Out of his League
Today on www.hockeybuzz.com Eklund has posted an article about the Devils salary situation. He says he’s spent a day searching for rumors and has discovered a rumor that Mogilny’s salary won’t count against the cap. Funny, I heard all that yesterday on TSN or Sportsnet when it was reported that Moginly had seen a second doctor and there was no possibility he could return to the NHL. Eklund then goes on to state 5 other NJ rumors:
“1. Malakhov and a Good Draft Pick will go to either the Blues or Hawks for a minor league guy. Mogilny and a Good Draft Pick will go to the team who doesn’t take Malakhov for a minor leaguer”
– won’t happen because Mogilny won’t play
“2. Both Malakhov and Mogilny and a first and third round pick, would go to the Caps for a minor leaguer”
– again the Mogilny thing, but also theres no way the Capitals will take on 6-7 million in cap room for two players (COMMON IT”S WASHINGTON, their 2nd,3rd, and 4th lines are only about 8 million.)
“3. Malakhov + a pick gets moved out west, and Gionta gets moved to either LA, Ottawa, Montreal, or Toronto. Gionta would have a say in where he goes. 4. Malakhov + pick gets moved out west, and Gomez gets moved to Calgary for a prospect and a pick”
– one, I honestly can’t see any team picking up Malakhov’s salary; two NIETHER Ottawa or Montreal can afford Gionta (probly 3.5-4 million) and won’t be willing to move some of their newly aquired players; three I can’t see Calgary going after Gomez, yes they could get him under the cap if they lose someone like Langkow but I don’t see Suter leaving his team with no wiggle room.
“5. NJ throws in the towel and just forfeits the season”
– this “rumor” doesn’t even deserve a respose
Now if Gary Bettman decides to waive Mogilny’s salary, he’ll just have to do it for every other player over 35 who signs a long term deal and gets injured, leading to the team wanting salary relief. Plus this move will anger other GM’s because you’re supposed to be careful who you sign to long term deals. So really Gary Bettman what are you going to do anger 1 GM, or 29? Then again with Bettman you never know.
Now I really wanted to believe this Eklund guy had some serious credability, but post after post I was dissapointed. The only rumors of his I’ve seen come true are ones that have been posted AFTER TSN has already reported them. To sum things up, the chances of Eklund’s predictions coming true are about as likely as Gary Bettman doing something good for the NHL. What do I recommend? Only read his “rumors” if you have nothing better to do. If that. Hockeybuzz, is in my opion a good site; some writers have talent and REAL sources. Eklund is simply out of his league.