Hockey Trade Rumors

I thought since we haven’t had any Malkin news in a while and since this story brings more evidence to light about the shady ongoings in Russia, that I may as well post it, in hopes to silence some critics who thought we were exagerating about (some aspects of) Russia’s corruptness. One of the speculations was that there was immense pressure being put on his family, that forced him to sign the 3am contract reworking.

Now the dust has settled in Islanderland, the team can focus on the season ahead. By the same token, fantasy owners can focus on what changes this team has undergone and which players will be the most affected.

The issue of a 7th defenceman for NJ has been seemingly resolved. With Matvichuk out and Malakhov all but retired the 5 shoe-ins for NJ right now is Rafalski, White, Lukowich and RFA’s Hale and Martin (will be signed somehow).

Tsn.ca is reporting that Mike Keenan has resigned after one full season as boss of the cats and days before the start of training camp.

In Ranger news today the NY post is reporting that Dvorak one time 30 goal scorer for the Rangers may make his return.

According to http://www.nypost.com/sports/rangers/rangers.htm

Dvorak has been talking to St. Louis, and Detroit as well….

I just wanted to post something for Stefan Blaho, who died in a fatal car accident tuesday night at age 21.

He was drafted by the Islanders, i just find it really sad, he could have been a big star. I am posting this in memory of Stefan Blaho..

According to http://www.brochuishockey.blogspot.com/. This is an Eklund like site so I wouldnt take this to the bank. However, it goes on to say that Allison has talked to 2-3 teams and one of them is Philly because of the primeau situation along with forsberg’s injury issues.

Ever witness a hockey interview that makes you want to reach in and choke the athlete? If interviews are going to be fake and somewhat scripted, then they should be done just like in wrestling.

I just read that Zherdev may play in Russia next year (on TSN’s site) and I started thinking about his real intentions. Is this about money or the market? He is russian and some people say they are only after the money, but he does have some great talent. He is still going to play hockey so it’s not like he is just holding out and practicing. So, I think that maybe he is not happy in the Columbus market and might be seeking out somehow. By holding out with a contract dispute rather than asking for a trade (which would seem REALLY selfish from a extremely young player who isn’t the likes of Crosby or Alex the Great).

For those of you who don’t already know, a keeper league is a pool where you keep a certain number of your players (sometimes a whole team) over consecutive seasons. The challenge here is very similar to the problem real NHL GMs face: having a great team this year as well as a great team down the road. I will let everyone know up front, I do not claim to be an amazing keeper league manager, but I put together this list and might update it a couple times during the year. Please don’t flame me too much, these lists are pretty tough (especially keeper lists).

I’m sick of all these unrealistic posts of who they think will do amazing this year and take the cup and so on. I’m gonna go through each team briefly and talk about their playoff chances and players on their team that can blossom this year…