NHL Trade News Quiet Season Thus Far

Discussion in 'NHL General' started by UncleRico, Feb 13, 2012.

  1. UncleRico

    UncleRico Suspended

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    March Madness betting enthusiasts looking for a sport and in particular an event to gamble on prior to the largest college playoff tournament, should look no further then the NHL. The calendar has flipped to February, and for all intents and purposes, February is trading month, as the playoff picture attempts to clear up. However, for the 2011 – 12 season, things couldn’t be more quiet, as sports betting handicappers have no idea whether to take the over or the under on the total amount of trades this season.

    This is the first trade month we personally can recall, where things have been incredibly quiet. Six points separate sixth place and 11th in the Western Conference, while 11 points distinguish sixth from 11th in the Eastern Conference. With the playoff races tighter then they have been in years, more teams are inclined to stick with the rosters they have, rather then pay a kings ransom, for a player that may or may not help them get into the playoffs this year. The other issue is, more teams are attempting to work out deals where players they acquire can stay with the team for a few years, rather then the rest of the bookie software season.

    With that in mind, there aren’t a lot of players or teams that are willing to necessarily blow things up. In fact, by all accounts, the only NHL team that may do a complete makeover, are the Columbus Blue Jackets. Officially eliminated with a five to three defeat at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks, the Blue Jackets made significant moves this offseason, to surround star winger Rick Nash with the talent needed for a long playoff run. Bringing in the likes of Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski and Vin Prospal, the Blue Jackets were supposed to be the class of the NHL, rather then the laughing stock. As of this writing, the Jackets are attempting to move Jeff Carter and his 10-year contract, for a slew of prospects and young roster players. However, give that Carter hasn’t played that well, he may be staying in Columbus.

    Another team that went big this past summer and has seemingly flopped are the Buffalo Sabres. Our pick to win the Stanley Cup, got off to an okay start, but the entire team fell apart, after Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic injured Sabres goalie Ryan Miller. With the Sabres sitting 12 points out of a playoff spot, they too may have to blow things up and start from scratch. A couple players who may be on the move are forwards Brad Boyes and Paul Gaustad. Boyes was acquired from the St. Louis Blues last season, in an effort to provide secondary scoring, yet he’s been awful this season and may once again need a change of scenery. On the contrary, the fan favorite Gaustad is an excellent face off man and good penalty killer, but really doesn’t provide much in the way of offense. Nevertheless, the Detroit Red Wings are said to be keen on acquiring Gaustad for the playoffs.
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2012

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