I don’t think there will be too much activity at the deadline this year.   The new CBA and cap make trades pretty tough for teams, but here’s my crack at what I think will happen at the deadline.

Let’s start with my Oilers.

Edmonton:  The goal is to NOT finish in the bottom 5 this year and with Souray, Horcoff and Torres done for the year they should just give up now and preempt the rage I will have for the rest of the season watching them.  Roloson is finished in Edmonton  and other than that, they don’t have much to offer with all the injuries they have. Calgary: Tanguay is as good as gone and he’s been playing well lately so he should fetch a good return.   They desperately need a #1 center to play with Iginla.  Look for them to make a play for Sundin or Jokinen.  For the record, they won’t get Sundin, but they will throw a lot at the Leafs to try.

Vancouver: Lots of injuries will make it hard for the Canucks to offer any good deal.  They won’t make the playoffs but they won’t give up their good young players for rentals.

Montreal:  Sorry Leaf fans, Sundin might end up in Montreal.  Mark my words, if the Habs avoid playing the Sens in the first 2 rounds, they’ll make it to the Conference Final this year and Sundin would be a huge boost to them.   They might even make a play for Roloson for some goaltending depth and I would love to see Ryder end up an Oiler.  My gut says they will land a #1 centre whether it be Sundin or Brad Richards.

Ottawa:  They’re looking at Hossa, but I think they need stability in goal.   I’m going to go out on a limb and say Emery will go and so will Vermette.  In return they’ll end up with a veteren goalie to backup Gerber and a 2nd line forward.

Leafs:  FIRE SALE!  Anybody who is willing to waive their no-trade clause is as good as gone.  Sundin will go for sure to either Detroit or Calgary.  Kaberle will fetch some great prospects or draft picks and he’s under contract so he’ll be an attractive piece of bait.   Nobody is un-touchable.  McCabe, Tucker, Blake, Wellwood and Antropov could all end up else where next Tuesday.

Big Name players:

Marian Hossa: will end up in Ottawa or San Jose.
Brian Campbell: will not move, he’ll sign with Buffalo.  Buffalo can’t afford to lose him for nothing like they did Drury and Briere.
Jagr: Despite the rumours, he isn’t moving.  NYR will look to get him some help for a good push.  Maybe Holik.
The Big 3:  St. Louis/LeCavalier/Richards:  Richards will go, the others will stay unless somebody dangles some good youth and solid goalie.
Olie Jokinen: this is a tough one.  He’s going to move and if the Flames don’t get Sundin, they’ll get Jokinen.
Martin Havlat:  He’d be a great addition to the Pens, he’s going for sure
Dan Boyle: will end up a rental somewhere.  Possibly the Rangers and maybe Detroit if they have cap room with Lidstrom being out.

It’ll be an interesting day for sure and I’ll follow up with my early Stanley Cup predictions when the dust settles.  Right now Detroit, Anaheim, Ottawa and Montreal are my front runners with San Jose being my dark horse in the west and New Jersey being my dark horse for the East.  Sure the Devils lead their division but they are having a very quiet season with all eyes on the big teams.

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