Latest on the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Boston Bruins, plus an updates on the contract status of Florida Panthers defenseman Brian Campbell.
Could the Ducks shop a goalie?
Could Frederik Andersen become a trade chip for the Ducks this season?
630 CHED (via TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman wondered if Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray might shop one of his goaltenders, specifically current starter Frederik Andersen. He points out promising John Gibson has got to play at some point, and also noted Gibson is signed long term, while Andersen isn’t.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I only see them moving Andersen if their season goes completely off the rails. Even then, that’s not a certainty. While the Ducks are struggling to score, Andersen’s posting up strong numbers and certainly isn’t to blame for their recent difficulties. Then again, perhaps shopping him now might attract a solid bid from a club desperate for an upgrade in goal.
Flames interested in Blue Jackets’ Rychel?
SPORTSNET 960 (via TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Friedman also noted Calgary Flames assistant GM Craig Conroy recently scouted a game involving the Columbus Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate, speculating he might have been looking at winger Kerby Rychel. He claims the Blue Jackets are willing to trade Rychel, but the asking price is more than the Flames are willing to pay. He believes the Blue Jackets seek a good young defenseman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: On the one hand, the Jackets seem to be asking a lot for Rychel, who has promise but still hasn’t established himself as a worthwhile NHL player. On the other hand, you have to wonder why the Jackets are willing to part with Rychel. Are they that desperate to improve that they’re willing to move a supposedly good young player with lots of potential? Or is Rychel really not becoming the player they thought he’d be and hope to snooker a rival GM into giving up a decent asset for him? Let me know what you think in the comments section, folks.
Bruins deny Chara and Marchand rumors.
CSNNE.COM: Appearing on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Felger And Mazz” show, Boston Bruins president Cam Neely “denied that trading veterans Zdeno Chara and Brad Marchand has been discussed by the team.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m surprised Neely didn’t jump on this sooner. Perhaps teams were calling the Bruins to determine if Chara or Marchand were available? Regardless, they won’t be going anywhere for the time being, though I wouldn’t be surprised if their names resurface in the rumor mill near the Feb. 29 trade deadline, depending upon the Bruins’ performance and where they are in the standings by then.
What does the future hold for Brian Campbell?
MIAMI HERALD: George Richards reports defenseman Brian Campbell’s future with the Florida Panthers could hinge upon the club’s performance this season. Campbell, 36, is an unrestricted free agent next summer and isn’t ruling out re-signing with the Panthers. He played a big role in developing blueliners like Jason Garrison and Aaron Ekblad.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It ultimately comes down to his asking price. He obviously won’t be getting over $7 million annually and must accept a substantial pay cut to remain with the Panthers on a short-term deal. While the Panthers performance could factor into Campbell’s decision, so too will his play factor into that of management in determining what kind of deal to offer him. If the Panthers are out of playoff contention by the trade deadline and if it appears Campbell could test the UFA market, they could shop him.
Great observation on Rychel Lyle. Living in Columbus, I have heard the buzz on many a Jacket prospect over the last couple of years (Wennberg, Milano, Bjorkstrand, Forsberg, Werenski and Dano), but Rychel doesn’t get the same pub as those players. He’s also been on the trading block, or so it seems, for the last year. If Calgary has a defenseman with top 4 capabilities available, I think Rychel could easily be traded.
Seems alot to give up for a guy who has been passed by many of the other prospects and young players the jackets have. Not knocking Rychels game I havent seen him enough since he left the OHL but judging by his numbers he seems like his ceiling maybe a very good third line player good size can skate….not sure Id be in any hurry to give up a young top 4 thats currently in the NHL for a good third liner in the making in the AHL.
….maybe a guy like Russell?
hmmm jake gardiner
Kris Russell started with the CBJ. He was young then and has developed into an excellent DMan. Don’t see them bringing him back tho…………
I think the Ducks may be the second team this season to part ways with their coach before Murray gives up the farm for a quick fix. At the moment the long suspicion that they are a one-line team has been opened wide and as long as Getzlaf and Perry (and whoever on the other wing) are held in check there’s virtually nothing from any of the others. And except for Lindholm, their D is nothing to strike fear in anyone either. Dealing a goalie is not going to fix anything of that magnitude. Who would have thought they’d miss Beleskey that much?
imo vatanen is a better all around dman than lindholm
I have a really tough time thinking any of what they are going thru has anything whatsoever is due to the departure of Beleskey…he had 1 decent year, the Ducks have been a pretty good team for sometime now.
I was being sarcastic. Sheesh.
panthers will probably be in playoffs so they keep campbell; same goes with winnipeg and byfuglin.
ana will rebound starting tonight
leafs can upset montreal and break their streak or leafs can drop to 24th to 28th position overall = chychrun.
hard decision.
I say leafs win 5-4 and burst habs bubble for sake of another 25 years of futility
UH… how about a team pickin up a David Perron or a Chris Kunitz??? I think a deal can be made, maybe a 7th rounder in return
Only if salary dumps n a taker is around. 7th not much to make it happen.
TDL much better chance to move both.