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NHL: Trade Talk – December 21, 2013

Evander Kane on the Move?

– Rumblings are plenty that Winnipeg Jet Evander Kane will be on the move before the NHL trade deadline.  I have heard numerous landing spots for the young star, but the most likely spot is the New York Rangers. The Rangers are currently two points out of a playoff spot, and offensive help is needed.  The Rangers would love to add offensive depth, and would probably be willing to trade a prospect or even a key defenseman to acquire Kane.  Kane has been known to rub people the wrong way in Winnipeg, and has also had a couple issues with conduct.  At times he has become a distraction for the team.  The conservative people of Winnipeg usually don’t take kindly to situations like this.  It makes complete sense that they would want to move him for defensive depth and/or a young prospects.  The fact is Evander Kane is the same player that he was when he signed an extension two years ago.  He has not improved or advanced at all.  A lot like the Jets themselves as a matter of fact.  Well maybe if the team is going to change it starts by shipping out Kane.  Other teams on the radar are the Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers.

Camalleri all but gone in Calgary

– Camalleri almost guaranteed to be on the move out of Calgary.  Teams that are showing interest have been Pittsburgh, NY Rangers.  I look  at Washington being a good fit.  I have heard Calgary has interest in Fehr, and other prospects would be involved.

Vanek may want to Go Home?

– Tomas Vanek is very likely to not resign on the island.  All signs have pointed that he will be looking to move to Minnesota.  He played his college hockey there, his wife is from there, and his off-season home is in Minnesota.  Maybe I am way off base on this one, but I don’t think I am alone in thinking that Minnesota  is high on his list.  The new cap space will make this possible in Minnesota.

This is the Year Hemsky gets Dealt

–       Ales Hemsky has been rumored to be on the move the past two trade deadlines.  Nothing happened, but that is about to change.  I am almost a hundred percent guaranteed that he will be shipped out.  Teams that could be interested are Washington and the  New York Rangers.  Another interesting thought is a trade.  I have heard that Edmonton has extreme interest in Anaheim’s Jonas Hiller.  Well maybe a Hemsky – Hiller trade could work out.

Did Yakupov Seal His Fate with Comments

–       Then there is Nail Yakupov, is he really going to survive in Edmonton?  How often does a player fall out of the good graces with a coach and then end up working out.  I can only think of one player and that is Alex Ovechkin.   Nail Yakupov is no Alex Ovechkin.  I have thought all year that they should move him now while his stock is still somewhat high.  Trade him, and start filling your needs on defense.  He is not helping the rebuild right now.  This one will be interesting.

Would Ryan Miller ever Go to the Islanders?

–       The New York Islanders are in desperate need of a goaltender.  Would Ryan Miller ever consider this as his new home.  My thoughts are that he will be on his way out of Buffalo, and based on past goalie signings the Islanders would probably offer him the world, and a few more planets.