Reflections On The NHL Trade Deadline

More than a week has now passed since the NHL Trade Deadline.  Some players, such as Olli Jokinen in Calgary, have made a great impact already with their new team.  However, the actual trade deadline day was uneventful at best.

Kyle Roussel (www.twitter.com/kyleroussel) has authored the following comments on the media hype surrounding the NHL Trade Deadline:

If you’re anything like me, the days leading up to the trading deadline are full of excitement and hype. Lots of hype. Whether your team is ramping up for a run at the cup, grasping to get in the playoffs, or loading up for the future, you’re especially excited for this day. In fact, it’s almost considered a holiday among hockey fans…ok, not really, but apparently a lot of people pay attention, even if it’s on a Wednesday. 182,000 people was the average number of people tuning in to TSN throughout the day on March 4th, 2009. That’s not including the number of people who opt for Sportsnet, those in Quebec that watch French coverage on RDS, or simply those working and streaming TSN.ca’s live feed.

But after all was said and done at 3 p.m….didn’t you feel the least bit ripped off? We were force fed for weeks all kinds of hype from TSN, Sportsnet and RDS. Of course, they’re trying to drive revenue and interest in their network, but seriously, come on! I’m sorry, but from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. is a little much.

The Deadline Deals

The guys on TSN spent nearly 2 hours making small talk and repeating themselves until the first trade came over the wire. Pascal Leclaire for Antoine Vermette. Wow. Other Earth-moving trades to come shortly thereafter:

Jordan Leopold for Lawrence Nicholat, Ryan Wilson and a 2nd rounder (11:39, over an hour and half after Leclaire for Vermette)

Andy Wozniewski for Danny Richmond (11:49 – hey! they cut short the Leopold highlight reel!)

Mikael Tellqvist for a 4th round pick in 2010 (12:04)

Martin Gerber claimed off waivers by Toronto (12:15)

Brendan Morrison claimed off waivers by Dallas (12:15)

Steve Montador for Petteri Nokelainen (12:37)

It wasn’t until 12:40 that Calgary made arguably the day’s biggest move by picking up Olli Jokinen. Other “names” changing addresses were Recchi, Guerin, Antropov, Morris…but hardly any big name superstars. You can see the entire list for yourself here.

By day’s end, there were 22 moves involving 45 players and 21 draft picks. None of the moves outside of Jokinen were of the variety I think people were playing hookey for. This is what was delivered to you for your day of calling in sick. You had the privelege of watching James Duthie and his “panel of experts” gab for hour after hour, fondling their blackberrys waiting for something important to happen. I mean, how long can they talk about Erik Christensen swapped for Eric O’Dell with a straight face? It was painful to watch these guys (and at the same time impressive) get so much mileage out of such little, irrelevant content.

Why The Media Hype When They Don’t Control The Delivery?

I’ll say this: it’s not TSN or any other network’s fault that the deadline is a dud. These guys aren’t making the transactions, they simply report them. But wouldn’t it be cool if they found newer more interesting ways to disseminate the deals? What if breaking trades were first delivered on Twitter? For many of us, that would be a godsend! I’ll give them this one for free!

But for next year, and every year going forward, they need to temper their promotion of this event. It’s clear that with the CBA’s restrictions and the economy’s woes that impactful “hockey trades” are no longer possible. It would serve our sports networks well to not insult our intelligence and pretend that this date every year is one to watch closely.

It’s not. Not anymore, if it ever was! All that being said, will our networks do that? Or will they look to build on their 182,000 person average and turn up the hype for next year’s deadline? One thing is for certain – we will probably get bombarded with entry draft and July 1st (start of free agency) hype starting in early June, and especially as the cup finals draw to a close.

Those events are virtually guaranteed to cause some fireworks, so some hype is expected, deserved and warranted. But until the trade deadline starts to bring some real drama to the table, like the Sidney Crosby lottery did, it’s my belief that they need to ratchet back a little.

Is it too much? Not enough? What were your impressions of this year’s trading deadline and the hype associated with it?

Talking Hockey With Scott Taylor

Today on The Neil Show, we sit down with Scott Taylor from scotttaylorsports.com to talk hockey.

Neil Bristow – With the NHL’s trade deadline fast approaching (feb.26th), there are a few big names that could be dealt.Out of the big names possibly available (Sundin, Hossa,Campbell) who do you see moving on or before Tuesday and where might they land?

If Sundin waives his no trade clause he’ll be gone – Anaheim or Detroit. Hossa could wind up in Montreal or New York. The Rangers would love to deal Jagr but I doubt anyone would touch him. I can’t imagine anyone will go out his way to deal a capable defenceman, but if you’ve given up this year, you might deal a veteran. I think it’s pretty tough to call. How about Jokinen in Calgary? That’s interesting.

