Early Movement in the NHL

With the NHL schedule at 20 games played, trades have already been a hot topic of the rumour mill.

So many of these trades that were supposed to happen, have not. Other small but important moves have taken shape.

Marian Gaborik is injured and therefore more tied to Minnesota than Jesse Ventura. Khavibulin is still in Chicago along with his titanic salary hit and Cristobal Huet's inability to stop the puck. And Mats is still in LA talking to poker pros.

Nevertheless some significant moves have been made by organizations. Notably has been the trade of a 2 time Stanley cup winner for a former NHL all-star: Phillipe Boucher for Darryl Sydor. This trade is really one that should benefit both teams as well as both players. The Stars get a calming presence back in big D, which is a must at this stage in their season. The Penguins get a power play presence who can fire a big right handed shot that they are sorely missing right now. And finally cap wise, both players are off the hook at the end of this year. Couldn't have had it any better.

Also in the news is the newest free agent to hit the market in years. The big burly lawyer from Harvard is set to make a huge splash in Ontario's capital. That's what's been predicted for ages. And now as the Silver Fox is expected to make way for Brian Burke in Toronto, the media is loving life with a new talkative GM. This would be the most anticipated move in Leaf nation for the last 6 months and will take the heat off Mats for a few days, well, probably more like a few hours.

Following Burkes eventual signing I think it is reasonable to assume that it is now time for Sundin to step in and run with the buds for a few more months.

Also there is still a certain sniper available in Mr. Shanahan so look for him to be signed over the next week or so, I think he is still a solid player and can do some heavy damage on the power play.

Oh, and what's with the current virus going around of cash-itis? Jason Blake was a healthy scratch against Edmonton and now Dustin Penner has carried forth this gaudy mantra after being ripped by Mctavish for his conditioning. There's another story of a guy who (a la Sergei Samsonov) thought you get paid before you produce.

Well that's all for me today. Still trying to get the computer to agree with my internet card so it will be a few more days of limited blog action.

Also before leaving, the Marlies played great over the weekend in Manitoba even though dropping both decisions. They play in Rochester on Wednesday and then Saturday against the Penguins on what will be Wendell Clark bobble head night. The ACC will also be giving out Wendell moustaches on the same night as his banner is raised to the rafters. Just imagine 18 thousand handle bar moustaches watching a hockey game, too bad it isn't Lanny MacDonald night...