Tuesday, March 06, 2001
Pittsburgh:
The big splash on the eastern seaboard is the rumored rift
developing between Mario and Jagr. Disgruntled with his play – and
likely developing an ulcer thinking how much it will be to re-sign Jagr
after next season – reports are that the Pens are talking trade with the
Islanders. Latest report had Jagr, Alexy Morozov and J.S. Aubin going to
the Isles for and Brad Isbister, Zdeno Chara, The Beezer and a no. 1 pick
and 2 other prospects.
Fantasy Impact: Simply put –
this deal would be HUGE. However, Jagr would not be very happy in Long
Island and subsequently his stats would fall off markedly. Isbister would
thrive getting the chance to play with Mario and a future #1 pick and the
Beezer to solidify the goal question mark would be ideal for the Pens. The
only fly in the ointment here is that Isbister is out for at least 4-6
weeks with a sprained MCL.
Anaheim:
With Steve Shields being the #1 guy on the Duck pond, latest buzz
has Guy Hebert landing in Philly – allowing Bobby Clarke to move Boucher
and a draft pick to Atlanta for Donald Audette.
Fantasy Impact: What a
difference a year makes. Boucher at this time last year was unbeatable –
this year..well…he’s just been beatable. However, he is very young,
and a change of scenery may be just what ails him at this time. Audette is
an UFA this year and Atlanta will be anxious to get something for him
rather than just lose him in the off-season. Audette would look real good
in a Philly uniform, although Tkachuk is Clarke’s first choice of
wingers to acquire.
Phoenix: How
much more will Keith Tkachuk wait…well as long as Cliff Fletcher doesn’t
get the right package of young guys to move him. Philly does not have
enough young talent to trade to Phoenix to acquire him directly, which
means they need the Leafs involved and Eric Lindros – a big three way
swap. Washington and St. Louis are both reported to be very interested in
Tkachuk. The Blues with Johan Hecht, Bartecko, and Corso to offer while
the Caps have Jan Bulis and Richard Zednik dangling to see if they can get
a nibble.
Fantasy Impact: It wouldn’t
surprise us for a second to see Tkachuk stay right where he is at – at
least until the off-season. The Yotes are still in the playoff hunt and
dealing away your best player may not be the best way to ensure fan
support. Besides the playoffs are where the owners make some real dough
– Gretzky, Eltman and Fletcher et. al. could really use the cash
infusion a couple of playoff games would net them. If this deal happens,
particularly the Blues deal – all of a sudden we really like what the
Yotes begin to look like.
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