04/24/24
March 09, 2004
The busiest day of the NHL Calendar...: or so they say. Another season and another trading deadline has arrived. Will there actually be any blockbuster deals in the final hours this year, or will it be just another tease of meaningless swaps? Things have already started today and Colorado is first out of the gates, acquiring Tommy Salo and Chris Gratton in separate deals. Everyone's in on the deadline tracking action, including NHL.com, NHLPA.comand ESPN.com. Happy Trading!
They're reporting that the Canucks and the Leafs are trying to get Ron Francis to waive his no-trade clause... just what the Leafs need, another old geezer.
posted by mkn at 10:43 AM on March 09, 2004
They should go after Messier too. His best friend is already up there.
posted by 86 at 10:44 AM on March 09, 2004
We already picked Calle Johansson off the scrap heap....
posted by garfield at 10:58 AM on March 09, 2004
Sharks need to make a move after losing Marco Sturm on a stupid injury. No touch icing needs to be implemented for next season!
posted by billsaysthis at 11:20 AM on March 09, 2004
They talk about no-touch icing every year. Until someone breaks their neck Howie Morenz-style, it ain't gonna happen. Hasn't it all happened already? Unless Kolzig goes to the Rangers or Edmonton or someplace (at which point the Caps can safely fold at the end of the year), what else is there? (He said, waiting for the AP wire to move... any second now...)
posted by chicobangs at 11:30 AM on March 09, 2004
Yeah, what the hell is with the Calle Johansson signing? They just talked to him on the radio, and he said he has *barely* been skating this year while he was working as a scout... huh!? Why do you sign someone like that? And the Leafs also signed Chad Kilger. (Francis has, apparently, waived the no-trade clause -- which means a Francis deal is in the works)
posted by mkn at 11:40 AM on March 09, 2004
Until someone breaks their neck Howie Morenz-style Howie Morenz broke his leg, and died because of an infection during his hospital stay. I'm just saying...
posted by grum@work at 12:19 PM on March 09, 2004
Francis is a Leaf.
posted by garfield at 12:24 PM on March 09, 2004
Interesting that the Leafs would pick up Francis. I'm not really sure how this add's much to the leafs. They already have quite a bit of experience and leadership. 2 things that Francis has in spades. That being said seeing as all they had to give up a 4th round pick in 2005 why not I guess is the better question.
posted by camcanuck at 12:32 PM on March 09, 2004
If you're giving up basically nothing for Ron Francis, then he's a good add. You can never have too much experience in the locker room, and there's no pressure on him to do anything other than be there. It's fine. (Also, I stand corrected on Morenz, for what that's worth. I knew I was stretching. Wasn't there a college kid in Massachusetts who died or was paralyzed on an icing call a few years ago? A short googlehunt hasn't brought it up.)
posted by chicobangs at 12:55 PM on March 09, 2004
They got Francis for faceoffs. Nothing more. And they didn't have to give up much, so it's win-win for the Leafs. De Vries...I like it. Rachunek was too offensive for the Sens blueline. It always seemed to happen that he'd be out there at the same time as Spezza and/or Havlat, and it's odd-man rush time. He has a good upside, but I'd rather have De Vries. Along with Chara, Redden, and Phillips in the top 4, that's a crazy-good D corps. Still waiting for that Satan to Dallas deal...
posted by Succa at 01:08 PM on March 09, 2004
Word comes from John Hadley in St. Louis that Brian Savage and Martin Rucinsky could be headed for the Blues. More to come when it breaks.
posted by wfrazerjr at 01:55 PM on March 09, 2004
Savage is in St. Loo... Crap, Sens dealt Hnidy. I liked that guy.
posted by Succa at 01:59 PM on March 09, 2004
Well, it isn't like toughness is a problem in Ottawa anymore. And I get the feeling Mike Grier is going to like Buffalo. Maybe not this year, but eventually.
posted by chicobangs at 02:04 PM on March 09, 2004
Rucinsky is a Canuck...traded for that TBA guy...
posted by MeatSaber at 02:22 PM on March 09, 2004
TBA guy has changed to: MARTIN GRENIER R.J. UMBERGER So "TBA" has turned into "WHO?"
posted by mkn at 02:58 PM on March 09, 2004
Valeri Bure is a Star.
posted by Ufez Jones at 04:00 PM on March 09, 2004
Speaking as a Blues fan ... who the hell is Ryan Ready? Glad to have Savage, though ... still no Kolzig move?
posted by wfrazerjr at 04:27 PM on March 09, 2004
Well, the Canucks got Sanderson also. I've always liked that guy for some reason.
posted by wfrazerjr at 04:28 PM on March 09, 2004
mkn, I echo your "who" and raise you a Curtis Brown and Andy Delmore. That's the best the Sharks could do? And the Devils made no moves at all? WTF?!?!
posted by billsaysthis at 05:03 PM on March 09, 2004
I don't think much else is going to happen today. I figured the Av's would make a couple moves, and they have. I just don't see any blockbuster trades happening at the last minute. Maybe someone will the do the Flames a favour and take Roman Turek. One can dream anyway.....