Panic setting in Leafs land.
– According to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, the Maple Leafs general manager Dave Nonis will trade star forward Nazem Kadri or defenseman Jake Gardiner. McKenzie specified that Nonis acknowledged the fact that head coach Randy Carlyle is inclined on not using those players. The Maple Leafs would have to ensure that if they are to trade Kadri or Gardiner, they would have to make sure Randy Carlyle would have to stay for the long term. Currently Dave Nonis has no plans on firing Carlyle but should more losses pile up and see the leafs falling off a playoff spot. Nonis may not have a choice and fir his head coach.
With the Leafs still, TSN Insider Darren Dreger stated that he spoke with Nonis this week and he told him that he is willing to do a blockbuster deal or a small trade before the trade deadline of 5 March 2014 but he has had difficulties finding a trading partner. The Leafs are currently looking to add a top-line centre, a big time winger or a top defenseman. Dreger mentionned the Leafs will struggle in finding any of those this year and may result in no trade at all.
Editor’s Note: I doubt strongly the Leafs will part with Kadri who represent the future of the Leafs. If the losses keep piling, look for an easier solution by firing Randy Carlyle instead. The Leafs probably regret letting go Mikhail Grabovski where they could use his offensive skills.
New Jersey Devils looking for a scorer
The new Jersey Devils are playing better since the beginning of the season but general manager Lou Lamoriello believes he could have more offense heading in the final stretch of the season. According to Randy Miller of NJ.com he believes the New Jersey Devils will indeed look in acquiring more offense prior to the 5 March 2014 trade deadline. Some options Miller offered for the Devils are: Paul Stastny of the Colorado Avalanche, Matt Moulson from the Buffalo Sabres, Mike Camalleri from the Calgary Flames, Olli Jokinen and Devan Setoguchi in Winnipeg and Brad Boyes of the Florida Panthers. All are set to become unrestricted free agent in the summer.
Calgary Flames will be sellers and not buyers
While the Calgary Flames are having all kind of difficulties in scoring goals and losing games, which is leading them towards the bottom of the conference standing, Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun reports the Flames should be sellers as the trading deadline is approaching. The Flames will have four unrestricted free agent this summer that could help offensively other teams in the playoffs. The four free agents are: Mike Camalleri who’s usually a solid performer in the post season, Lee Stepniak, Matt Stajan and Chris Butler. Dennis Wideman could represent a trade bait with a decent return if a team is willing to pick up contract and he waives his no-movement clause.
Pittsburgh to look for depth in offense
Since the injury to forward Pascal Dupuis, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been searching for a forward capable to add depth to their second or third line. According to Kevin Allen of USA Today, he is reporting the Penguins will be looking for a scorer to replace Dupuis. By placing Dupuis on the long term injured reserve list, the Penguins will have the cap space to go after a Matt Moulson, Olli Jokinen or Lee Stempniak of the Calgary Flames.
