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Rumors du jour
By Tony Wong, Calgary Correspondent

With the trading deadline only two weeks away, everyone is embroiled in trade rumors. However, with Gilmour and Oates now gone, it's become a lot harder to predict. So here at LCS, with the help of our crystal ball and the eyes and ears of our correspondents around the league, here are a few of the best rumors we've heard.

The Top Five

1. The Vancouver Canucks trade: Alexander Mogilny, Russ Courtnall, Esa Tikkanen and the rights to Mattius Ohlund for Andrei Nikolishin, Steve Konowalchuk, Brendan Witt, Nolan Baumgartner and Washington's fourth-round pick.

The only blockbuster trade of the bunch, but what a trade it is! While the principles around this trade: Mogilny, Witt and Baumgartner, have been discussed previously, the acquisition of Adam Oates makes giving up the two blue chip prospects much easier. For the Capitals, it would give them a serious shot at winning the Stanley Cup immediately. A line of Mogilny, Oates and Bondra would create a nightmare for opposing defenses. Backed by their solid blue line, Washington would finally have an offense to go with their defense. Tikkanen and Courtnall would bring playoff experience and savvy to the second and third lines. The addition of highly regarded prospect Ohlund would also help to ease the loss of Witt and Baumgartner. In the end, the Capitals essentially trade two young blue chip defensemen for Mogilny, Ohlund and a chance at the Cup.

For Vancouver, the gains are much more subtle. In dealing the four players, the Canucks not only dump a lot of salary, but also a lot of negativity. Of the four players, the much maligned Mogilny was the only player actually producing anything for the team. In return, Vancouver gets two big, young talented defensemen who can step in immediately. Improperly used in Washington, Nikolishin is a talented young playmaker who can finally give Bure a center who can skate with him. Though unspectacular, Konowalchuk is also a tough, gritty winger that has some scoring touch. In essence, Vancouver gets four players for Mogilny and a prospect (Ohlund), as both Courtnall and Tikkanen are free agents without compensation after this season. For a team that was treading water, the trade makes the Canucks, younger, tougher, cheaper and better defensively. In the weak Western division, this version of the Canucks has a good chance of advancing to meet either Colorado or Detroit in the division final. From there, who knows.

2. The Edmonton Oilers trade: Luke Richardson for Shjon Podein and Philadelphia's fourth-round pick.

If Sather is unable to sign Richardson, look for this trade to happen. While Sather would prefer Zubrus, Clarke isn't willing to deal the 6'3, 215 pound Russian tank. Eventually though, Sather will settle for Podein, who has Zubrus's size, and a draft pick. While relatively unspectacular, we've ranked this as our number two trade as it could be the final piece of the puzzle for the Flyers.

3. The Flames trade: Ronnie Stern and Steve Chiasson for Kevin Haller and Hnat Domenichelli.

Batted back and forth between the Flames and the Whalers, the Whalers are unsure if they want to deal young Hnat. However with the Capitals and Adam Oates bearing down on the last playoff spot, Hartford may be forced to deal.

For the Whalers, Stern provides the physical winger that they've been looking for all season. In Chiasson, they get a solid blueliner who can move the puck to help out Sean Burke. In picking up both these players, the Whalers plug two obvious holes in their lineup.

For Calgary, Stern and Chiasson are older, players who are replaceable on a young Flames team. While not as solid as Chiasson, the Flames get a mobile young defenseman in Haller. The key for the Flames however is Hnat. Jarome Iginla's linemate in junior, the Flames would love to reunite these two talented rookies.

Quite simply, the Whalers trade some of their young talent to make the playoffs. The Flames receive two excellent young players for two veterans who the Flames have deemed replaceable.

4. The Montreal Canadiens trade: Stephane Richer for Eric Weinrich.

Originally based on a Shayne Corson for Gary Suter trade, Chicago's sorry offense gets a boost in the form of Richer for one of their surplus defenseman. In return, the Habs receive a solid defensive defenseman and rid themselves of Richer, who had voiced his displeasure in being in Montreal. Simply, it is a trade that fits for both parties.

5. The Los Angeles Kings trade Kevin Stevens for Luc Robitaille and cash.

Both of these former snipers have performed poorly in their new homes. In Stevens, the Rangers hope that a visit from Gretzky re-awakens the tough 50-goal scorer within. For the Kings, getting rid of Stevens simply lowers their payroll. As a bonus, they get to welcome back one of the best Kings players ever. With the Rangers desperate, the Kings should be able to get New York to pay most of Lucky Luc's salary. If all turns out well, both Stevens and Robitaille return to their sniper form. Unfortunately, the guess here is that both will be disappointments in their new surroundings. Sigh. The more things change, the more they stay the same...

