Trade talk

It's a week before the trade deadline and there is no indication the Lightning are any closer to making a deal than they were a while ago. Feaster has said he wants to keep the locker room together and would rather trade draft picks and prospects than a body off the roster. Feaster also has kept consistent that he is after either a puck-moving defenseman or a third- or fourth-line grit guy.

The usual suspects are still out there. Columbus' Bryan Berard and Los Angeles' Brent Sopel would probably be the easiest to get and would fill an offensive need, though neither is stellar defensively. St. Louis' Eric Brewer would be a terrific get, but the Blues are still negotiating a new contract, so it could be near the end of the deadline before anyone knows if Brewer is actually available. On the other hand, the later it gets, the lower the price as St. Louis will not want to lose Brewer for nothing.

I was talking to someone today at the morning skate who had some interesting ideas on whom the Lightning should get. He liked Florida's Gary Roberts, an older player with a lot of experience who could play a third-line role or with Brad Richards' line. But Roberts has said he only wants to go to Canada if traded, and he wants a guarantee for next season. Florida's Marty Gelinas was another name that popped up. The guy is a terrific playoff performer and almost scored the winner for the Flames in Game 6 of the 2004 Cup final (remember the puck on the goal line that caused such controversy?).

BTW, Feaster also said he would have no problem going into the playoffs with the current roster. After not making a move last season, anyone have a problem with that?

Comments

[JB]

If no move is made, best case scenario involves a lucky draw in the first round that the Bolts would be able to beat, and a quick, quiet 2nd round exit. I won't go into the worst or probable case -- don't want to jinx the team!

Yes, please, to an order of Gelinas.

[Phantom]

JB read my mind, especially on Gelinas. Great guy to have, both in the house and the community. But, Jacques Martin is an idiot to deal with. I'm already holding my sides in anticipation of his asking price on any of his horses; Gelinas, Jokinen (4th best player in the State), or even Big Bert (you want 3rd line grit? Must re-work his $$$ for next season.) Nah, forget Bertuzzi. Once the back problem starts, the end stage clock starts ticking.
I already suggested in 250 words or less, Montreal was scouting Tuesday's game. If they want Denis, see who they'll send to Columbus to bring Mighty Mo back here (If Mo wants to come back with fire in his belly. He was real sore we didn't let him party with his Squarehead mates after taking the cheese in the Olympics last year).
I'm beginning to kind of see things as Jay would, I'd hate to lose a Blair Jones or Matt Smaby for someone to choke at a critical moment in sphincter puckering time or is just as likely as Ranger to lose his focus and space out. We were lucky with Sydor during a magical season. This time we golf early if we don't bring grit and guile every shift, every dad-gum game.

[keith]

I agree with Phantom. The Sydor trade made JF look like a genius. It was a lucky, but brilliant fit for that time. If all "show up" at each game, then TBL has as good a chance as anybody in the play offs with the roster they have now. I'll be glad when the 27th is past so I don't have to read all the trade tirades, speculations and conjectures. I think some guys play too much fantasy hockey!
By the way......if Denis brings it like he did against the Panthers, we will be fine in the play offs. That's two consecutive starts he has saved the teams rear end! Jokinen will see that empty net, with Denis's glove as big as the goal in his dreams, for a while to come.

Oh here we go jumping on the Denis wagon! Yes it was a great save, but Holmer got us here not Denis! If Denis was such an outstanding goalie it would not have gone into overtime! And geez...the amount of rest he had, he should be sharp! My full paycheck is still with Holmer anyday! Denis is to unreliable for me.

[John]

I agree with the person above me. I think people forget we lost a great player for Denis. He has been a disappointment, then when he wins a game everyone likes him. Please!

[Satch]

The last 4 games the team has not played very well. Sloppy play, turnovers, etc, yet we still picked up points due in large part to the play of Denis. He was the difference in points or no points the last 2 games he played. Sure he has been a disappointment but he stepped up when recently called upon.

I think it's clear he's underperformed this year. That's why he took a seat. He finally got called of the pine and he showed up - big time. I understand people wanting Homer to be the #1 guy. He has earned it. Torts will let their play make the call. Holmer runs off a string of starts then struggles just a bit, Denis get the call, and he produces. Give the guy a break. I have this feeling we will need him the rest of the way.

[Bobby]

How about Marc Denis for Sheldon Souray and then try to trade some prospects/picks to Buffalo for Marty Biron? The money probably wouldn't match-up, but that'd be a nice couple of moves if you ask me.

[Satch]

Great Idea!! Denis for Souray!! You left out Karlsson for Ovechkin, Taylor for Crosby, and Janik for Pronger!! Now there's a few nice moves that sound good to me.

Time for a reality check! Limited resources means limited returns. That doesn't mean a team can't be improved with the right kind of player, just the opposite. Maybe Feaster has another rabbit in that hat. Nevertheless this team, as it stands, has a 16-5-1 record the last 22 games. If they go with what they have, and they play like they have since the first of the year, they don't need to do anything.

[Phantom]

ROTFLMAO! That was harsh, Satch. I'll be giggling all day now, thanks...