Gainey Stepping Down As Habs GM

Update: McKenzie Tweets that Pierre Gauthier will be the Interim GM

Bob McKenzie of TSN Tweets that Bob Gainey may be stepping down as the GM of the Montreal Canadiens.  Could this be a precursor to a deal involving one of Montreal's young goaltenders?  Stay tuned...

Left Wing Lock by Nick Rutherford: Is it Time For Vinny To Move On?

 Is it Finally Time for Vinny to Move on?

Vincent Lecavalier has been a hot topic of trade rumors seemly every season since he’s been in the NHL. The 29 year old Quebec native has never quite lived up to the lofty expectations placed upon him following the 1998 draft. He was the first player taken that year, this seemed to come with Gretzky like expectations, of a young player who would instantly save a failing franchise.

              

With only one season over 100 points and one other over 80 for his career, Lecavalier’s career hasn’t panned out the way he would’ve expected. He did however lead the Lightning to a Stanley Cup in 2004. While Vinny hasn’t quite become the first ballot hall of famer we all anticipated, he is still a very productive center with excellent playmaking ability. Tampa is a team many think could be a piece or two away from being a solid playoff team. I, however, disagree. I see a team that lacks identity, and needs to focus around growing its young core. Victor Hedman is a wonderful talent that will need some seasoning to become a star, Steve Stamkos is already a top 10 NHL scorer in only he second season in the league. Tampa also believes it might have a goalie of the future in Mike Smith. All these pieces considered, moving costly veterans like Lecavalier and St. Louis to expand on this young core of players seems like a great course of action. Players like Ryan Malone and Alex Tanguay could also fetch a decent pick or prospect from a playoff contending team.

              

When Vinny's name comes up in trade discussions two team always headline the list, the Montréal Canadians and the New York Rangers. Why not? These two teams for my money are the two teams with the worst roster construction in the NHL. It seems like every year these teams try the same formula: sign a bunch of overpriced free agents that don’t fit in the role of the team, then trade for a big contract in hopes of bailing yourself out.

Vinny Suitors:

Montreal: Lecavalier has long been seen as Canada’s golden boy. I can’t see a place that I’d rather see Vinny play than in Montreal. As I mentioned previously, the Habs have a terrible roster construction full of player who either make way too much money, can’t play anymore, or hate the team in general (see Kositsyns). I can’t see the Habs getting in on the Lecaviler bidding at the trade deadline, unless the deal is centered on the young goaltender Carey Price. Montreal can ill afford to trade any offensive options such as Plekanec or Kostitsyn. Dropping Vinny’s 7 million dollar salary and picking up a young stud goalie makes all the sense in the world to me, but, we’ll see what happens.

New York Rangers: Lecavalier just seems like a New York kind of guy, he’s attractive and charismatic, and seems to posses the swagger needed to win over New York fans. He also comes with a New York price tag in the form of a seven million dollar cap hit. The Rangers have been linked to Vinny as far back as 2001 and I’m sure would still love to have his talent on the roster. A trade this season is a virtual impossibility, the Rangers have next to no cap space and the only way to free some up is to demote failed Sather signing Wade “Golden Gloves” Redden. I can only see the Rangers doing this if they get a defenseman to take his place in any deal. As far as in the off season I see Vinny as the Rangers third option. First option of course being Ilya Kovalchuk. Secondly, if Ilya can’t be had would be to resign newly acquired Olli Jokinen to a deal that pays him substantially less than the 5.25 million he makes this year. If Olli stumbles down the stretch or won’t lower his asking price and Ilya cannot be had I think a Vinny trade is all the more possible.

Ottawa Senators: This is an interesting rumor that has been circulating recently, Ottawa certainly has a lot of talented players on the wing and a deficiency through the middle. Jason Spezza is one of the most underrated players in the league, but after him Mike Fisher is much more suited to play on a third line a provide energy and solid two way play, and rookie Peter Regin shows great upside but might not quite be ready to lead the second line in a playoff series (he also would likely be a piece Tampa would want in return for Vinny). Vinny could be just the piece Ottawa needs to jump start veteran Alex Kovalev and underachieving Jonathan Cheechoo. I personally think if Ottawa is serious about the playoffs they need to look at goaltending and not a center, however, Vinny would be great grab for them depending on price (I think Regin and young D-man Brian Lee would be a nice starting point in any deal).

