Columbus Acquires Gaborik

Trade Details:

Columbus Blue Jackets acquire Marian Gaborik, Steven Delisle, and Blake Parlett from the NY Rangers in-exchange for Derek Dorsett, John Moore, Derick Brassard, and a sixth-round draft pick in 2013

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Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire:

Photo From: LINK RW. Marian Gaborik Age: 31 Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 203 CONTRACT: Cap-Hit: $7,500,000 Clauses: No-Trade Clause Expires: 2014 (UFA) 2012-13 STATS: New York Rangers (NHL): 31 GP | 9 G | 10 A | 19 PTS | 8 PIM  Important Facts: -Three-time NHL All Star (2007-08, 2011-12, 2002-03). -Career NHL plus/minus is plus-87. -Seven seasons of thirty or more goals.

Photo From: LINK D. Steven Delisle Age: 22 Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 209 CONTRACT: Cap-Hit: $733,333 Base Salary: $595,000 AHL Salary: $60,000 Bonuses: Performance ($155,000) & Signing ($70,000) Expires: 2013 (RFA) 2012-13 STATS: Greenville Road Warriors (ECHL): 61 GP | 4 G | 16 A | 20 PTS | 85 PIM  Connecticut Whale (AHL): 4 GP | 0 G | 2 A | 2 PTS | 6 PIM  Important Facts: -Member of the 2007-08 QMJHL Championship Team. -Originally drafted by the Blue Jackets. -Traded to the Rangers in the Rick Nash trade.

Photo From: LINK D. Blake Parlett Age: 23 Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 205 CONTRACT: Cap-Hit: $537,500 Base Salary: $540,000 AHL Salary: $60,000 Bonuses: Signing ($15,000) Expires: 2013 (RFA) 2012-13 STATS:  Connecticut Whale (AHL): 66 GP | 6 G | 23 A | 29 PTS | 8 PIM  Important Facts: -Named to the 2010-11 ECHL All Star Game.

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New York Rangers Acquire:

2013 Sixth-Round Draft Pick Columbus' own sixth round draft pick.

Photo From: LINK RW. Derek Dorsett Age: 26 Height: 6-foot-0 Weight: 193 CONTRACT: Cap-Hit: $1,633,333 Pay-Out Details:  2012-13-----$1,500,000 2013-14-----$1,400,000 2014-15-----$2,000,000 Bonuses: Signing (2012-13: $100,000) Expires: 2015 (UFA) 2012-13 STATS: Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL): 24 GP | 3 G | 6 A | 9 PTS | 53 PIM  Important Facts: -Assistant Captain for the 2012-13 Columbus Blue Jackets. -Minus-32 through his 280 game NHL career. -Led the NHL in penalty minutes last season with 235. -Second in the NHL in fighting majors last season with 19. -Led the Blue Jackets in hits last season with 199.

Photo From: LINK D. John Moore Age: 22 Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 198 CONTRACT: Cap-Hit: $965,000 Base Salary: $810,000 AHL Salary: $67,500 Bonuses: Performance ($125,000 per year) Expires: 2014 (RFA) 2012-13 STATS: Springfield Falcons (AHL): 24 GP | 3 G | 6 A | 9 PTS | 10 PIM  Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL): 17 GP | 0 G | 1 A | 1 PTS | 2 PIM  Important Facts: -Named to the 2010-11 AHL All-Star Game. -Second worst +/- of all Western Conference players last year with minus-23.

Photo From: LINK C. Derick Brassard Age: 25 Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 181 CONTRACT: Cap-Hit: $3,200,000 Pay-Out Details: 2012-13-----$3,300,000 2013-14-----$3,700,000 Expires: 2014 (RFA) 2012-13 STATS: Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL): 34 GP | 7 G | 11 A | 18 PTS | 16 PIM  Important Facts: -Minus-42 throughout his 309 game NHL career. -Has never played an NHL playoff game.

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Analysis:

In one of the most surprising and impactful trades of this year's deadline festivities, the New York Rangers sent star winger Marian Gaborik to the Columbus Blue Jackets along with two prospects Steven Delisle and Blake Parlett. The package that was sent the other way included Derek Dorsett, John Moore, Derick Brassard, and a 2013 sixth-round draft pick.

Earlier this week it had been rumored that the Blue Jackets were looking to add a top-line forward who could score goals. Most dismissed it without giving it any real consideration, but this afternoon it became clear that Columbus was not fooling around. The acquisition of Marian Gaborik is monumental for a franchise that less than a year ago was in it's darkest days. With only one point between them and a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs things have been going much better than expected in Columbus. Actually grabbing one of those spots is a lot harder than just being close to one however, so they knew they had to improve on their one weakness that has held them back a lot this season. With the second-lowest goals scored per game average in the league (2.31), putting the puck in the net has not been easy for them. That struggle to score goals can also be attributed to their lack of success on the man advantage which is currently sitting at twenty-seventh in the NHL. This trade is exactly what they needed for their goal starved roster. At thirty-one years of age, Marian Gaborik has been one of the league's best goal-scorers for the better part of the past decade. His skating is top-notch and when combined with his superb offensive skill-set, it really makes for an all-around dangerous player. While his career has been filled with a number of injury set-backs, he has been a primarily healthy player over his time with the Rangers. Probably due to that, he has experienced some of his best statistical years of his career. Last season he played in all eighty-two of the Rangers regular season games and was able to produce incredibly well with forty-one goals and thirty-five assists for seventy-six points. It will be interesting to see if the Jackets decide to put Gaborik on a line with his former-teammate Brandon Dubinsky who is scheduled to return to the line-up tomorrow. 

