I believe that Iginla could end up being the Flames’ Mats Sundin.  He wants to stay.  He wants to be part of the solution. But what if he has to be traded to make the team better?  That’s the question Calgary is left with.  So despite indications that Iginla wants to stay, the Flames may try to convince him to go elsewhere because their current plan isn’t exactly working.

Filatov trade may be imminent:

Relations between Nikita Filatov and the Columbus Blue Jackets have turned chilly, and this might mean that a trade is imminent.  The Jackets could bring him back this season to see what he can do, but it would he horrible for locker room chemistry.  So the bet here is that Filatov will never again wear a Blue Jackets sweater, that he’ll be traded at the NHL entry draft in June or later in the summer.  Filatov is still considered an elite prospect — some still feel he could turn into a superstar.  That might mean the Jackets can yield a proven NHL player in exchange for the 19-year-old winger.

Thomas to Flyers possible:

The Philadelphia Flyers tried to trade for Tim Thomas at the trade deadline and with their goalie troubles right now, they may try again in the offseason.  The Flyers lost Ray Emery to a potentially career-threatening injury and, now, they’re without Michael Leighton for the season.  So it’s Brian Boucher all the way.  That’s bad.  So although they could target Marty Turco, Dan Ellis for Evgeni Nabokov — all impending free agents — I feel that they’ll target Thomas instead.

In Boston, Tuukka Rask has taken over the No. 1 job and if the Bruins can hold onto their playoff spot, it looks like Rask will be starting over Thomas, the reigning Vezina winner.  What makes Thomas even more appealing to the Flyers is the dip in his salary each of the next three years. He’ll make $6 million next season, but that goes down to $5 million in 2011-12 and then $3 million in 2012-13.

As for the defense, former first round pick Brent Burns looks to forget a year that saw him injured and bouncing back and forth from forward to defenseman to build on his rising status.  Burns, a converted forward burst onto the scene as defenseman with 15 goals in 2007-8 and was named as the best defenseman at the 2008 World Championship.  Now, with Richards employing a system that allows the defense to join the rush and fully recover from concussion issues, Burns is primed to pick up where he left off and take his spot as a top defender in the NHL.  Power play quarterback Marek Zidlicky put up more than 40 points for the fourth time in his five NHL seasons, yet his minus-12 rating was the second-worst of his career. Perhaps he’d fare better in that regard with a steadier defensive partner, who could better cover when Zidlicky attacks in the offensive zone.  Though it doesn’t appear he’s ever going to be the kind of point producer he was in his years with the Philadelphia Flyers and he generally plays small for his size, Kim Johnsson is a solid top-four defenceman.  Coming off the first minus season of his career, Nick Schultz is nevertheless the closest thing the Wild have to a shutdown defenceman. His durability (at least 79 games for five straight seasons) and ability to log significant minutes has earned the 26-year-old respect as he enters his prime.  There are several holes that need to be filled on the blueline, but the Wild effectively have their top four covered so if they need any additional help during the season they can always pick up some help through a trade or someone from their farm club.

However, they will have to continue the solid defensive play that has been their trademark and continue to receive elite goaltending from Niklas Backstrom in order to return to the playoffs.  The undrafted free agent finished third in the Vezina voting and finished with a career high 37 wins and was top 5 in both GAA (2.33) and save percentage (.923). He also received a four-year contract extension to remain the last line of defense for the Wild.  When healthy, this team was a threat for both the playoffs and more but, when injured, they sputtered offensively and relied heavily on their spectacular goaltending.  Josh Harding will return to serve as the backup to Backstrom.  The 25-year-old went 3-9-1 with a 2.21 goals-against average and .929 save percentage in 19 games last season.  Originally a second round selection (38th overall) of Minnesota in the 2002 draft, Harding is 19-27-4 with a 2.49 GAA and .920 save percentage in 58 career games.  The Wild also signed veteran goaltender Wade Dubielewicz to add depth.  The 30-year-old has a career record of 17-15-1 with a 2.64 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage in 40 career appearances with the New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets.  The move gives the Wild a third goaltender on the roster and more stability should they decide to trade backup Harding.

Minnesota made some sweeping changes when it comes to the overall franchise.  I for one am excited to see what kind of hockey they are capable of as well as if all the changes will work out for them.  They seem to be so close to making a run for the most coveted sports trophy on the planet, The Stanley Cup.

Rumor has it that the top offer Alex Tanguay has received is $1.2 million.  If it’s true, it’s a fraction of the $5.375 million he made last season with the Canadiens.  The Florida Panthers were rumored to be the favorites to sign Tanguay after all the other teams reportedly dropped out.  Then the New York Islanders jumped in on the fun, and now it seems that the Tampa Bay  Lightning have as well.  Maybe Tanquay can get a bidding war started.  I’m sure that’s what he is hoping for!

