Sharks Trade Rumors

"Sharks Coach Ron Wilson didn't wait for the TV reporter to finish his question. All he had to hear was the premise: People are talking about your job being on the line. "That's all irrelevant," Wilson interrupted. "You look at my record. It's second to none, literally, in the sport. So I'm not even worried about that."... Because San Jose has made its playoff exit at the same point the past three years, Wilson's future with the team already is the subject of media speculation. The TV reporter recovered well enough to ask Wilson if that kind of speculation is something every coach who doesn't win the Stanley Cup should expect. "I guess it is," Wilson said. "Then 29 guys should get fired every year. And that's unreasonable.""

" The formula has to change. Because the Sharks are stuck. They have been good enough to make the second round of the playoffs. But they have not been good enough to go further. For the third season in a row. They are among the NHL's top half-dozen teams. But they are not among the league's top two. For the third season in a row. Does that mean Coach Ron Wilson's job is in final jeopardy? Answer: Everything must be on the table, as the franchise attempts to get un-stuck. And that includes Wilson's status. But you still have to wonder if the Sharks would dare fire the man who owns the most NHL coaching victories since the start of the 2003-04 season."

"Martin could select an NHL guy with years of experience such as a Pat Burns or, should they become available, San Jose's Ron Wilson or Vancouver's Alain Vigneault. Any of those three would put the team in the hands of a competent leader, letting Martin focus almost completely on his GM duties."

"That list begins with San Jose Sharks defenceman Brian Campbell, whom Murray tried to acquire from the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline. Campbell, a former junior star with the Ottawa 67's, scored a combined eight goals and 54 assists in 83 games with Buffalo and San Jose during the regular season."

" Peddie, the president and CEO of MLSEL, and sports lawyer Kirke now have some interesting choices: - Wait for the playoffs to run their course and see if any high-profile names become available. Should the Detroit Red Wings or San Jose Sharks go all the way, GMs Ken Holland or Doug Wilson might look to cash in elsewhere. - Concentrate on unfettered candidates, such as Doug Armstrong or Jim Rutherford. - Go after team presidential timber such as NHL exec Colin Campbell and sports agent Don Meehan and let them make the call on a GM. - Stay the course with interim GM Cliff Fletcher. "

"Q: What are the chances of Brian Campbell or Marian Hossa coming to the Oilers as free agents?... A: Zip. Campbell, who's done some wonderful things in San Jose, will almost surely re-sign in San Jose for five or six years and $6.5 million a year."

"The Hawks plan to target puck-moving defensemen, and there could be four good ones available in San Jose's Brian Campbell, Ottawa's Wade Redden, Colorado's John-Michael Liles and Montreal's Mark Streit. It's no secret that the Hawks would love to come out of the summer with either Campbell or Redden."

"The offense would be boosted by a defenseman who can play quarterback on the power play and Sharks free agent Brian Campbell fits the bill perfectly. The veteran scored eight goals and added 54 assists splitting time with the Sabres and Sharks but is rumored to want up to $8 million per season. The Hawks are well below the salary cap. Other defensemen the Hawks could be interested in are Ottawa's Wade Redden and Colorado's John-Michael Liles."

"While not ruling out a trade, Tallon has targeted some potential free agents who would fit the bill. Heading the list is San Jose's Brian Campbell, who tied for third among NHL defensemen with 62 points and averaged more than 25 minutes."

"Martin said he discussed acquiring star defenseman Brian Campbell from Buffalo with Sabres GM Darcy Regier at the trade deadline. Campbell, who was traded to San Jose instead, still can become an unrestricted free agent if unsigned by July 1... Colorado defenseman John-Michael Liles, who had six goals and 26 assists this season, also could become an unrestricted free agent."

"But if GM Kevin Lowe wants a nuclear deterrent, he'll have a few alternatives this summer. Wade Belak of the Florida Panthers will be an unrestricted free agent. Ditto for Jody Shelley of the San Jose Sharks, Darcy Hordichuk (Nashville Predators) and Todd Fedoruk (Minnesota Wild)."

"Rampant leaguewide speculation has the Jackets making a draft-day run at San Jose Sharks center Patrick Marleau, but it's possible -- even likely -- that Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson will check on the availability of others, including Daniel Briere of Philadelphia, Patrick Elias of New Jersey, Scott Gomez of the New York Rangers."

" The Senators won't like to hear that D Brian Campbell is speaking positively about his experience in San Jose. If he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, Campbell is a guy the Senators will target to try to replace Wade Redden, who can also become a UFA July 1."

" Kings D Rob Blake could be dealt to the Avs, although he has refused to waive his no-trade clause ... There has been talk in NHL circles that the Senators may again ask D Wade Redden if he's interested in moving. Listening to Murray lately, that seems highly doubtful. Redden killed a deal to the Sharks for D Matt Carle and a draft pick earlier this month ... The Sabres have to make a decision on D Brian Campbell, who's also set to become an unrestricted free agent. "

"What could Wilson possibly obtain for Marleau this week? You trade someone at the peak of their value, not the nadir. When the inconsistent Marleau does show up and play in first gear, he is better than anyone the team could get for him in return right now."