In-addition to Gaborik, the Blue Jackets also landed two prospects from the Rangers in Steven Delisle and Blake Parlett. The name Steven Delisle may sound familiar to you because of his involvement in another significant trade between these two clubs. He was included in the Rick Nash trade and was sent to the Rangers, only to be traded back today. Both players were likely only included so that the Rangers were able to absorb the contracts of their new acquisitions without going over the 50-contract limit. Despite that, I wouldn't rule either out as a potential asset going forward. While Steven Delisle's career seemed to take a downward spiral after making the jump to professional hockey, he is still young and at 6-foot-5, he has the size you look for in a defenseman. He doesn't have the best hockey sense, but he can play a decent physical game. Blake Parlett is the more useful of two as he has developed himself into a solid puck-moving AHL defenseman. While the jury is still out on any possibility of an NHL future, Parlett has improved significantly year-by-year. 

Usually the Rangers are on the other side of these types of deals, but there is some merit to their decision to trade a star for a number of other assets (albeit it not being a correct time to do it). After trading a number of assets away in the Rick Nash trade and losing a handful of players to free agency, the Rangers found themselves seriously lacking depth on their roster. This trade was all about them fixing that issue by acquiring three players (Derek Dorsett, John Moore, and Derick Brassard) who will provide the depth they think their club needs.

While Derek Dorsett is out for the remainder of the season with a broken clavicle, he will most definitely become a fan-favorite once he finally does get the chance to wear a Rangers sweater. He is one of the better bottom-six forwards in the league as he can hit, fight, agitate, and play the game. It is rare to find a player who can lead the league in penalty minutes, fight nineteen times, and put the puck in the net twelve times. He has the versatility that teams want in their bottom-six forward group and will fill the hole left by Brandon Prust's departure last summer. The one issue with Dorsett is he can be a bit prone to injuries as you would expect for a guy that is only 6'0", but plays like he is 6'6". If he remains healthy, he will be a good addition for the Rangers. The next player headed to New York is defenseman John Moore. At 6-foot-3, Moore has an incredible skating ability that has really enabled him to jump into the play effectively and race back into position when his club transitions back to defense. While his numbers at the National Hockey League level haven't accurately reflected it, I believe Moore has the talent to be a terrific offensive defenseman. In-addition to his aforementioned skating ability, he's very smart with the puck and can distribute it out effectively while also being a threat to fire a slap shot from the point. In his own end however, Moore still needs to improve. He has struggled to out muscle opponents around the net and has shown a tendency to get caught running around. That struggle to adapt his defensive game to the NHL level was depicted by the awful minus-23 rating he posted last season. If the Rangers develop him intelligently and don't overwhelm him with too many minutes, Moore has the potential to be an important (American) defenseman for them in the future. The final, and highest profile player that was acquired by the Rangers was Derick Brassard. As the sixth-overall selection in the 2006 NHL Draft, Brassard has had a turbulent career thus far. His inconsistency has been one of his biggest issues and on a number of occasions  has caused him to end up in the coaches doghouse. When he is playing at his best however, he can be an extremely useful center who is effective at both ends of the ice. His above average skating and good vision have helped him to become a solid playmaker on-top of his strong two-way capabilities. If he can find some consistency, I could see him filling the Rangers need for a second-line center quite well. 

Normally I would say that this was a good trade for New York, acquiring three good players to fill various roles on their roster (and a sixth round draft pick), but given the Rangers current situation I'm not going to lie, I am a bit puzzled. As a team desperately trying to claw their way into the playoff picture, I did not expect them to move a roster player let alone an important one, but here the Rangers did just that. In-addition to possibly further disrupting their locker room, they lost one of their few offensive players. As the worst goal scoring team in the league with only 2.26 goals scored per game, I expected the club to add more offense to their roster, not strip away their existing offense. Had this been completed in the off-season, I'd have applauded the Rangers on a solid trade, but I don't know if I would have made this move at this point. 

Bruins Acquire Jaromir Jagr

Trade Details:

Boston Bruins Acquire Jaromir Jagr from the Dallas Stars in-exchange for a conditional 2nd-round draft pick, Lane MacDermid, and Cody Payne.

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Boston Bruins Acquire:

Photo From: LINK RW. Jaromir Jagr Age: 41 Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 220 CONTRACT: Cap-Hit: $4,550,000 Pay-Out: $4,500,000 Bonuses: Performance ($50,000) & Signing ($500,000) Expires: 2013 (UFA) 2012-13 STATS: Dallas Stars (NHL): 34 GP | 14 G | 12 A | 26 PTS | 20 PIM  Important Facts: -In his entire 18-year NHL career, has never put up less than 50 points. -Two-time Stanley Cup Champion (1990-91 & 1991-92). -Five-time Art Ross Trophy Winner. ……I could go on and on, one of the best ever.

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Dallas Stars Acquire:

2013 Second-Round Draft Pick **CONDITIONAL** CONDITION: If the Bruins reach the Eastern Conference Finals this season, the pick will become the Bruins 2013 first-round pick.

Photo From: LINK RW. Cody Payne Age: 19 Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 201 CONTRACT: UNSIGNED 2012-13 STATS: Plymouth Whalers (OHL): 66 GP | 24 G | 21 A | 45 PTS | 75 PIM  **Playoffs** Plymouth Whalers (OHL): 4 GP | 1 G | 1 A | 2 PTS | 4 PIM  Important Facts: -Selected in the fifth-round of last year's draft by the Bruins. -Born in London, England.

