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As the NHL trade deadline creeps up, it can only be assumed that general managers around the league will be busy. The Canadian teams throughout the league differ in their position's but all will have a similar outlook for the March deadline. From Bob Gainey and the Canadians to Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs, no matter where the teams stands change will be necessary for the teams to improve for the future.
When asked who would be the most active by the deadline, NHL follower Wally Zwarych believes that even though the Leaf's should have a fire-sale the team to watch is the Edmonton Oilers. "By March 4th, you'll see the Oilers make several moves that will improve the future of their franchise. I'd be surprised if Eric Cole and Dwayne Roloson had not been moved by the deadline." Wally believed that the Oilers would be looking to gain younger roster players that would be able to step in right away.
When the trade deadline hits it shouldn't surprise many to see both the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks stand pat. Even with his slow start Mats Sundin will help the Canucks turn their season around, and the team will get an even bigger boost when Roberto Luongo returns from injury. The Flames may make several smaller moves but do not have the cap room to make an significant deals.
The Ottawa Senators should be active by the deadline. "...Bryan Murray has to go. Both the general manager and head coach have to be held responsible for how poor the team has done so far this year." When asked if there would be any roster moves, Wally believed the Sens would have to acquire a puck moving defenceman, another offensive centre and help in goal. "Watch for them to look at either Cristobal Huet or Nikolai Khabibulin, whoever the Hawks aren't using at the time."
The Montreal Canadians should look to improve their roster and try to move some of the soon to expire contracts. Many of the Habs top players have contracts that are due to expire after the 2008-2009 season and should try to move some of these players for longer contracts. "Don't be surprised to see them move (Jaroslav) Halak for another defenceman. If I was Gainey I would definitely look at giving up whatever Tampa Bay wants in return for (Vincent) Lecavalier." Whatever the Habs decided to do, it shouldn't surprise many to see Montreal be active prior to the deadline.
Finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs should not only be one of the most active Canadian teams but one of the most active in the NHL. "The Leafs should just have a fire sale. Trade everyone to who ever will take them." Many fans believe that the organization is in the right direction but more changes need to be made before the team can be considered successful. "Nik Antropov, Pavel Kubina, Mikhail Grabovsky and Vesa Toskala are players team's may look at and at the same time players Toronto should be willing to move." The Leafs should be looking to acquire young talented forwards, puck moving young defenceman and draft picks.
With the trade deadline looming many Canadian teams will be active by March 4th. It should be a fun few weeks for hockey fans.