Christmas comes twice
Fans wait as the trade deadline approaches
February 20, 2008
William Doberstein
Christmas comes twice a year for hockey fans, once in December and again in late February – the latter being the NHL’s trading deadline, the day that can make or break a team’s playoff hopes. Many hockey fans anxiously await the coming day when their team may receive a gift that could bring their team new life – perhaps even the Stanley Cup. Here, for all boys and girls, is a small peek under the tree.
With the trade deadline looming, some big names are on the tip of everyone’s tongue: Forsberg, Sundin, Hossa, Tanguay and Jagr. The most unbelievable is the potential trading of long-time Toronto Maple Leaf captain Mats Sundin. While Anaheim GM Brian Burke has already had talks with the Toronto management about obtaining Sundin, another team may yet pick up the veteran player. Jaromir Jagr is also a topic of much debate, as rumours indicate that the N.Y. Rangers may not resign their captain when his contract comes up next year. Many are wondering if Jagr will be traded off for potential draft picks.
For the western teams there is much excitement as fans await big moves at the deadline. The Vancouver Canucks have allegedly been scoping out Peter Forsberg, who has been playing in the Swiss MODO hockey league. However, they have competition as the Colorado Avalanche has also expressed interest in adding Forsberg to their roster. Forsberg himself expressed an interest in playing for a former team.
Edmonton may make some moves at the deadline, but after last year’s trade for Dustin Penner one wonders what they could offer for a big-name player such as Marian Hossa or Jeromir Jagr. However, offering goalie Dwayne Roloson and Jarret Stoll for Ottawa’s Ray Emery and Antoine Vermette could be a possibility.
However, it’s Edmonton’s rivals, the Calgary Flames, who may make a huge deal at the deadline. Alex Tanguay and Flames coach Mike Keenan have shared a mutual dislike since the arrival of the new coach last year. Tanguay has agreed to wave his no-trade clause, and there is little doubt that the talented forward will be traded come deadline. There are rumours circulating around Sundin and Olie Jokinen, as Flames GM Darryl Sutter has met with both Toronto’s and Florida’s GMs. Only one thing is certain: Alex Tanguay will not go to the Edmonton Oilers. This rivalry – which has been called the best in the NHL – has never made a trade with each other.
Now you go...
Got something to say?