Photo From: LINK LW. Lane MacDermid Age: 23 Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 203 CONTRACT: Cap-Hit: $600,000 Clauses: Two-Way Clause (AHL Salary: $70,000) Expires: 2013 (RFA) 2012-13 STATS: Providence Bruins (AHL): 37 GP | 4 G | 1 A | 5 PTS | 82 PIM  Boston Bruins (NHL): 3 GP | 0 G | 0 A | 0 PTS | 10 PIM  Important Facts: -Assistant captain for the 2012-13 Providence Bruins. -Member of the 2008-09 CHL Memorial Cup winning team.  -Played the past four years in the Bruins' system.

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Analysis:

After narrowly missing out on acquiring Jarome Iginla, the Boston Bruins decided to shift their attention to another veteran star in Jaromir Jagr. This time, the Bruins were able to successfully land their target as the Stars moved Jagr to Boston in-exchange for a conditional second-round draft choice and two prospects in Lane MacDermid and Cody Payne.

It really is amazing how effective Jaromir Jagr still is at the age of forty-one. With twenty-six points in thirty-four games, he has had yet another season of producing a high number of points. It comes as no surprise to see a team like the Boston Bruins bring in a legend like Jagr for the playoff run. We all know what he brings to the table. Not only does he have generational hockey instincts, but his work-ethic should be put into that category as well. This is a guy who literally is given his own personal key to his club's practice facility because of how frequently he is there working out. He is still one of the hardest players in the league to knock off the puck despite being old enough to be a father to some of his opponents. With the Bruins, his stats should continue to grow and I expect his leadership in the locker room to go a long way. This is a great addition for the Bruins even if he is only a rental pick-up.

The Stars are continuing to move many of their veterans and in this deal, they move one of their better players for a package that includes a conditional second-round pick and two prospects. In-regards to the pick, there is a decent chance that it will actually grow into a first-rounder as the conditions are based on the Bruins' success. If the Bruins reach the Eastern Conference Finals this season, the pick will become the Bruins 2013 first-round pick. In-addition to the draft pick, the Stars acquired Lane MacDermid and Cody Payne. The younger of the two, Cody Payne, was drafted last year by the Bruins in the fifth-round. While he doesn't have huge upside, he does look to be a pretty safe bet as a future NHL'er. He plays a strong physical game and has solid instincts at both ends of the ice. He projects to be a hard-working third-liner who can chip in with a little offense and be solid in his own end. In Lane MacDermid, the Stars are getting a future NHL enforcer. He plays a high-end physical game and is well-versed in the fighting side of the game. While he doesn't have great ability, I would not label him as a one-dimensional enforcer. He skates fairly well and can be a nice energy forward on the bottom-line. He might be able to chip in with a point here or there, but that will never be his job. While both prospects in this trade are far from high-end players, they do both have a solid chance of reaching the NHL level.

Moves like this are what the deadline is about, as the Bruins are prepping for a deep trip to the playoffs and the Stars are hoping to restock their system for the future. I like the move for both teams.

Canucks Acquire Derek Roy

Trade Details:

Vancouver Canucks Acquire Derek Roy from the Dallas Stars in-exchange for a 2013 2nd-round draft pick and Kevin Connauton.

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Vancouver Canucks Acquire:

Photo From: LINK C. Derek Roy Age: 29 Height: 5-foot-9 Weight: 184 CONTRACT: Cap-Hit: $4,000,000 Pay-Out: $5,500,000 Expires: 2013 (UFA) 2012-13 STATS: Dallas Stars (NHL): 30 GP | 4 G | 18 A | 22 PTS | 4 PIM  Important Facts: -Four-time 60+ point scorer. -Plus-42 through his NHL career. -Third NHL team in the past year.

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Dallas Stars Acquire:

2013 Second-Round Draft Pick Vancouver's own pick.

Photo From: LINK D. Kevin Connauton Age: 23 Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 185 CONTRACT: Cap-Hit: $900,000 Base Salary: $715,000 Bonuses: Performance ($185,000) & Signing ($90,000) Expires: 2013 (RFA) Clauses: Two-Way Contract (AHL Salary: $67,500) 2012-13 STATS: Chicago Wolves (AHL): 60 GP | 7 G | 17 A | 24 PTS | 67 PIM  Important Facts: -Named to the 2011-12 AHL All-Star Game. -Named to the 2009-10 WHL First All-Star Team. -In his third AHL season.

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Analysis:

The Vancouver Canucks are looking to push for another deep playoff run this spring and in making that goal a reality they have acquired forward Derek Roy from the Dallas Stars in-exchange for a 2013 2nd-round draft pick, and Kevin Connauton.

With Ryan Kesler hurt, the Canucks made it a priority to acquire an above-average center and in Derek Roy they get just that. At twenty-nine years old, Roy has established himself as a solid playmaking pivot who has a knack for making his line-mates better. I think he is going to fit in really well with the Canucks and give-in his high-end work ethic, he will be an asset in many different aspects of the game. The Stars have been moving many of their veterans away so it didn't come as much of a surprise when news of this trade began to break. While I really do like this addition for the Canucks, I would be satisfied with the return if I was a Stars fan. Dallas received a 2013 second-round draft choice in-addition to a very solid prospect in Kevin Connauton. Connauton is an impressive skater from the back-end which is made all-the-more dangerous by his ability to always know where he needs to be. He has great awareness that has made him a valuable player at both ends. While many people have knocked his defensive play, I feel as though those complaints are overly critical as his own-zone play has improved tremendously over the past two years.

