Rumors, Rumors, Rumors – Feb 27, 2010

Predators defenseman Dan Hamhuis hears the trade rumors

Worst part for Oilers is not knowing

Klesla might be finished for the season


Predators defenseman Dan Hamhuis hears the trade rumors

John Glennon

Since arriving in Nashville seven years ago, Dan Hamhuis has played 462 games for the Predators, gotten married and had two children.

It’s no stretch to say he’s put down Music City roots.

Only days after the birth of his second daughter, however, the 27-year-old defenseman can’t help but wonder how long he and his family will remain here.

A potential unrestricted free agent this summer, Hamhuis has seen his name tossed about in rumors leading up to the NHL’s March 3 trade deadline.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100226/SPORTS02/2260356/2163

Worst part for Oilers is not knowing

Joanne Ireland, edmontonjournal.com

For the most part, the Edmonton Oilers maintain they won’t be living on uneasy street when the NHL trading window reopens on Monday.

Perhaps there will be a: “are you hearing anything?” text fired off to an agent.

Maybe there will be a locker-room inquiry as to the scuttlebutt, but other than a few covert checks, it will be business as usual come Monday.

The roster freeze, which went into effect prior to the Olympic Games, ends at midnight on Sunday — just 72 hours before trade deadline day.

“Based on where we’re sitting and where we need to go, there are steps that need to be taken. Guys realize that,” said forward Patrick O’Sullivan. “Certainly we talk about it, but you can only talk it so much before you’re just spinning your wheels.

“I don’t think too many guys worry too much about it. Ninety-five per cent of the things you hear won’t happen anyway, and there’s not much of anything you can do about it anyway — unless you have a no-trade clause.”

Team brass have stated there will be changes, but time will tell if the rebuilding starts at the March 3 deadline or if the changes start unfolding at the draft and/or on July 1 when free agency opens.

“It’s your future. You don’t know where you’re going to be in a week,” winger Fernando Pisani said. “I think the worst part for everybody is the not knowing. But it’s one of those things, it’s really out of my control.”

“It will be an interesting three days but as a player, as an individual, you just can’t think about all the rumours or the what ifs,” said defenceman Tom Gilbert.

“It can be tough when you do hear rumours. You think, what if I end up here. You can get caught up in it … but maybe five per cent of the rumours are true.”

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/edmonton-oilers/Rumours+swirl+trade+deadline+looms+Oilers/2619342/story.html

Klesla might be finished for the season

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Blue Jackets defenseman Rostislav Klesla, who suffered tears to his groin and abdomen Nov.30, had hoped to return to action after the Olympic break.

That timetable will not be met. In fact, Klesla’s next game might not be until next season.

The Dispatch has learned that Klesla’s return is not imminent, and the club might decide to sit him out for the remaining 19 games. General manager Scott Howson and Klesla are expected to address the defenseman’s status, perhaps as soon as today.

The risk of playing Klesla might not seem worth the reward for a club in 14th place in the Western Conference.

The eighth-year veteran was enjoying the best start of his career when he collided with St. Louis’ Barret Jackman and fell awkwardly to the ice. He had surgery to repair the tears, and team officials initially thought he might be out for just six weeks.

Before the Olympic break, Klesla had begun skating and participating in noncontact drills. But he was feeling pain as he pushed off to take his first stride.

Howson said last week that Klesla has not experienced a setback, but that the original return date was ambitious. Klesla has played in 26 games this season after appearing in just 34 last season because of various injuries.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2010/02/27/klesla-might-be-finished-for-the-season.html?sid=101