Trade deadline deals could be a boon for these five
If you think finishing — or, in my case, starting — your holiday shopping on Christmas Eve is tough, try keeping up with the rumors and innuendo flying around on the NHL's Trade Deadline Day.
The one-day yard sale of millionaire athletes is now in the rearview mirror for another year — thank God — and many of your fantasy rosters will be affected for one final sprint to the finish.
Now this is where I come in, for better or worse. Smart money is on the latter.
Nonetheless, I am giving my take on which players should make the largest impact in their new digs because I want to, and I can.
Of the many deals made Tuesday afternoon, you want to roll the dice with these five as they try on new uniforms this week:
5. MIKE SMITH, Tampa Bay
As long as Smith remained in Big D, he was always going to be riding shotgun to Marty Turco. When Turco went down this year, Smith stepped in and held down the fort, posting a respectable 12-9 record with a .906 save percentage. Trust me, as much as the Stars' braintrust wanted Brad Richards in Dallas, they weren't all that excited to part with Smith. Over in Tampa, anyone who thinks that John Tortorella wasn't looking for help between the pipes hasn't seen many of his press conferences. This is a match made in heaven and Smith should get his fair share of work from the moment his plane touches down in South Florida. Tortorella's job may hinge on it.
4. SERGEI FEDOROV, Washington
What more could an aging veteran ask for than a chance to play shinny with Alexander Ovechkin? Gee, I don't know, another romp in the sheets with Anna Kournikova? Well, seeing how young Anna has moved on to Latin singers, Fedorov will have to be content with rejuvenating his career with one of the true studs in the NHL stable. Washington is looking to make a strong push towards the post-season, and may have hit paydirt with Fedorov lining up with his younger countryman. As for Anna? Nyet.
3. BRIAN CAMPBELL, San Jose
In case you missed it, Campbell cried tears of despair when speaking to reporters as he got set to leave Buffalo. Yeah, right. To most, getting a one-way ticket out of Western New York is a reason to get sideways in the terminal bar before staggering onto the plane. Once Campbell lands in San Jose and sees Joe Thornton there to boost his spirits, he'll be so thrilled he'll forget how to spell Buffalo. And his numbers will prove it. Show me the way to San Jose indeed.
2. BRAD RICHARDS, Dallas
Richards' stock has fallen quicker than Enron after a hushed, impromptu meeting. There is no longer a Big Three in Tampa but, by teaming with Mike Modano and Jere Lehtinen, there sure will be in Dallas. Leaving the beaches and puck bunnies of Florida is one thing. Playing playoff hockey with a team that actually wants you is quite another. No one is suggesting that Richards will regain his Conn Smythe form, but the shackles are off. Look out for the Stars.
1. MARIAN HOSSA, Pittsburgh
Mr. No Show in the playoffs may not have that problem this year. With Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin already in the fold, Hossa should tear it up over the last few weeks of the season and right into the post-season. The Penguins paid a pretty steep price for what will probably amount to, at most, a few months of service, but if Hossa finds his game, the return will be worth it. If not, he'll be run out of town. No biggie.