"The Sharks, like virtually every other NHL franchise, are pursuing other team's players with Tuesday's NHL trade deadline on the horizon. But Coach Ron Wilson won't get caught in the middle of any debate as to whether his team needs to do something to fulfill its hopes for an extended postseason run."

"A week ago, the Rangers and every other interested party seemed to be out of the running for Dan Boyle, who at the time appeared poised to sign a long-term deal with Tampa Bay. Now, however, the impending free-agent defenseman may be available, for The Post has learned that despite the Lightning's desire to lock up Boyle, little if any progress has been made toward that end... The Post has learned that in addition to the Rangers, the Flyers and Sharks have been closely monitoring the situation, with the Penguins and Senators recently joining the queue."

"The talk is Wilson has stepped up attempts to acquire Marian Hossa by offering Patrick Marleau as part of a package... Fletcher and Los Angeles GM Dean Lombardi, who are holding the biggest fire sales here, had lunch with Montreal GM Bob Gainey -- fuelling the Mats Sundin-to-the-Habs speculation."

"Cliff Fletcher has been given a mandate to clean up the mess in Toronto but, apparently is looking for a king's ransom if he is going to ask captain Mats Sundin to waive his no-trade clause before next Tuesday's trade deadline... The talk is Detroit, San Jose, Anaheim, Vancouver, Montreal and Dallas have all shown an interest in Sundin."

"The Bruins, Rangers, Senators, Ducks, Sharks and Flyers have all made a pitch for D Brian Campbell, who the Sabres would prefer to keep... Devils D Karel Rachunek is about to be dealt. He was a healthy scratch yesterday vs. the Hurricanes."

"Five places Marian Hossa could end up if he is traded by the Thrashers: 1. Detroit: Waddell is close with Detroit GM Ken Holland and the Red Wings have the depth to pull it off. And the pressure to do so."

"If the Rangers keep Jaromir Jagr - and, yes, here I go again, to coin a phrase - Sather needs to find out what it will take to get Bobby Holik out of Atlanta as a rental... We're told that Florida is exploring a multi-player trade in which Olli Jokinen would go to San Jose for Patrick Marleau, but wouldn't it make much more sense for the Panthers to simply trade in GM-coach Jacques Martin?"

" If Mats Sundin is to be taken at his word, that he truly bleeds blue and white, then in the best interests of the Maple Leafs he must act accordingly. He must waive the no-trade clause in his contract and allow Cliff Fletcher to trade him at the Feb. 26 deadline. "

"For all the mystery at the Ottawa Senators' morning skate Saturday morning over who said what to whom, one thing was crystal clear. Like it or not, Wade Redden will be on the blue line here until the end of the season."

"Just a thought, but Brian Campbell would make a nice fit in San Jose and rookie Devin Setoguchi would fit into Buffalo’s plans. The 21-year-old winger had nine goals and was plus-8 in 29 games while bouncing between San Jose and AHL Worcester."

"Chicago RW Martin Havlat and coach Denis Savard aren't getting along these days. Chicago papers speculated that Havlat could be shipped elsewhere because the all-star winger is only one season away from becoming an unrestricted free agent. League sources, however, say Savard could be in trouble... Minny D Nick Schultz could be moved before the Feb. 26 trade deadline... The Panthers can keep up their breathless denials all they want, but they have tried to move C Olli Jokinen several times this season and they're still trying."

" The Sharks were the topic of more trade gossip Friday with tsn.ca - a major Canadian Web site - reporting that Ottawa defenseman Wade Redden had turned down a request to waive his no-trade clause as part of a deal with San Jose before the Feb. 26 deadline."

"Wade Redden provided yet another example Friday of just how difficult it is for Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray to swing a major trade before the Feb. 26 trade deadline. Murray acknowledges that he met with the defenceman Friday morning, telling him there was an opportunity to be moved - it's believed the San Jose Sharks were interested - if the 30-year-old defenceman was willing to waive his no-trade clause."

" Wade Redden isn't ready to let the Senators show him the way to San Jose. The Senators defenceman told Sun Media last night he's not going to waive his "no movement" clause before the Feb. 26 NHL trade deadline. League sources say Redden's stance has left a deal to send him to the Sharks defenceman Matt Carle and a draft pick dead. "

"Bryan Murray would not comment on a report yesterday that speculated the Ottawa Senators' general manager was rebuffed when he asked veteran defenceman Wade Redden to waive the no-trade clause in his contract. TSN reported that the San Jose Sharks made an inquiry about Redden's availability and the Senators' GM discussed the matter with his player yesterday morning, less than three weeks before the trade deadline of Feb. 26."

" The Sharks acknowledged Wednesday they were among the teams trying to woo unrestricted free agent Peter Forsberg back to the NHL, but are no longer in the running. "We did have several conversations with Peter's agent, Don Baizley, regarding Peter's status and our interest in him coming to San Jose," Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson said. "It appears at this point that Peter and his agent are moving in a different direction and so are we.""

