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Rumor: Boston to trade Wheeler, Savard to Columbus for 4th overall pick
I'd like to preface this post with a quick disclaimer: right now, this can only be classified as a rumor, although one that certainly seems to have legs. Proceed with caution.
Pro Hockey Talk has learned of a possible trade in the works, with the Boston Bruins dealing Blake Wheeler and Marc Savard to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for the fourth overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. It's likely that the Bruins would also include their 15th overall pick in the deal as well, leaving Boston with both the second and fourth pick in the first round.
Talking to another source, PHT was told that the Blue Jackets are interested in trading away their pick, although as of now there is nothing concrete in the works as far as a trade goes. Considering how reliable our source is for the information regarding this trade proposal, it seems as though there is certainly something substantial in the works although there is no guarantee this is going down. It's also important to note that Boston including that 15th pick isn't certain, although you wonder if Wheeler and Savard alone are worth the 4th. So you'd think something else would have to come back Boston's way, although I doubt they're looking to take on much salary in this trade.
Here is where things get dicey however, if this is in fact the proposed trade. Marc Savard has a full no-trade clause that he would have to waive and Blake Wheeler isn't under contract for next season -- he's to become a restricted free agent after making $2.8 million last season. Savard would have had to agree to be traded to Columbus, something I haven't even caught wind of being a possibility. While it's certainly possibly, that right now is the big sticking point in this deal.
Columbus is also hoping to acquire top line center this summer (hence the rumors about a possible Spezza trade) and while Savard has decent numbers throughout his career I'm not certain he's the level of center the Blue Jackets are hoping for on the first line. That being said, he would still help fill a void on the Blue Jackets roster and allow them some flexibility to not have to give up a ransom this summer to make either make a trade for center or overpay in free agency.
For Boston, this is a trade that works in freeing up cap space while also giving themselves the ability to instantly infuse the franchise with two outstanding and talented young players, one of which will certainly make an immediate impact. The cap space is important, especially if the Bruins are looking to make a big splash in free agency -- Patrick Marleau, anyone?
So, at first glance this trade proposal leaves you shaking your head a bit but it makes sense if you start to break it down. I also think that the Bruins would be giving up a ton for that 4th pick, but if they use that cap space to make a big free agency signing it will all even out.
Once again, at this point this is just a rumor -- although one that is from a very reliable source. This isn't a trade that is finalized, so the parts may change and it may fall apart, but what's the NHL draft without some crazy trade rumors?
Prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com
Bruins Closing in on Panthers Winger Nathan Horton?
On Wednesday, Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli once again reiterated that he will explore the trade market to improve the team and, with a plethora of first and second round picks in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft next Friday and also in 2011, he is positioned well to do so.
"The fact that we've got a number of them this year and next year, I'm looking to the trade market to make some changes, and in all likelihood, it will involve some picks," Chiarelli pointed out. "So it gives me some flexibility knowing we're going to get a top-end talent, still have picks next year [and possibly get a current NHLer]."
Well, it appears Chiarelli could already have a trade in place that would bring a current NHLer to Boston.
While the parameters of the trade are unclear at this point, a very reliable source told NESN.com on Friday that the Bruins are closing in on a trade with the Florida Panthers that would see them acquire winger Nathan Horton, who was drafted third overall by the Panthers in 2003, but in six NHL seasons, has cracked the 30-goal plateau only once and -- in the eyes of fans and media -- failed to reach his potential and use his 6-foot-2, 229-pound frame properly.
There were no specifics on what else may come to Boston in the deal or what the return would be to Florida, but it has been well documented that Chiarelli would love to move into the top 5-7 picks overall to get one of the top defensive prospects available, so this could be a package deal involving roster players and picks.
According to this source, who stressed the Panthers were talking to numerous teams about Horton and could still accept another offer, "the parameters" of the possible trade were still being worked out as of late Friday afternoon, but "Horton believed he could be very close to being a Bruin."
Interestingly enough, this source and two others shot down the internet rumor that was running rampant on Friday, in which Marc Savard, Blake Wheeler and the Bruins' 15th overall pick would be dealt to Columbus for the fourth overall pick. According to these sources, the Bruins and Columbus are talking about potential deals, but nothing is concrete yet.
Horton, only 25, has plenty of time to still develop, but newly hired general manager Dale Tallon made it clear recently that everyone on the roster, with the exception of goaltender Tomas Vokoun, defenseman Dmitry Kulikov and David Booth, is fair game to be dealt.
Horton and Panthers center Stephen Weiss have been the subject of numerous trade rumors since the new sheriff in town, Tallon, made it clear there would be some house-cleaning.
On Wednesday, the Florida Sun Sentinel reported that Horton's agent Paul Krepelka of the Orr Hockey Group -- the same agency that represents to prospect Taylor Hall -- believed "there's a very good chance" his client would be dealt by July 1 when Horton's no-movement clause kicks in.
The story also pointed out that it would be hard to deal Weiss because of the Panthers' lack of depth at center, and because he is coming off his best offensive season, scoring 60 points.
Horton had back-to-back 62-point seasons in 2006-07 and 2007-08, scoring 31 goals in the former. This past season he had 20 lamplighters and 37 assists for 57 points in 65 games. The Welland, Ontario native is due to make $4 million this coming season, $4.5 million in 2011-12 and $5.5 million in 2012-13.
NESN.com
