Untouchables

Puck-rakers just reported that the following players will not be traded according to GM Scott Howson:

Rick Nash
Nikolai Zherdev
Pascal Leclaire
Kris Russell
Derick Brassard
Jakub Voracek
Steve Mason

I sure hope to hell Jared Boll is on that list as well but I think they are talking more high profile young talents.

I think some fans will rest a little easier seeing that group retained.

So what's interesting are that Rusty Klesla and Gilbert Brule were left off that list.

Klesla, Brule and a pick for Richards? That rumor has been out there and that door is certainly left open.

OK Tollefsen and Marc Methot were also not named.

...and of course none of the UFA's to be in Fedorov, Foote, Peca, Vyborny, Hainsey, Hejda or Tarnstrom are, as expected, not named.

I think its very safe to say Nash, Zherdev and Leclaire have taken over the team - they are the core of cores although Z and Leclaire have to prove they can play to this year's level consistantly.

They still need veterans like Modin and Chimera and with Chimera being resigned and Modin being a Hitch favorite and having a NTC he certainly isn't going anywhere. The team does need a "Foote like" presence on the blueline to supliment the lineup and I'm sure there are plans to make sure that's there whether it be resigning #52, which is looking more and more unlikely, or bringing in someone via a trade or UFA in offseason.

The trade deadline is gonna get real interesting around these parts. With so many different possibilities its really hard to predict what is going to happen.

Its gonna be fun though.....I need to just call in to work Tuesday!

-LTL