There’s a lot of news flying around today as we get ready for the draft tomorrow night in Los Angeles and with the latest blockbuster trades and contract signings, things are starting to get really interesting.
We won’t get into a whole lot of detail here, as there really isn’t a lot available, but here is a roundup of what’s floating out there right now. We’re probably missing some as well, but these are the big points.
- With Patrick Marleau’s contract extension, the free agent market for first-line centers has dried up. This has made the market for centers via trade heat up, and it’s likely we see some trades including big-name centers going down soon. Jason Spezza is actively being shopped and word has it that Marc Savard is as well (NTC notwithstanding). The price for these players has gone up however, as the sellers certainly have the upper hand.
- A trade involving Mike Ribeiro is looking more and more imminent. The Dallas Stars aren’t going to just give him away, but there are some defensemen out there available and more teams need centers than are being made available.
- Rumors have been flying all day long regarding Tomas Kaberle, as can be expected. Brian Burke is actively shopping the defenseman here in LA, although the supposed trade with Edmonton doesn’t look to be anything more than a loose rumor (perpetuated by the team, no less).
- The other thing to keep an eye on is the goaltending position, as Tim Thomas’ agent has been given permission to speak with teams about a trade. Thomas has a no-movement clause, and the Bruins need to free up some cap space. You also wonder what they might be able to get in return, as there are going to be a number of goalies available in free agency as well.
- It looked like Michael Leighton could have been on his way out of Philadelpha, but Tim Panaccio is saying that Paul Holmgren is meeting with Leighton’s agent today. The Flyers aren’t completely out of the woods yet, salary wise, but certainly have a bit of room to sign Leighton if they feel that’s a better option than free agency.
- I’m still doubting we see many more trades involving first round picks, as the price gets more expensive with each trade. Still, there are persistent murmurs that the Leafs are looking to get back into the first round and with Tomas Kaberle as a bargaining chip it’s certainly possible.
Anything we missed? Let us know by emailing us at prohockeytalk(at)gmail(dot)com.