HW Recap: Changes-a-coming?

[Habsfan84]

With the trade deadline almost here, it's time to look at some of the players that may be in play for the Habs. This week, 20 players have been ranked, including some that haven't been mentioned by anyone yet. We'll also have the weekly grades, plus the regular Bulldogs coverage, including part 2 of their trade notes, in this special Recap edition.

Trades & Grades

Last week, we evaluated the likelihood of each Hab to be dealt, this week, we look at some of the players that they may be looking at (and this time, we're not just talking the depth players.) Note that each of the following players are independent of each other and not based on the acquisition of someone else. The rating system is the same as last week: (1 being low chance of being acquired, 5 being very high.) The regular grades will appear after this, but just in summary form, no comments this week.

A-List:

The cream of the crop, names we've all seen and heard about.

Alex Tanguay (CGY): 3.0 He would give the team 2 quality scoring lines, and the Flames aren't looking for as much in return as Sundin or Hossa (granted, they're better), so this may appeal to management.

Marian Hossa (ATL): 2.0 The interest is there on both sides, but are the Habs willing to part with the roster player(s) to do it? Judging by Gainey's comments this week, I'm skeptical about it.

Mats Sundin (TOR): 2.0 I think the Habs may be on Sundin's list of teams he would consider going to, but do the Habs want to supply a division rival with the exact thing they're looking for (picks and prospects?)

Brad Richards (TB): 1.5 With players like Higgins, Komisarek, and Plekanec all due for significant raises soon, there may not be enough money to go around if they get Richards. And would he even waive his no-trade to come?

Olli Jokinen (FLA): 1.5 Florida apparently wants players, not picks and prospects, which will likely see the Habs drop out fairly quickly.

B-List:

Not the front line players, but still would be something of an upgrade.

Jarret Stoll (EDM): 2.5 He's not unrestricted at year's end like most on this list, that's something that will interest many. But, is he the impact player to take this team deep?

Sergei Fedorov (CBJ): 2.0 Apparently, there's been interest in the past, and he has the veteran experience all young teams covet. Problem is though, will he actually be healthy enough to help a team?

Miroslav Satan (NYI): 2.0 Has quite a bit of playoff experience, and may be rejuvenated with a change of scenery (if he waives his NTC), or is he just past his prime? This number will go up if the Isles declare themselves to be sellers.

Adam Foote (CBJ): 2.0 No one ever seems to talk about the team possibly adding help on the back end, but if they decide this is a priority, this is probably where Gainey and company will look first.

Vaclav Prospal (TB): 1.5 If Carbonneau and Gainey both want players who won't disrupt the room, this may not be the way to go, and that's not even bringing up that incident with Brisebois years ago (a lot of people still remember that.)

C-List:

Role players that fill a void with the lineup in its current form.
Jeff Halpern (DAL): 2.5 The Habs went after him before, I think they'll definitely look to go after him again. Are the Stars, a team looking to make a run, looking to move him though?

Yanic Perreault (CHI): 2.0 Familiarity will make it easier for him to fit in over a newcomer, but faceoffs aside, can he still play a regular shift?

Bobby Holik (ATL): 2.0 Lots of experience in the postseason, but bringing in this contract will make it hard for someone off the A-List to come in.

Dmitri Kalinin (BUF): 2.0 He's fallen out of favour with Buffalo, but possesses some desirable characteristics that could upgrade the back end for the Habs.

Ladislav Nagy (LA): 1.5 He's having a bad season, but someone will take a chance on him. The Habs have the prospect depth to spare one for him, but I think this is a last second deal rather than plan 'A'.

Darkhorses:

Names that really haven't been discussed much, but may very well be in play.
Mark Recchi (ATL): 3.5 The Habs reportedly attempted to claim him off re-entry waivers, so they definitely like him. He's shown he can still produce, and Atlanta may be more willing to move this rent-a-player than Hossa.

Radim Vrbata (PHX): 2.0 Having a career season (could very well hit 30 goals), and Phoenix appears headed for the golf course in April again. The Coyotes are reportedly talking extension with him, so his name may be off the market shortly.

Mike Cammalleri (LA): 1.5 This would be more of a long(er) term move for the Habs. They've had interest in the past, but he has been banged up this year.

Bryan Berard (NYI): 1.5 The 2nd PP unit is lacking a big weapon from the point, Berard could fit that bill. With the lineup in its current form though, is there a spot for him in the lineup though?

Barret Jackman (STL): 1.5 The Blues have been having problems re-upping the pending UFA and may look to move him for something rather than nothing. If it gets to that point though, there will be a lot of other teams looking to pick him up as well.

There are many other players that could have been discussed on each list, but with the unlikelihood of them being picked up, it wouldn't make sense to put them in (ie: Campbell, Boyle.)

Hamilton Trade Talk

Last week, we covered 5 of the more prominent Bulldogs and their chances of being moved. This week, we look at 5 more players.

#17 - Kyle Chipchura: 3.0 The most coveted Bulldog, he may be the final piece in a move to pick up the impact player the Habs covet so dearly.

#22 - Matt D'Agostini: 2.0 He's struggled in his sophomore season, but still has upside, and like Chipchura, could be a key prospect going away in a deal.

#72 - Mathieu Carle: 1.5 The 2nd rounder is progressing nicely, but I'm skeptical that he could be substituted in for some of the team's other quality defensive prospects.

#31 - Jaroslav Halak: 1.5 With both Price and Huet struggling in net currently, he may not be entirely out of Montreal's picture for this season, which may take him off the market entirely.

#12 - Jean-Phillipe Cote: 1.5 As bad as he has been at times this season, the back end is the weakness for Hamilton, and who in their right mind would want him anyways?

Final Thought

And now, for the part you may or may not have been waiting for, it's prediction time. Of the A-List guys, I wouldn't be too surprised if Hossa is not dealt, nor Jokinen, as the asking price may be too high for the buyers. I think off of this list, Tanguay has the best chance of being moved to Montreal, although that's far from a guarantee. If Hossa stays, I think the interest in Recchi will go up from the Habs in a lesser deal. If it looks like Gainey will be able to add 2 players, don't be surprised if a player like Dandenault or Begin gets flipped for either a prospect or draft pick, just to leave some wiggle room under the cap.

One thing is for sure though, regardless of whether I'm right or wrong on these guesses (and the latter has happened a lot lately), the trade deadline will help put Montreal back on the map - either they'll land the big fish, or at the very worst, show other teams and players in the league that they mean business, which may come into play down the road.

Next week, we'll have the annual deadline recap, breaking down all of the deals; we'll return to the regular recaps in 2 weeks time.