WELCOME UNDER THE BIG TOP!! 30 NHL TEAMS, 6 HOURS, 1 GOAL

UPDATES AT THE BOTTOM OF THE THREAD

Come one, come all!! Welcome to this year's edition of The NHL Trade Deadline Circus powered by Desperation, Future Considerations, Draft Picks and Rbk.

It's the day we've all been waiting for. In Canada and for our friends Norde de Lignes, today is a national holiday. For us poor Americans (like myself, stuck at work and with no way to get the TSN feed) this is just another work day with some drama thrown in from the hours between 10 AM and 6 PM. Hockey fans rejoice because today will be a day of sensationalism, rumor and intrigue.

Follow me all day as I count down the hours and the trades that go down, hopefully as they happen. The Blog Box will have a direct line into press conferences given by Garth Snow as the Islanders wheel and deal (hopefully) their way to the promised land at the Draft and beyond.

I'll be back soon with the first of what I believe will be many updates on the happenings around the NHL. Stay Tuned...

Don't forget to check out the sites on my link bar for the Blog Box member's opinions as the day drags on.

(Photo Courtesy of Seatwave.com)

9:23 AM- Apparently the deal for Billy Guerin that began a chain of events that started before the Buffalo game a mere four days ago is not dead. Read this little blurb from Pierre LeBrun at ESPN.

9:51 AM- Don't forget to check over at Lighthouse Hockey to catch both Dominik and Islesblogger, Mike Schuerlein, weigh in on today's events for SBN's Trade Deadline Extravaganza.

To refresh your memories, everyone on this list has been rumored in a trade within the last month:

Sean Bergenheim, Richard Park, Trent Hunter, Billy Guerin, Doug Weight, Brendan Witt, Radek Martinek and Andy Hilbert.

My personal feeling is that Billy will unfortunately be gone by 3 PM. I also wouldn't be surprised if you found Martinek or Hilbert on other teams either. Keep checking back because there seems to be a lot of chatter since early this morning...

9:58 AM- TRADE: Vermette from Ottawa is traded to Columbus for Pascal LeClaire and a 2nd Rounder

Ottawa has been looking to replace Martin Gerber for ages now and LeClaire has certainly shown in the past that he can fill the #1 role. Vermette gets a fresh start with a young team and a great coach in the person of Ken Hitchcock. A good trade for both teams.

10:14 AM- Filip Kuba re-signed by the Sens at 3 years, $3.75 mil per year

As per Mark Christopher of Hockeybuzz.com. A good signing for the backliner. Reasonable price for the kind of production that Kuba is capable of (although he is no Mark Streit).

10:40 AM- Chris Neil to the Sharks? Connolly leaving Buffalo?

This rumor seems to be picking up some steam as multiple rumor and hockey sites have started to report that Neil's contract negotioations have soured and the "tough guy with hands" might be on the move.

Apparently former Islander Tim Connolly also has had some problems getting a contract hammered out and might also be packing his bags today.

10:49 AM- Connolly re-signs in Buffalo for 2 years at $4.5 mil per

Apparently initial reports of the Connolly negotiations were false. Hope the Sabres can get him to play more than 60 games over the next two years... (Sportsnet.ca and TSN.ca)

11:06 AM- Random Thoughts: Goalies on the move?

With the trading of Pascal LeClaire and the signing of Backstrom by the Wild yesterday (4 yrs, $6 mil per), there might be some interest in goalies like Joey Mac and Yann Danis (who has played phenomenal as of late). Other names that might be included are Manny Fernandez ($4 mil) and Nikolai Khabibulin (almost $6 mil). There might just be a market for either one of the Isles goalies to bring back some value. Albeit I hope it doesn't happen. (Sidenote: Doesn't Rick DiPietro's contract look pretty decent now, minus the injuries? At $4.5 million per year he's going to end up being a bargain even he plays 8 out of the next 12 seasons.)

11:13 AM- Witt and Martinek's Stock on the Rise, Pronger Officially Taken Off the Tradeable Asset List and Kaberle is hurt

Kinda saw this one coming. The Ducks are in the thick of a playoff chase and dealing their #1 D-man would be a huge blow (even though they did pick up Ryan Whitney last week). Also, Tomas Kaberle supposedly hurt his hand in last night's contest and Brian Burke has openly stated that he would prefer to keep the mobile puck-mover. This might cause the market to shift in the Islanders direction with the lack of defensemen available. Witt and Martinek might be dealt after all...