The KHL appears ready to dig in their heels over Jiri Hudler.  On Thursday, the Russian league officially registered Hudler’s contract with HC Dynamo Moscow.  The 25-year-old Czech Republic native signed a two-year, $10 million offer to play in the Kontinental Hockey League on July 8 after reportedly rejecting a five-year deal worth $3 million to remain with the Detroit Red Wings.  This comes after KHL president Alexander Medvedev said the Russian league wouldn’t register Hudler’s contract until his arbitration case with the Red Wings is over — and it’s not over.  The KHL stated that they registered the contract due to the absence of a transfer agreement between the KHL and NHL, as well as the absence of a valid contract for Hudler with any NHL club.  The Russian league also stated the move was necessary to confirm that they were ready to start negotiations with the NHL on the status of restricted free agents and on any other aspects of general agreement on transfers of players between the KHL and NHL.

Here we go again, the KHL Russia’s premier league is at it again.  They’re stealing players form the NHL.  After a 16-year NHL career, Sergei Zubov is heading home as the 39-year old blueliner has signed with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL.  Zubov, who has spent his last 12 seasons with the Stars, only played 10 games with Dallas in 2008-09 because of a hip injury that required surgery.  In those 10 contests, he recorded four assists.  Known as one of the better puck-moving defenceman and power play specialists of the last decade, Zubov has 152 goals and 619 assists in 1068 career games.  He helped the New York Rangers capture the Stanley Cup in 1994 then helped lead the Dallas Stars to their first Cup in franchise history in 1999.

Kyle Wellwood will be returning to Vancouver for a second year after the Canucks announced the signing of the centerman following his arbitration hearing.  It’s a one-year deal worth $1.2 million, a slight raise from the $1 million Wellwood earned with the Canucks last season.

The Ottawa Senators rejected a deal that could’ve rid them of disgruntled forward Dany Heatley.  The San Jose Sharks offered Jonathan Cheechoo and Christian Erhoff as part of a trade, but Sens GM Bryan Murraywas not interested.  The Edmonton Oiler’s are the only other team that really wanted Heatley.  Heatley is still holding out at his home in Kewlona, BC hoping Ottawa can accomidate his wish by trading him.  I think that Heatley is a baby, you sign a contract, you honor that contract.  It sets a terrible example of being a teammate and will create problems with future teammates who may question his commitment.  Either way Heatley has not painted a pretty picture for himself.

In another move by the Maple Leafs they shored up their goaltending woes with the signing of  swedish goalie  Jonas “The Monster” Gustavsson.  Gustavsson signed a one-year deal with the Leafs worth $810,000, including a signing bonus of $90,000, to back up current starter Vesa Toskala.  Labeled the best goaltender outside of the NHL last season, the 6′3″, 181 lb backstop was the top goalie in the Swedish Elite League last season while playing for Farjestad. He posted a 1.96 goals against average and a save percentage of .932 in the regular season, and led the team to the league championship this spring.  These two playing together should make Toronto a real threat in the eastern conference next season.  The team also signed first round draft pick Nazem Kadri, and a group of five other players including Ben Ondrus and Ryan Hamilton.

Now that Gustavsson has been signed another free agent goaltender will now be able to figure out were he will be playing next season. Philadelphia Flyer free agent Martin Biron will now be receiving calls from the San Jose Sharks and the Dallas Stars which will probably be bidding on the 31-year-old netminder.

The Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly on the verge of finalizing a three-year contract worth more than $9 million with free agent forward Kris Versteeg.   The contract is similar to the one signed by defenceman Cam Barker on Monday.  Versteeg was a Calder trophy finalist this past season and is a key component to the Blackhawks young nucleus which made it to the western conference finals this past season.

Chris Pronger has signed a seven-year contract extension with the team worth $35 million.  The contract also includes a no-movement clause, meaning Pronger, 34, is likely to wrap up his time in the NHL as a member of the Flyers.  Pronger was sent from the Anaheim Ducks to Philadelphia along with forward Ryan Dingle in exchange for forward Joffrey Lupul, defenceman Luca Sbisa, two first-round draft picks and a conditional third-round pick in 2010 or 2011.

The Vancouver Canucks apparently filled their back-up goaltending position today with the signing of free agent goaltender Andrew Raycroft.  He signed a one-year, one-way deal at $500,00.  What I don’t understand is that Vancouver has prize prospect Cory Schneider, the Manitoba Moose goalie who was named the AHL’s top stopper last season and who has nothing left to prove at that level.  I’m sure Vancouver knows Schneider’s trade value will only increase next season as the backup to Roberto Luongo, (who’s expected to soon sign a long-term contract extension) especially if he gets enough starts behind the Canucks workhorse.  Then what of Raycroft?  Is he in a battle with Schneider for the backup job or is somebody expendable in all this?  I’m still trying to figure this one out.

