Latest out of TB, PHI and OTT

[Edward Thomas Swan]

DENVER POST: Adrian Dater recently suggested keeping an eye on the Lightning between now and the draft, noting the possibility of the club trading Lecavalier and then selecting either John Tavares or Matt Duchene with the second overall pick. He also suggested several possible scenarios, including trading Lecavalier to the Colorado Avalanche for the number three pick and select Tavares and Duchene with the two and three picks.

Commish's Note:
Thats an interesting thought, with the 2nd and 3rd overall pick they definitely have a leg upon everyone else in the rebuilding process. Stamkos, Hedmen/Taveras, Duchese would rival the Kane/Toews and Crosby/Malkin efforts in Chicago and Pittsburgh.


PHILLY.COM: Sam Carchidi reports the Flyers are considering re-signing goaltender Antero Niittymaki and is also negotiating with UFA Mike Knuble.

Commish's Note:
I honestly believe that wehn Emery is focused, he's a hug eupgrade to Biron, so Nitts will have to swallow being a back-up, instead of a 1b, if he re-signs.


OTTAWA CITIZEN: Wayne Scanlan recently reported Dany Heatley's unhappiness with Senators head coach Cory Clouston is one reason why he's requesting a trade, but also suggested that Ottawa simply wasn't a home for Heatley but rather a career stop following a car crash in Atlanta and a major trade with Marian Hossa. Scanlan also suggest Heatley wasn't able to take on more of a leadership role with the club. Now Heatley wants another fresh start, somewhere west, and could bring in some important pieces for a team in need of a new look.

Commish's Note:
I agree that this is probably best for the Sens to address they're needs elsewhere as well as add some more draft picks to their mix. It wouldnt surprise me if they can land a 2nd line forward, a top 4 dman, a prospect and a 1st for Heatley.


OTTAWA SUN: Don Brennan rips Heatley in a diatribe labelling the winger as selfish and comparing him to former Senator Alexei Yashin.

TORONTO STAR: Damien Cox also rips Heatley for being selfish and suggesting his trade request could hurt his chances of being selected for Canada's Olympic hockey team, suggesting Heatley could be as big a distraction for Team Canada's management as Todd Bertuzzi was in 2006

Commish's Note:
I wouldn't go as far as calling Heatley a Yahin or Bertuzzi. He's not holding out for more money or breaking people's neck on the ice. He's just simply not happy anymore in Ottawa and wants a change. As for saying this puts his Canada spot in jeopardy...thats more retarded than saying he'll get traded to the Leafs. Prongers request out of Edmonton didn't hurt his international standing and Heatley is one of the few elite wingers Canada has to call on.

[SWASHBUCKLER]

U GUYS BELIEVE WHAT U WANT, BUT ON DRAFT DAY, JOHN TAVARES WILL GO TO THE ONLY TEAM HE WANTS TO PLAY FOR AND THAT'S THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS.

[screamineagles]

Yeah Tavares would look great on a line with the Sedin Sisters, you know burke wants them too!

[dustin]

Now that would take a ton of work but wow would that make Toronto interesting to watch next year!

#1 line - Sedin - Tavares - Sedin

[Edward Thomas Swan]

except one of the Sedins is a centre (Henrik?)

[dustin]

Either way it would be a n interesting line and I have seen them both play Wing.

[Edward Thomas Swan]

they both look exactly alike...maybe you got confused

[nordiques]

I'm just asking becausae i did not get a chance to see him play... Do you think Tavares is going to be as good as all the hype around him says? For some reason, I think he's going to be another Pat Fallon.

[dustin]

I haven't seen him play live, but I have watched him play a lot and he has some growing to do...he is still young though. I think when he matures he has the chance to be a top 2 forward on any team he goes to. I think we are seeing these kids less and less mature as they come into the league and they are shocked when they can't dominate like they do in juniors. Look at Stamkos in Tampa, he was horrible to start the year, healthy scatched a few times. Then I think he averaged just under a point a game the last half. Same thing with Basketball, now they do not let these kids come straight from Highschool. Maybe they should make them play an extra year in the WHL or AHL to help mature them.