Fred wrote:SJ- Could definitely happen, but I see them moving Marleau
Like so many players Marleau has a NMC
Doesn't kick in until July 1. I can definitely see a Marleau-Heatley swap, but I think it's unlikely. Despite their on-ice success I don't believe San Jose is willing to pay that $4m. I can't imagine their revenues and/or excess cash being too high, especially with a shortened playoff run.
I don't buy the Heatley-Lecavalier rumour because it doesn't make sense financially for the Bolts, and from what I understand, the reason they're dealing Lecavalier is to get rid of his salary. Heatley and Lecavalier's salaries are quite comparable so I don't understand how dealing for Heatley will solve anything.
I think Calgary may be a desired destination but I find it unlikely the Flames would part with Phaneuf - without him the Flames would lack a PP QB and for the past few seasons their PP has been built around his blistering shot. Sarich, Regehr, Vandermeer, and Giordano, the other Flames defensemen under contract, would only form an average defensive corps, nothing the average Western Conference team can't handle.
LA is an interesting choice, but if Heatley's motivation is to win now, and from my understanding it is, then it's not a desired destination. I think the teams that we're really looking to compete with here (if we are in the sweepstakes) are San Jose, Calgary, Chicago, and maybe the Blues, Jackets, Wild, and Oilers.