What this team lacks is a veteran presence.  While the Bruins have a true veteran and three-time Cup winner on the blue line in Aaron Ward, they could use another veteran forward to help mentor their younger players along with Mark Recchi.  The answer to that problem could be Columbus Blue Jackets un-restricted free agent Micheal Peca.  Peca, who has been an NHL captain with two different teams, would be a solid addition with his defensive skill and experience.  It could be the missing ingredients Boston requires to push it to a championship level next season.  He also is expected to ask for a reasonable salary, a key factor when GM Peter Chiarelli is trying to fit all his young stars under the salary cap.

Boston had the 25th pick in the draft and selected Jordan Caron, a big right winger from Rimouski of the QMJHL. Caron is a big body, skates well and possesses a big shot.  He is a very steady, dependable player.  He scored 36 goals this season, but some will say that’s an inflated number in a high-scoring league.  He should fit in nicely on Boston’s 2nd or 3rd line.

While Jason Chara leads Boston’s solid group of blueliners there’s room for improvement.  But obviously they’re really pressed by salary-cap limitations.  Look for them to try to add someone who can make a difference.  They may be able to get that player if they decide to trade Kessel.

One thing Boston doesn’t have to worry about is their goaltending.  Vezina trophy winner Tim Thomas has that position all taken care of and backup Manny Fernandez with 16-8 reord last year is more than the Bruins could have asked for.  With these two tending goal, it will be difficult for teams to beat the Bruins.

The city of Boston had high hopes for their team this past season, with the unexpected loss to Carolina in the second round of the playoffs it just puts even more pressure on the Bruins for next season.  Bruins management and their fans will be demanding nothing short of a Stanley Cup victory.

The Boston Bruins were also big winners at the NHL Awards Thursday night with Zdeno Chara, Tim Thomas and Coach Claude Julien all taking home awards.  Journeyman Thomas was picked overwhelmingly by NHL general managers as the league’s top goalie.  Thomas earned 22 first-place votes to take the Vezina Trophy. Columbus’ Steve Mason was the next closest finalist with three first-place votes. Minnesota’s Niklas Backstrom received one.  Chara edged Washington’s Mike Green and Detroit’s Nicklas Lidstrom to win the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenseman. Chara snapped Lidstrom’s three-year Norris winning streak. Lidstrom had won the award six of the previous seven seasons.  The Bruins’ coach Julien was chosen as the NHL’s coach of the year, earning 35 first-place votes from the NHL Broadcasters’ Association.

Blue Jackets goalie Mason won the Calder Trophy as the NHL rookie of the year, he beat Anaheim’s Bobby Ryan and Chicago’s Kris Versteeg to claim the award.  Mason topped the league with 10 shutouts and ranked second with a 2.29 goals-against average, leading Columbus to its first playoff appearance.  He was the first rookie to lead the NHL in shutouts since Chicago’s Tony Esposito in 1970.

All in all the players who won their respective awards definitely deserved them.  With the awards now handed out, that officailly puts an end to an unbelievable season.  Next year’s season seems to have the makings of an exciting continuation of high caliber play.  For me next season can’t get here quick enough.

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Speaking of the Ducks, yesterday they beat the San Jose Sharks again.  Bobby Ryan scored twice in the second period and Anaheim tacked on two late goals to take a commanding 3-1 lead over the Presidents’ Trophy winners in the series.  Anaheim goalie Jonas Hiller shut out the Sharks for the second time in the series continuing his dominant play.  The series now shifts back to San Jose where Anaheim won its two first games.  The Sharks need to wake up or they can get ready for a nice summer break, there is nice weather there in the summer you know.

The Broad Street Bullies beat back the Pittsburgh Penguins to stave off elimination making the series a little tighter at 3-2.  Philadelphia was led by Martin Biron’s 28 saves as he shut out the Penguins.  The offense was sparked by Matt Carle’s two assists.  Sidney Crosby and Evegni Malikin were both held scoreless, this is a feat that rarely happens.  Philly is fighting for their playoff lives, they’ll come out all fired up on Saturday.  Question is will Pittsburgh be ready.

