I love hockey, but I can't keep a posting schedule like this.  Essentially, I don't have time for search for stats and new hockey stories to discuss my thoughts on.  I have a couple of projects in the works, so I may unfortunately just have to stay down, at least until the NHL draft. 

So thanks to everyone who has been reading, especially thanks for taking time out of your day to see what I think. 

See you another time,
NHL Guy14

Well, this is getting out later than I'd hoped, but here are my thoughts on the trades of the 2009 NHL trade deadline.

1. Ottawa sends Antoine Vermette to Columbus for Pascal Leclaire and a 2009 2nd round pick
My Thoughts:  I think Ottawa did better on this one.  They got a goalie who may prove to be the number one they've been looking for, and a 2nd round pick as well.

2. Jordan Leopold of Colorado will be moving to Calgary in exchange for Lawrence Nycholat, Prospect Ryan Wilson, and Montreal's 2nd round pick
My thoughts: Calgary is clearly going to try and make a run for the Cup this year.  Picking up Leopold will help that, and I feel that they didn't have to give up too much to get him.  A move the Calgary fans should like.

3.  Goalie Mikael Tellqvist moved by Phoenix to Buffalo for a 2010 4th round pick
My Thoughts:  Ryan Miller must be done for the season, then.  That said, getting a decent backup in Tellqvist for only a fourth round pick (two years from now) seem like Buffalo saying they won't go down quietly.

4.  Boston sends C Petteri Nokelainen to Anaheim for D Steve Montador.
My Thoughts:  I think that Boston actually did a little better on this trade.  Montador is a type of player I feel is built for the playoffs, and I think he will prove to be a great asset for Boston's postseason run.

5.  Phoenix sends Olli Jokinen to the Flames, along with a 3rd round pick.  Matthew Lombardi is sent to Phoenix along with Prospect Brandon Prust and a 1st round pick (Calgary's option: 2009 or 2010)
My Thoughts: Again, Calgary is going to be making a run.  I feel that they gave up too much in this one.  I realize that Phoenix wasn't just going to give Jokinen away, but giving up a 1st rounder, a prospect, AND a top-six forward seem like just too much.

 6.  Mark Recchi and 2010 2nd round pick are sent by the Lightning to Boston for Defensman Matt Lashoff and Winger Martins Karsums
My Thoughts: The Lightning apparently don't want to rebuild anymore.  They dumped a pick and an old guy for two high-pick Prospects.  The Lighting did do better, however.  They traded a player who just passed through waivers and a second round pick for two prospects who presumably could make the NHL next year.

7. Islanders send Bill Guerin to Pittsburgh Penguins for a conditional pick (5th round, or 4th round if Penguins make the playoffs, or 3rd round if the Penguins advance past the first round)
My Thoughts:  My, how Bill Guerin has fallen.  A good trade for the Penguins.  I have to believe that the Islanders could have done better for Guerin, but they got a pick which should help their never-ending rebuilding process.

8.  Phoenix sends Daniel Carcillo to Philadelphia for Scotty Upshall and 2011 2nd round pick
My Thoughts:  Daniel Carcillo is pretty good, but I just feel that Philadelphia overpaid for his services.  Scotty Upshall still has plenty of upside, and a second rounder is a pretty high pick, even though it's in 2 years.

9.  Toronto send forward Nik Antropov to the Rangers for 2nd round pick and a Conditional pick
My Thoughts:  Has anyone heard anything about this "Conditional Pick"?  Either way, next season will tell all about this trade.  If Antropov resigns and can mesh with this team, the Rangers probably get the win.  Toronto helped expedite their rebuilding process either way, gaining two draft picks.

10.  Derek Morris is dealt by Phoenix to the New York Rangers in exchange for defensman Dimitri Kalinin, and forwards Nigel Dawes and Petr Prucha
My Thoughts:  Ouch.  New York REALLY gave up too much on this one.  Derek Morris is good, but not that good.  Phoenix might be the real winner of this year's deadline.

11. Maple Leafs have dealt Dominic Moore to Buffalo for Carolina's 2nd round pick.
My Thoughts:  Dominic Moore is due for a wakeup call, and Buffalo surrendered entirely too much for what is essentially a 3rd or 4th liner.

12.  Atlanta has dealt Erik Christensen to Anaheim for Eric O'Dell
My Thoughts: A small deal, I thought about omitting it, but Anaheim picked up a shootout specialist, which may mean they are hoping to make the playoff push.

13. Tampa Bay trades for defensman Noah Welch and a 3rd round pick, sending Steve Eminger to Florida
My Thoughts: A fair trade.  Tampa might have the edge, getting Welch's potential.