Sleepers:

Phoenix Coyotes: They probably don’t have the money to make this deal but it makes sense, a young up start team who just lost a scorer to injury could use a veteran presence to guide them into the playoffs.

LA Kings: What player wouldn’t fit great into this system. I have to commend Dean Lombardi for “staying the course” as it were and rebuilding this team. They have one of the best farm systems in hockey and still produce a great NHL product. After missing out on Ilya, Vinny could electrify this offense and would come at a cheaper price than the Russian star. 

It's Good To Be King

Last night in front of the Garden faithful, greater Manhattan was rewarded with one of King Henrik Lundqvist's near perfect performances.  The King stopped 41 of 42 in defeating the New Jersey Devils, Ilya Kovalchuk in tow, 3-1.

Lundqvist stopped 22 shots through the first two periods before being blitzed by a desperate New Jersey offense for 20 shots in the third period.  Dainius Zubrus broke up Lundqvist's shutout at 11:11 of the third on a quick deflection into the top shelf off of a centering pass from Patrick Elias.

Marian Gaborik, of course, scored again for the offensively challenged Blueshirts, while the second line of Callahan-Jokinen-Dubinsky looked great for the majority of the game. Callahan had a goal and an assist in the win.

 Seems a little premature for Rangers fans to get excited, but it looks like Glen Sather's ability to dump his own misguided signings has given the Rangers a reason to think that they might be destined for a playoff appearance with only a second round exit in mind, as opposed to a first.

The Devils looked like a team that is yet to find its rhythm with newly acquired superstar Ilya Kovalchuk.  Although he obviously adds a whole different offensive dynamic to a rather offensively light Devil's team, it looks like it will take a few more games for this newly formed unit to click.  Obviously, Devil's fans are going to be quick to point out the Devils outburst in the final few minutes of the Maple Leafs game but I point to the misguided decision to start Jonas Gustavsson instead of newly-acquired J.S Giguere (who is still yet to allow a goal in a Maple Leaf's uniform).

Last night, New York City belonged to Henrik Lundqvist.  Given his success against Marty Brodeur and the cross-town Devils, I think Jersey better pray they don't draw the Blueshirts at any point come playoff time.

Analysis of the Kovalchuk Trade

Wow, what a night.  Watching Alex Ovechkin and Dan Girardi/Wade Redden systematically murder the Rangers last night against the Caps, all while hearing pieces of information about the cross-town Devils acquiring the most sought after rental/mercenary in Ilya Kovalchuk.  Once the trade info came in, it seemed destined to be a head scatcher.

Earlier in the day Larry Brooks over at The Post suggested it would take a combination of Marc Staal or Michael Del Zotto plus Ryan Callahan or Brandon Dubinsky plus one of the Rangers top juniors prospects (Kreider or Stepan) plus a first rounder.  After all that I am stunned the Devils got Kovy with that Cliff Lee (pardon the baseball comparison) -esque package.

For the uninitiated, the Devils sent defenseman Johnny Oduya, rookie Niclas Bergfors, juniors prospect Patrice Cormier and a first round pick to hotlanta for the disgruntled superstar.  First of all, I understand that package that was asked for of the Rangers would never have been paid, but how did the price tag drop so fast?

I have never been a fan of Oduya.  Actually, since I am in the Devils' local media market, I've seen quite a bit of him to make an educated assessment.  I think that he is a sub-par defender, and a sub par offensive defenseman.  He had a "breakout" year last year and people for some reason have thought that he is a competent NHL defensemen.  I disagree.

Bergfors is a talented kid.  I think that he will help the ATL in both the short and long term as a solid, if unspectacular piece.  He is a first round talent, but he seems a bit undersized and doesn't quite possess the speed/skill to overcome that and be a premier player.

Cormier impressed at the World Junior Championships this year and was a sticking point for Atlanta GM Don Waddell for this deal to get done.  Will he become Ilya Kovalchuk?  Probably not, but then again, how many players do?

