February 26th is coming up fast in the NHL, so lets take a look at each local team and any moves that they might make.
New York Rangers
Usually the team that comes up in all big name trade talk, this trade deadline is no different. The Rangers have been looking for an puck-moving defenseman for the entirety of the season, and up to this point have not been able to find a match. They are rumored to have interest in Los Angeles Kings defenseman Rob Blake. Blake however, has made it known that he will not approve a trade to any team in the East, even if it means an opportunity at winning a Cup. They are also rumored at being interested in Ed Jovanovski of the Phoenix Coyotes, Tomas Kaberle of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Dan Boyle of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The cost of these in prospects (Brandon Dubinsky, Al Montoya), along with the hefty contracts have allowed the Rangers to steer clear until now.
The Rangers have also been quietly been checking in on interest in Jaromir Jagr. I personally think this would be a huge mistake to move Jagr, even though he has slumped this season and might be on the backside of his career. Jagr still knows how to score, and at any point can go coast to coast and put it in the net. The only way I feel if this move happens is if the Rangers tank the rest of the season.
Prediction: Rangers acquire Boyle from the Lightning in exchange for Petr Prucha, Al Montoya, and a 2008 Draft Pick
New Jersey Devils
I wrote earlier that the Devils are looking into acquiring a third line center in exchange for one of their eight defensemen. The Devils could use an extra scorer up front, and we all know that Lou Lamoriello has never been afraid to shake things up. Bobby Holik would be a nice fit back on the Devils and could slide in as a checking center. Other possibilities in this role could be Robert Lang, Michael Ryder, or even Sergei Federov. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Devils are secretly making a run at Mats Sundin also, who would be a fantastic fit for the Devils.
Prediction: The Devils roll the dice with Sergei Federov in exchange for two draft picks and Johnny Oduya
New York Islanders
A team that is completely on the cusp of either packing it in or going all out. GM Garth Snow could get a bounty for some of the players he has on his team, considering the asking prices for the likes of Marian Hossa and Mats Sundin. If the Islanders stay in it, I think they will stay as they are, but if they drop out, watch for a fire sale. Miroslav Satan will go, and so will players like Brendan Witt and Bryan Berard. I don’t really know what to make of the Islanders as a team, but they are one of the most well coached teams in the NHL. All of those people who passed on Ted Nolan back in the day are absolutely looking foolish, including the Rangers.
Prediction: Garth Snow foolishly thinks the Islanders are still in it, and they stand pat.
Filed under: NHL - Devils, NHL - Islanders, NHL - Rangers, Writer - Christian Chiavetta