14.  Calgary trades goalie Kevin Lalande to Columbus for a 4th round pick
My Thoughts:  Why?

15. San Jose gets a 6th round pick from Philadelphia for Kyle McLaren               
My Thoughts: I remember when Kyle McLaren was a player with all the potential in the world.

16.  Anaheim recieves defensman James Wisniewski and center Petri Kontiola from Chicago in exchange for winger Samuel Pahlsson, defensman Logan Stephenson and a conditional 4th round pick  
My Thoughts:  Chicago's GM shouldn't have been listening to TSN so much.  But seriously, a curious move.  I really don't know who will win this one.

17. The Sharks picks up forward Travis Moen and defensman Kent Huskins, sending goalie Timo Pielmeier, forward Nick Bonino, and a 4th round pick to Anaheim
My Thoughts: Anaheim resupplied their talent pool for two moderate talents.

18.  Los Angeles acquires winger Justin Williams from Carolina in exchange for Patrick O'Sullivan and Calgary's 2nd round pick
My Thoughts: An odd move.  LA is still rebuilding in most people's eyes.  I would expect them to be hoarding picks like Toronto.

19.  Carolina brings back forward Erik Cole and also gets a 2nd and 5th round pick, flipping Patrick O'Sullivan and a 2nd round pick to Edmonton
My Thoughts: Apparently Carolina feels they need a little extra veteran leadership to make the playoffs.  They got some extra picks, which helps, but I can't help but feel O'Sullivan would have been better if kept.

20. Buffalo gives up forward Ales Kotalik to Edmonton for a 2nd round pick
My Thoughts: I'm surprised.  This move is opposite what I would expect from Buffalo.  It screams "See you next year."  Wonder why they bothered picking up Tellqvist

21. Tampa Bay sends goalie Olaf Kolzig, defensmen Jaime Heward and Andy Rogers, and a 4th round pick to Toronto for defensman Richard Petiot.
My Thoughts: Looks like just a salary dump more than anything else.  Kolzig and Heward are both injured, if I recall correctly.

22. I was going to leave out the minor trades, but I only left out one so here it is: Pittsburgh sends Danny Richmond to St. Louis for Andy Wozniewski
My Thoughts:  Word is that Danny Richmond may have been involved in a recent incident that lead to the demotion of two of the Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins to the ECHL Wheeling Nailers, and the scratching of two others.

Well, that's it.  Be sure to check back monday for more commentary on the NHL!

Welcome to my semi live blog of the NHL trade deadline!   I'll be updating with trades as soon as I hear about them and provide a reference to my source.  Thanks for stopping by!  Newest updates are at the bottom of the page.  These are the sources I will be using today: Faceoff Factor and TSN's Tradecenter.  All times are Eastern Standard Time.

9:12am: Nothing yet...

9:33:  While watching TSN's deadline coverage, it has become apparent that Pierre MacGuire, Nik Antropov is not worth a first round pick.  He implied that any GM making the deal should be fired.  Other than that, still nothing to report.

9:37:  As per Faceoff Factor, Los Angeles has resigned Defensman Sean O'Donnell.  I don't have any additional details.  Not anything too big, but it means that O'Donnell will be with LA at least the rest of this season.

9:53:  TSN's deadline show just reported that apparently Brian Murray has a deal in place to trade Chris Neil, suggesting they might ship him to the Sharks,

9:56:  TSN's Tradecenter show is suggesting that a deal is done in all but the NHL's eyes for Ottawa to send Antoine Vermette to Columbus for Pascal Leclaire and a 2009 2nd round pick.  This helps Ottawa to get that #1 goalie they need, and gives the Blue Jackets that extra offensive player to help them make their playoff push.  I expect the Blue Jackets, battling for their first playoff birth in team history, will be very active today.

10:07:  TSN is saying that Buffalo has made an offer to Tim Connoly, and Tim Connolly has apparently left the Buffalo arena...Conflicting reports.  Meanwhile, Faceoff Factor is reporting that Ottawa has resigned Defenseman Fillip Kuba for 3 years/$3.7 million per season.

10:24:  Nothing going on right now.

10:29:  Faceoff Factor is reporting Tim Connolly has resigned with the Buffalo Sabres, agreeing to play two more years for them.  No other info is available at this time.  Guess that means he's off the trading block.

10:33: Dominic Moore will likely be traded.  TSN has suggested he is looking for top-six forward money, and Brian Burke just won't pay him that much.  I don't think anyone else will either.

10:37: Brian Burke just about cursed out TSN.  But he "caught himself."  I got a chuckle out of that.  "None of your..." *pauses* "...business."

