Trade Winds are Swirling....

Posted 10:28 PM ET | Comments 4

Every once in a while you read something and say, "Hmm. Wouldn't that be nice?"

An interesting report today from Eklund, one that definitely piqued my interest. The Blue Jackets are speaking with the Leafs currently discussing a deal that would land defenseman Pavel Kubina. This would do two things for Scott Howson:

1. Get the powerplay quarterback that he needs.
2. Get the "seeing-eye shot" he and Ken Hitchcock so often speak of.

On the flip side, it would do one thing Howson wouldn't be keen on:

1. Acquire another overpaid hockey player.

A friend of mine once called Kubina the "poor man's Souray." Well, at $5 million per season I'm afraid he's not pinching pennies. He does have the heavy shot and a better defensive game than Souray, but I'm afraid the price may be too steep yet again.

If the Leafs would accept Zherdev and a pick in this deal (and if I had a say in the matter), I wouldn't be able to start the fax machine quick enough. Should the Jackets decide to take on his salary, it certainly gives Howson the flexibility to explore trade options for Adam Foote.

If a deal does indeed go down, I would support it completely.

Eklund, please keep our ears listening in Jacketland!

A lot of ifs, but a potentially beneficial deal for both parties.

Filed Under: blue jackets maple leafs eklund

redlighting

August 13, 2007 11:41 AM ET | Delete
Zherdev is worth way more than than just Kubina (and I'm a Leafs fan). That being said, if that offer was on the table JFJ would be a fool not to take it.

AndroSFL

August 13, 2007 12:03 PM ET | Delete
I agree 100%, Zherdev is worth more than Kubina. He has never reached his true potential in Columbus, and a new city/team may really spark his play. Only time will tell, all-star or bust?

wingedim

August 13, 2007 12:27 PM ET | Delete
I think Kubina would be a great fit in Columbus. He seems to thrive with being a 1st line D and seemed to turn around in Toronto when he was put on the first line with Kaberle. Would Zherdev be going the other way? Honestly, I hope not. I like the kid, but, Toronto would not be a good place for him to 'grow' as a player. While Maurice is good with younger players and holds the team accountable, so does Hitch. Zherdev was benched a few games last year for coasting and kicked out (of one for sure) practice for 'mailing it in'. Toronto media will crucify him for being lazy and being overpaid. The other drawback is Zherdev's apparent unwillingness to learn English. I know last year MacLean, told Zherdev that the interpreter wasn't going to be as readily available, but has he made any further progress?

goldenj

August 13, 2007 1:50 PM ET | Delete
Zherdev worth more then Kubina? A guy with a ring over a mere potential player? I guess that's why you two are fans and now IN hockey.

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