entry waivers a sign Turco could be staying. The logic behind it all doesn't make sense because Marty is an unrestricted free agent this summer and the Stars most likely will not be able to afford both goalies, leading many to believe that a deal is up Neiwendyk's sleeves and is only a matter of time. Teams Interested: Philly, Washington, Tampa Bay, Chicago, Edmonton, and St. Louis.
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Los Angeles Kings
Status: Buyers (Major)
Story:
The Kids are going to be alright. The Los Angeles Kings after years of rebuilding finally have drafted and assembled a contender that will only get better. With sucessful drafting and development of their prospect they should be set for quite some time. The Kings have more than a hand full of young players that have developed into qaulity NHL players mixed with several experienced core guys to round out the team. The Kings currently find themselves in 5th in the West with little room to move up. LA has lots of cap space to spare and will bulk up in order to challenge for the cup.
Needs:
The Kings need some veteran help to guide their young down the stretch. Experienced leaders who have been through the grind before and can coach the kids to the cup. LA also needs an experienced or reliable goaltender incase Ersberg or Quick gives in to the pressure of the playoffs. Los Angeles has plenty off offensive firepower but they need to acquire some character forwards and grinders to survive in the "wild West". A 7th defenseman for depth wouldn't be a bad idea ether. LA has lots of prospects in the bank so they may use picks in this years and next years drafts to bring in some additional help.
Potential Trade Candidates:
LW - Alexander Frolov - Alexander Frolov has been incosistent at best this season and for that has ended up in the doghouse for most of the year. His quick fall from the top line now sees him playing on the 3rd line for the Kings. While Dean Lombardi insists he doesn't want to mess with the make up of his team Frolov is unrestricted at the end of this season and his frustrating play may not be worth the stress. He is a key chip on the table if LA was to make a major deal or to add more prospects to their system. Teams Interested: Atlanta, Montreal, New York Rangers, Vancouver, Washington, and Nashville.
D - Randy Jones - Defenseman Randy Jones is unrestricted at the end of the season and could be shipped out to make room on the blueline for another defenseman to help out LA's core. Randy Jones has struggled to fit with the Kings from day 1 and a change of scenery could be best for both parties. Teams Interested: New York Islanders.
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Phoenix Coyotes
Status: Buyers (Minor)
Story:
The Phoenix Coyotes shocked the hockey world when they came out flying and instantly challenged in the Western Conference. Many believed the longshot Coyotes would have another long season of struggling and disapointment with a rag tag group of players that many teams had exiled combined with the longtime Coyotes and prospects. This wasn't the case however as the team quickly geled and the previous moves that had pundits scratching their heads last season worked out extremely well for the Desert Dogs. Even with the financial problems, their head coach stepping down, the on going discussion of relocation and a major sale they managed to prevail. Expectations have been low all season long but now the Coyotes are getting prepared for a deep push into the post season... no longer as the underdogs.
Needs:
The Coyotes could use a top 6 forward who can play the wing. Phoenix has a potent offensive attack and a little extra gunpowder could put them over their opponents. The Dogs need some quality help on the bottom half of the forward lines, specifically a shut down winger or a face off specialist. The Coyotes are pretty set on defense with 8 defensemen so depth shouldn't be an issue there nor should goaltending be a concern ether. If the Coyotes can add a bit more offense, some forward depth and a key checking forward they should be able to go far. The Coyotes wont blow the budget but will try to acquire some affordable help. A long drive into the post season could keep the Coyotes afloat and bring back some fans to Arizona.
Potential Trade Candidates:
C- Peter Mueller - Peter Mueller had a break out rookie season two years ago with 54 points. Last season he only hit 36 and this year he is on pace for 21. With his numbers rapidly dcreasing the Phoenix management is getting impatient and are extremely worried rushing him into the NHL has stunted his development. He still has the talent but he may need a new coach and management to get it out of him. Phoenix is seriously considering dealing him to get the max value out of him while they still can. He's restricted at the end of season so that could help out Phoenix's decesion. Teams Interested: Buffalo, Boston, Montreal, Carolina, Florida, Nashville, New York Rangers and Edmonton.
RW - Viktor Tikhonov - Tikhonov has been a work in progress for the Phoenix Coyotes. He posseses undeniable talent but isn't ready for the NHL quite yet. After being sent down to San Antonio of the AHL he quickly got sick of not playing in the NHL and requested a transfer back to Russia. He's currently playing for Severstal Cherepovets of the KHL and has continued to develop nicely but the Coyotes fear he won't return to North America without gaurentied top 6 ice time or not at all. They may dangle him in a trade as his future with the team is uncertain. Teams Interested: Washington, New York Rangers and Atlanta.
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San Jose Sharks
Status: Buyers (minor)
Story:
The San Jose Sharks continue to dominate this season and are a favorite for the Cup. The Sharks pulled off a blockbuster of a deal for Dany Heatley in the off season that has had a positive effect on the team and Heatley appears back better than ever after a slump last season. The Sharks have more than enough firepower and Patrick Marleau is on pace for quite possibly a career year. They have several key unrestricted free agents such as Rob Blake and Marleau but the management seams quite content on waiting till the off season to get them resigned and certain they'll resign. The Sharks are in 1st place in the West and 2nd in the NHL but they have a tendency to bust come the post season. Will this time be different?
Needs:
The San Jose Sharks already bolstered their defense with the addition of Nicklas Wallin so that shouldn't be an issue. The Sharks would love to add an inexpensive top 6 forward to round out their core and also a roleplayer or two to help add much needed depth to their checking lines. In net San Jose should be safe with Evgeni Nabokov and Thomas Griess. The Sharks have the tools to make a deal for a major player but they most likely wont make any roster shaking moves unless an arms race begins in the West. Expect the Sharks to make a move or two but nothing that will touch its core.
Potential Trade Candidates:
D - Jay Leach - San Jose claimed Jay Leach off waivers this season and he has been an 8th defenseman for the most part but now that the San Jose blueline is looking healthy again and the acquistion of Nicklas Wallin means it's most likely back to the AHL for Leach unless they can find a trading partner. Teams Interested: Detroit.
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