Semin Trade Coming?

Alexander Semin Playing His Way Out Of Washington?

Alexander Semin has been underperforming in every sense of the word so far this season, and its looking like the Capitals have had enough. His offense production has been abysmal with only ten points in twenty-four games and no points in his past five. His production thus far puts him on pace to finish the season with 16 goals and 16 assists for 32 points, which would be the lowest point total for a season in his entire six year NHL career. Unfortunately for the Capitals his lack of offense is only one part of his troubles. His untimely, selfish penalties have quickly gotten him into Dale Hunter's dog house, and have been a serious problem throughout the season. As expected his defensive play has been subpar, but quite honestly that was expected from Semin.

The Capitals are paying Semin almost $7 million, and for that price they expect him to be a major contributor. With his disappointing play thus far and his expiring contract at the end of the season, it has looked more than likely that we will see the Capitals trade the enigmatic Russian. Surprisingly it also seems that it will be done sooner rather than later, and possibly this weekend. Believe it or not, according to @HockeyyInsiderr on Twitter the Detroit Red Wings have expressed some interest, but there are some other teams that are pushing just as hard.

Could Staal Or Ward Be Moved?

Bob McKenzie: Canes May Look Into Moving Eric Staal Or Cam Ward
According to the always reliable Bob McKenzie the Carolina Hurricanes may look into trading Eric Staal or Cam Ward. McKenzie made it clear that even though he thinks sometime in the next year or so they may have to consider moving one or both of those players, as of now there have been no discussions of doing such a thing. He did not base this on any piece of information that he heard, he simply stated that in his opinion it will be something that could happen down the line. If this were to ever come to fruition it would be an absolute blockbuster trade, but I wouldn't expect it to be any time soon.

12/7/2011 News

Today's News:


Mark Fistric Suspended 3 Games 
- Fistric has been suspended for three games for his hit on Nino Niederreiter. Following his phone hearing with Brendan Shanahan yesterday some believed he wouldn't be in too much trouble, but apparently the league has decided to give him a pretty fair suspension.


Henrik Karlsson Suffers Knee Injury
- Henrik Karlsson suffered a MCL injury. He will be out for 6 to 8 weeks. Leland Irving will be Kiprusoff's backup, but I expect Irving to see very little time.


Stars Trade Barch To Panthers
- The Dallas Stars trade Krys Barch and a 6th round pick in 2012 to the Panthers for Jake Hauswirth and a 5th round pick in 2012

Blue Jackets Won't Take Contract Back

Jackets Refuse To Take Contract Back For Brassard

It appears that the Columbus Blue Jackets have received quite a few offers for Derick Brassard, but almost everyone that has been sent required the Jackets to take on another contract back. This has forced more than a few teams that were originally interested in Brassard to drop out of the race. According to the Blue Jackets beat writer Adam Portzline, the Carolina Hurricanes sent an offer last month that consisted of the San Jose Sharks 2nd round pick in the 2012 NHL draft, and defenseman Tomas Kaberle. The Columbus General Manager, Scott Howson quickly rejected the offer.

Niederreiter Won't Be Back Soon

Nino Niederreiter Looking At A Lengthy Stay On The IR

It seems as though the recent hit by Mark Fistric on Nino Niederreiter will leave the Islanders top-prospect on the injured reserve for a long while. It has been confirmed that he suffered a concussion, but I have now found out that it's being considered as a fairly major one. In the best case scenario, I think we are going to see Nino Niederreiter on the IR for at least a month. When the Islanders play the Stars in a few weeks I expect to see some fireworks.

