In one week from today the NHL trade deadline will be upon us!

Be sure to check Hockey Jabber regularly for up to the minute deadline news, reviews and even some previews on what we can expect from this years trade deadline.

Be sure to check back on March 1^st/2^nd and check out our NHL buyers and sellers list. We will be talking about some of the names who may be moving and give our opinions on where they may be moving.

Feel free to email us at hockeyjabber@ymail.com with questions or your thoughts on who is going where.

Has Jaromir Jagr looked out of place during this tournament?

The 38 year looked impressive out there against Russia, even giving that last ditch effort after being run over by Alex Ovechkin and I’ve heard many people debate whether he would still be a good fit in today’s NHL.

Impressive Olympic play, fueled by past performances in the NHL and an expiring contract overseas, must have some NHL GM’s pondering whether or not they could lure him back over to this side of the world.

Jagr was the 5^th pick in the 1990 NHL draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins (the team he won two Stanley Cups with.) A multiple Art Ross Trophy winner, as well as a Hart Trophy, Lester B. Pearson award, NHL All – Star (seven times ) and Rookie All – Star. Jagr is also the recipient of many international awards and holds many NHL records that still stand today.

Jagr has a total of 1273 NHL games under his belt with 645 goals and 953 assists. He has amassed five 100+ point NHL seasons and five additional 90+ seasons in his 17 NHL seasons.

Jagr has already stated that he is unsure whether he would even return to the NHL:

“I signed for two years and in three months my contract expires and then I’m going to make a decision what’s going to happen next. I’m not going to tell you I miss or I don’t miss (the NHL) because I said I’m not going to do it.”

Which doesn’t give NHL fans very must optimism about a return, but if the price is right it may not be an unconceivable notion considering a lot of us still remember his comments from early 2009:

“I was excited when I heard that Edmonton pushed pretty hard to get me and I really appreciate it. And if I ever go there [the NHL], they would be my No. 1 pick because they showed me the interest first”.

Perhaps the Oilers (who look to be sellers come the 2010 trade deadline) can free up some cap space too offer Jagr some incentive ($$$) to come to North America which would certainly please a majority of fans (not just talking about Oiler fans.) They have the ability to (depending on what the choose to do at the deadline) offer him enough money and a top spot for him to play at (something he said he would want if he choose to come back.) Lets face it the Oilers need someone to play in that top spot and give the fans someone to cheer about.

Of course the Oilers aren’t the only team (presumably) who would have some interest in Jagr. A young team like the L.A. Kings might want to look add adding his veteran services, or how about the Pittsburgh Penguins (although his role there may not be as impactful.)

Where do you think Jaromir Jagr will end up playing?

Will he stay in the KHL?

Will the Oilers make a push to for him?

Can he compete in the NHL of today?

Lets here what you think at www.sportsjabber.net where the Jabber is always going on. Registration is free, and we offer tons of prizes throughout the year. So get in there 400+ members, 100k + posts, there is always room for more at Sports Jabber.

As some of you may know the Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers are both interested in acquiring the services of Peter Forsberg.

Forsberg is a highly decorated hockey player starting from a young age winning the Calder Memorial Trophy, the Art Ross Trophy, the Hart Memorial Trophy, the Bud Light Plus/Minus Award, Olympic Gold medallist, the Viking Award (best Swedish player to play in North America), Guldpucken (player of the year in Sweden), Guldhjälmen (Swedish MVP), Multiple Stanley Cup winner, as well as being only the third player to be a member of the Triple Gold Club (Olympic Gold, World Championship Gold, Stanley Cup winner.)

In his playing time in the NHL Peter Forsberg has never been a minus player, and have recored two 100-point seasons. He was one of the games greatest play-makers and retired with 249-goals, 636-assists, in 706-games-played.

If you had to point out Forsbergs’ downfall, for lack of a better term, it would be the problems he has had with his foot over the years. Forsberg has only played once without missing time due to injuries and that was back in the 95-96 campaign with the Colorado Avalanche (where he achieved his first 100 point season.) But even with injury problems Forsberg has always put up impressive numbers (compared to games played) in his career.

So is it possible that we will see Forsberg in a NHL jersey within the coming month?

“First of all, he needs to find out if he can still play. If he can, we’re definitely interested. I’ve known his agent, Don Baizley, for a long time and I think we’d be on his short list if Peter decides he wants to play” said Canucks GM Mike Gillis.

The Canucks are no stranger to bringing in older veterans to help them try to get their first cup, last year signing Center (and Swedish player) Mats Sundin. Sundin was another player with injury issues and after only playing half a season the big Swede got injured for a brief time (which may have effected his performance in the playoffs.) So bringing on another veteran with injury problems may not be the smartest idea for a team that already deals with its fair share of injuries every season.

But can you risk letting a player of Forsberg’s skill potentially get signed somewhere else, knowing that he could be playing for you?

