The Buzz Between the Boards

Hey there again, and welcome to the weekly installment of The Buzz Between the Boards. After looking at some big names last week that could be traded this summer, today I will be looking at some more players that could be traded while focusing on forwards. One of the players I looked at last week as Evgeni Malkin, so if you want my thoughts and look at his chance of getting traded you should check back to that one. But let’s get started with looking at some of these big name forwards:

Could Ribs we showing off somewhere else next year? (Image Source: Yardbarker.com)

Mike Ribeiro: The Dallas Stars got a gift a few years back when getting “Ribs” from Montreal for Janne Niinimaa and the two swapped lower draft picks. What happened with that deal? Ribeiro became a star player and fan favorite in Dallas in route to becoming a strong offensive 2nd line center. Niinimaa only played 41 games for Montreal before going off to play in Europe. Ribeiro was moved because of attitude issues that were not liked in Montreal, but it ended up being one of the best deals ever for Dallas. But with the team in a bind financially and in need of defensive help, Dallas could be looking to move a forward and salary. The Stars main focus is to sign Brad Richards for another 3-4 years and keep budding talent James Neal. So with talent like Richards, Eriksson, Neal, another promising star in Jamie Benn, and a hopeful return to health and production by Morrow, that leaves Ribs and his contract that pays $25 million over 5 seasons. He only played 66 games this year due to the throat injury he suffered, but had 53 points and was still a great 2nd center behind Richards. He has been a constant offensive threat in his time in Dallas, but with offensive talent and a couple of great budding wingers and a few good forward prospects, the Stars may have to trade to improve since they do not have the cap room to add. There has also been some whispers that he does not get along well with the new coaching staff and Marc Crawford’s system, along with the fact that he is not strong in his own end. Many times this season I watched as he was out of place to help the defense when the other team had the puck. Some rumors have been for Kaberle or Souray as the salaries are close. Being a Dallas fan, I like Kaberle but think Souray would not help that much. I say about 50-50 he is traded.

Alex Semin: The Washington Capitals may have been an offensive power this last year, but again they and Alex Ovechkin are bumped out earlier then many thought. But the Capitals are locked in financially where they are not going to be able to go after defensive help like they would desire. They could be a nice defenseman away from pushing through. Enter Semin, would on most times would be playing a lot more time. But despite playing behind Ovie, he still has put up great stats. The other Alex has 3 seasons of over 70 points in the last 4 seasons, and is not bad in his own end. He is a top line caliber winger that also is strong on the powerplay. He signed an extension during this season that pays him through next season at $6 million for next year. So if a team is looking for a top line winger for now and possibly for a long time he could be a name that pops up as Washington might think about it to improve the defense. I think we will hear his name a but, but I do not see a good chance that he is moved during this summer.

Might Calgary move their captain? (Image source: Yardbarker.com)

Jarome Iginla: Would the Flames really trade the face of their franchise for the last decade? They might consider with the issues and results the team has had, about anyone on that team could be moved. And Iginla has already apparently told the front office team that if the right deal comes along that will help the team, he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause. The Calgary Flames and GM Darryl Sutter already made a big move this last year by moving big name Dion Phaneuf, and did not receive much back more then depth and mid-level guys. So if a team makes a good offer for the 32 year-old Jarome, the Flames will probably consider it. Iginla is still a great player and is capable of putting up 65+ points per season still for a few more years. He has leadership qualities, talent, and can play physical. If he is moved or not, and what comes back if he is moved could be the end of Sutter as the GM in Calgary. I think there is probably a 25% chance we see Iginla moved sometime this year.

There are a few more big name forwards that I can think of. Leave your thoughts below or feel free to send me a comment or follow at Twitter.com/BlackoutDallas. Next Saturday I will start looking at the upcoming NHL draft and probably go through my own mock draft with picks for the first round. Have a great week everyone!