Neil Bristow -Cliff Fletcher is playing the “face” of the Toronto Maple Leafs GM right now on a interim basis. Who in your opinion is the right person for that job with the candidates that are available, to become the next Leafs GM?

John Ferguson Jr. …OK, so maybe Dougie Armstrong. I think Tom Thompson, the assistant GM in Minnesota is the smartest guy in the game today, but he’s not a big enough name for the Leafs.

The brain-dead Toronto media would make his life a living hell because he’s not one of their pals. That franchise is so messed up, why don’t they bring in Sittler or Wendel Clark or Doug Gilmour? That’s the kind of guy Leafs fans want. T

he Toronto media wants Neil Smith, a guy the Islanders fired in about 15 minutes. Brian Burke would take the job. He’d eat that stupid Toronto print media for lunch.

By the way, what do the Toronto Maple Leafs have that the Montreal Canadiens will never have? Black and white photos of their last Stanley Cup.

Neil Bristow -New York Islanders tough guy Chris Simon made his way back into the Isles lineup after serving his 30 games suspension.Do you think the punishment Simon received was fair or not enough and why?

Sure it’s fair. It’s the longest suspension in NHL history.

As sports editor of Grassroots News, the country’s largest aboriginal newspaper, I’ve come to know the First Nations players a bit. If they can’t be the toughest guys on the team, they’re generally treated like crap, called soft and benched. That’s why Jordin Tootoo, Arron Asham, (Theo Fleury), D.J. King, Cody McCormick, Jason Bone, Chris Simon play the way they do. Simon screwed up, he was punished, he’s back.

End of conversation.

Neil Bristow -Who will be the buyers and who will be the sellers in the NHL’s trade deadline this year?

Everybody is a buyer this year, for different reasons. Toronto, Tampa, L.A., Edmonton, Florida, Chicago will all try to get younger. The top teams will be prepared to rent players, especially teams like Detroit, Dallas, Carolina, teams with some cap room.

Neil Bristow – The Philadelphia Flyers are in a bit of a tailspin lately going 1-8-1 in there last ten games. With all the tinkering they did with their roster this season,one would think they would be alot more “together” then they have shown. Why do you think they are under achieving?

Are they underachieving or is that what they are? Losing Simon Gagne, a class act and a leader, really hurts. Their tough guys aren’t as tough as the organization thinks.

No matter what happens, Riley Cote always gets pummeled by Colton Orr or Donald Brashear or Georges Laraque, and the rest of the team sags. Injuries have hurt them mightily. John Stevens is no Toe Blake. And, as always happens in Philly, the goaltending is never as good as the team had hoped.

Neil Bristow – With GM meetings in Naples, Florida this week a number of things were discussed. One of them being maybe shrinking goaltender equipment to increase scoring in the League. Is it wise considering one of the best goaltenders in the game Canucks Roberto Luongo has said in the past that if they make changes he would retire.What is your take on the situation?

So what’s next? The paddle-down, butterfly goaltending style is made illegal? Only fat, out-of-shape goalies can play? No goaltenders? Soccer nets? The NHL has a problem.

Never before in the history of the game have goalies been in better shape, have been better trained or have had better equipment than they have today. Goalies are all marvelous physical specimens with a style that’s hard to beat and equipment that makes them absolutely fearless.

If the GMs decide to make goalies’ equipment smaller, they’d better take the curve out of the sticks and go back to wood. Scoring is down because goaltending has NEVER been better.

Neil Bristow – Drugstore millionaire Daryl Katz has a agreement to purchase the Edmonton Oilers pending League approval. Some Oilers have come out saying one owner opens up the possibility of attracting more free agents to the team. How is having one owner better then 30 owners? or is it better?

First of all, socialism doesn’t work. Especially among the rich. Too many egos, too many guys to answer to, too many people wondering why there is a cash-call every year. One owner means one decision maker.

One owner, means the GM knows exactly where to go without being second guessed by 29 other rich donkeys. One owner takes responsibility for his and the team’s actions. One owner can deal with the NHL at the governors’ level.

When the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are taken over by David Asper this year, that will be a tremendous franchise. One guy, one decision maker, one responsibility-taker. It’s the only way a pro sports franchise can work.

Neil Bristow – Teemu Selanne and Scott Neidermeyer are back with the Stanley Cup Champion Ducks after sitting out most of the season.What’s your take on players sitting out and coming back towards the end of the season? Do you think it’s a way to “cheat” the salary cap?

No, it’s a way to cheat age. Teemu and Scott are in their late 30s, heck Teemu is closing in on 40. A full season is meaningless. Games in October and November are so stupid, I’m surprised anyone buys a ticket.