The Canucks have shown their serious about getting too the cup, bringing in former cup winners such as Matthiew Schneider and Mikkeal Sameulsson to help lead this young team deep into the playoffs. With Pavol Demitra out until sometime next year Forsberg could easily step in to be the top-6 forward this team needs, if you’re willing to take the risk.

The Rangers could also use Forsberg’s services to play along with Marian Gaborik, Chris Drury, Vinny Prospal, Ryan Callahan, Ales Kotalik. The veteran experience that he brings in and his play style could certainly make the Rangers a contender in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Forsberg could be the catalyst for either of these teams to make it to the finals in their respective Conferences, and both seem willing to take the chance on him. The only question left is where will he end up?

Where do you think Peter Forsberg will end up playing?

Do the Canucks have the inside track because of their connections?

Do the Rangers have the better shot because of the environment of where they play?

Will Peter Forsberg even come back to the NHL?

Lets here what you think at www.sportsjabber.net where the Jabber is always going on. Registration is free, and we offer tons of prizes throughout the year. So get in there 400+ members, 100k + posts, there is always room for more at Sports Jabber.

On the one hand:

As we all know when someone gets a head injury the effects can be permanent, even if they are not physically seen in the days (or months) following the hit to the head. Research shows, by athletes who have donated their brain after death, that concussions can lead to states of advanced dementia and worse. On of the more recent cases, and perhaps the most publicized, was when pro-wrestler Chris Beniot killed his wife and son before committing suicide. Tests later revealed that his brain showed signs of dementia in its advanced stages caused by brain damage from concussions from his career.

Of course the players of the NHL want to show that they are some of the worlds best athletes, but at the end of the day ones health is the most important thing that their is. The punishment for one of these hits (one to the head) should be more then a one game suspension or a fine because the effects may be longer for the injured player and the punishment doesn’t seem befitting.

On the other hand:

Hockey is a physical game, played by professionals. Most have these men started playing when they were kids, into adolescences, into their teens, and into adulthood. Throughout all that time they are taught to keep their heads up and finish their checks (they learn once they reach that stage of the game.) It is an unfortunate accident when a player goes day and stays on the ice after a shot to the head, but it is just that an accident.

Changing the rules about checking players with their head down could change the way hockey is played. The hitting element in the game could be erased. If a player comes into the zone with their head down then a defender wouldn’t be able to check him to get the puck. All forwards would need to do is keep their heads down when opposing players are around and they become untouchable, and the physical aspect which makes the game entertaining to watch would be gone.

When a player goes down from a check to the head it’s an accident, and the person checking shouldn’t be punished for doing something he has been taught to do for almost all of his playing career, finishing a check.

What’s your take on it?

Do you agree with what’s said here?

Do you have something to add?

Let us know how you feel at www.sportsjabber.net. Sign up to register and discuss this topic and many others. 400+ members, 100k+ posts there is always room for more at Sports Jabber.

The first month of the NHL is now behind us, which means we can look back at what has transpired and look forward to what we think will happen. “Overtime” is a series of questions – and – answers fielded by a few of SJ’s hockey minds. In this months edition of Overtime we talk to ShipHockey7, BruinsBoss (Boston), and WestCoastExpress. If you have any questions (for Novembers post) feel free to PM me (westcoastexpress) and we will try to get it answered for you (comments are always welcomed.)

[WestCoast] Carey Price, the Montreal Canadiens goalie. This guy have a .883 Sv% with a 3.64 GAA.

Goaltenders are not standing up-right, their knees are bent with legs slightly out to the side, and someone is going to get seriously injured in one of the run-ins.

What I’m suggesting is a strict no tolerance penalty on a player who crashes into the goaltender without being physically pushed into that goaltender.

I think an automatic 5-min penalty should be handed out for a first time offense on a player, and a game misconduct for a second time.

The one exception being if a forward (presumably screening the goaltender) is physically pushed into the goaltender by the defender.

What do you think?

Would this be too harsh, to tough enough, or about right?

Have your say at www.sportsjabber.net

• Gary Bettman wants Wayne Gretzky back as part of the NHL family. But will Gretzky be back with the Phoenix Coyotes, if and when the team is sold? Will he be with the Los Angeles Kings, who have expressed having him in some capacity? Or elsewhere as a coach, something he is said to truly enjoy? That remains to be seen.[Toronto Sun]
• Since his arrival in Toronto, Phil Kessel’s workload has been relegated mostly to the treadmill and post-practice solo skates as he recovers from a shoulder injury. But the former Boston Bruins sniper joined his teammates for yesterday’s practice as he moves closer to an expected November debut as a Leaf.[Toronto Sun]
• Ottawa centres Peter Regin (upper body) and Jesse Winchester (knee) weren’t ready to play against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Scotiabank Place Thursday night, but Clouston said they have a “very good chance” of playing Saturday[Ottawa Citizen]
• Washington goalie Jose Theodore suffered an undisclosed injury in the first period of last nights game against San Jose at Verizon Center and the Caps said he will not return.[NHL]
• Defenseman Dennis Wideman will spend the weekend at home skating while the team plays back-to-back games against the Stars and Phoenix Coyotes. Wideman injured his left shoulder when he crashed into the boards during Saturday night’s 4-3 shootout win over the New York Islanders.[Boston Herald]