Sarich Requests Trade

Cory Sarich Requests Trade From Calgary

According to current Sportsnet analyst and former Calgary Flames player Rhett Warrener, it appears as though Cory Sarich has requested a trade from the Flames. The thirty-three year old Sarich signed a five year contract with the Flames in 2007 and will be an Unrestricted Free Agent at the end of this year. Sarich has been a healthy scratch a number of times this season and as a 12 year NHL veteran its no surprise that he's unhappy with the lack of ice-time. His game is primarily as a defensive defenseman, and he uses his physicality to get the job done. I personally believe that there will be a decent sized market for the 6'4 defenseman, and I'm hoping that Garth Snow throws his hat into the ring, because Sarich would be an ideal acquisition for the Islanders. The only problem with that is the problem of Sarich's full no-trade clause that would enable him to squash any deal if he feels uninterested in the possible destination. With some very hot rumors last night of a possible Jarome Iginla trade, its more than interesting that another well-respected veteran has asked to be moved. Something odd is definitely going on up in Calgary.

Lightning Lock Up Hedman

Lightning Sign Victor Hedman To A Big Five-Year Extension

Tampa Bay Lightning Press Release:

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed defenseman Victor Hedman to a five-year contract through the 2016-17 season, Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced today. “We are extremely pleased to announce that we have agreed to a five-year contract with Victor,” Yzerman said. “He has shown tremendous growth as a player in just more than two seasons in the NHL while also becoming a key member of our team. We look forward to his continued development in a Lightning uniform.” "I'd like to thank our owner, Mr. Vinik, and of course GM Steve Yzerman for helping me move forward in my career," said Hedman. "I love it in Tampa Bay with the Lightning and I will do all I can to help this organization be successful on and off the ice." Hedman, 6-foot-6, 229 pounds, has played in 20 games with the Lightning this season, recording two goals. He ranks second on the Lightning in average ice time with 22:55 per game, just five seconds behind team-leader Eric Brewer (23:00), and is tied for second for blocked shots with 40. The No. 2 overall pick of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Hedman, 20, has played in 173 career NHL games, all with the Lightning after coming to North America prior to the 2009-10 campaign. Since that time no other Tampa Bay defenseman has played in more games and recorded more goals (9), assists (39) or points (48). He has averaged more than 20 minutes of ice time per game in each of his three NHL seasons, ranking in the top three or higher on the Bolts in each. Last year Hedman led all Lightning defensemen with 23 assists and was second among team defensemen with 26 points. Hedman was also fourth on the team with a plus-3 rating. A native of Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, Hedman played for MoDo Hockey of the Swedish Elite League before joining the Lightning. In 2008-09 he was named the league’s Rookie of the Year at the age of 18 after making his debut during the 2007-08 season. Hedman has represented his native Sweden in multiple international competitions, including winning the Bronze Medal at the 2010 IIHF World Championships as well as Silver Medals at both the 2009 and 2008 World Junior Championships.

Contract Information: Length: 5 Years Pay Out Details:                  Year 1 (2012-13): $3,000,000                  Year 2 (2013-14): $3,000,000                  Year 3 (2014-15): $4,000,000                  Year 4 (2015-16): $6,000,000                  Year 5 (2016-17): $4,000,000 Cap-Hit: $4,000,000 Signing Bonus: $1,500,000

PattyB Analysis:
This signing will look great in two years, and towards the last year or so of the deal people will be shocked by how big of a steal it is. With a $4,000,000 cap-hit its already a solid deal now, but through the next five years Hedman will begin to blossom and this deal will look better and better. Some people think Hedman has been disappointing thus far in his career, and those are the people who think this contract is bad, but anyone who truly has an eye for the game can see what Hedman can bring to the table. In my opinion his play this year has been that of a good top-four defenseman, he has been very solid in his own end and on the defense side of the puck, but has left a little to be desired offensively. At twenty-years old, being a good defenseman positionally and physically at the NHL level is rare. His huge 6'6, 229 pound frame is put to good use by Hedman, and his skating for someone that big is outstanding. I watch Hedman and I see a defenseman that is only beginning to scratch the surface of what he's going to become. With his skating and nice shot, I will guarantee you that his offensive skills will be above average in as soon as two-years, defensively he already is very good, but he has room to improve. By the end of this contract he may very well be one of the top defensemen in the NHL.