Trade Deadline
Duthie: It's Deadline day, where rumors become reality, where players move along, and teams let it go. This year is no exception to the whole rumor mill. Along with me, James Duthie, is Pierre McGuire, Aaron Ward, and former NHL goalie Martin Biron. So guys, what names have you heard churning throughout the last 12-24 hours.
Ward: Arizona is looking to unload some of their older veteran guys. A rebuild is apparently underway, as Bob reported just over a month ago. Some notable names being thrown around are Shane Doan, the rugged Power forward and Captain of the Coyotes. Many believe his time is up and he wants his cup. Other names are Zybnek Michalek, and Martin Erat. We'll see what happens as almost anybody is up for the right price.
Pierre: Buffalo is another team that is looking to unload it's UFA players and or aging veteran players. They have 3 1st round picks already in what is the deepest draft since 03. Some key guys to look out for on the block are Drew Stafford, the gritty Right Winger, Chris Stewart, the big bodied scorer who has lost his touch but could find it again on a winning team, Andrej Meszaros, the defenseman has been rumored to be on the outs with the GM Tim Murray after he was apparently lied to about the direction of the team in the off season, and they are even apparently shopping Brian Gionta the veteran winger who at the age of 36 can for sure help depth scoring and 2nd unit power play time.
Biron: Well I've heard that both Colorado and New Jersey are looking to unload their veteran players, and that list include guys like Iginla, Jagr, Tanguay, Briere who we know can score in the playoffs, Elias and Zidlicky. There certainly are a lot of guys being shopped, but with more teams selling than buying, it'll be hard to make a deal.
Duthie: Thanks guys. As we await for any potential deals, let talk about the surprise of this year, the Carolina Hurricanes. Many people would never have seen the big moves they made coming. Some would argue that they were long overdue. What is your guys' take on the moves they've made so far and the general direction they are headed?
Pierre: I think it's a very bold direction, but one that was needed for that franchise. The team has been in shambles for the past 2 and a half years due to injuries, guys not panning out, and it was clear that they needed a true blow it up rebuild. So far we've seen guys like Cam Ward, Jiri Tlusty and Andrej Sekera traded out for picks and it's the right call. You win in today's NHL by drafting and developing your own homegrown talent. I give the new GM a solid B+ for his decisions and for his set plan he mentioned he has.
Ward: I personally do not like the way he's handled the team. They have a solid core there, but like Pierre said, had many injuries to key players for long stretches of time. I feel they were only a solid addition or 2 away from really competing for the Cup again. C- for me.
Duthie: Alright it looks like we have our first trade to announce, let's go to out Trade Breakers, Bob McKenzie, Darren Dregger and Gord Miller
Bob: Well, Carolina draws first blood today as they ship out Dustin Penner back to L.A for a 2015 2nd round pick.
**an hour later**
Duthie: We have another trade...or is it 2 to announce..?
Bob: It is indeed 2 trades. Both of them involving Carolina. First one is Semin to the Jets for a 2015 2nd.
Dregger: Next one has D Tim Gleason heading out to Montreal for D Bryan Allen and a 2nd round pick, 2015 of course.
Other notable trades:
Buffalo:
2015 1st Dallas
Dallas:
2015 2nd(NYI)
D Andrej Meszaros
--------------------------
Detroit:
D Brian Campbell
Florida:
G Jake Paterson
--------------------------
Nashville:
RW Jaromir Jagr
New Jersey:
LW Justin Kirkland
RW Patrick Cehlin
**End of the day**
Duthie: Alright, there were in total 6 trades made today, half of them involving the Hurricanes. What do you guys think was the outcome of the day for the Hurricanes?
Pierre: I think it was a win. They moved a couple expiring contracts in Gleason and Penner, and moved the streaky and inconsistent winger in Alexander Semin, that in of itself is a huge win to move that albatross contract. Hopefully he can find his form again in Winnipeg. Carolina got a few 2nd rounders which will help restock the cupboards for the future.
Ward: What can I say? I wasn't pleased with the way they handled the year, but Pierre is right, it is a win anytime you can move a player with a contract like that off the team, that move alone, they get a win from me.
Alright thanks guys, this was Trade Deadline on TSN, I'm James Duthie and for the rest of the Deadline crew have a good night folks.