The Ducks are what, 8-1 since Teemu returned? If you have skilled players like Selanne and Niedermayer, late in their careers, and you play .500 or a little better until they come back – fresh — in January and February, it’s a boost to the team and they can handle the travel, rough going etc., that comes with playing in the NHL.

It’s a brilliant move and I’m surprised more teams don’t take advantage of it. Older players are better in half a season than in a full season.

Neil Bristow – Ducks GM Brian Burke has suggested having 1 minute penalties in OT instead of two minutes. What do you think of that change?

That’s the ranting of a guy whose team leads the NHL in fights and penalties (and that’s a reason why they won the Cup last year). A minor penalty is a minor penalty. It’s two minutes. Deal with it. Here’s a good rule of thumb: Don’t get a stupid penalty in overtime.

Neil Bristow – What has been the biggest surprise for you this NHL season story wise?

The seeming belief among the “Mainstream Media Mob” (MSM) that there are not now, nor have there ever been, steroids in hockey.

The MSM mob is desperate to have Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds go to jail, but they refuse to question steroids and HGH in hockey.

Performance enhancing drugs are there, they are present today and if you’ve ever been in an NHL dressing room, you know they are present right now.

Neil Bristow – You have a wonderful career and are one of my favorite sports personalties. In your journey in the sports world, what is your “highlight” of your great career?

1. The 1988 Olympics, breaking the Ben Johnson scandal on CBC TV.
2. Covering the final game of the Winnipeg Jets for both the Winnipeg Free Press and TSN.
3. My column this Monday in the National Post.

Neil Bristow – Can you tell our readers at nhldigest.com about your website and where we can see and read your work?

scotttaylorsports.com

Or online links…

goldeyes.com
manitobascore.com
grassrootsnews.mb.ca
nationalpost.com
cfl.ca
windtalkerhockeynews.com

Or in print…

Manitoba Score Magazine
The National Post
Grassroots News
Windtalker Hockey News

Or… (books still available at Chapters in Winnipeg)

Home Run: The History of the Winnipeg Goldeyes and CanWest Global Park.

The Winnipeg Jets: A Celebration of Professional Hockey in Winnipeg.

If you have any questions or comments, please share a comment on the site or email Neil Bristow at theneilshow(at)nhldigest.com.

2008 NHL Trade Dealine – Bruins Edition

Jaci from Wicked Bruins Fan writes: 

With the Bruins coming off an impressive 4-0-1 road trip, the GM Peter Chiarelli might not want to mess with team chemistry too much. On the other hand, there are some needs that could be addressed by tomorrow’s trade deadline that include acquiring a defenseman, a scorer or some extra depth.

Bruins Rumors

The Bruins haven’t been really mentioned much in rumors, that I can tell anyway. There was a rumor the Bruins were making a play for Marian Hossa in Atlanta with forward Phil Kessel going the other way. Chiarelli said in an interview with Rob Simpson before Saturday’s Lightning game that he won’t be trading Kessel. All I can think is back to last year when Brad Boyes was “reportedly” off the market.

Another player who has been mentioned is defenseman Aaron Ward. Ward will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. But I can’t see Chiarelli moving Ward as he has been a key component to the team this season.

That’s not to say Chiarelli won’t deal some minor players to get some depth for the rest of the season.

To keep updated on rumors, check here.

Chiarelli Speaks

Here are some quotes from the Bruins GM talking about the trade deadline and possible moves.

“Where I’m at, and from the information you pick up from other guys – and we’ve been in a couple of the larger discussions involving impact players – deals aren’t ready to go, unless someone steps up on the weekend,” Chiarelli said. – Boston Herald, today”There’s a possibility I won’t make a move. And I’m fine with that,” said Chiarelli. “I want to improve this team. But I also want our young guys to get that experience of the playoffs. And if you get in the playoffs, you never know what can happen.” – Boston Globe, today

“With us, I’m trying to get a little bit bigger up front,” said Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli. “If I can’t, I can’t. We’ve got a couple of things we want to try and do and I’ve had a couple of discussions with guys.” – Canadian Press, February 18th

“I would say that if we want, the chances of us getting a top-six forward are no longer slim,” said Chiarelli. “You get more certainty about what they want. Prices are still high. But before, you had no clue. Teams weren’t willing to even discuss concepts.” – Boston Globe Blog, February 21st

“I envision the bulk of the trades occurring on deadline day,” said Chiarelli. “I don’t know if it will reach that number (44), though. If this is any indication, at the GM meetings last year we were significantly further along in deals.