I would grade this trade as one of the rare cases where both teams come out of a deal successful. The Canucks needed an above-average center and in Derek Roy they get exactly what they have been looking for, while the Stars were able to add some quality assets that will aid their re-build. I like this trade for both sides.

Blues Acquire Jay Bouwmeester

Trade Details:

St. Louis Blues Acquire Jay Bouwmeester from the Calgary Flames in-exchange for a 2013 1st-round draft pick, Reto Berra and Mark Cundari.

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St. Louis Blues Acquire:

Photo From: LINK D. Jay Bouwmeester Age: 29 Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 212 CONTRACT: Cap-Hit: $6,680,000 Pay-Out: $6,600,000 Expires: 2014 (UFA) Clauses: No-Trade Clause 2012-13 STATS: Calgary Flames (NHL): 33 GP | 6 G | 9 A | 15 PTS | 16 PIM  Important Facts: -Two-time NHL All-Star (2006-07, 2008-09). -From 2009-10 until being traded, he was an assistant captain for the Flames. -Through his nine-year NHL career, has NEVER played on a playoff team. -For eight of his nine NHL seasons, he played all eighty-two games.

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Calgary Flames Acquire:

2013 or 2014 First-Round Draft Pick CONDITION: If the Blues miss the playoffs, the pick will instead becomes their 2014 first-round pick.

2013 Fourth-Round Draft Pick **CONDITIONAL** CONDITION: If the Blues miss the playoffs, they will send their fourth-round pick in 2013 to the Flames.

Photo From: LINK D. Mark Cundari Age: 22 Height: 5-foot-9 Weight: 179 CONTRACT: Cap-Hit: $538,888 Pay-Out: $550,000 Expires: 2013 (RFA) Clauses: Two-Way Contract (AHL Salary: $60,000) 2012-13 STATS: Peoria Rivermen (AHL): 55 GP | 6 G | 18 A | 24 PTS | 80 PIM  Important Facts: -Won two CHL Memorial Cups (2008-09 & 2009-10). -Never drafted. -Has yet to play an NHL game.

Photo From: LINK G. Reto Berra Age: 26 Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 196 CONTRACT: UNSIGNED 2012-13 STATS: Biel (NLA): 49 GP | 3.01 GAA | .906 Sv % **Playoffs** Biel (NLA): 6 GP | 2.74 GAA | .909 Sv % Important Facts: -Named to the NLA All-Star Team (2011-12). -Named NLA Goalie Of The Year (2011-12). -Member of the 2008-09 Davos NLA Championship team.

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Analysis:

The Calgary Flames have been in full sell mode, and in yet another big trade they have sent Jay Bouwmeester to the St. Louis Blues in-exchange for draft picks and prospects Reto Berra and Mark Cundari.

The St. Louis Blues are looking to be a contender for the Stanley Cup this year, but heading towards the deadline it became known that they had been searching for a top defenseman. In Jay Bouwmeester, they fill that need and some. Following the official announcement of the trade, St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong called Bouwmeester "an elite player in our game". While it is debatable whether or not he is in-fact an elite player, there is absolutely no debate over how much of an impact he will make with the Blues. At 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, he is one of the better shut-down defensemen in the entire National Hockey League. For such a big player he has an incredible set of wheels that has helped him to fully maximize his ability at both ends of the ice. In-addition to his skating, he has the hockey sense to really put himself over the top in-regards to how effective he can be. Due to his incredible durability he is without a doubt one of the better minute eaters out there and twice in his past, he has lead the NHL in average time-on-ice. Over the duration of his career, he has never been a part of a playoff team and has always been forced to play multiple roles due to the lack of depth on his rosters. I am really excited to see how he performs on an above average roster where he isn't being handed ridiculous minutes. I expect to him fit really well on this St. Louis Blues club. 

Considering what the Blues got in Bouwmeester, it has been thought that the return headed to Calgary is a bit underwhelming. The package is highlighted by a conditional 2013 first-round draft pick. The condition is that if the Blues do not qualify for the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the first-round pick will be deferred to the 2014 NHL Draft and Calgary will also receive the Blues' fourth-round selection in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Along with the draft pick, the Flames got a pair of prospects of debatable quality. The more notable is without a doubt twenty-two year old Mark Cundari, who is an undrafted defenseman that has played the past three seasons in the AHL with the Peoria Rivermen. He plays a good two-way game which is highlighted by a willingness to play much bigger than his size. He will battle in the corners and in front of the net and has the hockey sense to stay well positioned almost always. He also has decent offensive instincts that have made him a threat on the power play. He is very undersized at just 5-foot-9, but from what I have seen of him I believe he has what it takes to be an effective NHL defenseman. He is one to watch for sure. The other prospect was twenty-six year old Reto Berra who has been a netminder in the NLA (Swiss Pro League) for the past six seasons. While Berra was named the NLA goaltender of the year for the 2011-12 season, there haven't been many analysts or scouts that have touted him as a possible future NHL starter. With that said, he does have very solid lateral movement despite his big frame. I am interested to see him play a bit at training camp next September because quite honestly I have not heard or seen enough of him to truly judge him one way or another. 

This is one of the bigger deadline deals we will see, and I think the Blues come out clearly on top. That is especially true because of the fact that both prospects headed to Calgary come with significant risk attached to them.

Isles Sign Anders Lee

Photo From: LINK

ENTRY-LEVEL CONTRACT: ISLANDERS SIGN ANDERS LEE TO A TWO-YEAR ELC

The New York Islanders have signed one of their top prospects in Anders Lee to a two-year entry-level contract. 

