Teams Prepare For Draft and Free Agency

Red Wings Give Chelios The Boot

While this was a foregone conclusion, General manager Ken Holland met with Chelios Monday afternoon and gave him the news. Chelios will not be re-signed.

“It was kind of understood last summer, after Cheli signed, that the 2008-09 season would be the last one for Cheli as a Red Wing,” said Holland, noting the need for the Wings to bring in younger players. “He wants to play another season and I believe he can still play.”

It has been highly speculated that Chelios will sign in Chicago this off season and finish up his career in his home town.  No doubt the aging veteran has lost a step, but he can likely still teach the up and coming youngsters on the Blackhawks roster a thing or two.

Heatley On The Hot Seat

Sportsnet reported that the Senators have set a July 1 deadline for trading Dany Heatley.  It has been reported that the Wild are interested as well as a few other teams.  However, it will be interesting to see what the Senators can get in return since the league now knows he has to be traded before July 1.

Talk about being handcuffed!

Personally, I’d love to see Heatley playing for the LA Kings next season.  It seems unlikely though unless the Kings are willing to part with one of their heralded young defensemen.

Bobbing For Bouwmeester

Kevin Allan says the Florida Panthers apparently want a 1st round draft choice for the right to negotiate with Jay Bouwmeester prior to July1. The draft pick would, of course, only be payable if Bouwmeester should sign with the negotiating team.  Is it worth it to get Bouwmeester, who many believe still has yet to reach his potential?

Isles up In The Air

Garth Snow and the New York Islanders have given little indication as to who will be the first selection of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft this weekend in Montreal.  The once consensus #1 pick, John Tavares, seems to have lost some support as the draft draws near.

Some think that Matt Duchene of the Brampton Battalion is a better long term prospect at forward, while others hold Hedman, the giant Swedish defenseman in high regard for his size, skating ability, and defensive prowess.  Regardless of who the Islanders select, you will see them in an Islander uniform next season.  The boys on the Island need all the help they can get!

For what it’s worth, I would select Hedman.  There has not been a “flop” defenseman taken as the number one choice in the draft since 1982 when Gord Kluzak was chosen first overall.  Even then, Kluzak managed a few good years before bad knees ended his career.  Even though the upside for Tavares is certainly great, there is always the downside risk of a Patrik Stefan or Alexandre Daigle!