Afternoon Delight and On the Beat switched spots today, so here are the late afternoon stories from beat writers around the NHL.
- The Habs have acquired Scott Gomez in a package deal that includes Chris Higgins and Ryan McDonagh going the other way. Gomez is a fast, pass-first center that can play great two-way hockey and should fit in nicely down the middle in Montreal. I realize that fans of the Habs are probably going to be unhappy that McDonagh was included, but how many of those fans have seen this kid play on a consistent basis? Probably few. Considering the Habs are good at drafting and development, you have to think Gainey weighed the pros and cons and thought this was worthwhile. It also ensures that he isn’t left in the free agent dust.
- With money now available in NY, is Heatley on his way to the Big Apple? Seems to make sense, unless they have their mind on another free agent.
- The Ducks have agreed to terms with Troy Bodie. Fighter not a scorer.
- Don’t expect much action from the Bruins tomorrow. No surprise considering they have little to money for a free splash, never mind a big free agent splash.
- Expect more trades than free agent signings for the Sabres. This is more out of necessity than desire. The fact is, Buffalo isn’t the most attractive option to UFAs.
- Erik Cole is going to test the free agent waters tomorow. The Canes have offered him a two-year deal worth less than his last deal, but that is what they realistically should be offering.
- More on the Drew Rosenhaus and Rick Nash that David originally posted as part of Afternoon Delight. Nash sounds like he’s very interested in remaining in Columbus. They better get him signed soon, because once they see how dominant he can be playing with some big-time NHL talent at the Olympics, his price will go up even more.
- The Kings’ salary situation could get murky down the road. I love the cap because it makes it harder on every team to maneuver and requires more creativity.
- A couple hockey executives said they’d be shocked if Josh Harding isn’t traded soon. Understandable. The Wild wants to avoid an offer-sheet and, instead, wants to control what they get in return for the talented netminder.
- Steve Sullivan is probably going to have to accept less money to stay in Nashville. Two lines of thinking here. First, that the Predators were very loyal to him during his long injury comeback. Second, that his career could end at anytime because of his back troubles, so he may as well cash in while he can.
- The Capitals may be very quiet in the early days of free agency. No big fish that they need to spend money on right now.
- The Sedins are set to become free agents tomorrow. If they waited this long, it is almost guaranteed that they are going to wait the extra day to see what is out there. Frankly, why wouldn’t they?