Rue De Rumeurs: Fischler Asks -- What is Going on in Tampa?
Would the Montreal Canadiens ever have considered a trade for Maurice (The Rocket) Richard?
Not a chance in Heaven, or on St. Catherine Street West, or in The Toe Blake Tavern.
So, what on earth is going on in Tampa Bay where the Lightning high command is treating Bolts icon Steve Stamkos is like an alien from HC Planet Mars.
Steven Stamkos
© Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The captain of two Stanley Cup champions, this fall Stammer expected GM Julien BriseBois to launch negotiations for a new Double S contract. Instead, Stevereeno got an N.G. on his request and then had the temerity to tell the persistent press that he was "disappointed."
Next came the buzz that Stamkos' once "untouchable" status is rather touchable these days.
YIKES!
Would the New York Yankees ever have put Joe DiMaggio or Yogi Berra or Mickey Mantle in a similar position? Not a chance.
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But wait a minute! Hold up: the Bombers once did unload a diamond idol named Babe Ruth. So, yeah, it could happen to Stamkos because BriseBois is more interested in Stanley than sentimentality.
However, Julie is treading on thin ice. He's not accounting for Tampa Bay's fandom, which holds Skipper Steve in the highest regard. A disconsolate captain could be a huge debit this season.
A disconsolate fan base could ignite a SAVE STAMKOS revolt, and you know what that can do,
don't you? (Well, depends on how intense the revolt can be)
CALGARY'S CONROY'S CONNIPTIONS
How can the second team in Alberta compete with the McDavid & Draisait one-two punch down the road in Edmonton?
By winning, of course, but there's no way GM Craig Conroy's outfit can compete with the Oilers -- or others in the Pacific Division. Not when Jonathan Huberdeau drops a whopping 60 points after moving from Florida to Snow Country.
Or a Jake Markstrom who -- at times -- looked like he couldn't stop a hot air balloon, let alone a six-ounce hunk of vulcanized rubber. So, how will Conroy do it? Trades are a possibility. He does have talent in a D-man like Noah Hanfin, and he might re-sign Elias Lindholm, his top center. That would tip off Calgary fans that Conroy means winning business.
Then again, if the Flames flicker out by the homestretch, watch for UFA's like center Mikael Backlund and defensemen Chris Tanen and Nikita Zadorov to move into the Used Car lot -- for trade or sale.
HERE AND THERE:
If Connor Bedard turns out as good as his press notices and Chicago suddenly becomes a new team, GM Kyle Davidson may have to rethink trading plans. Right now, Kyle will be content to bolster his lineup by picking a player or two off waivers ... The arrival of Riley Smith in Pittsburgh could make Bryan Rust available since they play similar games. Making Rust expendable would free up a significant chunk of Cap space.... Those who think Patrick Kane will wind up with Buffalo are assuming he wants to return to his hometown. But Patty Kake wants a winner. Colorado might be more to his liking. ... With Mats Zuccarello on an expiring deal, he could return to the Rangers next year. Mats loved Manhattan, and the vice was versa. The Blueshirts have plenty of pieces to make a deal. ... The word out of San Jose is that GM Mike Grier is talking trades. He'll also try to re-sign top liners Alex Barabanov and Anthony Duclair. ... The Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons wonders why Brendan Shanahan unloaded James Hughes from the Leafs player development staff. Good question; since James is the father of three starry Hughes lads in the NHL. Quinn-- captain of the Canucks; Jack, ace of the Devils and Luke, a Devils possible Calder Trophy-winner.