11:26 AM- Brian Burke Speaks His Mind

In the usual Brian Burke way of going about things, he has sealed the fate of two of his top point producers this season by stating that Antropov and Moore will not be Leafs by the end of the day. Can't you just feel the love? (Source: Newsday.com)

11:33 AM- Olli, Olli, Oxenfree? Is the former Isles Draftee heading to Alberta?

Some pre-lim reports are saying that Olli Jokinen might be headed to already formidable Calgary. The thought of it is simply scary...

11:46 AM- TRADE: Jordan Leopold shipped to Calgary for Lawrence Nycholat, Prospect RYAN WILSON and a 2nd ROUND Pick going to Avalanche

Excellent trade by Calgary to really bolster that backline. With Giordano going down, this was a trade that needed to happen for them. They gave up a lot but will certainly be a force to be reckoned with come playoff time.

11:53 AM- TRADE: Pens swap Danny Richmond to Blues for Wozniewski

1-for-1 that's basically a depth trade. Nothing to really report here.

12:06 PM- WAIVER WIRE CLOSED: Sim and Satan pass through

Maybe Garth Snow knows something we don't. I am mildly disappointed that the Devs didn't pick up Satan, talk about a match made in Heaven (or was that Hell?).

12:08 PM- TRADE: Phoenix deals Tellqvist to Buffalo for a 4th Rounder

Interesting Draft pick choice for a semi-decent goalie. At least Lalime will have an NHL capable backup for the stretch run. What happens when Miller gets back is debatable.

12:20 PM- WAIVER WIRE: Picking out of the Bargain Bin

Brendan Morrison, a sought after center during the UFA period last year was picked up on waivers by Dallas while Martin Gerber finally found a home that wasn't Ottawa when the Maple Leafs plucked him off waivers to solve the Pogge/Joseph backup situation in Toronto. Toskala might get shut down for the remainder of the season so this might have been a necessity move by Brian Burke.

Add to the two above now former Ranger and Wild, Erik Reitz (Maple Leafs) and Craig Adams (Pittsburgh).

12:30 PM- Olli Cow: Calgary supposedly offers Lombardi and a 2009 1st for Jokinen

Calgary is certainly looking like it's gonna make a strong play here. I wouldn't be terribly surprised if this deal or something similar gets done for the star center. This could get REALLY interesting. (Source: Newsday.com)

12:44 PM- Kings sign Ersberg to a 2 year extension; Guerin news on the near horizon

Forgot to post that Ersberg got signed, not that it really interests Isles fans.

What would interest you is the little blurb from Andy Strickland on Hockeybuzz of a pending deal that could be announced shortly for the patient and benevolent Bill Guerin (Source: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/boards/thread.php?thread_id=61804)

12:49 PM- TRADES: THE FIRST BLOCKBUSTER-Olli Jokinen is dealt to the Flames along with a 3rd Rounder for Matthew Lombardi, Prospect Brandon Prust and Calgary's 2009 1st Rounder. Minor Trade- Nokie goes to Ducks for Montador.

WOW! Who saw that one coming? Calgary becomes my instant favorite out in the Pacific. Huge day for them picking up an old face in Leopold and a new one in Jokinen. Phoenix on the other hand receives a great return on their UFA investment from last year.

Sorry to see a former Isles 1st rounder in Nokie getting bounced around again. This time to the Left Coast for a very tough and reliable D-Man in Steve Montador who goes to the Beast of the East in Boston.

1:37 PM- TRADE: Recchi Continues his Pinball Career

The Tampa Bay Lightning have dealt elder statesman Mark Recchi to Boston along with a 2010 2nd rounder for Matt Lashoff and Martins Karsums.

This gives Recchi yet another good shot at a Cup run and gives the Bolts some young talent to line their coffers. Good to see Recchi still has value and this could be the deal that finally sets the pace for Guerin to be dealt.

Chiarelli is really doing a nice job not moving major pieces but still getting the kind of value that Recchi and Doug Weight brough to Carolina when they won it all in 2006. I think Boston is going to be a very tough team to play in the playoffs with the two moves that have been made today.

1:46 PM- Moore headed to the Windy City? Guerin to join the Flightless Birds?

It seems that Brian Burke is a man of his word. Dominic Moore is strongly rumored to be head to Chicago.

Billy Guerin, still awaiting a trade since Saturday, might be on his way to Pittsburgh. Apparently the original deal DID fall through. Time for Plan B, Garth!

2:01 PM- BILLY GOES TO PITTSBURGH BUT NO IDEA OF THE RETURN...?

TSN is reporting that Bill Guerin has been sent to Pittsburgh but the return for the Islanders is to TBD. I will stay on top of this and give you an update whenever I get one.