The twenty-two year old forward was drafted by the Islanders in the sixth-round of the 2009 NHL Draft. At the time many people believed that Lee was going to turn away from hockey and try for a career in the NFL as he was already a star football player. Soon after the draft, Lee decided to go the hockey route and play for the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL. After a stellar year with the Gamblers where he put up thirty-five goals and thirty-one assists for sixty-six points in fifty-nine games, he went on to the University of Notre Dame where he has dominated for the past three seasons. In one hundred and twenty-five NCAA games, he has produced quite well with sixty-one goals and fifty-five assists for one hundred and sixteen points. In addition to his statistical success throughout his collegiate career, he has also taken home a number of awards. In his freshman season (2010-11), he was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team as well as the CCHA Second All-Star Team. This past season (his junior year), he was named to the CCHA First All-Star Team. 

The 6-foot-3, 227 pound forward has all the makings of an above average NHL player. As expected for someone who was a successful football and hockey player, he has shown above average athleticism which has helped in nearly every facet of his game. He plays with outstanding physicality which has made him an extremely successful power forward who can make an impact in all of the dirty areas. Thanks to his ability to battle around the net, he has shown a knack for knocking home lose pucks and putting up some garbage goals. He has the ability to put up a good number of goals at the NHL level. I love his offensive ability, but he does need to improve in his own end. Yes, he can throw around his body in his own end, but has yet to show much defensive awareness. This could also be a result of his less-than-stellar skating which will have to improve for him to become a legitimate top-six player. There is little doubt that Lee will become an every day NHL’er but I would personally peg him as a high-end third-line forward who may be able to be a more talented version of Matt Martin. 

There had been a lot of anxiety amongst Islanders fans regarding the possibility of Lee leaving the Isles organization this summer. Because Lee played one year of junior hockey (USHL) before going to college, he had the option to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Luckily, Lee decided to sign with the Islanders and forego his senior season at Notre Dame University.

The Islanders placed Joe Finley on the IR, opening up a roster spot for Anders Lee. Lee joined the team this morning in Newark, but he isn't expected to get into the line-up until tomorrow's game. This is a big time addition for the Islanders and essentially serves as a solid deadline acquisition.

NHL Trade Deadline

----- TRADE DEADLINE LIVE UPDATES -----
With the NHL trade deadline only a few days away, I decided to set up my annual live update page where I will continuously add rumors and news as I hear them, as well as provide insight on many transactions. For more significant transactions as well as any Islanders moves, I will do an individual post with more in-depth analysis. Keep checking up, because as the deadline approaches, this will be the place to find out all of the news and rumors.

All updates will run in chronological order with the most recent being directly underneath this preliminary post. With the color coded key below, here is the link to my 2012 NHL Trade Deadline page for you to see just how this will be done. Here is to a fun trade deadline everyone!

Color coded key:
Yellow= Rumor Update
Orange= Waiver Updates
Light Blue= Interesting Quote
Green= Confirmed Trade
Purple= Confirmed Signing
Blue Background and Orange Letters= Islanders Related

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Deadline Day:  April 3rd, 2013:   11:42 PM:

Mikka Kiprusoff Will Not Be Traded, Expects To Retire After Season

Thoughts: Mikka Kiprusoff has decided that he will not be reporting to any team he is traded to and will likely retire at the conclusion of this season. This is a surprising turn of events, but Kiprusoff was said to be struggling with the idea of leaving Calgary, the place where he has played the majority of his career. As of now, it looks as though he only has four more weeks left in his career.

Islanders Trying To Acquire Brandon Saad

Thoughts: According to Arthur Staple, the New York Islanders are currently in discussions with the Chicago Blackhawks to acquire Brandon Saad. The price would have to be huge as the twenty-year old winger is one of the better up-and-coming players out there. Through 34 games this season, he has put up 7 goals and 13 assists for 20 points. If this deal is completed, it would be a huge addition for this club now and in the future. I'd expect the Hawks to be asking for Mark Streit and possibly Nino Niederreiter, but that is all speculation. This is something really interesting and deserves to be watched closely going forward.

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Deadline Day:  April 3rd, 2013:   10:25 PM:

Jackets Will Look To Trade Steve Mason

Thoughts: Steve Mason has failed to repeat the success he enjoyed during his rookie season, but there have been flashes of it occasionally which is why I believe a change of scenery would do him a lot of good. The return won't be huge, but I think he'd be a smart gamble from a team that is looking for goaltending depth.

Hurricanes Trying To Move Jussi Jokinen

Thoughts: After clearing waivers a few days ago, the Hurricanes have continued to search out potential suiters for Jussi Jokinen. The thirty-year old veteran has averaged 54 points over the past three seasons and I think if he was put in a good situation, he could replicate that success. There should be at least one team that is willing to take him especially if the Canes eat some of his salary.

Alexander Burmistrov Being Shopped By The Jets

Thoughts: The Winnipeg Jets appear to be one of the more active teams today, and they are supposedly shopping a really solid young forward in Alexander Burmistrov. At twenty-one years old, Burmistrov is still filled with potential and if he does in-fact move I'd expect a very solid return.

Blue Jackets Looking To Add Scoring Forward

Thoughts: It has been a very long time since the Blue Jackets have been buyers at the trade deadline, but apparently that is the stance they are taking throughout today's discussions. They have made it known to all teams that they are willing to swap one of their first-round draft picks as well as a decent prospect for a top-six scoring forward. Apparently, the prospect they are most likely to part with is defenseman John Moore.

Islanders Trying To Move Marty Reasoner

Thoughts: The Islanders have been trying to move Marty Reasoner for the past few months, but it appears that that there may be a few teams interested in him. As you'd expect though, there will not be anything significant offered. I think we could see him moved for a depth defenseman or a late round draft pick.

