In A World of Sports

So as you are well aware, the NHL (and NBA but we’ll cover that later) trade deadline is fast approaching.  There is obviously a lot of talks surrounding who is going to be a buyer and who is going to be a seller at this time of year and with February upon us who is what is starting to sort itself out.

With that in mind, let’s have a look at several big names that could be in a new city come February 26th.

1. Mats Sundin - Well documented.  Leafs need to retool but they have so many big names with large, unmovable contracts.  Sundin is one of the only desirable commodities the Leafs have and will look to acquire drafts picks and prospects.   Rumoured suitors for Sundin include: Detroit, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver, San Jose and Anaheim.  Sundin maintains that he wants to remain a Leaf but I think he knows that to maintain his beloved legacy he has to go and maybe return in the offseason if the grass is NOT greener on the other side.  I also think Fletcher is smart enough to package a stupid contract with Sundin, like a Tucker, or Blake.  If teams want Sundin, they will have to eat one of those less attractive salaries.

Marian Hossa - This guy wants out of Atlanta.  He is not going to sign an extension so it is not a matter of if but when this guy is going.  What you get with Hossa is a good two way guy but his production has been less than usual this year (maybe cause he wants out) and he often disappears in the post-season anyway.  Regardless, he is one of the premiere names available.  If I move for him, I would like an assurance that I can sign him to an extension before I give up assets for this guy.  The Habs are rumoured to be very interested in Hossa’s services despite GM Don Waddell saying he is still trying to sign him.

Olli Jokinen - I’ve always liked this guy and wondered what he can do in a good market with a good supporting cast.  He is like Sundin in that sense, he has never had a supporting cast but I wonder why he still couldn’t do more, carry a team more.  Furthermore, we have never seen this guy in the NHL post-season, will he perform or fizzle out?  However, he is pretty big and strong, good on face-offs, responsible in his own zone and can score.  He likes Florida, maybe because there isn’t pressure, and it’s Florida but is likely going to be shipped.   Calgary and Dallas are looking to make deals on this guy and will likely increase their interest after the recent Forsberg news (more on that later).

 Brian Campbell - After being burned time and time again by players leaving town without getting anything in return (see Drury and Briere for starters), The Sabres will not make the same mistake with Campbell.  Apparently Campbell wants to test the free agent market and has even turned down $5 million a season from Buffalo to do so.  So he is likely going somewhere.  However, if he is really intent on testing the free agent market, is he a definite rental piece?  I think that will decline the value of the package Buffalo gets in return.

So, those are a few names rumoured (and expected) to be moving.  With all that said, the bidding will heat up soon after Foppa decides where he wants to land.  I’m liking Ottawa’s and Phillies chances, with Montreal having an outside shot.  Forsberg has recently told Calgary, Detroit and Dallas he is not interested in them, so those teams will now look to other names, including those above, to solidify their post-season rosters for a chance to hoist the cup.

 More to come as the deadline approaches.