Hockey Trade Rumors

According to Damian Cox of the Toronto Star, as reported by Spectors Trade rumours: JFJ had been shopping veterans McCabe, Tucker, and Sundin to see what kind of market there was for them, before his being fired Tuesday. 3 Teams showed interest in Bryan McCabe.No word on what teams had interest in the Leafs defensman, and no further comment on Sundin was made. However Cox did mention that there was more interest in McCabe then Darcy Tucker.

If Fletcher wishes to rid the Leafs of some of their larger, longer term contracts, this report would indicate that there is a small market for McCabe and he could potentially be dealt.

I believe McCabe would waive his NMC if he doesn’t want to be a part of a rebuilding team at this point in his career, and if it means having a shot at a stanley cup.

Speculation on my part:
Potential teams that could be interested:
-NYR: Rumoured to be interested in Jovo, McCabe could be a plan B
-Wild: If they don’t have to give up a lot to acquire him, McCabe could be a weapon on their power play, a must in the competitive western conference.
-Hawks: Rumoured to be seaking an offensive defensman (linked to Boyle, Campbell, Kaberle)
-Jackets: Because McCabe wouldn’t be a rental, and with Adam Foote’s contract expiring, McCabe could be a good fit to fill in as a top 3 d-man in Columbus. Foote could be re-signed for less then his current $4+ million contract in the offseason.

Given some of the recent contracts handed out to defensman (Sourray $7 million, Rivet $4 million, etc.) McCabe’s $5.75 million cap hit which was once considered very overpayed, doesn’t seem that bad anymore.

McCabe had been playing his best hockey in 2 years during the weeks leading up to his injury in mid December, the streaking Leafs only won 2 regulation games in the month following McCabes injury.