USA TODAY International Edition
These five matches will warm your heart
With Valentine’s Day here and the NHL trade deadline March 1, these players and teams both swiped right. Is it true love?
KEVIN SHATTENKIRK, DEFENSEMAN, ST. LOUIS BLUES
Desire: Let’s hook up and see where it goes.
Mini- bio: As a free agent July 1, he’s planning to play the field this summer before he settles down. If you are expecting a long- term relationship with Shattenkirk, you might be disappointed. At 28, he’s in the prime of his career and enjoying his best offensive season ( 11 goals, 39 points in 56 games). He could command $ 7 million per season on the open market. Likes: Shattenkirk can bring some moves to the dance floor. He’s an old- time rock ’ n’ roll offensive defenseman. He can put points on the board, especially on the power play. Dislikes: He’s not going to change who he is to make this relationship work. He’s not a physical, shutdown defenseman who is going to match up favorably against Ryan Getzlaf. He’s 5- 11, not 6- 4. Perfect match: New York Rangers Why it’s a great match: Shattenkirk could be Mr. Right for the Rangers’ power- play and transition game. He is everything the Rangers are looking for in a new man. No Rangers defenseman has more than three goals.
Rangers love note: Come to the bright lights of the big city, and you might learn that we are a match made in heaven. Can’t you feel the spark? It makes us warm and tingly just thinking of the magic moments we might have together.
MARC- ANDRE FLEURY, GOALTENDER, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Desire: Long- term relationship. Mini- bio: It won’t be easy for Fleury to divorce himself from the Penguins. They’ve been together since 2003, but Fleury knows it’s time. At 32, Fleury, with 371 career wins, could reach 500 wins before he’s done.
Likes: Fleury has a reputation as one of the most popular players with both teammates and fans. He is always upbeat. He has an uplifting personality.
Dislikes: With two seasons left on a contract paying $ 5.75 million per season, Fleury is hard to move, particularly inseason. Perfect match: Dallas Stars Why it’s a great match: The Stars need to move on from the Kari Lehtonen- Antti Niemi tandem. They need a new look in net, and Fleury is a winner with a Stanley Cup on his résumé. Stars’ love note: After failing to make the two- goalie system work, we are ready to settle down with someone special. Coach Lindy Ruff checked you out for several years when he was in Buffalo. We don’t have any commitment issue in Dallas.
THOMAS VANEK, WINGER, DETROIT RED WINGS Desire: Someone to slip a ring on his finger.
Mini- bio: Coming off an unfulfilling relationship with the Minnesota Wild, he found love in Detroit. The Red Wings and Vanek were like soulmates this season. They helped each other. But Vanek needs more. At 33, his bio-
logical clock is ticking. He’s running out of time to win a Stanley Cup.
Likes: While he might not always be the prettiest performer, Vanek always seems to find a way to get the puck in the back of the net through redirections and rebound conversions. Vanek offers an intriguing net- front presence. He has an engaging personality and a high hockey IQ.
Dislikes: He’s never going to wow you with his spectacular rushes up- ice. Perfect match: Chicago Blackhawks Why we’re a great match: The Blackhawks need a dependable scorer to play with Jonathan Toews. Blackhawks’ love note: It might be love at first sight after you play with Toews for a few shifts. His ability to set up in the offensive zone could mesh perfectly with your special talents in front of the net. You might make beautiful music together.
MARTIN HANZAL, CENTER, ARIZONA COYOTES
Desire: A fling with a Stanley Cup contender.
Mini- bio: He’s a big, strong, silent type. Hanzal’s not a heartsand- flowers style of player. He’s a 6- 6 forward who can match up effectively against the heaviest or the most skillful centers.
Likes: Perfect size, temperament and playing style to be an effective playoff performer.
Dislikes: He’s not a 20- goal scorer. He’s basically a 15- goal, 40- to 45- point offensive player. The Coyotes have been asking a high price, including a young center, in exchange for Hanzal.
Perfect match: Montreal Canadiens Why it’s a great match: Montreal needs a big forward who measures up as a playoff performer. Hanzal is as comfortable matching up against Sidney Crosby as he is a No. 3 center. Canadiens’ love note: Rumors have been flying for months about you and us. Think about all the butterflies you will get in the heat of a playoff race in Canada. We are made for each other.
MATT DUCHENE, CENTER, COLORADO AVALANCHE
Desire: Wants to be unconditionally loved and appreciated
Mini- bio: This is bad breakup because the Avalanche are willing to walk away from a 26- year- old forward with a beautiful scoring touch. He’s on his way to his fourth consecutive season of 20 or more goals.
Likes: The reality that Duchene has lived up to the romance of his ability. He can skate and score. He has delivered throughout his young career.
Dislikes: Most of the contenders, particularly the Penguins, don’t have the cap space necessary to accommodate Duchene’s $ 6 million salary. Plus, teams wonder why the Avs are willing to trade such a young, accomplished player. Perfect match: Penguins Why it’s a great match: Duchene can play wing or center, and he might be a perfect complement for Crosby. Penguins’ love note: Nothing says we love you more than giving you an opportunity to play with the NHL’s top player. Playing with Crosby will be a life- altering experience. It’s said we don’t have the cap space to make this trade work. But check out general manager Jim Rutherford’s history. Somehow, he always figures out ways to make deals happen. Young defenseman Derrick Pouliot could entice Colorado.