The Confluence
Trade Deadline T minus 4: The Calm Before the Storm
by Tony on 02/28/09 at 02:31 PM ET
Comments (0)
Well, it hasn’t been completely calm, with GMRS firing the first major trade shot of the deadline season on Thursday, sending one of his “core”, defenseman Ryan Whitney to the Ducks for gritty winger Chris Kunitz and power forward prospect Eric Tangradi.
But other than that, there’s an eerie feeling so far this weekend. Nothing much going on publically, but you just know that the GM’s are burning up their Blackberries.
As I said, nothing earthshattering going on around Penguinsland, especially since the Whitney trade, but here’s what I’ve read recently:
- The New York Post reports that the Devils, Flyers and Penguins are discussing deals with Phoenix regarding defenseman Derek Morris.
Tony’s Take: Is it just me, or has Morris been rumored to be going to the Penguins for like five years now ?? Anyway, Morris is a UFA at the end of the year, I don’t see it happening, I don’t think GMRS is doing any rentals like that this year.
- Maple Leafs Hot Stove reports that the Pens and Leafs discussing a trade that would send Jordan Staal and newly acquired Eric Tangradi to the Leafs for Tomas Kaberle and Matt Stajan.
Tony’s Take: Um, wow. Kaberle has a no movement clause and is signed through the 2010-2011 season at 4.25 mil a year. Stajan has one year left on his contract after this year at 1.75 mil. I’ve always regarded Kaberle as one of the more underrated defensemen in the NHL. I don’t know how much value Stajan would give the Pens, honestly. Seems like the Pens have about 6 or 7 forwards like him. Overall, if the trade would be constructed as it’s being rumored, GMRS would have a big decision to make.
Andy Strickland, from the Anonymous Hockey Fraud’s Hockeybuzz.com, reports that the Penguins are interested in Ottawa’s Chris Neil.
Tony’s Take: First of all, I enjoy reading Andy’s work, he’s top notch. He’s just affiliated with the laughing stock of hockey blogging, that’s all. Anyway, I really think that GMRS is trying hard to get that physical presence back into the Pens’ lineup. He did well getting Chris Kunitz from the Ducks, but he’d do even better getting a big time agitator like Neil, or the person who’s next up on the list below.
ESPN’s Pierre Lebrun reports that the Dallas Stars will place Sean Avery on re-entry waivers. Unless another team claims him first, it’s expected that the Rangers would claim him.
Tony’s Take: As I mentioned in discussing Neil, grabbing either Neil or Avery would really fill the Ruutu void from last season. And of course, claiming Avery would cost the Penguins the prorated portion of his 1.9 million dollars 50% salary, but no players going the other way.
Speaking of Lebrun, he also reported that Marty St. Louis nixed a trade that would have sent him to the Penguins. Both the Lightning and the Pens have denied it, so take it for what it’s worth.
Tony’s Take: Well, assume for a second this one’s true, Marty indeed turned down the chance to go to Pittsburgh. Sure, the weather’s great in Tampa, but is the Lightning’s future anywhere near as bright as the Pens’ ?? We can speculate all day on this one. I think though it’s safe to assume that it would cost some serious assets in return, especially with Marty still having two years remaining on his contract.
Filed in: | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Comments
Be the first to comment.
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Turn Out The Lights, The Party’s Over: I’m Stepping Down
Bill Cowher’s Daughter to Marry Kevin Westgarth
Penguins Sign Forward Steve MacIntyre
Penguins Re-Sign Forward Dustin Jeffrey to Two-Year Deal
Crosby Donation Leads To Renovation at Children’s Hospital
About Kukla’s Korner
Kukla’s Korner is updated around the clock with the work of our own talented bloggers, plus links to the best hockey writing around the internet. We strive to bring you all the breaking hockey news as it happens.
The home page allows you to see the latest postings from every blog on the site. Subscribe here. For general inquiries and more, please contact us anytime.
Get the top online sports betting bonuses available to sports betters!
Kukla’s Korner is always a free service for readers, but it costs some money to maintain. If you’re ever in a position to donate a few dollars to help out, we’d be very appreciative.