Other Deals

With so many teams active, there's bound to be other trades. Here a look at some of the less exciting ones:

Dino Ciccarelli, Tampa Bay, to Pittsburgh for their second-round pick. As Tampa Bay fades from the playoff picture, they should be willing to deal their 36-year-old sniper. A good fit for the Penguins, Ciccarelli will provide the scoring boost that Pittsburgh is looking for.

Derek King, New York Islanders, to Pittsburgh for their fourth-round pick. It's Mario's last year and Derek loves to shoot. An unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, a fourth-round pick is a good value for his "rental".

Kirk Muller, Toronto Maple Leafs, to the New York Rangers for their second-round pick. Smith needs to win now, so he'll roll the dice on this veteran.

Jamie Macoun, Toronto Maple Leafs, to the Philadelphia Flyers for their third- or fourth-round pick. A big nasty defenseman, Macoun will pay dividends for the Flyers if spotted correctly by coach Murray.

Ray Ferraro, Los Angeles Kings, to the Florida Panthers for their third-round pick. Ferraro is a cheap solution for their offensive problems and allows the Panthers to improve without giving up a key draft pick or prospect.

Bob Probert, Chicago Blackhawks, to the New York Rangers for their third-round pick. A good pickup for a smallish Ranger team looking for a physical presence.

Steve Chiasson, Calgary Flames, for Nelson Emerson, Hartford Whalers. The Flames get a good offensive forward, while Hartford gets a strong, mobile defenseman. A good trade to fill the needs of both teams.

Markus Naslund, Vancouver Canucks, to the Pittsburgh Penguins for their third-round pick. In one of those transactions that has made Pat Quinn famous, watch for Naslund to return to the offensive starved Penguins.

For those of you still hungry for gossip, below is a quick overview of each teams and their potential trading deadline moves.

Anaheim: While Kariya, Selanne and Hebert could use some help in Anaheim, the Ducks have little to deal, other than their three big stars. Unless there's a sudden change of heart, the Ducks will most likely stand pat.

Boston: With Oates, Tocchet and Ranford gone, the Bruins haven't got much left. With two likely top 10 picks (their own and Hartford's), Sinden will begin to focus his energy on the draft. It looks the streak of 29 straight postseason appearances will end this year. Poor Ray Bourque.

Buffalo: The Sabres would like to deal Garry Galley, however with his recent injury, that is now unlikely. With the Sabres playing like the class of the Northeast, it would be foolish for Muckler to mess with his team's chemistry. The best late season addition would be Pat Lafontaine, however that seems unlikely at this point.

Calgary: With Dave Gagner an unrestricted free agent after this year and a surplus of defensemen, Calgary is looking for a deal to cash in on these commodities. Tommy Albelin, Steve Chiasson and Ronnie Stern are the players most often mentioned in trade talks. Any of these players could be had either for some scoring help, young prospects or draft picks. Though Fleury's name has been bandied about, it doesn't look like Coates is willing to deal him.

Chicago: The Blackhawks would like to add some scoring help up front and are offering a variety of defensemen and Bob Probert around. On the block are several attractive veterans: Eric Weinrich, Keith Carney and perhaps Gary Suter. They'd love to add a scorer like Mogilny, but based on what they can offer in return, Russ Courtnall is a more likely fit.

Colorado: The Avalanche are simply waiting for the playoffs. With Forsberg signed to a long term deal, Sakic lined up to re-sign and a bevy of premier prospects playing in the minors and junior hockey, the deepest team in the league is waiting for the Cup to arrive. A trade at this point would be a major shock.

Dallas: Consistently good throughout the year, it's unlikely that the Stars will make a deal before the deadline. And those rumors about an interest in Mogilny? Just that -- idle talk for this playoff bound team.

Detroit: In getting power forward Brendan Shanahan, the Red Wings are now looking for what they lost -- a mobile defenseman to run the power play. While Duchesne and Galley have failed to impress Bowman, perhaps Larry Murphy, Steve Chiasson, Rob Blake or Roman Hamrlik would. Look for the Red Wings to deal a youngster for a mobile defenseman before the deadline.

Edmonton: The biggest dilemma facing Glen Sather is the signing of Luke Richardson. An unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, the 27-year-old meanie is the kind of defenseman that every team wants. However, without a signed contract, Sather risks losing him for nothing. As losing Richardson would severely hamper the Oiler's playoff hopes, look for Sather to sign Richardson first. If Sather doesn't have a signed contract by the 18th, look for him to deal Richardson -- Sather never gives up something for nothing. The most likely scenario has Richardson going to Philadelphia for Shjon Podein and another player.

Florida: While the Panthers would like to add offense, they simply will not give up Jovanovski, Niedermayer or a high draft pick. So with Mogilny out of the picture, the most likely Panther candidates become Dave Gagner and Ray Ferraro. Both could bring offense at the reasonable price.

