Forsberg and …

It’s time for Peter Forsberg to make up his mind, he either stays in Philadelphia or waives his no trade clause and picks where he wants to go. If he does wave it, most likely he will be traded to a western conference team, because i think the cup will be won by a team from that conference, for the simple reason that the top contenders are Detroit, Anaheim and San Jose, the Flames are a dark horse choice, but could move up if one of the above mentionned teams should tank in the first round. If I was a betting man, I would see Forsberg going to Detroit. I think it’s the best team suited for him, the wings are good puck moving team and have veterans that are hungry for an another cup, espacially after early exits in past years after their cup win in 2002. If Detroit does get Forsberg, no doubt they would have to find a team for Lang to clear up cap space.

If i am Doug Riseborough and Jacques Lemaire, I would go and scout Marco Sturm of Boston, he would be a Lemaire type of player and would fit well, and add some scoring punch, he could play with Brian Rolston on the penalty kill and maybe get a few shorthanded goals and help Minnesota move up a few spots in the standings.

Souray won’t be moved at the deadline, but most likely Gainey could trade him at the June draft and get something in return for him , the Habs retain his rights until June 30th. If he does go to LA, no Habs fans, Lombardi won’t trade Kopitar for Souray, but funnier things have happened in LA this season, after all they signed Cloutier to a contract, this same guy cost Crawford’s job in Vancouver. Crawford to Lombardi ‘’ could you tighten the nuce a bit more .‘’ A bit of humour folks.

Even if Gainey stated that he did not want to trade Ryder, who is a thirty goal a season player, the Habs Gm who always wears his poker face, would not hesite to trade his struggling winger for the right return. I concur with Spector on this, Ryder is playing his last games with the Habs. Still with the Habs, I think Gainey should look to try an acquire Gary Roberts, he is a proven leader and could take some leadership weight off of Koivu’s shoulders, I don’t think a team captain should be the one carrying all of that weight on his shoulders, not that I don’t Koivu is not a good captain and leader, but the majority of the players have heard the same message coming from different people, that it’s beginning to sound like a broken record, I think someone new with a different approach would be welcomed and possibly help save a season that seems to be on a free fall. I don’t see Roberts as a savior, but a breath of fresh air the Canadiens need in a big way. The Habs need to add size on the wings and a tough guy that can play and impose some respect, in the same way that Neil does in Ottawa.

If the Leafs miss the playoffs once again, JFJ will be packing his bags. The same could be said of Doug Maclean in Colombus. The Senators players hold the faith of Gm, John Muckler and coach Bryan Murray in their hands, anything short of a conference final appearence, could see owner, Eugene Melnyck clean house. A top a candidate for Muckler’s job is in my opinion, former Gm and Habs assistant Gm, Pierre Gauthier, after all he is responsible for drafting a good part of the Sens present line-up. If this happens Pierre, my two cents worth in a candidate, would be Pat Burns, he has the experience and won a cup with less talented team that you would inherite. In an interview on RDS, he mentionned that he would listen to offers if someone calls.

I enjoy watching Sidney Crosby play like everyone else, but one thing he will have to stop doing, is playing the wounded virgin, it will catch up to him in time, and nobody will believe him, starting with his teammates. Your paid to play hockey, so do that, the best way to answer to the hits, is score goals, that will sting more that anything you could receive.

That’s all for now folks !