
With the trade deadline just over two weeks away in the CDNHL, the action is already starting to heat up. With some tight races and big names out there, teams have already begun to sell and shop. The list of buyers and sellers should be a little clearer in two weeks time, however with a number of trade blocks going up in the past few days, CDNHL expert and GM of the 1st place Nashville Predators decided to break down the top 10 potential movers at the deadline. What follows is a list of the CDNHL's top 10 deadline assets, including a detailed analysis of whether the player is indeed movable, what he might cost, and what teams may be interested. The analysis is followed by the player's season stats, a culminating list of teams that could have interest, and a bolded prediction of where that player will eventually end up. So get down, get out there, and get trading!
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1. Mikka Kiprusoff -Columbus Blue Jackets-
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Analysis: Kiprusoff is the pick of this year's deadline litter. Not only is he the only high profile goaltender who is actively being shopped, he is a top 3 goaltender in the league. With Kiprusoff on a 2 year CDNHL contract and with less than stellar NHL statistics in 2007-2008, the asking price may be a little lower than expected. For most teams, it would certainly be worth inquiring about. The Jackets are looking for youth and more youth. Expect a blue chip prospect and at least a couple of picks going to Columbus if Kiprusoff is moved. Anaheim would have been the perfect destination, but the Ducks blew their prospect wad early on Nicklas Lidstrom and don't appear to have the right assets without breaking up the CDNHL's top line. Toronto and Broadway seem like the most likely destinations for Kipper. Both teams have the assets necessary, but either package would likely have to start with James Van Riemsdyk or Jakub Voracek. The Panthers and the Wild could also be players, but may not feel that they are an elite goaltender away from competing. In any event, expect Kiprusoff to be moved before the deadline, as his value will plummet next season. Season Stats:
Likely Destinations: Toronto, New York Rangers, Minnesota, Florida |
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2. Maxim Afinogenov -NJ Devils-
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Analysis: In a league starved for bonafide top 6 forwards, Maxim Afinogenov may be the player who garners the most interest on deadline day. Another player who has seen his stock fall and his name put on the trade block due to a mediocre NHL season, Afinogenov is an excellent top 6 forward, at least for this season. And with many teams in need, the Devils, notoriously stingy, aren't going to settle for anything but top dollar. New Jersey is said to be most interested in players that can help them next season. With Afinogenov we could see the classic NHL rerate league deal - a this year for next year swap. The Lightning are said to be looking to upgrade at forward and have some interesting young players, particularly on defense. Ottawa seems like the most likely destination if they are serious about competing. Stafford, Zherdev, Eaves and Vermette would all be attractive assets. Afinogenov would be a great fit in LA, and as we have seen, the Kings aren't afraid to spend. A 4th possible destination is Vancouver. However the deal would likely hinge on whether the Nucks will move youngster Patrick O'sullivan, something they've been hesitant to do thus far. Season Stats:
Likely Destinations: Tampa Bay, Ottawa, LA, Vancouver |
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3. Paul Kariya -Detroit Red Wings-
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Analysis: Kariya isn't being openly shopped but he is most certainly available. With the Wings all but eliminated from the playoffs and Kariya a pending UFA, he should have a new home by 12 o'clock on deadline day. Kariya's pricetag is unappealing, and the Wings may need to take some salary back, but he is a legitimate top 6 forward who could help a lot of teams. The Wings are interested in prospects, picks, and players who can help them out next season. The ideal fit for Kariya is in Phoenix. For the move to work, the Wings would have to consent to eating a lot of salary, most likely in the form of Scott Hartnell. The Yotes also certainly have the assets, with Lashoff, Filppula, PHX 1st and CAL 2nd all being attractive pieces. The Wild are very thin on the Wings and have plenty, and I mean plenty of cap room. They've also got the prospects and the picks to make it happen. No one has heard much from Atlanta this year, but they could also be a potential player. Florida also seems like a good bet, with great prospect depth and a gaping hole at left wing. Season Stats:
Likely Destinations: Phoenix, Minnesota, Atlanta, Florida |
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4. Kimmo Timonen -NJ Devils-
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Analysis: Timonen is the cream of the crop of available UFA defensemen, and will 100% be gone before the deadline. Strong offensively and defensively, he would be many teams' 1st or 2nd defenseman. Timonen's price tag may drop a few teams out of the bidding, and the Devils may need to take some salary back in order for a deal to work. The Hurricanes are badly in need of a defenseman, and are one team with the need and the cap room for Kimmo. The Sens have a strong blueline already, but are certainly candidates to at least sniff around and inquire about the asking price. If the Rangers don't end up with Kiprusoff, Timonen seems like a logical fit. Adding to an already strong defense would help to insulate Martin Biron. Karl Alzer would be an attractive asset to the Devils. Finally, don't count out the Bruins, who have two 1sts to work with and might feel that they can sneak into the playoffs. Season Stats:
Likely Destinations: Carolina, Ottawa, New York Rangers, Boston |
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5. Andrei Markov -Colorado Avalanche-
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Analysis: The next two entries are contingent on the Avs falling out of the playoff race and becoming sellers. Contenders looking for a boost will hope this happens because the Avs have two prime assets that they would be likely to shop, including defenseman Andrei Markov. Negligently below Timonen in skill and with virtually the same pricetag, we can expect the teams interested in the Devils defenseman to also have a look at Markov. The Avs will almost certainly be looking for picks, prospects, and young players to go with an already solid core. The Canes, Sens, Rangers and Bruins could all express interest. If, and this is a big if, the Canes are willing to dangle prospect Tuuka Rask they could have the inside edge, as a franchise goaltending prospect is exactly what the Colorado franchise is missing. 2006 Season Stats:
Likely Destinations: Carolina, Ottawa, New York Rangers, Boston |
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6. Brenden Morrow -Colorado Avalanche-
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Analysis: How the Avs fare over the next week will be watched closely, as they also own a player that would surely be coveted by a number of playoff teams. If Brenden Morrow does indeed become available, he may be the hottest commodity at the deadline. Morrow's scoring prowess and leadership ability make him the ideal playoff rental. Morrow might be a better fit than Kariya for the Coyotes, so expect them to make a very strong push. The Wild will also be in the thick of things as they can expect to make absolutely no playoff noise with Sergei Samsonov as their second line left wing. If they moved a bit of salary around, the Oilers could afford to take Morrow on, and he would be an excellent upgrade on the left side. The Oilers top 3 prospects are all goalies, do don't be surprised to see two off to Colorado if a deal does go down. The Leafs would love to get their hands on Morrow and have the cap space to do it. The Panthers could also be a player. Season Stats:
Likely Destinations: Phoenix, Minnesota, Edmonton, Toronto |
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7. Bryan McCabe -Tampa Bay Lightning-
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Analysis: Ever since they acquired him the Tampa Bay Lightning have made it no secret that Bryan Mccabe is AVAILABLE. Mccabe is the top blueliner openly on the market, but there are a few factors that drop him down the list and lower the potential that he'll be moved. A lot of people just don't like Bryan Mccabe, and don't want him anywhere near their team. Why do you think Chicago had so much trouble moving him? The second factor is what the Lightning are asking for. They want to upgrade one of their forwards, meaning that any contending team looking at Mccabe will be downgrading somewhere else. Certainly a possibility, but maybe not something all teams are comfortable with. However, if any team is willing, Tampa Bay will clearly sell Mccabe off for below market value. There is definitely potential for a team to steal Mccabe away from the Lightning. Would the Oilers be willing to part with Brendan Shanahan to stock up on D? Would the Blues part with Hejduk, with Michael Ryder possibly coming back their way? Would the Kings be willing to move Tkachuk or Demitra? Many questions surround Mccabe, and this will be a good story to watch over the next week or two. Season Stats:
Likely Destinations: Edmonton, LA, St.Louis, Tampa Bay |
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8. Doug Weight -Pittsburgh Penguins-
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Analysis: Finally a shameless plug for Nick Lorusso's Pittsburgh Penguins. Commissioner Lorusso has stated both that Weight "is the next to be shipped out of Pittsburgh" and that "The Pens will only do it if the offer is right." So which is it? Despite looking fairly depleted on paper after their recent moves, the Pens are still very much in the playoff hunt. Is the avoided disgrace of a missed playoffs worth a likely first round exit? That's for Lorusso to decide, but Weight could be an attractive asset for some teams middling between competing and packing it in because of what he would cost. Weight is reasonably affordable and it's likely that the Pens would thank their lucky stars if they could grab a 1st rounder for him. Which, if it were late, seems like a reasonable price for the pivot. Expect teams like Buffalo, Atlanta, Boston and Florida to have a look at Weight if the cost isn't too high. Season Stats:
Likely Destinations: Buffalo, Atlanta, Boston, Florida |
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9. Manny Legace -Buffalo Sabres-
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Analysis: If the Sabres do drop out of playoff contention, GM Bob Finley's phone will be ringing off the hook with suitors for Manny Legace. With a number of teams set in goal, many teams could use a little insurance in the form of The Manny. Losing a starting goaltender in the playoffs is rare...but it does happen and if a decent backup isn't there to hold the fort, most of the time it's the kiss of death. Legace is skilled, experienced, and not overly expensive. The Sens have nothing behind Ray Emery. The Rangers could grab Legace if they miss out on Kiprusoff. The Stars have Andrew fricken Raycroft as their backup, and the Caps are cutting it close with Vokoun's injury history and only Curtis Sanford behind him. If the Sabres are willing to move him, it wouldn't be shocking to see Legace return a 1st round pick or equivalent prospect, depending on how many teams are interested. Season Stats:
Likely Destinations: Phoenix, Minnesota, Atlanta, Florida |
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10.Wojtek Wolski -Phoenix Coyotes-
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Analysis: To be a bit controversial for #10, does anyone remember earlier in the season when the Phoenix Coyotes posted that Wolski could be available in a deal for a left wing? Well, they still haven't found one, and Wolski has made his way onto another 'Coyotes Searcing LW' Trade Block. Earlier in the year Wolski looked as if he might crack 60 or even 70 points. But having slowed down, he may now be more available...and the Coyotes still definitely need a left winger if they want to compete in the West. Wolski has been inconsistent in his first few years in the league, but if he can ever reach his potential he could be a 90 pt forward. Wolski would look nice with Eric Staal and Rick Nash...perhaps in a deal for Vaclav Prospal. He'd also look nice in Carolina, perhaps in a deal involving Marco Sturm. If the Sharks want to go a little younger, we might even see Wolski shipped to San Jose in a package to land Daniel Sedin. The Pens may also have some interest, if they would get over their love for Martin Erat. All in all it seems unlikely Wolski gets dealt, but if he does, a few years down the line, one lucky team could hit the jackpot. Season Stats:
Likely Destinations: Carolina, Buffalo, San Jose, Phoenix |