NHL Trades on Tuesday

Sports

NHL Trades on Tuesday 

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Many transactions have gone through on Tuesday in the National Hockey League, including some pretty big names. However the big names rumored to be traded before the deadline tomorrow have yet to be moved. 

The Minnesota Wild have acquired goaltender Illya Bryzgalov from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a fourth round draft pick in the 2014 draft. The Wild, who have expressed interest in Martin Brodeur, have filled the position with a streaky net minder in Bryzgalov. Another, trade today occurred between the Anaheim Ducks and the Washington Capitals. The Washington Capitals have acquired Dustin Penner in exchange for a fourth round draft pick in the 2014 draft. This was easily the biggest bargain deal that occurred this season. The Capitals received a veteran winger that has two Stanley Cups on his résumé. Every team that is making a playoff run longs for the type of player Dustin Penner is during the post-season. 

The Anaheim Ducks had a busy day, as they acquired Stephane Robidas and traded their break-out goaltender Viktor Fasth. Stephane Robidas would be a great addition to a relatively young defensive squad, but he has been on the injury reserve since November 29th. Although the Ducks did not give up much more Robidas (a conditional 4th round pick in the 2014 draft), they cannot count on Robidas to be the difference maker for their playoff picture. Viktor Fasth has proved his ability to be a starting goaltender, but traveling to Edmonton with one of the best break out goaltenders this season, Ben Scrivens, starting may be tougher than it may seem.  

The Vancouver Canucks and the Florida Panthers made an unexpected deal. The Canucks traded goaltender Roberto Luongo and forward Steven Anthony in exchange for goaltender Jacob Markstrom and forward Shawn Matthias. This deal proved to be a way to relieve the Canucks of Luongo's relatively expensive and long contract. In addition, this proved that the Canucks have confidence in backup goaltender Eddie Lack, who for the most part has been successful behind Luongo. Although this deal may seem strategic, it is still a third string goalie and fourth line center in exchange for a top ten starting goaltender and a CHL player. 

Big Names Could Be Traded Come Wednesday in the NHL

Sports

Big Names Could Be Traded Come Wednesday in the NHL

Monday, March 3, 2014

This Wednesday at 3:00 PM is the National Hockey League's trade deadline. As always, the rumors have started to escalate with talks of many big name players being traded.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Martin_Brodeur_ready_vs_Capitals_2008.jpg

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/thomas-vanek-could-be-back-by-end-of-week-1.6419485 

Among this list is Rangers' captain Ryan Callahan, Devils' long time net minder Martin Brodeur, and Islanders' relatively new addition Thomas Vanek. Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks, Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lighting, and Matt Moulson and Jaroslav Halak of the Buffalo Sabres have also been rumored to possibly make a move. 

Sources have said that Ryan Callahan and the New York Rangers are coming close to reaching a compromise in Callahan's contract extension, so Callahan will likely remain a Ranger. Martin Brodeur on the other hand, is seeking a starting position, which the New Jersey Devils would not be able to offer him. The Minnesota Wild have displayed their interest in Brodeur, and with both Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding sidelined due to injury, Brodeur would be able to make the ice presence he is seeking. 

Thomas Vanek of the New York Islanders is another player rumored to be traded that will likely be traded. The Islanders blew another 2 goal lead yesterday against the Florida Panthers. The Islanders will likely trade both Vanek and defenseman Andy MacDonald. 

Rumors of Martin St. Louis being traded have settled down from last week, and although it may have seemed like he was headed for the Rangers, it will likely not play out. The Pittsburgh Penguins have expressed interest in Ryan Kesler, which would make them an extremely threatening force. Kesler who is apart of a no-trade clause has asked for a trade some time ago, but recently expressed that he wants out sooner rather than later. 

Matt Moulson and Jaroslav Halak have been rumored to be on the move out of Buffalo. Moulson who was acquired by the Sabres in the beginning of the season and Halak who was acquired by the Sabres on Friday are both likely to be moved. The Sabres, who have the least points in the NHL, want to release all assets they have in order to bring in young talent towards hopes of a successful future. 

Conclusion: 

On The Move Yes or No?

Ryan Callahan -No

Martin Brodeur-Yes

Thomas Vanek-Yes

Martin St. Louis-No

Ryan Kesler-Yes

Matt Moulson-Yes

Jaroslav Halak-Yes