All in all, not a terrible haul for a rental, but considering the high price asked of the Kings and Rangers, I have to wonder why they did not get a little bit more in return for a top 5 player.  Ultimately, Don Waddell may have hurt his return by refusing suitors the opportunity to speak to       Ilya's agent, Jay Grossman about an extension prior to the deal going through.

This one seems to be a rental in it's purest form.  With impending UFA and RFA raises the Devil's are going to have to outlay in the coming years, they really can't afford to pay the NHL's most selfish player the league maximum he is so insistent upon being paid.  Obviously, this move was designed to give the Devils one more legit Stanley Cup run with Marty Brodeur (who, for the record, I feel has a lot left in the tank).

Ultimately, I think that these types of deals are often a crapshoot.  It is so rare that you see a small-mid market GM get actual value for the star he can no longer afford to keep, but I think given the interest of
other suitors, Waddell could have done better than this.

Kovalchuk to Devils

Update 8:25 pm: MSG Network reporting its Cormier, not Tedenby

Update: Oduya, Bergfors, Tedenby, and 1st round pick for Ilya.  Bob McKenzie Reports


Deal is confirmed, but no details yet....updates to follow

Whitney, Gleason To Play For USA In Vancouver, Plus General USA Commentary

With the injuries to Team USA defensemen Paul Martin (New Jersey) and Mike Komisarek (Toronto), many people were wondering if 1. The US has the defensive depth to replace players like these? And 2. Who are the best candidates?

As I mentioned in a previous post, I thought Ryan Whitney and Rob Scuderi would be the men for the job.  Turns out, I was half right.  Today USA Hockey announced that Ducks defenseman Ryan Whitney and Hurricanes rear guard Tim Gleason will be the replacements for the USA at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

On paper, these guys couldn't be more opposite.  Gleason is a strong skater, with a commanding physical presence and more of a stay-at-home attitude defensively.  Whitney, however is a gifted puck moving defenseman with great passing skills and a little bit more size than Gleason, but a reluctance to use it.

United States GM Brian Burke has a preference for players who have a combination of skill and physicality when constructing his rosters, and it seems in this case Whitney's ability to quarterback the breakout and his excellent passing skills will outweigh his lack of physical presence.

When talking about the United States chances in these upcoming Olympics, I have generally had some reservations about the skills and speed of the the Americans, combined with the fact that until the rosters were released the team could have been a grab bag of over the hill veterans and youngsters not quite ready for the prime time.  I can honestly say I was refreshed at seeing Burke's roster construction for this years team and the willingness to cut ties with the old war horses that have been a mainstay in USA Hockey's international appearances (I'm talking about you, Gomez/Modano/Guerin/Tkachuk...although I would let Phil Housley lace 'em back up any time he wants).

I would personally prefer Hainsey or Scuderi over Brooks Orpik, but I'm not going to split hairs over that.

As far as the goaltending goes...I have a love/hate relationship with goaltending.  While I love Ryan Miller and Jonathan Quick,  I hate the Tim Thomas selection.  I think at this point in the season, Quick should, without a doubt be Miller's backup (although I do believe that Miller should play every minute of this tournament)  I cannot for the life of me understand why people continue this rouse that Thomas is a Vezina caliber goaltender.  He has shown a propensity to flop, lose focus, and has shown no inclination that he has any idea where he is in the net when he is playing.  Yes, I understand that he is a scrappy goalie with a big heart, but we have seen goalies like this before and it ended badly for all of them (except Dominik Hasek, of course).

My hemming and hawing over misguided choice of Thomas aside, I am very happy overall with the Olympic Roster for Vancouver.  I am cautiously optimistic about the USA being a dark horse for a medal, and the additions of Gleason and Whitney have not done anything to hurt that optimism.

Left Wing Lock by Nick Rutherford: Down To Three

Down to Three: Who Will Land Ilya Kovalchuk?

With an Ilya Kovalchuk trade imminent let us examine what the possible packages the top three suitors will have to give up.

