Deadline deals a plenty

If you're a sportsfan, this is an exciting time of year. The NBA deadline has already produced two big superstars coming to the metropolitan area with the Knicks finally acquiring Carmelo Anthony and the Nets stunning everyone by bringing in Deron Williams. While those two main attractions overshadow what's going on with our hockey clubs, the rest of the NHL has been plenty busy with quite a few big names also changing logos.

By now, we already know that Tomas Kaberle finally was traded out of Toronto after the 1,234,567th rumor with the much discussed offensive defenseman becoming a Boston Bruin last week for prospect Joe Colborne, a first round pick and a conditional pick. So, the 12-year veteran who lasted much longer as a Leaf than anyone ever imagined a decade prior when he was rumored along with Nik Antropov to the Flyers for Eric Lindros- now goes to Beantown to try to help deliver Lord Stanley back to the home of New England Clam Chowder for the first time since Bobby Orr skated the Cup in front of my Dad at the Garden in '72.

If only that were the only trade. The biggest one and most shocking in a long time was over the weekend when the Avs and Blues got together with Colorado sending power forward Chris Stewart and rookie blueliner Kevin Shattenkirk to St. Louis for Erik Johnson and Jay McClement. The blockbuster that wasn't announced until past 2 AM on the East coast Saturday morning on Twitter also included a first round pick to the Avs while the Blues got a second rounder with both conditional either this year or next. The deal stunned the hockey world. When a former first overall pick is dealt for an emerging star and an offensive defenseman having a good rookie year, it's no small potatoes. Already, the teams met with Johnson's late goal holding off his former club 4-3. The former cornerstone who was instrumental in Team USA's silver medal at last year's Olympics has already vowed to make Blues' GM Doug Armstrong regret the trade. Even more wild was former Quebec Nordique all-time great Hall Of Famer Peter Stastny ripping into the Avs for doing this deal. When interviewed live during a Colorado loss to Edmonton last night, Paul Stastny's Dad didn't mince words saying:

"That's a one-sided deal. I don't know what they're doing. I'm really mad. ... They set the team back two, three years. I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't say this but that's how I feel."

Strong stuff from a great player who obviously still cares a great deal about the franchise his son still is part of until he's next. On paper, it does seem to favor St. Louis. Especially if Stewart develops into the 30+ goal, 70-point guy we expect. Shattenkirk's no throw in either with 28 points (7-21-28) in his rookie season. Or eight better than Johnson, who has faded from a career best 39 last year to 20 (4-16-20). It got even chipper last night on Versus when Keith Jones criticized the 22 year-old American, indicating that Colorado should expect to be very disappointed, which even stunned Mike Milbury, who of course got blamed even when he didn't run his mouth. It's hard not to think it's better for the Blues but wasn't Johnson expected to be a cornerstone defenseman you build around? Considering the state of the Av blueline, it's worth the gamble, reminding many of another player the Blues acquired in Chris Pronger from the then Hartford Whalers for Brendan Shanahan. That was two Hall Of Famers. They'll be talking about this deal for a while. Until then, let's at least remain on the sidelines before giving our verdict.

Just today, Alex Kovalev returned to Pittsburgh for a seventh round pick that could turn into a sixth depending on the number of games the talented yet enigmatic Russian plays. On his 38th birthday, AK27 gets to play for the team he had his coming out party with. Was it really that long ago that the Kovy274Hart name was born? My aol screename was inspired by a career '00-01 season in which Kovy tallied 44 goals, 51 assists, 95 points along with 12 power play goals, two shorties and nine game-winners. The same year Super Mario returned reuniting with old linemates Kevin Stevens and Jaromir Jagr while Kovalev played with Martin Straka and Robert Lang. Now, nearing the finish line of an underachieving career despite 426 career goals and 591 assists for 1,017 total points in 1,282 games, the former '94 Ranger Stanley Cup hero gets one more chance with the banged up Pens without Evgeni Malkin and probably Sidney Crosby. He'd been a bitter disappointment in Ottawa after a few productive years with Montreal. Before a recent run of nine points in 10 games including six goals post-All Star break, Kovalev had been MIA, becoming a healthy scratch. Now, the Pens hope he's got something left.

