The NHL trade deadline is today and if this day is like previous trade deadlines expect a lot of chaotic activity before 3 PM as teams try to improve their team depth in order to make a run at Lord Stanley's Cup.
I'll have a breakdown of the winners & losers at the deadline later this week but there is one trade I want to touch on before we move to the Power Poll.
Marek Zidlicky to New Jersey.
It's no secret that Zidlicky hasn't been happy in Minnesota for the last few months. He had his differences with Wild head coach Mike Yeo and has been a healthy scratch for numerous games during the last couple months.
Last month reports came out that Zidlicky was willing to waive his no trade clause to go to New Jersey. That became a reality on Friday when Minnesota acquired Defenseman Kurtis Foster, Forwards Stephane Veilleux & Nick Palmieri, a 2nd round pick in 2012 and a conditional 3rd round pick in 2013 in exchange for Zidlicky.
I like this deal for the Wild because you get rid of a player who was unhappy and clearly didn't want to be here. In the deal you get back two former Wild players, Foster (4G, 10A) & Veilleux who were well liked by their teammates and have proven they can play in the NHL.
I'm also intrigued by the addition of Palmieri (5G, 6A) at forward. A 3rd round pick by the Devils in the 2007 NHL draft, he has been a 20 goal scorer playing for the Erie Otters & the Belleville Bulls of the OHL.
Palmieri was given a chance to be a top six forward with New Jersey and was never able to seize the opportunity. Hopefully a change of scenery is all he will need to become a regular with the Wild.
The 2nd round pick Minnesota acquires in this year's draft will replace the one they traded away in the Brent Burns deal and the 3rd round pick in 2013 is conditional depending on how far the Devils make it in the playoffs.
As for New Jersey the trade for Zidlicky tells me that GM Lou Lamoriello is making a push for the Stanley Cup this season.
Zach Parise is an unrestricted free agent after this season and goaltender Martin Brodeur isn't getting any younger. With the Devils 9-3-1 since the Al-Star break they have a chance at home ice in the 1st round.
The addition of Zidlicky (0G, 14A) gives depth to a New Jersey blueline that is already missing Henrik Tallinder on defense.
While Zidlicky's stats are considerably down from where they usually are the Devils are hoping a change of scenery for him will help get him back on track and produce the way he has in previous years.
Right now I think this is a good deal for Minnesota. Getting two NHL players, a prospect and two draft picks for a 35 year old defenseman who was wearing out his welcome in Minnesota.
Not a bad trade for Wild GM Chuck Fletcher.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 19.
1. Vancouver 40-16-7 87 points
When you end a 23 game home winning streak (shootout or no shootout) you get the top spot in the Power Poll.
2. Detroit 41-19-3 85 points
Losing in a shootout at home to Vancouver I understand. Losing at home in regulation to Colorado I don't.
3. N.Y. Rangers 39-15-6 84 points
Congrats to Ryan Callahan on his 100th career goal. (An overtime winner no less.)
4. Boston 37-20-3 77 points
With injuries to Nathan Horton & Rich Peverly The Bruins could be in the market for a forward.
5. St. Louis 38-17-7 83 points
Blues forward David Perron has 12 points in his last 11 games.
6. Pittsburgh 36-21-5 77 points
Evgeni Malkin gives us another goal of the year candidate.
7. Nashville 36-19-7 79 points
Predators power play has scored 17 man-advantage goals in its last 22 games.
8. New Jersey 35-22-4 74 points
Back to Back losses in regulation over the weekend drop the Devils from 4th to 6th in the East.
9. Philadelphia 34-20-7 75 points
When the Flyers signed Ilya Bryzgalov to a 9 year contract worth 51 million over the summer I'm guessing they didn't plan on shopping for a goalie at the trade deadline. Funny how things change.
10. Chicago 33-24-7 73 points
No team in playoff contention needs a center as much as the Blackhawks do.
11. Ottawa 33-23-8 74 points
Acquisition of Ben Bishop from St. Louis gives the Senators the goalie they have been looking for.
12. Dallas 33-26-4 70 points
Four game winning streak has the Stars holding the final playoff spot in the West.
13. San Jose 32-22-7 71 points
Sharks finish 16 day road trip 2-6-1.
14. Phoenix 32-21-9 73 points
And because of the Sharks struggles on the road the Coyotes right now are on top of the Pacific Division.
15. Colorado 32-27-4 68 points
Forward Steve Downie is having an impact since joining the Avalanche lineup scoring two goals and three assists in three games.
16. Washington 31-26-5 67 points
What could have been an awful week with losses to Carolina (5-0) and Ottawa (5-2) ends on a positive note with back to back wins over Montreal (4-1) and Toronto (4-2)
17. Winnipeg 30-26-8 68 points
There is a very good chance the Jets could win the Southeast and have home ice in the first round of the playoffs. If that happens I feel bad for the team that has to play them.
18. Florida 29-20-12 70 points
On a night when he was honored as the longest tenured Panther, Stephen Weiss scores two goals in win over Montreal.
19. Toronto 29-26-7 65 points
Forget Rick Nash, this team needs help in goal.
20. Los Angeles 28-22-12 68 points
Kings are hoping that Jeff Carter being reunited with Mike Richards will help the team to start scoring goals. It can't hurt.
21. Tampa Bay 28-28-6 62 points
With a hat trick on Sunday Martin St. Louis reaches the 20 goal mark for the ninth consecutive season.
22. Minnesota 28-25-9 65 points
I have to think defenseman Greg Zanon and goaltender Josh Harding will be in high demand at the trade deadline.
23. Calgary 28-23-11 67 points
Flames say they will not trade Olli Jokinen. There goes their playoff hopes.
24. Anaheim 27-25-10 64 points
Ducks are a league best 17-4-4 since New Years Day.
25. Buffalo 27-27-8 62 points
With the season being a disappointment the Sabres have a lot of valuable assets if they choose to be sellers.
26. N.Y. Islanders 26-28-8 60 points
Islanders leaning towards keeping Evgeni Nabokov instead of trading him as they think they have a shot at the playoffs. (They don't)
27. Montreal 24-29-10 58 points
First trade on the day of the deadline, Canadiens send Andrei Kostitsyn to Nashville to play with brother Sergei.
28. Edmonton 24-31-6 54 points
Instead of trading Ales Hemsky, the Oilers decide to give him a two year 10 million dollar extension. That a lot of money for a guy with 5 goals on the season.
29. Carolina 23-26-13 59 points
One bright spot for the Hurricanes this season, rookie defenseman Justin Faulk who should be a candidate for the Calder trophy.
30. Columbus 18-37-7 43 points
Nice move by GM Scott Howson to get Jack Johnson and a 1st round pick from Los Angeles for Jeff Carter. Now if he can just find a goalie.
No comments:
Post a Comment