Deadline getting closer

I just realized it's been six days since I last published a post. Good thing no one is paying me towrite my blog. However, I can assure you that it is merely for lack of effort than anything else, I mean there has been stuff going on in the NHL with the trade deadline getting closer and all. So what's going to happen before Tuesday? Who is moving where and so on? I obviouslycan't go through all the teams, but I will give you some of my thoughts on the subject.

Sergei Fedorov rejoining his former team, the Detroit Red Wings seems like a lock to me. He is not making anyone happy in Columbus and has welcomed a return to Hockeytown on several occasions. Coach Mike Babcock also seems set on bringing back former Red Wing and three -time Stanley Cup champion Darren McCarty to add some needed grit.

The Toronto Maple leafs are a key player in this trade circus, but they are also a mess and it's hard to figure out what the heck is going on in that organization. They have several players they would like to move in order to rebuild the team for the future, but most of those guys sit on no trade clauses. A star like Mats Sundin would obviously generate a lot of new potential to the crippled Leafs, and he has said that he is commited to Toronto but if asked to move he would not object. And really, why would you stay somewhere you are not wanted? Some of the other players with no-trade clauses, among them Tomas Kaberle, have stated they will not move if asked because they are commited to stay and rebuild. While that to me is strange, you can't really blame them for taking advantage of something they and the team agreed on when signing those contracts. Trading captain Mats Sundin would be a monumental move for the Maple Leafs, but if the Boston Bruins could trade off Joe Thornton, also captain at the time, why can't the Leafs do the same. This move, as opposed to the Thornton trade, actually makes sense.

Buffalo's Brian Campbell isn't likely to resign with the Sabres and could end up with any number of teams, my guess is on either Detroit or New Jersey. Anaheim could also be a good fit for the talented defenseman and, as opposed to a guy like Rob Blake, a good long term option.

With Simon Gagne injured for the better part of this season, Daniel Briere a shadow of his form earlier in the season, Peter Forsberg's return looking more and more uncertain, and now also Mike Richards joining the already long injury list, the Philadelphia Flyers will want to strengthen their offense. The Flyers are definatly a team for the playoffs, but with nine straight losses they desperately have to find a way to start winning games again or else they will drop out of the playoff race. Marian Hossa could very well finish his season in the city of brotherly love.

Thrasher goalie Johan Hedberg is not the focus anyone's attention during these final days before the trade deadline, but he is available and would be a more than solid backup to any cup contender. He hasn't had the greatest of seasons, but we all know what he is capable of in a playoff. Detroit perhaps?