At the NHL Board of governors meetings next week in Palm Beach, Florida, the schedule could become the main menu if Comissionner Bettman can be persuaded to put it on the agenda.
Ryan Smyth of the Oilers, will become the most sought after UFA this coming summer. I'm sure they are already teams jockying for position to get the first crack at him, come July 1st. The Rangers, Kings, Wings and Coyotes could be amongst the most interested. The catch here, how many teams are they left that did not participate in the UFA market in the last two years and who has the cap space available for the next 3 to 4 years at 5.25 million a year ? Not too many. Also factor in, that the cap limit could take a plundge next season.
Is President/GM, Doug MacLean, on his way out if Colombus fails to make the playoffs ? He would be the obvious choice if you look at the standings. The have 14 points and have 60 games remaining, even if they got one point in those remaining games, they would still be eliminated. If the team does not improve by Christmas, I think MacLean will be gone and Hitchcock could have double duties till the end of the season.
According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, The Montreal Canadiens GM, Bob Gainey, is listening to offers on David Aebischer. With Huet pretty much taken the number goalie spot, that means Aebischer is available. The Coyotes and Kings have investigated the possibility.
On the Hockey Website, The fourth Period, they gathered their 'Experts'' and asked them some questions:
1. Which team is in most need of a change?
The Senators, Flyers and Canucks came up the most often.
2. Which team will be the first to press the panic button?
The Senators once again come up in the discussion.
3.Will San Jose trade one of their goalies this season?
8 said Yes.
4.Will the Boston Bruins trade Glen Murray?
7 Of them answered said Yes.
5. Will the Philadelphia Flyers trade Peter Forsberg?
6 Said no.
6.Who will be the first big name player to be traded?
Daniel Alfredsson's name came up twice.
I guess we will find out in time if those gentlemen are right or wrong on the their answers.
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