10:48:  TSN is reporting that Tom Connolly signed at $4.5 million per year, and I have to agree with them that it's a little much, but should help the Sabres not to lose him like Danny Briere and Chris Drury

10:57:  Almost the top of the hour.  Just about four hours left.  I'm hoping that all the trades don't hold out till the last hour or two, but I have the feeling that may happen.

11:15  Lot of talk on TSN, but nothing significant to report.

11:27:  TSN is saying that Phoenix is in talks with Calgary to send Olli Jokinen up north.

11:32  Wow.  Halfway through the 11 o'clock hour and NOTHING is going on.  Well, nothing's happening, I'm sure there's plenty of calls going amongst the GMs

11:40  TSN reports Jordan Leopold of Colorado will be moving to Calgary in exchange for Lawrence Nycholat, Prospect Ryan Wilson, and Montreal's 2nd round pick.  Interesting that Calgary would move Nycholat after just claiming him yesterday.

11:43  TSN: Ouch.  Jordan Leopold just had a kid like two weeks ago.  Now he gets traded.

11:47  Just noticed that Faceoff Factor pointed out Alex Burrows resigning with Vancouver yesterday (4 years/$2 million per season.  That's a good move by Vancouver.

11:55   TSN reports a pretty minor deal:  Pittsburgh sends Danny Richmond to St. Louis for Andy Wozniewski.  Neither will probably play with the big team this year.  However, it is interesting to note Wozniewski's size (6'4", 220 lbs)  and position (Defenseman) suggest that Hal Gill's days as a Penguin may be numbered.  If this is the case, Wozniewski may play with the Penguins this season.  Does anyone know how is speed is? 

12:03 pm  TSN: Goalie Mikael Tellqvist moved by Phoenix to Buffalo for a 2010 4th round pick. 

12:07  TSN just rattled off the results of the Waived players.  Looking for a list with results.  did get:  Miro Satan passed, Gary Roberts passed, Craig Adams claimed by pittsburgh.

12:10 Faceoff Factor comes through:  Pittsburgh claims RW Craig Adams from Chicago,
Toronto claims Goalie Martin Gerber from re-entry from Ottawa, Dallas claims Center Brendan Morrison from Anaheim, Toronto also claims defensman Erik Reitz from the Rangers.

12:19  Wow, nice little flurry of deals with the waiver wire finishing up.  Keep checking back for more updates!

12:29:  TSN believes when Jokinen is moved, Antropov/Moore may be moved shortly thereafter.

12:33 TSN reports Boston has made a trade, sending C Petteri Nokelainen to Anaheim for D Steve Montador.

12:34  TSN says that Phoenix has sent Olli Jokinen to the Flames, along with a 3rd round pick.  Matthew Lombardi has been sent to Phoenix along with Prospect  Brandon Prust and a 1st round pick (Calgary's option: 2009 or 2010).

12:43 Faceoff Factor reports the LA Kings have resigned G Erik Ersberg to a 2 year extention.

12:54  TSN reports Vesa Toskala will go on IR to have season ending hip and groin surgery, and plans to be 100% for next season.

12:58  Just about two hours left, and probably about 15 or so trades (to meet the deadline average in recent years).  Stay tuned!

1:08pm TSN says Atlanta's phones are ringing off the hook for Colby Armstrong.

1:15  TSN and Faceoff Factor both note that Calgary is currently over the salary cap.  Clearly, they're not done yet...

1:24  TSN thinks Bill Guerin is a good fit in Pittsburgh.  He's not.  He's slow.  He's old.  He's an in-division trade.  I just can't believe that this one will happen.

1:25  TSN reports Mark Recchi and 2010 2nd round pick are sent by the Lightning to Boston for Defensman Matt Lashoff and Winger Martins Karsums.

1:26  Faceoff Factor reports Chicago acquired Dominic Moore from Toronto, more to follow.

1:40 One hour, twenty minutes to go.  I have to believe that the Penguins will do something more before the day is done, and I'm surprised Calgary hasn't dumped salary yet.  Earlier today, TSN's broadcasters were reporting that some teams are renting out cap space to teams, Suggesting Toronto and Phoenix.  Really expecting to see Calgary do something in this idea sometime soon.

1:48  It also just occurred to me that Derek Morris still hasn't been moved.  TSN just claimed that Dominic Moore has not yet been traded, contradicting Faceoff Factor.  Maples Leafs have also Denied Moore has been Dealt to Chicago

1:52  TSN reports Peter Forsberg will announce his retirement tonight from Colorado.

1:58  TSN report on Forsberg wasn't true.  And apparently Bill Guerin is going to Pittsburgh.  Ouch

2:00  TSN Reports Islanders send Bill Guerin to Pittsburgh Penguins for a conditional pick (5th round, or 4th round if Penguins make the playoffs, or 3rd round if the Penguins advance past the first round).

