Deadline Thoughts

At 3 P.M. on Tuesday afternoon the trade deadline will come to a close. All NHL rosters will be set (except for call-ups/send downs, and the occasional waiver wire pick-up) and teams will make their push for the playoffs or set themselves to give prospects experience and throw in the towel for 2007-2008. I feel as if tomorrow could be a busy day. I heard on ESPN that since 1994 there have been moves in the double digits every year. Here are my deadline thoughts...

-I am having difficulty committing to one side or another on whether or not Hossa will be dealt here. Some say that a deal was nixed as soon as Chiarelli came out and claimed that Kessel will remain a Bruin. I still feel that Chiarelli still could trade Kessel for Hossa but, could also trade other high end prospects for him as well. What is worse? Chiarelli coming and saying "I am trying to trade one of our best prospects," and not completing the deal potentially making Kessel feel unwanted; or Chiarelli saying "I am not trading Kessel," and then landing the best player at the trade deadline. With the latter Chiarelli can respond to the media with, "A opportunity to obtain a player like Hossa does not come very often. I felt that our team needed a player like Hossa. This decision has nothing against Phil as he is a terrific young talent with a lot of potential to do some terrific things in this league. We want to wish him the best of luck and thank him for all he did here." What's the best scenario? Thank you.

-Bruins fans need to understand that it is rather difficult to move under-productive players like Hnidy and Schaefer. Please, for the sake of your sanity, and mine, stop making trade offers that bring back great young talent for Hnidy and a pick from teams competing for a playoff spot. I know Bruins fans have had to live with the infamous Thornton trade but, before you make these inane offers, put yourselves in the shoes of the opposing GM and see if you would make the trade. Come on folks this isn't NHL 08 where the opposing GMs can not reject trades.

-If Hossa does not come to Boston, there is a 99% chance that the Bruins will not be able to sign him in July. It is more likely than not that any team that trades for him will sign an extension. Don't be sold on him coming here in his prime if he isn't a Bruin come 3:01 Tuesday afternoon.

-If Chiarelli does not make a move tomorrow he is not a bad GM. This program has a lot of promise for the future and it would be a federal offense if he traded a bunch of prospects away. According to reports from people who have access to their locker room, the team chemistry is very high. The 2004 Red Sox won with a great group of guys while other teams with a bunch of stars didn't have as much heart and fun. Look at the New York Rangers the past few years.

-The asking prices of some of the guys like Hossa and Jokinen are so high because so many teams are inquiring about them. Once it gets closer to three o'clock the asking price could sky rocket or it could go low if the GMs are really desperate to get a guy out, i.e. Hossa. There is still a very small chance that the Bruins could obtain Hossa without Kessel but, it is very minute. If it starts to get closer to three o'clock and he hasn't been dealt, keep an eye out for this scenario.

Looking forward to tomorrow...