This series hasn’t gotten much attention but I can assure you some great hockey is being played.  We’ve said before that New jersey will only go as far as their goaltender Martin Brodeur take them.  Well last night the Devils veteran goalie shut out the Carolina Hurricanes 1-0 to take a 3-2 lead in their eastern conference quarterfinal matchup.  Martin Brodeur overcame a first-period skate cut and tied Patrick Roy for the most playoff shutouts in NHL history (23) with 44 saves in a critical Game 5 win.  Brodeur was fortunate to escape a much more serious injury after colliding with Chad LaRose about 20 feet in front of the net going for a loose puck. LaRose’s skate blade hit the back of Brodeur’s ankle and caused a 4-inch cut.  Brodeur stayed in the game despite the pain and the blood.  New Jesey can finish off the series and advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs with a win on Saturday night.

The Detroit Red Wings continue to roll defeating Columbus 4-1.  The Blue Jackets just can’t seem to get any offensive push against the Wings.  Columbus playing in their first ever playoff series is clearly over matched.  Chris Osgood led Detroit with solid goaltending.  Like Roberto Luongo, Osgood seems to be playing at a very high level right now.  Lookout if Detroit has to eventually face the Canucks, that series would be awesome.  Detroit seems to have no problem putting the puck in the net as Daniel Cleary led the Wings with a goal and two assists.  Detroit now leads the series 3-0 and will be looking to put the Blue Jackets away on Thursday.

Goaltender Marc Andre-Fluery turned aside 45 of 46 shots to help the Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1 last in Philly.  The Pens took a commanding 3-1 lead in their series.  This series has come down to toughness and Pittsburgh’s young guns look like the big bad bullies.  Philly needs to regroup otherwise their season will be over in 48 hours.  Sidney Crosby scored his second goal of the playoffs.

The Carolina Hurricanes earned a crucial victory beating the New Jersey Devils 4-3.  This was a game that saw Carolina go ahead by three goals until New Jersey stormed back scoring three unanswered goals themselves.  The Hurricanes then sealed the victory scoring the winning goal with just .2 seconds left on the clock.  Definitely a heart wrenching way to lose.  With the win Carolina tied the series up at 2-2, now it’s a best out of three and the question is, who wants it more.  Time will tell.

The last game of the night saw the western conferences top and bottom seed face off once again.  The San Jose Sharks defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 at the Honda center in Anaheim.  So far in the series which the Ducks lead two games to one, the road team has won every game.  San Jose goaltender Evegni Nabokov shut the Ducks out for the last half of the game to seal the first Sharks victory.  San Jose was led offensively by Dan Boyle who had 2 goals and an assist.

The Bruins beat Montreal 5-1 showing that they are not going to be pushed around by the Canadiens.  Constantly throughout the game Boston out hustled and out muscled Montreal at every opportunity.  Carey Price made some great saves to keep Montreal close early on but stupid penalties did the Habs in once again as the Bruins scored three power-play goals.  Bostons offense was led by Marc Savards 4 point night, he had 2 goals and added 2 assists.  The series now moves to the Bell Center in Montreal where 21,000 plus rabid fans await game 3.  The Canadiens will have to defend their home ice to have a chance at coming back and even winning the series.  There is a lot of bad blood between these two teams and I expect game 3 to be an all out battle to the end.  Also expect to see a lot of aggressive play from Montreal sprinkling in a few fights on the way.

The New York Rangers won a grind it out type of game beating the Washington Capitals 1-0.  New York got a strong performance by goalie Henrik Lundqvist who recorded his third career playoff shutout turning away all 35 shots he faced.  The Capitals have now lost six of their last eight playoff games and have dug themselves a big hole against the seventh-seeded Rangers.  Alex Ovechkin the NHL’s regular season goal scoring leader has been held scoreless so far in the playoffs.

The Detroit Red Wings continue to roll as they disposed of the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0.  Chris Osgood collected his 14 career shutout.  Osgood is playing at a very high level right now.  The Blue Jackets have managed just one goal on 46 shots in the first two games of the series.  If Detroit keeps up this type of play they’ll be hoisting up the Stanley Cup Trophy above their heads once again come the beginning of June.  Four different Red Wings scored a goal as seven different Red Wings have now scored a goal in the series.  Only Jiri Hudler has two goals.  So now the series shifts to Columbus, you better believe the Blue Jackets will be ready to host their first ever playoff game.  Expect Columbus to put up a fight but ultimately the Red Wings should prevail.

The Flames continued their slumping ways last night.  Calgary rushed out to a 2-0 lead early in the 1st period but then the Black Hawks scored 3 unanswered 2nd period goals to win by a score of 3-2.  Chicago is getting awesome goaltending from netminder Nikolai Khabibulin.  With the win the Hawks took a 2-0 lead in the series.  Chicago fans are definitely feeling playoff fever grip the city.  What a great season this extremely young team has had so far and they’re showing that they still have some unfinished business to achieve their goal of winning it all.