Thanks to all that joined the fantasy hockey pool yesterday. We are not quite at the 15 mark, so join asap to get your 2nd player trade free! I am also planning on having random draws throughout the year with cool prizes, so even if your team doesn't win on the scoreboard, you may still walk away with a prize! It's only $5 US or $6 CDN, and if you are under 18 you can play with parental permission. Hockeyleaks@hotmail.com if you wish to join or have any questions. A big meeting about the new site tonight, could be here very soon!
Lets talk hockey, because thats what we all love to do. Nick Boynton is still not signed by the Bruin's, and things could get ugly. Several teams, including atleast two division rivals, have talked to Boynton's agent. If they were to offer Boynton an offer sheet of $2 million, the team would only lose a 2nd round draft pick. Boston would probably match a $2 million offer, but then they would be even with the cap, something Boston is hoping to avoid.
Carolina could get into the trade market. Names I've heard are Vrbata, Kaberle and Ward. Phoenix, New Jersey, Columbus, and Nashville scouts have been at recent Carolina games. Peter Worrell is trying out for the Ranger's farm team, and could end up on the Rangers by the end of it.
With each passing day it looks more and more that Yanic Perrault will be a Pred. He will likely be the 2nd line centre, ahead of Greg Johnson and behind David Legwand. Also, a rumour is going around that the Thrashers offered Potvin an $800,000 contract, but it is not clear when they did. I would assume it was before they signed Dunham, as the team expects Lehtonen to play most of the games.
Lets look at a few more trade rumours. Martin Biron is likely to be dealt by Buffalo. They plan on using Ryan Miller as their starting goalie. I've heard Tampa, Detroit, Toronto, LA, and Carolina as possible teams. Scratch Toronto, as Belfour has been solid so far in pre-season. Detroit is possible, but they would have to dump a salary to get him as they're at the cap. Tampa is also close to the cap, and John Grahame is likely the starter there. Burke has struggled. LA is my guess, as they need goaltending help more than any other team in the league. Aaron Miller could be the guy going to Buffalo.
New Jersey and San Jose continue to talk, but don't count out another team making a deal with New Jersey. I've heard Nashville, Edmonton, Columbus, and Colorado have all held fairly serious discussions with New Jersey.
Finally, a few fantasy tips for ya. Jason Allison played a great game last night, and I expect him to get better with each game he plays. He's definatly a sleeper pick. The sleeper pick of the week goes to Philly's Jon Sim. The guy who most thought was a really dumb pick up for the Flyers scored 5 pre-season goals this week. Not bad at all. Speaking of fantasy leagues, join ours! Hockeyleaks@hotmail.com