We're still waiting on other trades. Will Dallas move injured Brad Richards now that they're life and death for the playoffs? Will the Rangers acquire a veteran blueliner? Are the Devils and Islanders doing anything? All that and more shall get answered shortly.

Deadline Eve

For many, Christmas Eve takes on special meaning. The same can be said of Deadline Eve for puckers everywhere. With such a brief chaotic period for GMs to trade, expect the unexpected. Who knows what will happen between now and tomorrow's 3 ET deadline. You know what's great is that sometimes, a couple of late deals sneak through making it all the more exciting for everybody.

While talks will continue, 24 teams are in action on the first busy night back from the Olympics. Sure. Detroit defeated Colorado 3-2 on Nick Lidstrom's winner. But there's a cool baker's dozen with all four Battle teams returning to the ice, including the Sabres taking on Crosby's Pens. Think Ryan Miller must be sick of him already? Don't forget the Winter Classic ending as well. The Islanders play host to the Blackhawks with Dwayne Roloson getting the start. The latest from CSN's Tim Panaccio has Rolo not going to the goalie-desperate Flyers, who lost Ray Emery for the season. Michael Leighton has played well but figure them to chase after Tomas Vokoun, who perhaps the Blackhawks might be interested in.

For the Rangers who are in Ottawa tonight, they'll be minus Mike Del Zotto and Marian Gaborik with Corey Potter in and Dan Girardi expected to play. As we noted in our updated post, our sincerest apologies on the Girardi oversight. He still could move following the game. We'll just have to wait and see. Also of interest, both Aaron Voros and Enver Lisin have been put on waivers. Funny how the first guy worked his butt off even if overpaid while the other never really got a fair shake from John Tortorella after the club acquired him for Lauri Korpikoski...typical.

The Devils have the late game in San Jose against fraud Joe Thornton, who as Buffalo contributor Brian Sanborn noted to me last night, smiled during Canada's celebration because he sure didn't do much to help them win gold. Sad but true. Between his disappearing act and Evgeni Nabokov's quarterfinal implosion along with Russian 'mates, you think Shark fans might be a little concerned?!?!?!?!?! As for the Devs, figure Martin Brodeur to be angry after being benched for Roberto Luongo in similar fashion to how he replaced Cujo at Salt Lake eight years prior. Though it's worth noting the year MB30 won gold in net, the Candy Canes eliminated them in the first round. Maybe sitting was a good omen. Zach Parise also wasn't satisfied with silver and should come out on fire. The Devs get back feisty winger David Clarkson, who will be a huge key down the stretch. Paul Martin is still a giant question mark. Might Lou be interested in another D?

A few players to note who are healthy scratches tonight:

Sean Bergenheim-NYI
Alexei Ponikarovsky-Tor
Aaron Ward-Car

Sure there is more but we're punching away quickly before the puck drops. What else? Well, 48 year-old Chris Chelios is back signing with Hotlanta. Sure is inspirational. The Thrash also added rugged Russian forward Evgeny Artyukhin last night from Anaheim for Nathan Oystrick and a conditional pick. The Ducks also swung a deal just before with Chitown sending Nick Boynton to the Windy City for future considerations. What might that be? An old Jim McMahon Super Bowl poster? ... The Wild have re-signed Marek Zidlicky for three years, $12 million. So, he's off the summer board.

Well, that's it for now. We'll have more later.

Deadline heating up

One day later with the roster freeze lifted, teams are already quick to make moves. Especially with the chaotic 3 PM Wednesday deadline. There's already been a couple of noteworthy deals.

1.The Pens  acquired D Jordan Leopold from the Panthers for a 2011 2nd Rd pick, bolstering their blueline.

2.The Predators picked up D Denis Grebeshkov from the Oilers for a 2010 2nd rounder. Most expect Nashville to unload future UFA Dan Hamhuis.As for Edmonton, they're in discussions with the Rangers revolving around Sheldon Souray and Wade "Tinman" Redden. The 32 year-old Souray is still hurt and has two years left at $4.5 million per. Tho I'm no fan of his, if Slats can unload one cap headache, fine. But what else would be involved?

