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Thursday, February 7, 2008
Trade Rumors? I Got Your Trade Rumors
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s just after the NHL All Star game and before the trade deadline. Ah yes, ‘tis the season to fire up the ‘ol NHL trade rumor mill! Now, I know we are all glued to our computer screens awaiting the announcement of the Hossa deal that would send him to Ottawa or Pittsburgh or Nashville or Montreal or Anaheim or the Islanders or Dallas or Kitchener, Ontario… and it could come at any time now. But there are a plethora of other rumored deals that are being not so subtly bantered about the cyber world as well.
So, seeing that names and deals are being dangled out there like a Michael Jackson baby and credible sources are as sparse as stray cats near a Chinese restaurant, let’s delve into the practice of trade rumors ourselves, shall we?
Keep in mind what you’re paying for this service and the fact that I, or you, will probably wind up as close to anything as anyone else.
Rob Blake: The L.A. Kings are said to be shopping the 38-year-old defender as a rental to a contending team. He’s got 5 goals and 26 points on the season. He is 6’-4” and is currently tied for 17th in assists for defensemen. This might be worth a future pick or two.
If your thinking about this as a possible Thrasher pick-up…look at it like this going into a playoff run…I present you with Klee, Zhitnik and Blake. Pick two.
Brian Campbell: The Buffalo Sabres are in the same pickle with this defender as the Thrashers are with Marian Hossa. The 28-year-old Strathroy, Ontario native has amassed 4 goals and 31 assists so far this season, is a +1 and puts in 25:16 TOI. He also has only 6 PIM…what, no stupid penalties?
If a Hossa/Heatley-type sign and trade deal could be worked out between the two clubs, we could swap the two…put Campbell’s defensive prowess on the blue line and replace Hossa with Stuart or Little.
But, nah…we are just fine on defense.
Peter Forsberg: It has been reported that the Detroit Red Wings were interested in Forsberg’s services. However, they were rejected quicker then I was by Debbie Hesslefielder in the 11th grade, (and with a lot less condescension and laughter, I might add). I know it seems odd… I mean, a team like the Wings? Who wouldn’t want to play for them?
Well, my unnamed source tells me that Peter explained his decision by saying, “Well, yeah…I mean Detroit is a great team and all. But I’ve heard about this whack-job from near-by Livonia who feels the need to chase the team bus and stalk the players as they leave the practice arena. If you let him get too close he has a tendency to drool on his team idols. I’m too old to deal with that %$#&”! …Good point.
OK, now you give it a try…
