NHL Free Agency
Out of context: Reply #52
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- Jaline0
Rumours:
"OTTAWA -- If talk turns to action, Bryan Murray could be on the verge of making his biggest move as the GM of the Senators.
A hot rumour in NHL circles has him discussing a three-way blockbuster with the Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings, Sun Media has learned.
While draft picks and other players might also be involved, the principles appear to be a group of five or six that include a couple of veteran goalies and some of the game's most promising stars.
QUITE THE SCENARIO
According to insiders, Ottawa would trade netminder Martin Gerber and defenceman Andrej Meszaros to Los Angeles, the Kings move 20-year-old centre Anze Kopitar to Chicago and the Blackhawks would propel puck stopper Nikolai Khabibulin and either of young blueliners Brent Seabrook or Cam Barker to the Senators.
On the surface, it seems the deal could be a rare win-win-win.
The Senators appear to be at something of a contract impasse with Meszaros, a restricted free agent with three seasons of NHL experience who is said to be looking for a salary in the $3.5 million range.
The 22-year-old Czech was the team's seventh leading scorer last season and, should he be re-signed, stands as their top puck moving defenceman. But Meszaros' play has also slipped since his standout rookie season and many view him as Murray's primary piece of trade bait.
DON'T WANT TO LOSE GOALIE
Gerber, who is entering the last of a three-year deal that will pay him $3.7 million in 2008-09, has had his ups and downs as a Senator.
Moving him now before losing him next July as an unrestricted free agent would be Murray's desire, but only if he could get a No. 1 goalie back in return."