This might be wishful thinking on the part of fans who want to see the 37-year-old winger get a second chance at a Cup run. He’s still got plenty left in the tank, as evidenced by 19 goals and 48 points in 58 games, and a minus-1 rating on a bad team. He has been among the top names on the trading block for a while largely because of his experience and expiring contract ($3.55 million, prorated).

Educated guess: The price tag on Whitney is rising, and savvy GM Jim Rutherford gets maximum value with a last-minute deal.

 

Sheldon Souray is the most intriguing target because he’s not going to play for a few more weeks. So if you’re one of the six teams (Ducks, Kings, Stars, Capitals, Flyers, Rangers) to which the defenseman would accept a trade, you have to accept the uncertainty of how hard that slap shot’s going to be once his hand is healed – not to mention how quickly he can adapt to your lineup. It will need to happen fast. Patrick O’Sullivan, a 25-year-old scoring winger with a year left on his contract, isn’t as talented but is far more affordable. Captain Ethan Moreau provides veteran leadership and a decent two-way game.

Educated guess: For all Souray’s talent, that’s too much risk to assume in the short term, and too much money long-term. He stays. O’Sullivan, Moreau and Fernando Pisani are shown the doorway to freedom.

 

The 21-year-old forward hasn’t quite lived up to his potential as the eighth overall pick in the 2006 draft. He’s got four goals and 16 points through 53 games this season and becomes a restricted free agent July 1. Reports indicate the Coyotes are taking bids on Mueller, who optimistically could benefit from a change of scenery. Playoff-bubble teams in need of scoring help – the Bruins and Rangers come to mind – will be among the highest bidders.

Educated guess: Phoenix has a new ownership group (finally), but is presently financed by the other 29 NHL teams. If they can get one or more high draft picks for Mueller, consider it a done deal.

 

Do the Predators keep both Hamhuis and Denis Grebeshkov, who was brought in from Edmonton on Monday? They could. But chances are the Grebeshkov trade was a prelude to moving Hamhuis who, like Grebeshkov, is a left-handed shot. The price is reputed to be high.

Educated guess: Nashville would be unwise to give Hamhuis to a potential first-round playoff opponent, so give the Eastern contenders the edge in this derby.

 

Like Moreau, Nolan is a veteran player who could be a tremendous asset down the stretch both on the ice and in the locker room. The former captain (in San Jose) reportedly met with Chuck Fletcher to discuss a possible trade, but the GM isn’t expected to send the 38-year-old someplace he doesn’t want to go.

Educated guess: This cowboy rides off into a Minnesotan sunset.

 

Ray Emery will be out for the season, the team announced Tuesday, and there’s little chance that career backups Brian Boucher and Michael Leighton are allowed to carry the mantle in net. It wouldn’t be consistent with the sense of urgency indicated by the Chris Pronger trade last summer, and the firing of head coach John Stevens in December, though one report claims the Flyers have higher priorities.

Educated guess: If GM Paul Holmgren could afford to bring in a high-profile goalie, he would. But with the team pressed against the salary cap, and both Boucher and Leighton making less than $1 million, that’s impossible without turning a multi-player blockbuster. This is where it could happen.

 

A combined 23 years’ experience and a pair of expiring contracts make their departures almost inevitable. A second-round pick, and maybe a prospect, is the likely starting price for both right-handed, puck-moving defensemen.

Educated guess: Vancouver needs to replace Willie Mitchell (concussion) and could be looking at one or the other. Both players would be the sort of depth defenseman Anaheim of Chicago is looking for.

 

He’s the most attractive soon-to-be UFA on one of the league’s bona fide sellers, a decent two-way forward, and has playoff experience from the Oilers’ 2006 Finals run. This season he’s got 19 goals and 31 points in 60 games, and would be an asset on the power play (seven PPG).

Educated guess: Several playoff contenders are curiously bad on the PP, including Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Calgary and St. Louis. Scratch the division-rival Blues and the Pens, who just acquired Alex Ponikarovsky, and you’ve got your front-runners.

 

The 40-year-old doesn’t just fit the mold for veteran backup goalies that teams love to have on the bench in the postseason – he made the mold. Suitors would have to absorb a $2.5 million cap hit this year and next, which changes the game. For example, San Jose makes perfect sense, but the Sharks would probably have to surrender an NHL player, plus a draft pick and/or prospect or two.

Educated guess: Someone will make room for Roloson, who will be happy to escape the Island for greener pastures at this stage in his career. The Avalanche and Canadiens have the space, the need, and a young goalie to offer in return.

 

A former 30-goal scorer, the diminutive Slovak has just six goals in 44 games this season for the Avs. At 27, Svatos might also be getting too old for their lineup. Seriously, though, the UFA-to-be would be a good depth addition, nothing more, and would likely cost a mid-round draft pick.

Educated guess: The Sabres like speed and could use some offense. Ditto for Montreal. Again, Eastern teams get the edge.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments

Write comment