Looking Out for #1?

In an interesting discussion on TSN's "Off The Record" last night, the panel brought up the idea that the number of players on the Canadiens with contract uncertainties heading into the offseason has been a significant detriment to the quality of play of the team. This can be seen to manifest itself in two ways: players pressing too hard to try and score in the hopes of earning a better contract (ultimately leading to inconsistent play), or players avoiding intensive physical/defensive styles to limit injuries that would hurt their contract chances.

Two questions to throw out to our readers then:

1) Do you think that the number of players with uncertain contract status for next year has really been a contributor to some of the struggles the Canadiens have had?

2) Should Bob Gainey work harder to sign/extend his free agents during the season, or is waiting until the offseason still the more prudent choice?

75 trades...

On deadline days in the three years since the lockout. I'm no mathematician, but I'm going to go out on a limb and predict 25 trades tomorrow. A few rumours from today:

• Anaheim GM Bob Murray says Scott Niedermayer "is not available"
• Dominic Moore and the Leafs are a million per year apart on a contract, the Toronto Star calls his trade inevitable
• Give teams (including Les Canadiens and Calgary) are still bidding for Olli Jokinen
• Jay Bouwmeester is likely staying in Florida
• The Minnesota Wild are leaning towards dealing star goaltender Niklas Backstrom. My Take: This could be THE move of the deadline. If the Red Wings grab Backstrom, watch out
• The Bill Guerin trade watch continues, and the belief is he is headed to Washington, should they be able to trade Michael Nylander

UPDATE:

• TEAM 990: The Devils are pursuing Anaheim defenceman Scott Niedermayer, and will do so right up until the deadline.
• SI's Jim Kelley says the Sabres are making inquiries of "every available goaltender," suggesting that they are not comfortable with Patrick Lalime down the stretch. 

Less than 48 hours to go...

And the two guys I think the Canadiens should be targeting, other than the obvious Pronger, Bouwmeester, or Jokinen rumours:

1. Martin St. Louis: He's good, he's French, he's a leader, and he's cheap. Next year's contract is for only $4 million, a steal for a guy +10 and a point per game on Tampa Bay.
2. Teemue Selanne: I've said it before and I'll say it again. This guy has serious chemistry with Koivu. He'd be an awesome addition to what has, at times, been an anemic offence.

And for your viewing pleasure, some of the bigger deals of recent years and how GM's remember them going down:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3946240

The Latest and Greatest...

• Ryan Smyth has been linked to Calgary (various outlets), Vancouver (Globe and Mail) and now...Edmonton? (Sportsnet) Could Captain Canada really head back to the city he spurned for a few thousand dollars? And how could the Oil fit him under the cap? 
• The Sens and Pens have discussed a Jarko Ruutu trade that would see him returning to his old team. (ESPN)

The first deal of the week is...

As per TSN: The Thrashers trade D Niclas Havelid to the Devils in exchange for D Annsi Salmela

• The LA Kings have placed defenceman Tom Priessing on waivers

More Deadline Craziness

Updating a recent post, Brian Burke has flatly denied that the Bruins have made a pitch for Kaberle.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=269448&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

Perhaps they're focusing their efforts on Pronger?

Also be sure to check out The Insider video link on the main TSN page this morning, where Darren Dreger discusses a lot of interesting tidbits about the upcoming deadline. Included among them is the possibility that the Blues will be buying rather than selling; a disappointing proposition for all of those teams who were looking at Keith Tkachuk as a reasonable solution for their postseason push.

Quiet day in Habsland, but lots of rumours

With the Canadiens resting until Wednesday against Buffalo, things are fairly quiet in Habsland. Two great pieces in today's Gazette on Plekanec and Halak today.  I really believe Plekanec is a special player. Gainey should not, I repeat not, deal Pleks.

Rumours as they come today. First off, Bob McKenzie's discussion from radio this morning:

• Philly wants to get rid of Briere, realizes it was a bad signing
• Bob Gainey is still shopping for a top six forward, likely a center, Dominic Moore is a possibility
• As far as he can find out, Kaberle to Boston rumours have been fabricated
• Toronto will definitely trade Antropov and Moore, unless Moore signs a contract extension today, and likely Ponikarovsky
• Ottawa will trade both Kuba and Neil
• Phoenix does not want much for Olli Jokinen, McKenzie called this a "soft deal" to be had, they simply want to get rid of him as the relationship has not worked out

Bruins make "monster offer" for Kaberle

Not sure it is that "monster," but two first rounders, a third and a top prospect is pretty good.

http://community.nesn.com/blogs/nhl_lowdown/archive/2009/03/01/3711275.aspx

More trade rumours...

It's that time of year! Philadelphia has apparently offered James vanRiemsdyk, Joffrey Lupul and prospect to the Panthers for Jay Bouwmeester, as per the Toronto Sun.

To match, what would the Canadiens have to part with? Chris Higgins, PK Subban and a 1? 

• Stan Fischler of NYP fame is saying Sunday on the Devils broadcast that the Flames and Avs have been discussing a deal that would bring Ryan Smyth to Calgary. The ultime screw you to Edmonton? My Take: This deal has legs. The Avalanche desperately need to clear some salary. I would say a package of Lombardi, Aucoin and a 1st would do it. Getting Smyth off the books would be a big win for Colorado's owners. 
• Bill Guerin has been traded, but where? The pundits are saying Washington is the favourite, followed closely by Montreal, Boston, Buffalo and Pittsburgh. Whoever grabs him may not like what they get, because Billy G's playoff stats, in over 100 games, are essentially .5 points per game. Not exactly first line material. My Take: He's going to Washington, probably for a 2nd round pick and perhaps a prospect, no more. 
• Nasville is after Ponikarovsky, according to The Fourth Period. The Preds are looking to deal Radek Bonk. My Take: The Leafs want picks, not Bonks. Ponikarovsky for a 3rd and a 4th, and Nashville picks up a decent, gritty, top nine winger. 
• Steve Sullivan: If, and it's a big if, the Predators decide they're not in this, then perhaps they deal Sullivan to the East. I would think Boston or Montreal would love his speed. But could his body take the beating that is the NHL playoffs? I'd have to think the Predators would be happy with a prospect and a late pick in return. After all, two months ago, he hadn't played in two years. 
• Mathieu Dandenault: He wants out, the Canadiens want to shed his salary, and the Red Wings always liked him. I bet he gets shipped there as playoff depth, probably for a 5th or 6th round pick. 
• Pascal Leclaire to Ottawa for Antoine Vermette, http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2009/03/leclaire_to_ottawa.shtml My Take: This makes sense. Ottawa desperately needs a goalie, and Columbus needs a centreman. I could see this one coming to fruition.
• Gary Roberts is available, but has confirmed that he will definitely retire for good at the end of this season. My Take: Roberts is going to a contender that needs a veteran presence. Look for Pittsburgh to take a look. He could also head back to Calgary, or perhaps Vancouver to join his old buddy Mats "the sellout" Sundin.