It's that time of the year again, yes, the wonderfully mad Trade Deadline period. A time when anyone who calls themselves a true hockey fan scours the Internet is search of any and all rumours. Web sites such as TSN, Spectors, Eklund, and the Fourth Period are visited and revisited all in the hopes that a deal has been struck, that the first shoe has dropped, hell even the waiver wire is exciting right now. Up until this point, I am still waiting, it's eerily quiet..refresh, reload, refresh, reload, still nothing.
So what is Bob Gainey going to do? Surely he isn't finished. Schnieder was a heck of an acquisition, one that has paid huge dividends on the powerplay already, but there are still some glaring holes in the Habs lineup. The Habs have to be looking to add a big talented center... Jokinen's name keeps popping up, he is a definite possibility, but he is also a guy that has never played in a playoff game, and has played poorly all year in Phoenix. I'd love to see BG land Tkachuk, he is both physical and can score, the problem is that the Blue's are still in the playoff picture and look to maybe be buying not selling. Then there is Vinny, who was the darling of the rumour world during the All Star break, but Brian Lawton (can he be trusted?) seems adamant that Vinny is not being shopped. Vinny landing in Montreal would be the trade of the century, will it happen? I doubt it, but again, it's that time of the year, anything is possible, salary cap permitting.
Those were a few names for the hole at center, what other holes might Bob try and fill? Defense: I think BG would like to land a big stay-at-home defenseman. The names out there are Derek Morris, Brendon Witt (still suspended, but tough), and Jay Bouwmeister. I think Morris ends up in Boston. Witt I believe can be had, if BG wants him. As for Jay Bouw, every GM in the league is wetting themselves for his service, aside from Vinny (which is all speculation) he is the biggest name out there. I am not convinced the Panthers will move him, they desperately need to make the playoffs and he is their best player. But, if Jacques Martin does move Jay Bouw he is going to ask for the moon, and Jay Bouw is probably worth it. I doubt BG sells the farm unless he has Jay Bouw locked up in a new contract, which is not going to happen. If he goes anywhere it will be Philly, or a team from out of nowhere with an offer which was impossible to refuse.
Any other holes, sure, what about a tough physical forward. The Habs tend to get pushed around by bigger more physical teams, a top six forward who is tough as nails would be a great addition. Ryan Symth might be available, so too Laperriere (not much of a scorer, but grit to spare). Bill Guerin is in limbo, two days ago it looked like he was going to be traded at any moment, things for whatever reason have fallen apart, that said he is a gritty forward with top six capabilities. Gary Roberts (too old) is on waivers, and Recchi (as is the case at every deadline) is also on the block. I could see BG taking a run at Guerin, I love Ryan Symth, but I just can't picture him coming back to play in the East. If Bob makes a move, or moves I bet he tries to land a center or defenceman first, but what do I know?
Ok, sure, those are some names that might go the Habs way, who might be headed out of Montreal? If BG makes any sort of significant move I think the one big piece moved would be Chris Higgins. Higgy was stripped of his 'A' earlier this year, and his offensive game, has well, been offensive. Other possiblities are the Kostitsyn brothers (one or both), Halak (his stock has never been higher), Dandy (he is a goner), O'Bryne, and any prospect (especially on the defensive end). Pure speculation on my part, but isn't that what makes this time of the year fun? Ok, back to refreshing every possible hockey site on the web. Enjoy the madness fellow puckheads!