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Deadline Day:  April 3rd, 2013:   9:25 PM:

Panthers Getting Calls On Dmitry Kulikov

Thoughts: I would be shocked if the Panthers moved Kulikov. He is a great up-and-coming defenseman that is going to be an important player for the Panthers, but it doesn't hurt to listen to the offers coming in. 

NY Rangers Aren't Done Dealing, Looking For Defensemen

Thoughts: After acquiring Ryane Clowe yesterday, the Rangers will likely be active today as well. According to a number of media outlets, they are looking at several options to fill their need on the back-end. I do know that they were very interested in Jamie McBain, but after Joni Pitkanen's season ending injury last night, who knows if McBain is still available. As the day goes on, I'd expect everything to continue to heat up on this front as they will likely land at least one defenseman today.

Colorado Will Move Ryan O'Byrne By The Deadline

Thoughts: The Avalanche have been rumored to be moving Ryan O'Byrne for the past few weeks and it appears that he will in-fact be moved by today's deadline. The Rangers, as I mentioned earlier, are in the market for a defenseman and have been after O'Byrne

Blue Jackets Looking To Add Scoring Forward

Thoughts: It has been a very long time since the Blue Jackets have been buyers at the trade deadline, but apparently that is the stance they are taking throughout today's discussions. They have made it known to all teams that they are willing to swap one of their first-round draft picks as well as a decent prospect for a top-six scoring forward. Apparently, the prospect they are most likely to part with is defenseman John Moore.

Isles Will Not Trade Mark Streit At Today's Deadline

Thoughts: To this point, the Islanders and Mark Streit have failed to come close in contract negotiations, but it appears that this will not affect his availability heading towards the deadline as the club has informed Streit that he'll be staying put. According to reports, Streit has been seeking a multi-year contract with a yearly salary greater than the $4,750,000 that was given to his teammate Lubomir Visnovsky last week. According to Darren Dreger, the two sides are $500,000 apart on the discussed three year contract. It remains to be seen whether or not the Islanders will be able to come to terms with him by July 1st, but we do know that he'll be an Islander until then.

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Tuesday:  April 2nd, 2013:   7:52 PM:

Los Angeles trades Drewiske to Habs for Montreal's own 5th round pick in the 2013 

Thoughts: The Los Angeles Kings have traded defenseman David Drewiske to the Montreal Canadiens in-exchange for a fifth-round pick in the upcoming draft. Having recently acquired Robyn Regher, the Kings needed to move out one of their roster players and unfortunately for Drewiske, he was the odd man out. For a late-round draft pick, I like this trade for the Canadiens as he really has the ability to play decent minutes. His above-average instincts in his own end and overall shut-down ability makes him a very useful depth defender. While he doesn't bring much offense to the table, he is not a liability with the puck as he usually makes the smart play dishing it off to the open man. I am interested to see how he performs with more ice-time as this could end up being a very important trade down the stretch for the Habs because of the extra depth it will give them.

SJ Sharks Trade Ryane Clowe To The Rangers For Draft Picks

Thoughts: Continuing today's trend of upbeat movement amongst nearly every NHL club, the New York Rangers have made their yearly deadline acquisition, this time acquiring Ryane Clowe from the San Jose Sharks. In-exchange, the Rangers sent a second-round draft pick, a third-round draft pick, and a conditional second-round draft pick. The Sharks had been rumored to be shopping Clowe for the past few weeks, but only last night did it really look as though a trade was imminent. Up until the last second, the bidding war was between the Rangers and the Vancouver Canucks who appear to be involved in nearly every big rumor heading towards the deadline. Ultimately, according to a number of insiders, the choice came down to where Clowe preferred to be traded and apparently his choice was the Blueshirts. At thirty-years old, Ryane Clowe is one of the better power forwards in the National Hockey League. He plays a terrific physical game and is a terror to play against in all of the dirty areas. While his skating is a bit below average, he makes up for it with a good ability to know where he needs to be almost always. Despite having a down offensive year (zero goals and eleven assists through twenty-eight games), he has an impressive scoring resume that includes three 50+ point seasons through his seven year career. Coming to the Rangers could really ignite him.

Carolina Close To Trading Jamie McBain & Kevin Westgarth

Thoughts: Both players have been held out of today's game in anticipation of a trade. It has been rumored that McBain was on his way out of Carolina, but Westgarth is a new name that has surfaced as trade bait. It has been said that it is likely that both players could be moved in the same trade.

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Tuesday:  April 2nd, 2013:   4:20 PM:

Dallas Trades Derek Roy To The Canucks For Kevin Connauton And A 2013 2nd-Round Pick

Thoughts: See my analysis here.

Dallas Trades Jaromir Jagr To Boston For Cody Payne, Lane MacDermid, & A Draft Pick.

Thoughts: See my analysis here.

Washington Capitals Sign Undrafted Free Agent Nate Schmidt To An ELC

Thoughts: The Washington Capitals have signed one of the more highly touted college free agents to come out of the NCAA this season in defenseman Nate Schmidt. At twenty-one years old, Schmidt's entry-level contract will only run for two years, but I'd expect him to burn the first year off by playing more than five NHL games this season so most likely he will be a restricted free-agent next summer. Schmidt has been highly regarded as one of the better defensemen in NCAA hockey and he has established himself as a consistent offensive threat with the University of Minnesota over his three seasons there. He does need to continue to improve in his own end, but over time that will surely catch up to his high-end offensive ability. This is a big addition for the Caps and I think he can jump onto their NHL blue-line immediately. 

