There are a few interesting dynamics in play as the NHL trade deadline approaches. Tonight’s game between the Atlanta Thrashers and Toronto Maple Leafs could be Marian Hossa’s final game as a Thrasher as he is certain to be dealt before Tuesday’s 3 p.m. EST deadline. Tonight will be Hossa’s 222nd game for Atlanta in which he has scored 108 goals and added 139 assists since being acquired from Ottawa prior to the 2005-06 season. His plus-minus rating in the 221 games is plus-21 and he has scored 16 game-winning goals for Atlanta. During his time in Atlanta, he tallied 40 power play goals and added 12 shorthanded markers.
Tonight’s game could be one of the last two for Maple Leafs’ captain Mats Sundin. Sundin, who came to Toronto from Quebec for the 1993-94 season, will play his 970th game for the Leafs tonight in which he has scored 412 goals and added 558 assists averaging a point per game during his fine career in Toronto. The Leafs play cross-province rival Ottawa Monday, meaning tonight could be Sundin’s final home game in Toronto this season. Of course, he could re-sign with the Leafs as a free agent this summer if he’s dealt before Tuesday.
Incessant trade rumors for Hossa have centered upon the right wing landing in Boston, Philadelphia, Montreal, Detroit or San Jose among others. If I was Waddell, I’d prefer to deal Hossa to a Western Conference team so that I wouldn’t be second-guessed if the Thrashers miss the playoffs and get edged-out by one of the three Eastern teams mentioned.
With a Thrashers’ loss tonight, the team could fall farther behind Carolina or Washington, and Florida could overtake the Thrashers if the Panthers win one of two weekend games at Philadelphia or at the New York Rangers. Even though the points’ race is tight, Hossa must be dealt if Waddell can get immediate help for his struggling line-up and a draft pick. The Thrashers desperately need a center and help on the blueline. Don't be shocked if Waddell tries to unload other unrestricted free agents to be, or some of the dead wood on his roster, and there's is plenty of that.
It should be a very intriguing atmosphere inside the Air Canada Centre tonight.