Sundin Speaks With Fletcher

According to TSN, Toronto Maple Leafs' captain Mats Sundin and GM Cliff Fletcher sat down yesterday to talk about a possible trade. Although Cliff did not go as far as ask Mats to waive his no-trade clause, he did ask him to compile a list of teams he'd like to play for. Unfortunately for the "Tank Nation" supporters this is only the first step to completing the deal but the meeting alone proves there is a large market for the charismatic Swede.

Division: Sens Bolster For Playoff Push

Yesterday afternoon the Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes converged on what would be considered a blockbuster deal by this season's standards. Patrick Eaves and Joe Corvo were both sent to Carolina for Stanley Cup veterans Cory Stillman and Mike Commodore. Eaves will be a restricted free agent at season's end while Corvo still has two years left on his contract at $2.75 million a copy. Since Ottawa is making a playoff push, they felt they needed to improve their toughness, experience, leadership and secondary scoring; they did all of the above with this one transaction. I really feel that Ottawa made out like a bandit with this deal; Joe Corvo's contract is now erased from the books which will allow them more freedom to sign impending RFA Antoine Vermette as well as removing oft-injured Patrick Eaves. Since both of the players Ottawa received will be unrestricted free agents at season's end, they have no allegiance to them and they may walk after this year. In conclusion, Carolina got younger while improving their powerplay and Ottawa bolstered their playoff hopes but at the same time improved their chances of locking up key pieces to the Ottawa puzzle in the long term. Kudos to both general managers, in my opinion.

Conference: Richard Zednik Unfortunate Event

Sunday evening, Florida winger Richard Zednik had his throat cut by teammate Olli Jokinen's skate as he was falling. The tragic event was obviously a complete accident as Jokinen was pushed off balance and now the talk is starting for required neck guards. It's also a coincidence that both serious neck lacerations of recent history took place in Buffalo. If you recall, goaltender Clint Milarchuk was even more severely cut in the '80s. Fortunately Clint survived the event and Zednik is expected to as well. Richard was taken by ambulance to the nearest greater Buffalo area hospital in stable condition but gravely by first account is expected to miss the rest of the season.

Buds Get Embarrassed At Home

The dismantling on the ice Tuesday night may lead to the dismantling of the roster in the coming weeks. Toronto lost 8-0 to the Florida Panthers last night at the Air Canada Centre upon the booing of the crowd. Mats Sundin continues to deny he will waive his no-trade clause and I truly believe this due to Sundin's track record of loyalty to each team he has represented over the years. Even with Mats staying put, there are still assets to be traded, the problem is none of these players seem to be playing for their jobs. Although many Leaf players are injured that include but are not limited to McCabe, Kilger, Steen, Bell and Boyce there seems to be little urgency for this team to win. It's almost like the team has accepted the fate that Fletcher has come in to trade away as many players as possible as quickly as possible. With that said, those hoping for change are rejoicing in the recent woes, those who still believe are disgusted. It is less than 20 days until the NHL trade deadline and if the team collectively does not improve their play expect one or more of the following: trades, demotion to Marlies and buyouts. These are rough times in Leafland but I'm sure the ACC will stay filled until it is burned to the ground.