The Russian Rocket launched the NHL's version of March Madness last night.
On the eve of today's trade deadline, the Florida Panthers sent Pavel Bure packing to the New York Rangers for defenceman Igor Ulanov, prospect Filip Novak and a package of draft picks -- including a first- and second-rounder.
While Ulanov has been waived by the Rangers this season and the Panthers were unable to get forward Mike York in the deal, Florida coach Mike Keenan was pleased the club was able to unload Bure's $20-million US contract.
"I love Pavel Bure. I think he's a great guy and I'm sorry to lose a guy who has scored 50 goals for us. But we feel that this is a good deal that makes sense for us financially and we're pleased we were able to get it done," said Keenan.
"I think Bure is going to flourish in New York City. I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago about the possibility of being moved and this is going to be a good move for both sides. This gives us flexibility."
Meanwhile, Atlanta sent centre Ray Ferraro to St. Louis late last night for a fourth-round draft pick.
Now that the Bure deal is done, it could set off a flurry of big deals today. Talk surfaced last night Washington star Jaromir Jagr and Rangers winger Theoren Fleury are now being dangled. And, that's not it.
A lot of trade talk going into today surrounds Pittsburgh centre Robert Lang, Dallas goalie Ed Belfour, Washington centre Adam Oates, Edmonton defenceman Tom Poti and Pittsburgh blueliner Darius Kasparaitis.
Here's the speculation as of last night:
With the Rangers making a move involving Bure, GM Glen Sather will listen to offers for Fleury. Los Angeles has held talks with Sather about Fleury, while the Sharks, Stars and Devils also want to get involved.
Since the Stars were rebuffed in talks to get Bure, they could turn their attention to Jagr. Dallas wants to move C Joe Nieuwendyk in the package that includes Jamie Langenbrunner or Brendan Morrow.
Oates is a hot commodity. Chicago, Philly, St. Louis, San Jose, Colorado and Phoenix are all in the running. The word is the Hawks have offered a No. 1 pick and could be making a move to sign Oates to a long-term deal.
Lang is also a hot commodity. The Blues were considered the leading contenders, but the word was the Senators, Avalanche, Coyotes and Oilers were among those in the hunt.
Kasparaitis tops a lot of teams' lists, too. Sources say the Isles offered W Brad Isbister and a prospect. The Pens have asked for D Jiri Fischer from the Wings, while the Avs are also interested.
Trying to get goaltending help, the Flyers and Blues have both held talks with the Stars about Belfour, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Poti is also attracting a lot of interest and will likely be moved. The Penguins have offered prospects Kris Beech and Andrew Ference to the Oilers, while the Isles want C Anson Carter and Poti as part of a package. Edmonton has asked for D Kyle McLaren and a prospect from the Bruins, which has virtually taken them out of the running. There's talk Chicago offered D Steve McCarthy for Poti.
The Thrashers told D Jiri Slegr not to stray too far from his phone because several teams, including the Isles, have made offers.
The Coyotes are reportedly studying an offer from the Avalanche for D Teppo Numminen that includes Radim Vrbata and Len Barrie. Phoenix has also held talks with the Stars about Nieuwendyk and the Rangers concerning Fleury.
Sharks W Alex Korolyuk was scratched for last night's game against the Kings, leading to speculation he'll be dealt to the Rangers for W Martin Rucinsky.
Slam Sports vom 19.03.02!!!!
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Francesco Totti Fussballgott
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is ein Mannheimer...
Wäre auch sinnig, denn von dort ist er ja dann nach Florida gewechselt...