Los Angeles Kings- the most likely destination for Ilya even though it might not be wise for them to mortgage the future with a team that isn’t quite ready for greatness. The package will most likely have to include stud D- man and member of the US Olympic team Jack Johnson. In addition to Johnson, Wayne Simmonds will also be asked for, but why should the Thrashers stop there? A first round draft pick and possibly another pick or prospect will also be asked for.

New Jersey Devils- The Devils have made a strong push recently to move to the top of the Kovy rumor mill. Devils GM Lou Lamoriello realizes that Martin Broduer can’t play forever, and when he retires the Devils might as well pack in the franchise. It makes sense for them to go after Kovy now and try to win a cup. I don’t see a whole lot of players the Thrashers would covet from NJ but let’s give it a shot anyway. David Clarkson will almost certainly have to be included as well currently injured blue liner Paul Martin. Like in the LA deal, the Thrashers will want a first round pick back as well. I can also see a youngster like Niclas Bergfors being asked for. Travis Zajac could also be a name the intrigues the Thrash.

New York Rangers- First off Kovy isn’t 35 or older so why Glen Sather would want him is beyond me. Maybe he finally realizes that the current roster construction isn’t working. Signing a big young star worked with Gaborik so why not bring in another one in hopes of jump starting a streaky if not completely anemic Rangers' offense. By unloading Higgins and Kotalik and a buyout/ demotion all but imminent for Wade “Golden Gloves” Redden, the Rangers might be in a position to add salary (who would’ve guessed that after the contracts of Drury, Gomez, Redden and Naslund in recent years?). Many have speculated the Rangers might not have the trade assets necessary to land the Russian sniper, but I think a package will strongly depend on which Rangers the Trashers want, not if the Rangers have enough players.  It’ll take one players from each of the following groups first a young forward either Dubinsky or Callahan, I think the Rangers will try to move Dubinsky seeing as he will command more money and might have trouble resigning him anyway. D men Matt Gilroy or Bobby Sanguinetti, again a first rounder will have to be included. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Trashers asked for a talent such as Grachev or NHL ready AHLers Corey Locke or PA Parenteau to add organizational depth.

While I still believe the Kings are the current Kovy front runner the Devils have the most motivation to get a deal done. I wouldn’t discount Glen Sather pulling out all stops on this one because it might be the only way to save his job. This trade should be completed by the end of the weekend, and the Trashers are in a prime position to sit back and see which deal the like best.

Nick Rutherford

Sharks In On Kovalchuk?

From The Sporting News

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Posted By Craig Custance 12:59 PM

Often when blockbuster deals are made, like the one we’re expecting with Ilya Kovalchuk, the trade is made with a team that hasn’t been prominently rumored. So while Kovalchuk rumors continue to surround the Kings, Devils, Bruins and Flyers, I set out today to see if I could discover a mystery team I thought was most likely to land the talented Russian.

Following some conversations, some logic and a little leap of faith, I came to my conclusion: The San Jose Sharks.

It made so much sense. There’s pressure in San Jose to win a Stanley Cup. They have the assets to make it happen and a GM not afraid to make a big deal.

So I floated my theory past San Jose GM Doug Wilson today. If I was looking for even the slightest shred of confirmation, he wasn’t giving it.

“Any conversation I have with a GM stays in complete confidence, I have too much respect for the other GM,” he said.

And he wasn’t budging. He’s serious about the issue of tampering, and has no intention of making any public declarations of talks with Atlanta GM Don Waddell.

 “I’ve had people do it to me and I think it’s the most disrespectful thing you can do to another GM,” he said.

He said he’d leave the speculation up to the media, saying only that he speaks to every team about finding ways to improve the Sharks.

“We’ve always stepped up and tried to add the pieces – whether it be in the summer and up to the trade deadline. We’ve done both,” Wilson told SportingNews.com. “That’s our commitment to our players, coaches and fans. We won’t waiver from that.”

If Wilson won’t speculate, I will. Here’s why I believe the Sharks have to be considered in the mix. For one, look at Wilson’s history. If an elite player hits the market, Wilson is in the conversation. He traded for Joe Thornton. He traded for Dan Boyle. He traded for Dany Heatley. He traded for Brian Campbell.