Flames Sign Newly Acquired Reto Berra To A Entry-Level Contract

Thoughts: Yesterday, the Flames acquired a relatively unknown goaltender in Reto Berra, but today it appears as though he will be heading over to Calgary as the two sides have agreed on a contract. If he were to play this season then he would need to be exposed to waivers which I doubt he would pass through. Due to that, I would expect the Flames to opt to wait until next season before introducing Berra to their line-up. Still, this is fairly interesting and I am excited to see if he does in-fact have starting potential. 

Washington Capitals Sign Jack Hillen To A Two-Year Extension

Thoughts: The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Jack Hillen to a two-year contract extension. He will earn $700,000 per year which is the expected price for a depth guy like him. I still have high hopes for Hillen, but I at one time really thought he had top-four potential. He looked very promising in his time with the Islanders until he was nailed in the face with an Alexander Ovechkin slap-shot that shattered his jaw. Unfortunately following that injury, he looked like a different player. I still believe that he has the hockey sense to be successful and I think if he is given a fair shot with the Capitals over the duration of this contract, he could be a good player for their club.

Vancouver Canucks Sign Chris Higgins To A Four-Year Extension

Thoughts: The Canucks have re-signed Chris Higgins to a four-year contract where he will receive $2,500,000 per season. Higgins has really found a home in Vancouver as a bottom-six forward. His hard working attitude and above-average defensive acumen has made him one of their better energy forwards and penalty killers. He also has chipped in with a good amount of offense as he's put up nine goals and five assists for fourteen points through thirty-five games. This is a good signing for the Canucks as it isn't easy to find a player who can be as versatile as Higgins. 

Negotiations Between Mark Streit & The Islanders Are Stalled

Thoughts: The Islanders have yet to come to an agreement with Mark Streit on extending the veteran's contract, and according to Darren Dreger we may see him hit the trade market tomorrow morning if this stalemate is still putting a chokehold on these negotiations. With that said, Islanders beat writer Arthur Staple has stated that he doesn't believe Streit will be traded unless the Islanders get approached with an offer that they can't refuse. If I was Garth Snow, I would at least hear teams out because as the deadline approaches I could see quite a few teams getting desperate to add a top-four defenseman.

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Tuesday:  April 2nd, 2013:   12:25 PM:

Lightning Trade MA Bergeron To The Hurricanes For Adam Hall And A 2013 7th-Round Pick

Thoughts: For the past few weeks it has been widely reported that the Carolina Hurricanes were in the market for a depth defenseman and this morning they finally filled that need by acquiring Marc-Andre Bergeron from the Tampa Bay Lightning. In-exchange, they sent Adam Hall and a seventh-round draft pick in the upcoming draft to Tampa. Bergeron is known for his high-end offensive game, but lackluster play in his own end. With that said, down the stretch he can be very useful as a power play quarterback. Headed the other way in the deal was curiously forward Adam Hall. The Hurricanes had just added Hall on March 16 when they claimed him off of waivers from the team he has now been traded back to, the Tampa Bay Lightning. So the Lightning decided to waive Hall (and subsequently lose him to Carolina), to only bring him back in a trade less than a month later…interesting. In addition to Hall, the Lightning also added a seventh-round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. 

The Stars Have Informed Jaromir Jagr That He Will Be Traded By The Deadline

Thoughts: According to multiple media outlets, the Dallas Stars have informed Jaromir Jagr that they will be trading him by tomorrow's trade deadline. Jagr's agent Petr Svoboda has also made it known that his client gave the Stars management a list of teams that he'd be willing to move to. The Boston Bruins appear to be front-runners for Jagr, but multiple teams will most definitely be interested. On a personal level, I would REALLY like to see the Islanders make a run for him as he'd be a great fit next to John Tavares and given the struggles the Isles first line has been enduring recently it may make sense.

Pierre LeBrun: "Blues now have 9 d-men on their NHL roster. Ian Cole and Kris Russell will generate calls from other teams and 1 could move before deadline."

Thoughts: Both Ian Cole and Kris Russell are good younger defensemen and I could see either commanding a decent return in a trade. With nine defensemen currently on the Blues' roster, there will need to be a roster move one way or another so this is something to watch going towards tomorrow. 

Players Placed On Waivers:

Kurtis Foster (PHI)

Mike Santorelli (FLA)

Steve Montador (CHI)

Rostislav Olesz (CHI)

Adam Hall (TB)

Cam Barker (VAN)

Drew MacIntyre (TOR)

- The Lightning lose Hall on waivers, to only bring him back in a trade less than a month later and then waive him again, really odd. Anyway, while none of these guys will be any big waiver steal a la Michael Grabner, but I could see a few of them getting claimed to fill wholes left by trades to ride out the season. I'd expect at least one to be picked up by a new club.

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Tuesday:  April 2nd, 2013:   12:25 AM:

Sabres Trade Robyn Regehr To The LA Kings For A 2nd-Round Draft Pick In Both 2014 & 15.
Thoughts: As first reported by Darren Dreger, the Buffalo Sabres have traded Robyn Regehr to the Los Angeles Kings in-exchange for two second-round draft picks. While I think the Kings may have paid more than they should have, I do believe that Regehr is a great addition for their club so I wouldn't bee too upset. At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, he is absolute force when it comes to physical play and that has enabled him to become a really useful shut-down defender. Playoff hockey is where a player like him thrives and with the Kings he should see a lot of it. On the other side of the puck however, he is essentially useless as he has little-to-no offensive ability. Due to that and his fading mobility, I wouldn't expect him to be any better than a 4th or 5th defenseman which is why I would be very happy if I was a Sabres fan. Getting two second-rounders for an aging defender like Regehr is a great haul and those picks will be very useful whether they opt to use them or trade them for other assets. This trade also sets the market extremely high for defensemen which means if a team is considering moving one of their own guys, they may be more inclined to put him on the block. 

