Well it comes around annually but it seems to provoke more interest than a federal election for many Canadians. Yes, it’s the NHL’s trade deadline, which signals the arrival of playoffs and which teams feel they can make a run and which will cut losses and fire sale assets, aka players.
Most teams are limited to salary cap space but this year it seemed to be more interesting as to whom could go where and the vicious rumour mill that takes place… the National Enquirer couldn’t generate this kind of publicity about a Britney Spears story they made up.
So in summary most teams made a move this day, but most surprising were the ones that didn’t. For the Canadian clubs Vancouver and Montreal at this point in time seem to have decided no trades or acquisitions were necessary. Rumours of a trade with Florida for a top six defenceman were everywhere, but GM Mike Gillis was quick to dismiss any such claims, showing his confidence in his team despite having a large amount of money to woo players with for the stretch. Montreal was made offers but chose to retain assets and evaluate what they had in stock. The other Canadian teams were busier. Toronto cleared up plenty of room to acquire salary cap space and draft picks… GM Brian Burke hopes that the team can ditch the Maple Laughs remark, or buy a bunch of tough guys to smack the bejeezus out of anyone who exclaims such truths of the NHL’s most underachieving team. A title which used to be designated to the New York Rangers, who funnily enough were traded Nik Antripov for a second round draft pick… and Burke fumbles one at the starting line for rebuilding. Ottawa made a few moves as did Edmonton, who gave Erik Cole back to Carolina. The Calgary Flame(rs) have tried to assert their authority in the West by acquiring Ollie Jokinen from Phoenix. Many congratulated Sutter for the move but I bet Lombardi is just happy to be out of Calgary to a warmer climate in Arizona, plus we all know Keenan is a spaz and having Gretzky as a coach is probably better in the end… even though he must feel like a babysitter with all the youth on his team.
Bill Guerin is a real character... and not in a good way. Retire already.
The last bit of big news was that American player and well known cry-baby Bill Guerin, captain of the New York Islanders, was traded to Pittsburgh to play as a second or third linesman. Guerin, like other members of the “i is in team” of the 1996 USA hockey team, has sat out and refused to practice with the Islanders of late… lets hope his giant ego wont affect him playing for talented Canadian Sydney Crosby or Russian star Malkin. Oh and Billy, by the by, you wont be captain in the league ever again and if Pittsburgh doesn’t go all the way it could be your swan song…FYI. 🙂
All in all a very quiet day in the league relative to other years. Enough to let us linger on the deals that were and weren’t made so we can all harp on about them until July 1st when the free agency opens up. Though as a final side note, how much money did Rogers’ Sportsnet and CTV’s TSN spend for live coverage for 10 hours straight?!?! Last update was that CTV was joining the ranks of CanWest Global for revenue troubles. Possibly a budget review would be warrented for a clear disproportion of resource allocation… everyone likes trade day… but seriously folks.
Remember Canada, keep your stick on the ice and your beer well chilled eh?
Posted by T-Pear 
The Can-eh-dian Perspective 