USA TODAY International Edition
Contenders eye Hurricanes
Breaking down East trade goals
With the NHL trade deadline three weeks from today, the Carolina Hurricanes seem to be everyone’s favorite partner.
General manager Jim Rutherford hopes his team rockets into contention, but the more likely scenario is the Hurricanes becoming a major seller. Tuomo Ruutu ( 16 goals) is the hottest trade name.
Ruutu will be an unrestricted free agent, as will defensemen Bryan Allen and Jaroslav Spacek. Teams usually move potential unrestricted free agents.
The cost for Ruutu could be high. Last year’s hot rental player, Tomas Kaberle, went to the Boston Bruins for prospect Joe Colborne and a first- and secondround pick.
What other Eastern Conference teams are looking at before the Feb. 27 deadline:
Boston: Keep an eye on Nathan Horton ( concussion). If his situation drags on, the Bruins might go stronger into the trade market. Otherwise, they might not want to disrupt chemistry.
Buffalo Sabres: If they think they can climb back in the race, they will make a move sooner than later. The problem is they need a No. 1 center and not many are available.
Florida Panthers: Negotiations to extend defenseman Jason Garrison’s contract would seem to be their top mission. With Ed Jovanovski out until March, another veteran defenseman could help them try to win the Southeast Division.
Montreal Canadiens: Hal Gill is 6- 7, 240- plus pounds, and he’s a past Stanley Cup winner. He is among the more desirable rental players available. Andrei Kostitsyn ( 12 goals, 11 assists) should have trade value, and Travis Moen could be a role player on a contender.
New Jersey Devils: The Devils are expected to hang on to potential free agent Zach Parise. GM Lou Lamoriello did his shopping early by landing Alexei Ponikarovsky.
New York Islanders: Rivals will be calling about defensemen Mark Eaton and Steve Staios. Veteran goalie Evgeni Nabokov could be an option for a team seeking insurance in net. P. A. Parenteau, the team’s No. 2 scorer, is an interesting rental, but the Islanders likely will push to re- sign him.
New York Rangers: The Rangers want help up front, and the New York Post reported their interest in Edmonton Oilers winger Ryan Smyth, who has a no- trade clause.
Ottawa Senators: The Senators are looking for offensive help, and Ruutu seems to be their primary target.
Philadelphia Flyers: With Chris Pronger out for the season, GM Paul Holmgren’s biggest need is for a veteran defenseman. They probably would be interested in Gill.
Pittsburgh Penguins: If injured Sidney Crosby can come back, it would have a larger impact than any deal any team will make. The question: Can he come back this season?
Tampa Bay Lightning: If the Lightning decide to be a seller, GM Steve Yzerman will be busy. If the Lightning don’t resign Dominic Moore, many teams will want him. Ryan Malone could draw interest, as will Adam Hall. Tampa Bay’s wish list includes a goaltender, but the cost for the Vancouver Canucks’ Cory Schneider would be exorbitant.
Toronto Maple Leafs: GM Brian Burke wants to add a topsix forward, meaning he will have to look into the Ruutu sweepstakes. Columbus Blue Jackets center Jeff Carter would be a fit, but Burke dislikes longterm deals. How about Ryan Getzlaf? Burke knows him from his Anaheim Ducks days. But that would take a blockbuster.
Washington Capitals: Do the Capitals need a culture change? Should they trade Alexander Semin rather than lose him for nothing in the summer?
Winnipeg Jets: Johnny Oduya could fill a void on a contender. Ron Hainsey will make $ 3 million next season but has a $ 4.5 million cap hit. He might be an interesting fit for a team mindful of its budget.