Interested Parties: Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Phoenix and San Jose

What he brings to the Dance: At this point Boucher merely brings the title "One Hit Wonder" to the table. After an outstanding 99/00 season, he was involved in a contract dispute with the Flyers, missed part of camp, and played so poorly he lost his job to a 29 year-old "rookie". If Boucher were to get his confidence back he is still young enough to turn it around. He needs to be in an environment that's conducive to developing slowly. He does have talent and in two or three years could be a standout. 

Long or Short Term Fantasy Potential: Long term, this guy could still be a star. If handled right, Boucher will likely be a confident starter in this league within two years.  Short term, he will likely have to pay his dues in a back-up role. His best situation would be backing up a veteran who will move on - but not for a year or two. 

Playoff Implications: If Boucher is forced into a starting role for the 00/01 playoffs it could be disastrous. His confidence is shot and the pressure of a starting job could push him over the edge. The Flyers desperately want Tkachuk and could package Boucher with a young forward or two to land the Phoenix power forward. Boucher could learn first-hand from a player who endured exactly what he did (Sean Burke) and gradually work into a starter's role. 

Interested Parties: Pittsburgh and Philadelphia 

What he brings to the Dance: Kidd had an exceptional 99/00 season but was a victim of the Panther's collapse this season. While he can hardly shoulder all of the blame for the disaster in south Florida, many have made him the scapegoat. He is still a big, talented goalie in the Sean Burke mould and is still more than capable of being a number one. 

Long or Short Term Fantasy Potential: Long term, Kidd will never be a superstar. But, in the right circumstance, there is no reason that he couldn't get his confidence back. Playing on a team like Pittsburgh that tends to leave its back end a little exposed could pose a problem, but Kidd has rarely been placed in a position where he's not getting a lot of work.  Short term, he needs to have his confidence re-built. The best situation would be somewhere that he would, at most, share a starting job and then be given a chance to win a job outright at next year's training camp.  

Playoff Implications: Kidd could surprise if he's handed the reigns by a team in the playoffs. He is extremely talented but tends to get down on himself. A situation like Philadelphia (assuming the Flyers move Boucher) may be better for Kidd's mental state, but if he's going to get moved it would more than likely be to Pittsburgh.

Other Names Mentioned

John Vanbiesbrouck: For some reason he wants to stay on Long Island. The latest rumours have him moving to Pittsburgh in a blockbuster, but more than likely if he goes it will be in a relatively small prospect or draft pick deal. 

Chris Osgood: Ever since his first opportunity to start instead of Mike Vernon, Osgood has been doubted by Wings management, fans and most importantly Scotty Bowman. Every year we hear that Osgood will be moved to bring in a playoff-seasoned backstop. Just like every other year, this isn't likely to happen. There are two reasons for this (neither related to Osgood's talent): 1) The Wings don't have the prospect depth to pull off that sort of deal; and 2) that goalie really isn't available.

Stephane Fiset or Jamie Storr: Now that the Kings have Felix Potvin playing so well, it's quite possible one of these two players will be traded. Fiset was just activated off IR and it seems very unlikely that Los Angeles will keep three goalies on the roster. Given the injury prone nature of each of them, don't expect a team to be willing to give all that mich for either. And you can be sure that future considerations will be involved.

Mike Vernon: This situation has been a head-scratcher from the beginning. First the Flames throw their budget out of whack by acquiring Vernon last off-season (even though they had solid goaltending). Then they give him a contract extension. Prevailing wisdom would seem to indicate that the Flames should consider any offer they get for him and move on, but it's hard to say whether that will happen.