"The next three weeks are crucial for the Blue Jackets, who must decide whether they are a playoff-caliber club and a buyer or a seller at the Feb. 26 trade deadline. On Feb. 27, the off-ice focus should shift to re-signing goaltender Pascal Leclaire, who is set to become a restricted free agent July 1... We keep hearing that the Sharks are considering trading center Patrick Marleau, who's having an off year. "

" Ideally, Wilson would like to bring in Los Angeles Kings defenceman Rob Blake, who might be willing to waive his no-movement clause to be dealt to a contender. But word is Los Angeles GM Dean Lombardi is demanding a player, a prospect and No. 1 draft pick if he's going to move Blake. It's believed the Rangers, Avs, Wings and Senators have all made inquiries about Blake's availability."

"The Montreal Canadiens continue to have more than a passing interest in Calgary Flames winger Alex Tanguay... Los Angeles Kings defenceman Rob Blake has picked up his game considerably and might be on the move before the Feb. 26 deadline. And despite his club's strong record, San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson would love to get his hands on a defenceman."

"Calgary coach Mike Keenan says free-agent netminder Curtis Joseph will make up his mind today about whether he wants to join the Flames to back up Kiprusoff or one of his other suitors, the Rangers, Sharks or a late entry, the Maple Leafs."

" Contrary to Internet rumors, the Sharks are not among the teams trying to lure veteran goalie Curtis Joseph back to the NHL."

"Mike Keenan might be very close to a reunion with one his former players. Unrestricted free agent goaltender Curtis Joseph, who once upon a time played for Keenan in St. Louis, is apparently on the verge of picking his newest employer and Calgary is on the 40-year-old's short list."

" With Curtis Joseph reportedly down to the final days of his decision-making process, the Calgary Flames are said to be on the short list. A really short list. Two teams, the Flames and San Jose Sharks, were mentioned in a TSN report yesterday as the likely finalists for the services of the 40-year-old goaltender who is determined to win a Stanley Cup. "

"With a mere 46 days left before the NHL trade deadline, the Sharks are dealing with their usual existential questions, to wit: Are we really this good? Are we really this bad? What, if anything, do we do now to prep for April?"

"We picked eight potential trading partners for the Leafs, then asked eight hockey experts to play John Ferguson Jr., posing this question: As Leafs GM, what would your opening demand be in a trade for Mats Sundin?"

" You probably didn't realize it. But if you are a Sharks fan, your favorite hockey franchise just became a lot more powerful. Also, you might be in for a local outdoor game at AT&T Park or Stanford Stadium in the future. Not that anyone wants you to know about either thing. The NHL does business in strange ways."

" The Sharks took a calculated risk Monday and placed little-used backup goalie Dimitri Patzold on waivers. If no team claims him, Patzold will report to San Jose's minor league affiliate in Worcester, Mass. But he could go to another NHL franchise without any compensation for the Sharks."

"The Penguins shouldn’t get a rent-a-player. If you swap for Hossa, hammer out a new contract with him before making the deal. San Jose is reportedly shopping winger Jonathan Cheechoo, 27... Offer Ovechkin what Crosby makes, then wait for the Capitals to match the offer. They would, but it would make for a marvelous week of dreaming."

"But anybody waiting for Shero to make an immediate trade -- for, say, San Jose winger Jonathan Cheechoo -- is not wise to hold their breath."

"Talk won't go away that the Sharks are going to trade C Patrick Marleau, who has struggled this season. The Thrashers would love to bring him in as their No. 1 centre ."

"The Montreal rumor mill has been grinding away this week - and the Sharks have been front and center in much of the trade gossip. First, San Jose was supposed to be sending forwards Patrick Marleau and Steve Bernier to the Canadiens for forwards Saku Koivu and Michael Ryder. Then it was Koivu and Ryder for Marleau alone, or Bernier and center Joe Pavelski. Other names were tossed into the mix."

"The NHL rumor mill continues to link San Jose with other teams in potential trades. This week, there was a report in Ottawa that had Calgary General Manager Darryl Sutter trying to pry center Patrick Marleau away, but a source in the Sharks' front office shot that down Monday, saying no one from the Flames had even inquired about the Sharks captain."

"Dallas joined the Thrashers as an organization willing to make a major change early in the season. On Tuesday, the Stars fired general manager Doug Armstrong and promoted Brett Hull and Les Jackson to the position of interim co-general managers. In a league with increased parity, expectations to compete are in every city, meaning jobs are constantly in question. So whose job is in jeopardy right now? Sluggish starts mean the hot seat is getting crowded in a few NHL cities."

" Calgary GM Darryl Sutter is busy trying to land a No. 1 centre and is trying to entice one of his old friends to make a deal. Sources say Sutter has held talks with Sharks GM Doug Wilson about Patrick Marleau. Wilson has maintained he's going to keep Marleau, but situations change."