“In my mind I see some evolution occurring, some improvement, despite our results,” Burke said Wednesday. “I think the players know how serious I am about winning. I think they know from the moves that have been made that we don’t intend to wait forever.”
-Leafs GM Brian Burke[The Star]

Defenceman Mike Van Ryn’s knee injury, which has kept him out since training camp, is more serious than first thought and Burke hinted he is facing a decision on major surgery.[Toronto Sun]

In his new role (Guy Carbonneau), he’ll have to learn to interact with a play-by-play commentator – his regular partner will be veteran Bob Cole – and with Greg Millen, who will serve on occasion as the third analyst in the booth.[Montreal Gazette]

Ottawa’s Filip Kuba is not expected back in time for tonight’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.[Ottawa Citizen]

Vanek improving: Injured Buffalo Sabres forward Thomas Vanek may not be out as long as originally expected, and could miss only a few days rather than weeks[News Observer]
With John-Michael Liles bending over in obvious pain, his shoulder sagging, it appeared the Avalanche defenseman might have suffered a separated shoulder Tuesday night in Toronto.

From the medical room came relatively good news a day later: Liles will miss only two weeks or so with a bruised right shoulder.
[Denver Post]

Vanek was hurt when he crashed into the end boards after snapping in a loose puck at the right post. Coach Lindy Ruff termed as “weeks” the length of time Vanek will be sidelined without providing the exact nature of the injury. Vanek is a two-time 40-goal scorer. [Boston Herald]

DiPietro still is far from thinking about playing in a game, but he was feeling good enough to think about perfection. “It’s your job as a professional athlete, when you’re coming off an injury, to do as much as possible without setting yourself back, giving yourself the best opportunity to come back better than when you went down,” he said after practice at IceWorks. “I personally am not going to be satisfied if, when I come back, I’m not playing at the level I’m accustomed to be playing at.”

More Islander News….

Frans Nielsen, rehabbing from arthroscopic knee surgery, looked good. He might play next week. [Boston Herald]

Honoring Schultz.

Dave “The Hammer” Schultz, the enforcer who helped the Flyers win the Stanley Cup in 1974 and ’75, will become the 20th member of the organization’s Hall of Fame.Schultz will be inducted during an on-ice ceremony before the Nov. 16 game against New Jersey. [Philly.com] 

 Center Eric Staal also was missing Tuesday at practice. Maurice said Staal was “a little tight” physically Monday but that he should play. [newsobserver]

The Predators coaching staff was optimistic earlier this week about J.P. Dumont’s availability for tonight’s game at Dallas. A little too optimistic, it turns out.The veteran forward is still recovering from concussion-like symptoms suffered after being hit in the season opener at Dallas on Oct. 3.”As soon as he gets back, he’s a guy who will be able to help us,” Coach Barry Trotz said. “When he’s ready, he’s ready.” [Tennessean.com] 

 First off, while the Avs did not say anything beyond the usual “we’ll know more tomorrow” about John Liles and his right shoulder injury, I think it’s going to be a question of “how many weeks is he going to be out?” That looked like the classic separated shoulder look after Liles was hit into the boards from behind by Mikhail Grabovski. [Denver Post]

Did we miss something?

lets us know here: http://forums.sportsjabber.net/sjforums/

Word is that Vancouver Canucks defensemen Sami Salo sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee and could be out for  four – to – six weeks. Surprise fellow Canuck fans Salo is out again!

Sami Salo, age 35, has never, ever, played a full season in the NHL. Oh he’s come close, twice, playing more then 70 games in a single season but that was the ’02-’03 and ’03-’04 seasons ( 9 years ago.) And personally I hope that we let him go/but out his contact/attempt to trade him this season (willing to take a bag of pucks in return.)

Sami Salo

But there are reasons to be hopeful Canuck fans (even you Salo lovers can ease up a bit)!

The Canucks brought in 6’2” – 200lbs.  Christian Ehrhoff who’s topped 30 points in two seasons too, and he’s only played in six seasons. Yes I’ve heard how Ehrhoff hasn’t lived up to his potential in San Jose and could have been a risk but the kids only 27, develop him like you are doing for Alex Edler.  Alex Edler (6’3” – 215 lbs.) has also passed 30 points in a season and this is only his 4th NHL season, his best season being last year, and he is only 23 giving the Canucks a lot of hope. Kevin Bieksa (6’1” 206 lbs.) is another guy who has topped 30points twice in a single season, playing in only 5 NHL seasons, last year having his career best as well.

Those aren’t opinions, those are the facts. Salo’s services are no longer needed, time to let him go, our young d-crop has shown if givin a chance and some time they can step up to a point where you don’t even notice Salo is out with an injury. He has too go, but you know what I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t get trade, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was resigned, just my luck. 

 You can find my original rant, and leave your reply at http://forums.sportsjabber.net/sjforums/showthread.php?t=31496