Hartford: After a mid-season collapse, the Whalers are now tied for eighth in the division with newly rejuvenated Washington hot on their heels. The Whalers are looking to add a rugged winger and another defenseman without dealing one of their younger players. Emerson, Haller and rookie Hnat Domenichelli are the players most frequently mentioned. Look for the Whale to make a minor move before the deadline.

Los Angeles: With the youth movement in place, the Kings seem to be content in letting their youngsters "gain experience". While not actively shopping them, the Kings would entertain offers for Stevens, Ferraro, Olczyk and Khristich. The most viable rumor has Stevens heading to the Rangers for Luc Robitaille and a pile of cash (to pay Robitaille's contract).

Montreal: Houle has announced repeatedly that he is going to "stand pat" with his existing lineup. However, for the right price, Houle will gladly deal malcontent Richer to the Western Conference. The Blackhawks have shown some interest in obtaining Shayne Corson, but with Corson clicking with Koivu and Recchi, don't hold your breath. The most likely move has Murray Baron returning to St. Louis for Stephane Matteau.

New Jersey: In winning the Doug Gilmour sweepstakes, the Devils are set. Another deal would be very surprising.

New York Islanders: With the Islanders fading and Derek King a free agent next year, look for Milbury to unload King to the highest bidder. Travis Green and Marty McInnis are also said to be available, but their destination is unknown. Other than dealing those three, Milbury should be content looking forward to the draft.

New York Rangers: Though dazzling earlier in the year, the Rangers are currently a mess. At present, they need some rugged forwards to help fight off the bigger teams such as Philadelphia and a scorer to convert Gretzky's passes. Unfortunately, the Rangers don't have much to deal, so don't wait around for Mogilny to show up. Apparently Smith has offered Nemchinov for Russ Courtnall, but the Canucks aren't interested. Look for Smith to do his best with a flurry of smaller trades a la Pat Quinn before the deadline. Nemchinov and youngsters Karpovtsev, Dube and Goneau are the most oft mentioned heading the other way. If anyone will have him, Robitaille is gone.

Ottawa: The Senators could definitely use a defenseman or another forward with some offensive skills. Unfortunately, the Senators don't have much to offer in return and will most likely stand pat and hope to make the playoffs with their existing players.

Philadelphia: Now that the lure of Gilmour is gone, Clarke clearly needs to find a big, tough defenseman to clear the net. If Clarke can't pry Richardson out of Edmonton, look for him to settle for Macoun, Weinrich or Chiasson. While Clarke has shown some interest in Wendel Clark, the Leafs are probably looking for too much for him.

Pittsburgh: With Jagr out and Lemieux retiring, look for Patrick to make a move. In addition to slapping the team in the face, Patrick's move behind the bench will help him evaluate his current squad. The Penguins could use another scorer, a tough winger and another defenseman. Derek King would make a fine addition to the Penguins.

Phoenix: The Coyotes would love to land another defenseman, but may not have enough to offer to land one. At present, all is quiet in the desert.

St. Louis: With Hull and Turgeon scoring like crazy, it's unlikely that the Blues management will mess with the current team chemistry. If any deals are made, look for minor ones, such as Stephane Matteau for former Blue Murray Baron.

Tampa Bay: Like everyone else in Florida, the Lightning is looking for some more offense. But like the Panthers, they are reluctant to deal anything of value. Look for the Lightning to be quiet on the trade front unless they suddenly go cold. If they do, look for Dino Ciccarelli to be dealt, perhaps to Pittsburgh.

Toronto: While Gilmour is gone, Fletcher still has a bunch of old bodies he'd like to move before the end of the year. First and foremost, Kirk Muller. Muller has been shopped everywhere, with the Rangers being the most likely destination in return for a draft pick or perhaps Christian Dube. Wendel Clark has drawn some interest from Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. If they are willing to offer anything in return and take on his contract, look for Fletcher to deal him. Larry Murphy is being shopped around, with cross-town rival Detroit being the best fit. Can these natural enemies bury their differences and make a deal? Don't bet against it. Bowman knows what Murphy can do and Fletcher isn't shy. Finally, Macoun has drawn some interest from Philadelphia. If the Flyers are unable to get Richardson, look for Macoun to go to the City of Brotherly Love for a third- or fourth-round draft pick.

Vancouver: If it weren't for the Rangers, the Canucks would be the biggest mess in the NHL right now. Mogilny, Russ Courtnall, Tikkanen, and Naslund are amongst those that can be had in a trade right now. Unfortunately, no one has what the Canucks want, which is a playmaking center for their two superb Russian wingers. With the new ownership getting impatient, look for Quinn to hit the trade deadline with a flurry of deals as usual.

Washington: With Oates now playing for the Capitals, Washington should be done dealing, right? But remember, the Capitals are presently two points out of a playoff spot. With Poile slickly ripping off the Bruins, he still has several promising youngsters left. Could he still have a deal in the works? Don't bet against it. Even with the addition of Oates, the Caps could still use some more scoring. Stay tuned.



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