Why would Ilya Kovalchuk be any different?

The price for Kovalchuk is going to be high, so any team that trades for him has to do it with the Stanley Cup in mind. This is a Sharks team that is desperate to put past playoff disappointments behind them. Wouldn’t adding a player of Kovalchuk’s caliber, even as a rental, give them a better chance?

And let’s not forget the Dany Heatley factor. Kovalchuk and Heatley enjoyed playing together. Heck, it was Heatley who taught Kovalchuk English. They were roommates on the road while both played in Atlanta and by all accounts have a good relationship.

Is it a longshot? Maybe. But right now, I’m not ruling out the Sharks. 

Now this is an interesting theory.  The Sharks would have a terrifying offense if they were to add Kovy... I guess we'll see how this one turns out

For the record, I'm betting on NJ

Komisarek to Have Season Ending Surgery

From the AP:

Associated Press

TORONTO -- U.S. Olympic defenseman Mike Komisarek of the Toronto Maple Leafs will have shoulder surgery that will knock him out of the Vancouver Games and the rest of the NHL season.

Komisarek

A date for the operation has not yet been set, the Maple Leafs said Wednesday.

"Our team doctors have recommended this after a determined effort to rehab the injury without surgery," Komisarek said in a statement. "Having this done immediately is the right thing to do for the Leafs. I am truly sorry that I will not be able to represent my country at the Olympics."

It is the latest blow to the U.S. team that already lost New Jersey Devilsdefenseman Paul Martin to a broken left forearm. Both players can be replaced before the games begin later this month.

Potential Olympic replacements for Martin and Komisarek include the Atlanta Thrashers' Ron Hainsey, the Los Angeles Kings' Rob Scuderi, Ryan Whitney of the Anaheim Ducks and theCarolina Hurricanes' Tim Gleason. Final rosters are due on Feb. 15, one day before the United States opens play with a game against Switzerland.

The 28-year-old Komisarek, a Long Island native, was chosen for the Olympic team on Jan. 1 and was injured one day later at Calgary. Signed by the Maple Leafs as an unrestricted free agent last summer, Komisarek had four assists in 34 games this season.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

Out of those options for the Martin/Komisarek replacements, I guess Whitney and Scuderi would be my choices but Brian Burke doesn't seem to have a great selections of blueliners.

Why the Kings Should Not Trade for Kovy

Every hockey media outlet you look at today was buzzing about a possible impending trade between the Los Angeles Kings and the Atlanta Thrashers involving their high priced bauble, Ilya Kovalchuk.  Reports of this are being disputed as of now, but Pierre LeBrun's sources over at ESPN say that the deal could be completed "by the weekend".  I want to use my little piece of the inter-web google machine to ask the Kings to reconsider if they are really planning on pulling the trigger on this.

The Kings are an extremely young and talented franchise.  They have four franchise type players all under the age of 25 (Quick, Doughty, Johnson and Kopitar).  They have veteran leadership in Ryan Smyth.  They have a decent secondary cast, which could always use improving.  They are primed for their first real playoff run in a long time.  This team needs to heed its own patient advice that has made them an after-thought for the better part of 10 years.  If LA trades for Ilya Kovalchuk they must give up at least Jack Johnson, one of Wayne Simmonds or Oscar Moller and a bunch of picks/prospects.  Obviously, this price is outlandish and no one would pay it, but it will still contain some of these pieces and the Kings need to retain these types of talent.

Fine, LA, you want Kovy?  Sign him in July.  Obviously the desire is there, along with the cap space to lure a player of his talents to Hollywood.  These guys that are there now are what is going to attract Kovy to LA, not dumping them to Atlanta to try and sleep better at night about your playoff chances.  He clearly is going to be a rental since Atlanta GM Don Waddell has said he will not give teams a window to speak with Kovalchuk's agent and LA should have as good a chance as any of them to get a chance to pay Ilya his absurd demands.

So, please don't do as the Rangers do and mortgage a very special core of players for one overpriced gun  that you can buy at half the price in the summer.