Players traded before the deadline

[yave1964]

Lots of smoke, no fire with a bit over a month until the trade deadline, here are some names being tossed about in rumors right now and where they are likely headed:

 

GABRIEL LANDESKOG For some reason his name is linked to everyone from the Hawks to the Islanders, the truth is his skill level is slipping badly and his points have dropped off every year for three years now, in 31 games he has only 8 goals, 14 points and is minus 10. The worst part is he has five years at 7.9 million left on his current deal.

VERDICT: Not going anywhere. Well maybe the Islanders who desperately need a winger alongside of Tavares and might part with a defenseman such as Hamonic to get it done but wow that contract looks ugly right now.

 

MATT DUCHENE Missed time this year, has slowed to a glacial crawl as the deadline nears, apparently saving himself for his new team. HAs two years at 6 million per remaining on his deal.

VERDICT: Gone to Montreal for defense, I could see the Avalanche demanding Nathan Beaulieu and Zach Fucale as the return and getting it.

 

MARTIN HANZAL The 'Yotes will be moving the big tough but injury proned UFA at or before the deadline, he can score a bit and has a nasty streak.

VERDICT: The Blues plug him into the middle six to add grit and secondary scoring for a draft pick.

 

THOMAS VANEK: About the only Red Wing on some nights who seems to know how to play the game and an UFA who will certainly be moved out.

VERDICT: The Hawks add him and plug him in to the second line that desperately needs someone to go with Toews and Hossa.

 

JVR: The Leafs are a bubble team, they may be buyers or sellers at this point and his contract is very attractive, one more year at 4.2 million.

VERDICT: Staying put, the Leafs fans are hungry for a winner, trading him would be a bad signal for the team.

 

FLEURY AND BISHOP: Ever since the league announced that they were expanding these two have been rumored to be going everywhere rather than risk losing them for nothing.

VERDICT: Staying put, both clubs consider themselves within the window to win a cup and the veteran netminders will be moved in the offseason but not before.

 

SHANE DOAN: The team has asked him if he wants to go try to win a cup. An UFA he could always return next year.

VERDICT: To the Sharks with you Mister Doan for a middling prospect or a middling pick and then back to Arizona next year.

OTHERS:

Patrick Sharp is rumored to be returning to Chicago for one more run as soon as the Stars officially write the year off. The Blues desperately need a playoff goalie with Allen being awful and Cam Ward might just be the guy. Jerome Iginla has zero left in the tank but may end up finishing his career back in Calgary for old times sake, Edmonton supposedly has shown interest as well. Michael Stone is the best defensive d-man in the game who nobody seems to have heard of and for some reasons the Coyotes are considering dealing him. The Capitals seem a perfect fit.

 

 Of course I am likely way off on about everyone of these but lots of names moved at the deadline, maybe more than usual because of expansion. Any thoughts?