2:08 PM- TSN is now reporting that Billy has been traded for a Conditional Draft Pick ONLY...Huh?

Per TSN the Conditional Pick starts as a 5th Rounder but could Upgrade to a 3rd Rounder if the Pens win a Playoff Series. I'm with Islesblogger who's over at Lighthouse Hockey in saying I'm officially bummed.

It's obvious to me now that this was simply the only deal that Garth could do with a limited amount of time after the first deal fell through. I believe that original deal was with Washington and they couldn't clear enough contracts to get Billy in. Considering the Caps lack of activity that's the conclusion I can draw. Oh well, c'est le vie.

2:47 PM- TRADE: Tough Guy Carcillo gets Traded to the Flyers for Scottie Upshall and 2nd in 2009

Phoenix has really impressed me today. They've turned their tradeable assets into some really good prospects and picks. Kind of hoped that the Isles might be able to do a fraction of what Don Maloney has been able to do out in the desert. Upshall is good 3rd liner and can put in some goals. Personally, they overpaid for Carcillo's services.

2:50 PM- TRADE: Antropov sent to the Rangers

If things couldn't get any worse, now Nik Antropov is a NY Ranger. The game tomorrow night should be frickin' wonderful. No word on what the Leafs got back yet.

UPDATE: The Leafs received a 2nd Rounder and a Conditional Pick.

3:00 PM

Well the deadline for trading has passed as far as what was done between GM's. Now the only thing left is to report what's gone down. I will do my best to get everything for you guys as it comes in. If you've been checking out my page for the better part of the day or just happened to stop in, I'd like to thank you for doing so. Unfortunately, this has been a very disappointing day in Isles Country.

3:03 PM- TRADE: Derek Morris Also a Ranger

Ok, now this is getting silly. Two big pieces of anyone's puzzle have landed in Manhattan and all the Islanders have to show for it is a Conditional 5th Round Pick. Anyone else a little peeved at this point?

UPDATE: The Coyotes have picked up Dimitri Kalinin, Petr Prucha and Nigel Dawes in the trade for Morris. Kind of disappointed the Islanders couldn't have landed either of Prucha or Dawes. Both were good young forwards with offensive upside. Again, I have to praise Don Maloney for the awesome job he's done today to not only get his team younger but I think more competitive for the future.

3:10 PM- Moore doesn't land in Chicago but instead in Buffalo

Toronto receives Buffalo's 2nd rounder in return. I think that both teams made out pretty well but I would say that Buffalo won this deal. Somehow, I think this was desperation by Brian Burke.

3:12 PM- Ducks and Thrasher's swap Youngin's

Erik Christensen who was dealt at last year's Deadline by the Pens has been shipped off again to the Ducks in exchange for Eric O'Dell.

3:31 PM- Eminger Stays in the Pan-Handle

The two Floridian teams hooked up for a minor deal that sent Steve Eminger to the Litter Box Cats and in return the Bolts receive Noah Welch and a 3rd Rounder.

The rest of today's trades can be found at TSN's Live Trade Tracker.

This has been a really disappointing day as far as Isles fans go. The Blog Box is in a conference call right now awaiting GM Garth Snow's reaction to the Deadline deal today.

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Chasing the Rumors or Chasing Our Tails?

Billy Guerin is speculated to have been traded or is very close to being traded. Keep up with the Blog Box tonight on their respective websites (I'm guest blogging on Gary Harding's tonight). Also, don't forget to check back for updates on the game and the Trade Deadline in the days ahead.

Personally, I think it'll be between four teams: Boston, New Jersey, Montreal and Washington.

(Photo courtesy of AllPosters.com)

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HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT! FIRE AWAY!

Ahh, who could forget that little Pat Benatar diddy (I had a moment this morning, I can't explain it)? The fact that it was recorded in 1979 and hit #9 on the Billboard charts in 1980 gives it even more special meaning to Isles' fans. I'm not here to reminisce about the Dynasty era because frankly, that was 30 years ago. Let's look toward the future for a minute and see where things go...starting today.

It is exactly 50 days to the NHL Trade Deadline and talks are starting to heat up amongst the bottom dwellers, bubble teams and playoff pretenders. Vinny is rumored, as usual, to be heading home to Montreal in a blockbuster. The Rangers have seemingly tried every angle from before and after missing out on the Mats Sundin sweepstakes (thank goodness that's over with). And the Islanders, have been rumored in every deal from Gaborik and Kovalchuk, to dealing Weight or Comrie for picks and prospects from Columbus. However this pans out, there are a couple of things I would really love to see from the Islanders from now to the Draft.