CGY Trade Jay Bouwmeester To STL For A 2013 1st-Round Pick, Reto Berra, & Mark Cundari.

Thoughts: See my analysis here.

Tampa Bay Lightning Re-Sign BJ Crombeen To A Two-Year Extension

Thoughts: The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed BJ Crombeen to a two-year contract extension that will see him earn $1,150,000 per season. While the price tag for the twenty-seven year old does seem to be a bit steeper than expected, he has played fairly well this year in his grinding role. He does what he's expected to do efficiently as he always works hard in the dirty areas, throws around the body, and plays a strong defensive game. All those attributes are what you'd like to see from an energy line forward like him. He was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer so the Lightning felt that it was important to retain him now. 

Sharks Close To Trading Ryane Clowe

Thoughts: Ryane Clowe has been an extremely hot commodity over the past few days, but it appears that a trade is finally imminent as he was healthy scratch for tonight's game. It was reported earlier today that the Canucks had been dangling top prospect Nicklas Jensen and a first-round draft pick as bait to possibly acquire Clowe which is seen as a terrific package and could have been the reason for the decision to hold him out of the game tonight.

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Monday:  April 1st, 2013:   5:41 PM:

SJ Sharks Trade Michal Handzus To The Chicago Blackhawks for a 2013 4th Round Draft Pick
Thoughts: At thirty-six years old Michal Handzus has regressed significantly and through twenty-eight games this season, he has only recored two points. While it is clear that he will provide little-to-no offense, he does still bring something to the table in-regards to defensive play and face-off ability. At 6-foot-5, he can still play a sound game in his own end thanks to his solid defensive instincts and positioning, but will most likely be on the second PK unit instead of the first. The real legitimate asset he brings is his face-off ability which is above-average. As a pending unrestricted free agent, this will most likely be his last NHL season. Quite honestly, I am pretty surprised that the Sharks were able to land a fourth-rounder for him. At this point in his career, he isn't anything more than a slow bottom-line player with some intangibles. Getting a mid-round pick for a guy like him is good asset management and a smart overall move. While I don't love the trade for Chicago, it does fill a need as they have been looking for a defensive center for the past few weeks. In the need to open a roster spot for Handzus, the Blackhawks have also demoted tough guy Brandon Bollig.

Philadelphia Flyers Trade Harry Zolniercyzk To The Anaheim Ducks For Jay Rosehill

Thoughts: In a swap of two depth hockey players, both provide significantly different skill-sets to their respective organizations. In the case of the newest member of the Anaheim Ducks, Harry Zolniercyzk, they are getting a bottom-six forward who has an incredible set of wheels. His motor never stops running and he is always making sure that he gives all that he can. He doesn't have high-end ability in really any category, but just based off of his speed and tenacity, he can be an effective NHL grinder. In Philadelphia he had been pushed down the depth chart a bit, so I think this change of scenery could do him good. The player who is headed the other way to Philadelphia is enforcer Jay Rosehill. At twenty-seven years old, Rosehill is more of a one-dimensional AHL level enforcer. He probably won't ever be an everyday NHL player, but here and there he will be able to play a stretch of games at the top level as an enforcer for his club. He has spent the entirety of this season in the American Hockey League, and I am a bit surprised to see him moved for a fairly decent NHL grinder. I don't really understand this move for Philadelphia even as a minor deal like this.

Islanders & Mark Streit Deep In Contract Negotiations

Thoughts: According to a number of media outlets, the Islanders are currently deep in negotiations with their captain Mark Streit. Over the past few days there have been numerous rumors regarding possible trade scenarios involving Streit, but for now it looks as though the Islanders are committed to finding a way to retain him. With that said, Darren Dreger has noted that if no contract is agreed upon by Wednesday morning, he will likely find himself on the trade market. This will be something of interest heading towards the deadline.

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Monday:  April 1st, 2013:   3:27 PM:

Ottawa Senators Getting Calls On Goaltender Ben Bishop
Thoughts: Ben Bishop has had a great season with the Senators putting up a 2.45 goals against average and a .922 save percentage, but with goaltenders Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner in the fold in Ottawa, Bishop is expendable. A few days ago, there were rumors that the Senators and Flames had been discussing a swap that would see Bishop head to Calgary in-exchange for Curtis Glencross, but that has since cooled off. The Senators aren't rushing to trade Bishop, but there definitely seems to be significant interest in him.

Darren Dreger: Hurricanes Listening To Offers On Jamie McBain
Thoughts: This is surprising to hear. Jamie McBain's offensive production (six points in twenty-six games) has dipped a bit this season, but in his rookie season (2010-11) he put up thirty points and last season he put up twenty-seven points. While he has had that aforementioned dip in points, he has seen his plus/minus improve dramatically. His hockey sense is well above-average and at only twenty-five years old he could command a very solid return.

Colorado Avalanche Offering David Jones Around The League
Thoughts: David Jones was one of the hottest commodities at last year's deadline, but the Avalanche decided to hold onto him and subsequently sign him to a big four year, $16 million dollar contract extension. Unfortunately, he has struggled mightily this season putting up only three goals and four assists for seven points in twenty-seven games along with posting a minus-11 rating. As you would expect there has been very little interest, but the Avs have continued to search out potential suiters.