Feaster is looking to make a major move and one of the big three are going to be shipped out. It’s true that Dan Boyle’s absence has been difficult to overcome, though Filip Kuba has certainly taken advantage of the opportunity. Still, a 6-1 loss to Toronto has the front office thinking major shake-up. Here’s the conundrum: Between Richards, St. Louis and Lacavalier, only the latter can be traded without permission. Richards suffered a leg injury, is currently a -10 and has a no trade clause. St. Louis is a great two-way forward and provides leadership, but is 32 years old and won’t want to play with anyone else than Vinny. Vincent Lacavalier is 27 and some say he is the best player in the NHL this season. Obviously Vinny has the edge when it comes to return, but it would be a mistake for Tampa to trade away their franchise player… Or would it?
Last year, the Boston Bruins traded away Big Joe Thornton. San Jose has reaped the rewards. Boston struggled last season but have found a new lease on life with Tim Thomas stopping everything and Sturm, Murray, Kessel, Savard, Chara and Kobasew playing solid defensive hockey and pitching in timely goals. If Boston goes deep into the playoffs and San Jose falls flat, you can bet that trade will be reanalyzed by all the pundits. Sometimes, it is best to let a superstar go for a bunch of good pieces and some future potential. Tampa Bay has no third and fourth line, the defense has Kuba and an injured Doyle but not much else and the big guns are good but they are not propelling the team past their inconsistent goaltending.
Hypothetically, where would Lacavalier end up if his services were available? Jay Feaster will try to look outside his conference first. The last thing he wants is to make a big trade only to meet a fired up Vinny in the playoffs. Of course, if Montreal offered Carey Price and a few draft picks, that might be enough. To be honest, I was shocked that Feaster did not make a bid for Ilya Bryzgalov’s services. Perhaps he was beaten to the punch. Since the Bulin wall and Kubina’s money grab, Tampa Bay has looked remarkably like a middle of the road team instead of a Stanley Cup winning powerhouse.
A major move is brewing…
Anaheim has stated that everyone on the blue line except Pronger is available immediately. Corey Perry is a restricted free agent next year, and you can be sure Brian Burke won’t make the same mistake he made with Dustin Penner. Perhaps a Jonas Hiller / Mathieu Schneider trade for St. Louis or Lacavalier. If you’re like me, all the possibilities are what make the world of Hockey so exciting.
I can guarantee that Anaheim will make a trade by Sunday. As soon as the player knows; you will too.
Until then, keep your sticks on the ice and listen to your own conscience, not just your coach’s. No one wants to see another Steve Moore incident, right?