Also see the Isles and Jackets swung a "blockbuster" swapping Greg Moore for former Ranger draft pick Dylan Reese.

Other moves of interest included Calgary inexplicably re-signing Matt Stajan for four years at $3.5 per. Yikes. He's a nice player but come on. Likewise, Dallas re-signed Avery clone Steve Ott for four years, $11.8 M. Uh. Almost three million for him? Woh.

A couple of days ago, Glen Sather predictably claimed vet backup Alex Auld from Dallas. So much for Chad Johnson getting to stay up. Typical. In other Battle news, the troubled career of Rick DiPietro is once again in limbo with the career Islander out indefinitely due to knee swelling...Just hot off the press...David Freeman steps down as Nashville Predators chairman. Why exactly remains a question.

And finally, today February 28, 2011 has already been declared National Hate Sidney Crosby Day. Over 27,000 34,000 are already confirmed. We might be the only non-Canadian/Pen fan not to.

The local deadline review

Now that the deadline has come and passed with special thanks to buddy Lenny for further updating a busy Tuesday while I was busy rocking out at the Garden to Clapton and Winwood, it's time to review how our metro area teams did.

So without much fanfare, let's get started:


Rangers- they addressed a couple of needs by acquiring depth forward Fredrik Sjostrom from Phoenix and netting defenseman Christian Backman from John Davidson's Blues for just a fourth round pick.

While there has been deserved harsh criticism for dealing away 2004 first round selection Al Montoya in the Sjostrom/Josh Gratton deal, just chalk it to up to what this organization does best with most first rounders (Marc Staal the exception). Ruining them. Nice job yet again destroying another top prospect. Montoya was an AHL All-Star twice and had nothing else to prove remaining at Hartford and should've been the team's backup with due respect to Stephen Valiquette. They needed to find out what the former Michigan Wolverine star could do and get his value up instead of watching it plummet like the infamous Stock Market crash in 1987.

The kid needed a change of scenery. Problem for him is he's blocked by Ilya Bryzgalov. So he'll again have to wait his turn. Best of luck making a career. Maybe he should work on becoming a cook or salsa dancer cause there's probably not much of a future out in The Desert.

Backman should be a suitable replacement for the injured Paul Mara and Sjostrom is the kind of player who can improve the fourth line making them a semi-threat once in a while.

Grade: B-

Devils- most of their fans came away predictably disappointed by the small deal Kool Aid provider Lou Lamoriello made in acquiring depth blueliner Bryce Salvador for former enforcer/team mascot Cam Janssen. When are Devil fans ever satisfied? Haven't they learned anything over the years about how Lou works?

That he could even get a semi-decent return for a nobody is proof that he serves the spiked Kool Aid around the league well. Who knows? Salvador isn't what I'd call bad. He can play physical and is an upgrade over Vitaly Vish-crapsky. Anyone's better than that waste. Even Karel Rachunek looks like a Norris candidate compared to Mr. Hooking Minor.

Maybe this wasn't the deal Dev fans wanted but it could only help what's still a questionable defense at best which Martin Brodeur is bailing out on a nightly basis with arguably the best goaltending of his stellar career.

I don't see how the offense needed that much. Unlike nimrod Mark Everson who really must hate his job, I don't see how their O is really that bad. Parise, Zajac, Elias, Langenbrunner and Gionta are all good and four are proven playoff performers. And Madden and Pandolfo have been great all year and are capable of stepping up as is top D Paul Martin. Maybe they could've used one more offensive D-man but no way was Buffalo trading Brian Campbell to an Eastern rival.

Grade: C+

Islanders- as predicted here, Garth Snow was more prudent in his second deadline after last year's Ryan Smyth bomb which ultimately hurt the Fishsticks more than helped. He traded for San Jose defender Rob Davidson and did alright getting a third round pick from Anaheim in return for Jekyll & Hyde offense only Marc-Andre Bergeron.

