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NHL Trade Talk:  December 29, 2013

Phaneuf Close to Signing Monster Deal

– Talk out of Toronto is that defenseman, and team captain Dion Phaneuf is very, very close to signing a monster contract extension.  The deal is set to be $49 million dollars spread out over seven years.  Feelings look to be mixed if this will a good signing for the Leafs.  Phaneuf has played 638 NHL games.  He has 109 goals and 354 points.  The performance of Phaneuf has come under some heat over the years.  He was acquired from Calgary in 2010, and this year has been one of his best years.  He is coming off an off-season where he was under great criticism for his poor defensive play.  Especially in the first round defeat to the Boston Bruins in last seasons playoffs.  Phaneuf is very overrated, and I feel that this is a signing based off hope and not performance.  I believe that the Leafs are not totally convinced in Phaneuf’s abilities, but are terrified that a replacement will not be available on this year free-agent market.

All we here is Del Zotto is going here or there

– New York Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto is the talk of NHL hockey rumors.  Some teams in the serious mix are Ottawa and Montreal.  Many rumors have Del Zotto going to the Habs for left winger Max Pacioretty.  Makes sense on paper, but will the Rangers be willing to give up Del Zotto’s power play presence.  If this transaction falls into place I can’t help but think that Montreal will have to give up more than just Pacioretty.  Based off what I am hearing the likely hood of Del Zotto going to Ottawa is much higher.  I just don’t see this deal happening soon.  Likely to be a deadline deal, and to muddy the water more don’t forget that Boston is short a defenseman now that Dennis Seidenberg is now lost with an injury for the season.

Bruins Very Unhappy with Marchand

–  Many reports out of Boston are that the front office and coaching staff are not very happy with the antics of forward Brad Marchand.  This especially came to the fore front when he showed up the Vancouver bench when he acted like he was lifting the Stanley Cup as he skated by the bench.  To make matters worse he also kissed his ring finger multiple times during that game.  Although the organization was not happy with his behavior they have stated that they have no plans on moving Marchand.  Rumors were of plenty that they would be moving him after this display, but this will not be happening.

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Calgary has Multiple Players Rumored to be on the Move

–  The rebuild in Calgary is going full force, and honestly I believe it is moving in the right direction.  Now what is Calgary going to do with pending free-agents Matt Stajan and Lee Stempniak?  The crazy thing is that both players are having great years, and showing great leadership.  Funny how that works in a contract year.    Here are my thoughts on how this will play out.  I look for Matt Stajan to be dealt at the deadline.  Although he is having a great year, he has been very inconsistent since coming to Calgary as part of the Phaneuf trade back in 2010.  I do not feel that the Flames have him in their rebuild plans, and his return rate is currently at its highest level.  As for Lee Stempniak I full heartedly feel that Calgary wants him to be part of the rebuild, and will try to resign him rather than trade him.  Stempniak has played very well this year and has shown a lot of leadership for this young and struggling Flames squad.  I have heard that Nashville is interested in him, but I think the Flames will try to resign him before dealing him.  Seems like a great piece of the rebuild process.

* Trade talk a little quiet coming off trade freeze.