First, get off the whole Rick DiPietro train. It's time to seriously evaluate his ability to play this season and shut him down if necessary. This "let's play and see" attitude doesn't seem to be cutting it. The man's health is at risk if he doesn't rest and regain his strength. I understand that from a development point of view, you'd like him to play as much as he can. However, if the "as much" consists of one game every 15 played, then is it really worth it to keep this up? With 4 surgeries in the past 2 seasons I think it's safe to say that Rick will never be 100% percent for the rest of his career. At this point I would feel comfortable allowing Joey Mac, Yann Danis, Nathan Lawson and Peter Mannino to finish out the season for a hockey club that needs it's youngsters to get as much ice time as possible.

Speaking of youngsters, how have Okposo, Comeau, Bailey and even Tambellini looked lately? Their play has picked up considerably now that they have settled into regular spots on this roster. I'm most impressed with KO for his tenacity on the puck and responsibility without it. He's been a mad man for the last 3 weeks and I'm glad to see him finally finding his comfort zone. I was truly impressed with his first goal in Edmonton as he showed his desire and outright willingness to do what is necessary. Another play that really stuck with me from that game came at the end of the 1st period. It really put the youth on display and was certainly something Islanders fans can be hopeful for the future. On the powerplay, in the final minute, Campoli started the play with a long cross-ice pass to Bailey from the Isles' blueline, Bailey gained the zone and hit a streaking Comeau in stride with a beautiful pass through traffic and then Blake proceeded to toast Dwayne Roloson with 3 seconds left. Amazing what a little playing time can do...something that Scott Gordon has promised more of in the second half to the youngin's.

That does not mean that vets will get left behind. Guys like Trent Hunter, Richard Park, Mark Streit and surprisingly Andy Hilbert, are thriving under Coach Gordon and have wholeheartedly accepted the call. Don't count out guys like Bill Guerin and Doug Weight either. As much as I know that neither want to leave (explicitly stated by Weight earlier this month), it might be in the best interest of the franchise as a whole despite the better than average season that both have had to this point. Having the two of them together has been great, but all good things must eventually come to an end. What shouldn't happen in my opinion is a total reduction of ice time for the vets across the board. Doug Weight stated it best when he said, "If I'm earning the ice time, I expect to be out there". I can't disagree with a player that wants to play for the crest on his sweater. That is the mark of a true professional.

Some players however, may have forgotten what it's like to play for the guys in the room and the fans in the stands. The one sore thumb that really sticks out to me is Brendan Witt. As I stated in my Catching Up post, he just seems to be invisible this year and is almost silently begging for a trade. Granted, this is only my opinion and please don't get me wrong I think the world of Brendan. He's a great leader and a real solid shutdown d-man, but the old cliche just keeps coming up: "Maybe it's time for a change scenery". There are a number of playoff-bound teams that would love to add someone like Witt to their second pairing and make a serious run. We'll see what Garth does on that front in the next month and a half.

After the Deadline the season is pretty much over for the Isles and the next big excitement will be the Draft in June. As Chris Botta has so eloquently put it, we Islanders fans are on the Tavheduch Watch (Copyright: NYI Point Blank). Tavares and Hedman are 1a and 1b type draft picks. Duchene makes it in as a close 3rd. However, don't wish too hard for the Islanders to lose and land themselves at the bottom. My initial feeling on the draft lottery, considering the Islanders remain where they are, is that this might be one of those years that the worst team DOES NOT get the first pick. It's just a gut feeling, but frankly I wouldn't be surprised. So those of you out there who are singing the praises of John Tavares as the next savior of the Islanders, don't hold your breath. The Isles only have a 25% chance of landing that first pick in the ideal scenario. Those are odds I'm not terribly comfortable with. However, I won't say that you should lose hope. Every loss brings the Islanders closer to having a better chance but nothing is an absolute lock.

There is definitely hope on the horizon for this franchise. We have a GM and Coach working in harmony. There are prospects that are thriving in their respective leagues and roles. We've got some really promising youth on the NHL club and the AHL club is kicking some major tail now halfway through the season. And finally, the Lighthouse Project, a beacon of better times to come, hopefully will be under way in the near future. Despite, the gloomy events of the recent past and present, the future is shining bright.

Come out in force tonight for the Islanders/Rangers game at the Coliseum and let's start off this home stand on the right foot. It never hurts to beat the Rangers (they can lose to anyone else as far as I'm concerned). I hope to see you there. Don't hesitate to come by the Blog Box and say "hi".

For Questions, Comments and Bonehead Calls e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net.

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