Erat, Fiddler and Miller trade talk from cbc
It’s public knowledge that Erat, owner of the penthouse in Capitals head coach Adam Oates’ doghouse, asked to be dealt. While there will be interest because Erat’s salary is $2.25 million lower than his cap hit next season, the fact that he’s now made two trade requests in less than 12 months hurts, even though no one could have predicted what’s happened in Washington.
Asked which team is the best he’s seen this season, McPhee said: “St. Louis. I didn’t realize some of their forwards are as good as they are.” He named Jaden Schwartz, Vladimir Sobotka and Vladimir Tarasenko.
Another player who asked to be traded, Vern Fiddler of the Dallas Stars, apparently reconsidered and word is Stars GM Jim Nill pulled him off the market. Nill said the two talked and Fiddler is staying because he likes the room and team.
I saw the Stars play in Buffalo a few weeks ago and talked to Cody Eakin about playing centre in the Western Conference. Eakin said that, when he was traded from the Capitals, “I couldn’t win a faceoff.” Fiddler, sitting next to him, blurted out, “That’s because you were too weak.” Eakin and a couple other guys loved that, so I could see why Fiddler fits in.
After watching the Anaheim Ducks implode in the third period of Tuesday’s 6-3 loss to Dallas, a thought hit me: “Would it make sense for the Ducks to pursue Ryan Miller?” No doubt, he’d love to play there and Anaheim doesn’t seem 100 per cent comfortable with Jonas Hiller. Viktor Fasth is hurt and Frederik Andersen may not be ready for a club with lofty goals. There’s no long-term responsibility with Miller. It’s pure speculation on my part. But I see some logic to it.
http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/hockey/opinion/2013/11/30-thoughts-nhl-thrilled-by-media-rights-bonanza.html