More on Patrick Marleau to Columbus for Nikolai Zherdev trade rumor
Two thumbs down on both trade suggestions proffered from the Columbus media so far. No to the initial suggestion of Patrick Marleau and a player to be named later for Nikolai Zherdev and the #6 overall draft pick in 2008. Also, no to any combination of Nikolai Zherdev, Dan Fritsche or Stefan Legein and the #19 pick coming to San Jose for Patrick Marleau.
Rumors are starting to spread throughout the NHL now about a possible Blue Jackets trade with the Sharks. The rumor over the weekend was Nikolai Zherdev, Dan Fritsche or Stefan Legein and the No. 19 pick to San Jose for Patrick Marleau. I spent most of Saturday pursuing this and was told by a handful of close-to-the-situation sources that there's no truth to it, that the two clubs have not put together the framework of any specific trade as of yet. No names have been mentioned.
More detailed thoughts on the trade rumors are up on Sharkspage. Other free agent defenseman on the market if Brian Campbell can not be re-signed: Montreal's Mark Streit, Blue Jackets defenseman Ron Hainsey, Ottawa's Wade Redden, and even former Shark Brad Stuart.
2 comments:
I've got to disagree, the first rumor is a good deal for the Sharks - but it depends on who the TBA player is from San Jose. If it is Ehrhoff or McLaren, which addresses a need for Columbus as well - then I say pull the trigger. Zherdev could really blossom next to Thunder Joe and I think the Sharks could snag Kyle Beach with the 6th pick.
If it is real, get talent in Zherdev, get meaner with Beach and keep Brian Campbell in the process.
Teams come across players like a Marleau or a Thornton very rarely. You can debate his tailoff this season, how much he has or has not contributed in past playoff series, but everyone agrees he has not played to his full potential yet in teal.
Take a step back with Zherdev and add yet another draft piece to an already stocked cabinet, or bring in a Tortorella, Burns or Quenville (in that order) and see how much they can motivate this lineup over an entire season. I have to go with plan B.
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