The Value of: Ales Kotalik
NHL Hot Stove presents it’s “The Value Of” series which will look at some of the names discussed around the NHL who likely will be moved at the March 3rd trade deadline.
After enduring four long games on the bench after a few previous stints watching from the press box, Ranger forward Ales Kotalik would like a trade. Jim Schmiedeberg of Blueshirt Banter describes the full story as Kotalik seems destined for a new destination.
Categories: Anaheim Ducks, Atlantic, Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Deadline Speculation, Eastern Conference, New York Rangers, Northwest, Pacific, Trade Rumors, Value Of:, Western Conference Tags: Ales Kotalik, Glen Sather, John Tortorella, Matt Cullen, Michael Del Zotto
Today’s Waiver Fodder
Although these are not the type of moves expected following the holiday roster freeze, two GMs made some minor roster decisions today. The Anaheim Ducks placed forward Kyle Calder on waivers while the Nasville Predators did the same with Dave Scatchard.
Calder skated to the left of Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf on the top line however he turned in a sub-par performance. The 32-year-old Calder produced only two assists in 14 games for the Ducks while posting a minus-seven rating.
Scatchard going on waiver may be a surprise to some but with the recent callup and play of rookie Nick Spaling, the veteran became redundant. This move also frees up cap space for the team, albeit not a lot but every dollar counts in this economy.
In 16 games, Scatchard posted five points and a plus-three. The 33-year-old averaged a little under 11 minutes of ice time per game.
It makes one ponder what is in store down the line considering both GMs essentially freed up roster spots. Will it be the kids getting the call ups or will these moves precede trade dominos beginning to fall?
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Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Contributor
achockeyguys@gmail.com
Categories: Anaheim Ducks, Central, Nashville Predators, Pacific, Trade Rumors, Western Conference Tags: Anaheim Ducks, Corey Perry, Dave Scatchard, Kyle Calder, Nashville Predators, Nick Spaling, Ryan Getzlaf
Final Destination: Scott Niedermayer
Some players around the League find themselves at a career crossroad. A crossroad with tough decisions to make regarding ongoing speculation of their final season. Speculation whether to stay on a sinking ship and finish at the bottom of the sea or leaving one’s comfort zone in an attempt to stay on top. Certainly no easy decision for any player
While Scott Niedermayer ponders his future in hockey he continues another solid year in his famed career. The same cannot be said for the Anaheim Ducks, who sit 13th in the Western Conference despite coming off a come from behind victory against the Colorado Avalanche. The team finds themselves as of this writing a mere five points behind the eighth seed.
The asking price for the captain should be reasonable, as he would strictly be a playoff rental. However, GM Brian Murray can acquire a potential piece or pieces to build for a brighter future in sunny Anaheim.
A quick look around the league shows there are a few teams in need of Niedermayer’s services. At 37, he still is one of the best defensemen in the game and a huge piece for a few teams looking for that extra push into serious cup contention.
Lets take a closer look at which teams could trade for Niedermayer in order to bring home Lord Stanley’s Cup. Even though he already carries four Stanley Cup rings to his credit, every player in this league starts the season with one goal in mind.
Categories: Anaheim Ducks, Atlantic, Central, Chicago Blackhawks, Eastern Conference, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, Pacific, Philadelphia Flyers, Southeast, Trade Rumors, Washington Capitals, Western Conference Tags: Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Anaheim Ducks, Andry Greene, Brian Murray, Bryce Salvador, Chicago Blackhawks, Chris Pronger, George McPhee, Johnny Oduya, Los Angeles Kings, Lou Lamoriello, Martin Brodeur, Mike Green, Mike Knuble, New Jersey Devils, Niklas Backstrom, Paul Holmgren, Paul Martin, Philadelphia Flyers, Ray Emery, Rob Niedermayer, Scott Niedermayer, Stan Bowman, Tom Poti, Tomas Fleischmann, Washington Capitals, Wayne Gretzky
What Will Washington Do…
…with all that cap room?
With the loan of Michael Nylander to Grand Rapids of the NHL, the Capitals gained financial flexibility which should allow them to acquire some help in areas they deem necessary. As of this writing, the Caps 24 wins lead the League making the average fan ask: How can they possibly get better?
Corey Masisak of The Washington Times lists five speculative picks that would bolster this team as they prepare for a lengthy playoff campaign. As the team stands there is little need for improvement but one could make a case for another top defender.
As we know from our history watching the playoffs, depth is key. The team’s current construction has featured numerous players shifting up and down the teams forward lines as coach Bruce Boudreau dealt with injuries and juggling in order to find the proper mix. Still Masisak believes the most glaring need is this top defenseman. His solution: Scott Niedermayer.
Niedermayer currently captains the Anaheim Ducks and has lead them, as well as his former team the New Jersey Devils, to the Stanley Cup. In addition, this may be the last year in the NHL for the 36-year-old. Although he only has three goals on the season, he would become a powerful weapon on the Washington powerplay, something dreams are made of. He along with Mike Green would give them two elite puck-moving defensemen which would be incredibly dangerous for this already powerful offense.
Categories: Anaheim Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers, Carolina Hurricanes, Central, Eastern Conference, Nashville Predators, Pacific, Southeast, St. Louis Blues, Trade Rumors, Washington Capitals, Western Conference Tags: Alexander Sulzer, Anaheim Ducks, Bob Murray, Bruce Boudreau, Cody Franson, Corey Masisak, David Backes, David Perron, Ducks Blog, Eric Stephens, Ilya Kovalchuk, Jordon Leopold, Michael Nylander, OC Register, Patri, Ryan Suter, Scott Niedermayer, Shea Weber, The Washington Times, Tomas Fleischmann
Waivers, Minor Signing & A Trade Rumor
To be honest, I thought today would be a lot busier. Yesterday we saw a few goalies make their way onto the trade market and a few vets put through waivers. Today, we have a minor signing, those players clearing waivers and a most likely bunk rumor. Lets go over the action for today:
- Derek MacKenzie and Lukas Krajicek both cleared waivers today. MacKenzie goes to the Jackets AHL affiliate the Syracuse Crunch, link here. Krajicek will not go down to the AHL says Damian Cristodero of Lightning Strikes.
- Sam Carchidi with Broad Street Bull reports a failed trade proposal between the Flyers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The supposed deal would send Mike Smith to Philly in exchange for talented youngsters Claude Giroux and James van Riemsdyk. I could barely keep a straight face reading a proposal that involves two of the better young players in the game for essentially a good backup. Carchidi suggests a relatively equal trade as a rebuttal, Bobby Ryan + for Jeff Carter.
Categories: Anaheim Ducks, Atlantic, Central, Columbus Blue Jackets, Eastern Conference, Pacific, Philadelphia Flyers, Southeast, Tampa Bay Lightning, Trade Rumors, Western Conference Tags: Bobby Ryan, Broad Street Bull, Claude Giroux, Columbus Blue Jackets, Derek MacKenzie, James van Riemsdyk, Jeff Carter, John Grahame, Lukas Krajicek, Mike Smith, Philadelphia Phantoms, Sam Carchidi, Syracuse Crunch, Tampa Bay Lightning
