Applause could be heard from NHL Players' Association headquarters in Toronto after Senators defenceman Wade Redden refused to waive his no-trade clause.
After watching the St. Louis Blues send centre Doug Weight packing earlier this year by telling him he'd be a healthy scratch if he didn't accept a deal to the Anaheim Ducks, players are being encouraged to stand by their contracts and not give in to trade pressure from teams.
Paul Kelly, the NHLPA's executive director, probably didn't give Redden any direction on his discussions with Senators GM Bryan Murray, but you can be sure the union was happy with the result.
"I'm just focused on winning a Stanley Cup here in Ottawa," Redden repeated yesterday after blocking a potential deal to the San Jose Sharks Friday.
The union believes the no-trade clause should make players untouchable. If a lot of players start waiving it, there would be no point in having the clause in contracts.
SLAPSHOTS
Peter Forsberg will try to put his best foot forward this week to decide if he's going to resume his NHL career. While it's believed the unrestricted free-agent centre is leaning toward returning to the Philadelphia Flyers, his agent, Don Baizley, called all the potential suitors Friday and told them Forsberg needs another week to decide. Indications are Forsberg, 34, isn't happy with the progress he's made with his surgically repaired foot and wants more time to see how it feels while he continues to skate with MoDo in Stockholm. Forsberg might hang up his skates until next September and not come back at all. The Forsberg waiting game is make life tough not only on the Flyers, but also on the Senators, Avalanche and Rangers, who have also shown an interest. But, as an NHL executive noted: "Nobody's going to rush him, he's worth the wait."
OFF THE GLASS
Nothing is free these days. An NHL source said the Senators' oldtimers wanted to play the Canadiens alumni on the Rideau Canal yesterday to help celebrate Hockey Day in Canada. The Habs were willing to play, but not without their $1,000 appearance fee per player. The Senators decided not to bother setting up a game with the Department of National Defence ... Let's make one thing clear: Anaheim GM Brian Burke has said he won't be going to the Maple Leafs. But that doesn't mean the Leafs' GM search committee won't try to speak to Burke. The talk is the Leafs recently interviewed former Penguins GM Craig Patrick for the job.
AROUND THE BOARDS
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. The 'Hawks were expected to challenge for a playoff spot this season, but they're fading. While late owner Bill Wirtz isn't around to protect Savard anymore, GM Dale Tallon has been supportive ... Minny D Nick Schultz could be moved before the Feb. 26 trade deadline. GM Doug Risebrough could have had Schultz signed in the summer for $2.5 million (all terms US), but didn't. Schultz was awarded $1.8 million in arbitration. Now a lot of teams are calling. Schultz is set to become an unrestricted free agent and will command $3.5-$4 million on the open market ... The Sabres are willing to sign Brian Campbell to a six-year deal worth $7 million per season, but many believe that would just be to trade the defenceman. Earlier, the Sabres didn't even want to discuss a five-year, $25-million deal. More contract talks are expected this week, but Campbell will likely be dealt at the deadline. He will likely get sent to the 'Hawks because they want to make a push for the playoffs.
RUMOURS DU JOUR
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. Sources say Florida assistant GM Randy Sexton held discussions with San Jose GM Doug Wilson early in the season that would have led to Jokinen being shipped to the Sharks for C Patrick Marleau and D Matt Carle. Don't be surprised if the Panthers take another run to land Marleau at the trade deadline. The Flames, meanwhile, continue to be interested in Jokinen, who has been reassured by Florida owner Alan Cohen he won't be moved ... Los Angeles GM Dean Lombardi is busy. He's told other GMs that any King over 25 is available. That includes D Rob Blake, LW Ladislav Nagy, C Derek Armstrong, LW Scott Thornton, D Brad Stuart, D Tom Preissing and D Jaroslav Modry. The Senators, Sharks and Wings have all shown an interest in Blake. Lombardi might want to be careful cleaning house if he has no intentions of keeping coach Marc Crawford ... While RW Radim Vrbata has been on fire, the Coyotes might consider moving him. He is making $1.225 million this season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Coyotes are concerned that Vrbata will have big salary demands ... The Jackets are fielding calls for D Ron Hainsey, but they haven't decided if they're going to be a buyer or seller at the deadline ... The Coyotes want to move D Brendan Bell ... If the Senators want a Top 6 forward, maybe they should bring back C Mike Comrie. The Isles are willing to move him, along with RW Miro Satan.
Have a nice Sunday.