“I think there’s two big trades and maybe one unrestricted free agent – (Peter) Forsberg – that kind of will start the domino effect. The prices for those guys are very high. They’re looking for players, young players, prospects, picks.” – Boston Herald, February 23rd

Bruins Deadline Movement

Before Bruins fans prepare for tomorrow, let’s take a look back to the team’s previous deadline deals.

2007- Acquired D Aaron Ward from NYR in exchange for D Paul Mara
- Acquired D Dennis Wideman from STL in exchange for C Brad Boyes

2006

- Acquired F Marty Reasoner, F Yan Stastny, and a draft pick* to EDM in exchange for W Sergei Samsonov
*draft pick became Milan Lucic

2004

- Claimed F Sandy McCarthy (NYR) off waivers
- Acquired C Brad Boyes from SJ in exchange for D Jeff Jillson (to BUF) for Curtis Brown (to SJ)
- Acquired D Andy Delmore from SJ in exchange for future considerations (probably a draft pick?)
There were also some deals made days before the deadline in past seasons.

Maybe not all deadline deals are a bad thing.

Other Deals

The Bruins have also shown they have been active as the trade deadline was coming. The same can’t be said this year, so perhaps the Bruins will be making a little noise today and tomorrow.

2007 (26 days before) – Acquired a 4th round draft pick from WSH in exchange for D Milan Jurcina2007 (24 days before) – Acquired F Brandon Bochenski from CHI in exchange for F Kris Versteeg and a conditional draft pick

2007 (17 days before) – Acquired D Andrew Ference and F Chuck Kobasew from CGY in exchange for D Brad Stuart, C Wayne Primeau and conditional draft pick

2004 (6 days before) – Acquired D Sergei Gonchar from WSH in exchange for D Shaone Morrisonn and two draft picks

2004 (5 days before) – Acquired F Michael Nylander from WSH in exchange for a draft pick and future considerations

The best out of those deals is the Ference/Kobsew trade by far.

The trade deadline expires in less than 24 hours from now.

Will the Bruins make some moves? Will they make team chemistry a priority? What are your expectations? Do you want them to make some trades?

Post your thoughts in the comments.

Long Weekend Hockey Linkage

Sidney Crosby enjoyed his best and most demanding practice since injuring his right ankle, skating at full speed Monday and spinning off several of the gee-whiz passes that only an elite few NHL playmakers can make.

Peter Forsberg’s agent Don Baizley told CBCSports.ca Monday that “it’s unlikely Peter will return to the NHL this season.”

Just when you figured that things couldn’t get any worse concerning the health of this team, they did. The Carolina Hurricanes were in New Jersey for a special afternoon game with less than half of their regular roster available and some of their players on the ice feeling less than 100%.

Mickey Renaud, captain of the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League, died suddenly on Monday when he collapsed at his home and was transported to hospital without any vital signs.

The Red Wings Destroyed the Avalanche 4-0. Yes, destroys is a tough word to use against any team and Avs Talk doesn’t use it lightly.

Radim Vrbata scored a goal, assisted on two others and the Phoenix Coyotes defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-0 on Monday night for Wayne Gretzky’s 100th victory as coach.

A group of hockey players at an outdoor rink just east of Edmonton has finished the world’s longest game, breaking a record they set twice before.

The Oshawa Generals will retire Eric Lindros No. 88 when the OHL club hosts the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors on March 6. Lindros, a London, Ontario, native played for the Generals from 1989-1992 and lead the team to their last Memorial Cup in 1990. In 95 games played in a Generals uniform, Lindros scoring 97 goals and 216 points.

Now that Peter Forsberg is out of the running, many NHL teams will go to Plan B, a plan that includes other viable trade options like Mats Sundin and Marian Hossa.

Michigan remained atop the Division I men’s poll Monday, after a sweep of Lake Superior State. The Wolverines held their ground, but the identity of the No. 2 team tailing them changed. North Dakota rose into the second position, picking up the other two first-place nods in the wake of two wins over Denver.

Jim makes heads turn as he drives his Flyers pride everywhere he goes. Definitely a formidable candidate for the “Flyers’ Greatest Fan” title!

Quote of the Week: Canucks and Beyond

…As the ref stopped play to indicate Stortini’s upcoming 2-minute detention, he looked around with the bewildered air of a 14 year old kid having just been busted for reading dad’s Playboy collection… while knowing that it was only minutes earlier that he’d been randomly setting houses on fire all over the neighborhood.  It was as if to say, “Huh?? You’re seriously busting me for THIS?”

He had a point. Stortini went through that first period like a serial killer building a criminal resume.  Finally nailing him for that slash was something like dropping Al Capone for tax evasion—and not nearly as rewarding as just pistol whipping him would’ve been.