2:08  Final hour of the deadline.  I expect deals to start happening soon, and maybe in rapid succession.

2:15  I just finished some humble pie.

2:21  This has been quite a long day.  Not many trades yet, but the TSN analysts seem convinced it'll pick up at least a little bit.

2:31  Remeber back to last year, the biggest deal of the deadline wasn't until the last few minutes before 3pm...stay tuned!

2:40 Twenty Minutes...

2:45 TSN reports Phoenix sends Daniel Carcillo to Philadelphia for Scotty Upshall and 2011 2nd round pick

2:48 TSN reports Toronto send forward Nik Antropov to the Rangers for 2nd round pick and a Conditional pick

2:55  I'll be staying live until about 3:30pm.

2:57  NHL.com  is reporting via RDS that Chris Neil has been dealt to the Florida Panthers as of 2:28pm

3:00 TSN reports Derek Morris is dealt by Phoenix to the New York Rangers in exchange for defensman Dimitri Kalinin, and forwards Nigel Dawes and Petr Prucha

3:05  TSN is reporting that Maple Leafs have dealt Dominic Moore to Buffalo for Carolina's 2nd round pick.

3:07  TSN refutes claim that Chris Neil has been dealt to the Florida Panthers.

3:09  TSN reports that Atlanta has dealt Erik Christensen to Anaheim for Eric O'Dell

3:24  Alright, thanks for stopping in!  I've got some things to do.  I will come back later this evening with one or two more updates with anything that I miss!

**UPDATE**

11:15pm  Here's what I missed:

Tampa Bay trades for defensman Noah Welch and a 3rd round pick, sending Steve Eminger to Florida

Calgary trades goalie Kevin Lalande to Columbus for a 4th round pick

San Jose recieves a 6th round pick from Philadelphia for Kyle McLaren

Anaheim recieves defensman James Wisniewski and center Petri Kontiola from Chicago in exchange for winger Samuel Pahlsson, defensman Logan Stephenson and a conditional 4th round pick   

The Sharks picks up forward Travis Moen and defensman Kent Huskins, sending goalie Timo Pielmeier, forward Nick Bonino, and a 4th round pick to Anaheim

Los Angeles acquires winger Justin Williams from Carolina in exchange for Patrick O'Sullivan and Calgary's 2nd round pick

Carolina brings back forward Erik Cole and also gets a 2nd and 5th round pick, flipping Patrick O'Sullivan and a 2nd round pick to Edmonton

Buffalo gives up forward Ales Kotalik to Edmonton for a 2nd round pick

Tampa Bay sends goalie Olaf Kolzig, defensmen Jaime Heward and Andy Rogers, and a 4th round pick to Toronto for defensman Richard Petiot.

Turned out to be quite a day!  Check back tomorrow afternoon for some in-depth analysis of some of the more interesting trades!

I won't be posting an entry today so that I can do trade deadline coverage this Wednesday.  Check back here often as I'll be posting updates throughout the day as I see them!  Thursday's post will be a reaction to some of the more interesting trades of the day.

What were your thoughts when you saw that the Devils would be missing Martin Brodeur for a large chunk of the season?  I know my first thought was "Well, that's less competition for the Pens..."  Wow, so much can be said about hindsight, huh?

So up comes 31-year-old career backup, Scott Clemmensen, most likely to get an occasional spot start when regular backup Kevin Weekes gets tired.  Then Kevin Weekes looks shaky.  Scott Clemmensen comes in and...dominates?  What? 

But that's how things worked out.  The 8th round pick in 1997 stepped up and posted a 25-13-1 record in forty games, including a decent 2.39 goals against average and a respectable 91.7% save percentage.  To be honest, Scott Clemmensen was the punch line in many of my jokes over the years, but I guess I really can't do that so much anymore.

So the Devils got some welcomed news with Brodeur's return and plans to start today's game against the Avalanche.  Well, all except for Clemmensen.  He got the sour news that he gets to return to the AHL after his admirable performance stepping in as Brodeur's replacement during his downtime. 

But he's not bitter.  According to an NHL.com article, while he was obviously disappointed, he claims to "have no regrets."  Talk about a good loser.  But worst case, this stint can only prove to help his career.  I don't know the details on his contract, but he should be able to find a consistent role as at least a backup somewhere in the NHL next season.  The Devils could trade him at the deadline, or before the draft (I suspect his value would remain high by the draft), should he want a trade to somewhere he could play.

Either way, I think it's time to term this the "Conklin Effect."  A goalie shows himself as someone who can't make it in the NHL, gets a chance after spending time in the AHL, and potentially revives their career.  Worst case it could provide some speculation as to who it will happen to next!