Snow also wisely moved unpopular enforcer Chris Simon to the Wild for a sixth rounder. He was roundly booed by the Islander fans when he returned from his latest suspension. So, he definitely had to go. To get anything at this point for a guy who's clearly lost a few braincells is a plus. The Isles reportedly are still high on prospect Jeff Tambellini. Hopefully for their sake, they'll be proven right. Besides, it's much better to get him up.

I didn't really get why they re-signed Mike Comrie for $4 million. He's one of those guys who should be much better for what they're paying. Even if he paces them in points, it just made no sense. My co-host Gary Harding must've been thrilled. Wouldn't they have been better off getting something for him? Snow wanted to keep most of his roster intact and see if they can somehow miraculously make the playoffs a second consecutive year.

Davidson is just insurance with the D bruised and battered.

Grade: C

Hossa to Pens, Rangers add Backman to blueline

Marian Hossa is on his way to the Penguins for prospect Angelo Esposito and forwards Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen.

Analysis: Wow! What a deal that is for the Pens. They lost only two depth forwards and got one of the better scoring forwards in the league. Figure Crosby gets to center him when he returns leaving Malkin to play with Sykora and Malone as they've formed a great chemistry. The Thrashers did get Esposito in the deal and he was highly rated. So maybe it works out for them as well.

The Rangers acquired D Christian Backman from the Blues in exchange for a fourth round pick.

Analysis: A smart move by Glen Sather not overpaying like so many other teams did today. He got a serviceable defender instead who should fill in nicely for the injured Paul Mara.

Deadline deals

There have been already 12 deals today including the biggest one seeing Tampa center Brad Richards shipped along with netminder Johan Holmqvist to the Stars for Mike Smith, Jussi Jokinen and Jeff Halpern.

As I am at work, it's very hard to update everything. But I did manage to find time during lunch break to list these deals and analyze them on my Hitting Back site.

So please feel free to check it out.

I'll try to have more later as I'm extremely busy today including a big concert tonight!

See ya'll later!

Sundin staying put, Brad Richards on the block

With the NHL trade deadline a day away, two quick notes:

1.Mats Sundin will not waive his no-trade clause.

2.Brad Richards has been told that the Lightning are trying to unload him. He gave them a list of teams. So expect the former 2004 Conn Smythe winner to have a new team sometime over the next 24+ hours.

The recently turned 37 year-old Maple Leaf franchise center decided that he'd rather stay put in Toronto because he doesn't believe in rentals. Here's what Sundin had to say on the situation late last night through his agent J.P. Barry via the AP:

"I have always believed I would finish my career as a Toronto
Maple Leaf so the actual request was still a very difficult one for me to
contemplate. I have spoken to and listened to my family and those closest to me
about this issue. In the end, there is no right decision in a situation like
this one.”

“I cannot leave my teammates and join another NHL club at this time. I have
never believed in the concept of a rental player. It is my belief that winning the Stanley Cup is the greatest thing you can achieve in hockey but for me, in order to appreciate it you have to have been part of the entire journey and that
means October through June. I hope everyone will understand and respect my
decision.”

Not surprisingly, many of my colleagues are taking the future Hall of Famer to task for not putting his pride aside to help benefit a Leafs team which is going nowhere. I'm kind of mixed on this because part of me applauds Sundin for wanting to stay and finish his career in Toronto.

The soft spoken player whose 62 points pace the Original Six club can become an unrestricted free agent this summer which is why he's opened himself up to criticism. What if he leaves? Then the Leafs wouldn't get much of a return with just a compensatory draft pick (probably 2nd round).

Ultimately, it's his choice and a great player who's been in the league as long as he has earns the right to be respected.

So, I'm not going to kill him. Most of the blogging community probably wants to add Sundin to their roster and is a heck of a lot more selfish than they want to admit. So isn't it a tad hypocritical to bash Toronto's No.13?

It is what it is. Hockey fans just need to accept it and move on. Besides, there are other good players who will be moved including Richards, who has a lot more years left than Sundin.

If you want an alternative opinion on this and other NHL stuff, SportsFan Mag's own Greg Wyshynski dropped by and gave me a few minutes over at Hitting Back to discuss the locals, regular season and deadline.

See ya later.