Trade Winds A-Blowin, This Train Keeps Rolling

Will McLellan be chopping heads with Doug this week?

First it was Marleau to Columbus.

Now it's Patty being sent to the 'Nucks for Chris Pronger's favorite stomping toy Ryan Kesler and their first round draft pick. Jonathan Cheechoo is also making the rounds this week (this all comes courtesy of TSN).

Patrick Marleau's name always seems to pop up in trade rumors, and this year is apparently no exception. If I'm Doug Wilson I think I hang onto Marleau- personally I chalk up his performance last year to playing under Ron and all the trade rumors that plagued him during the year. As good as this year's draft is, Patty is a guy that can contribute now, and contribute big. He's too good of an asset to give up for a marginally effective player (Kesler) and a draft pick that may take a couple years to develop. His no trade clause kicks in after July 1st, and after that passes, we will see a guy who will perform up to expectations. After the trade deadline last year he was our best player.

Cheechoo? I doubt he's going anywhere, his salary is at too good of a price ($3 M cap hit until it expires in 2011-2012). He's another player who will play better next year, as his sports hernia surgery last season bugged him throughout the season.

With all that being said, Doug Wilson likes draft picks. I just don't think it's the right move for the organization. A new coach means new life, and adding some pieces in the free agent market is much more worthwhile to me.

All in all, the next 24 hours are going to be interesting. If Doug doesn't make a move before the entry draft (with Patty), the likelihood is that it is not going to happen.

Some stuff you need to know:

The NHL changed some rules that will be implemented next season.

The first change will be for Rule 76.2 on faceoffs, placing the first faceoff of a power play in the defending zone of the team that committed the foul.

Second, a change to Rule 81.1 on icing will state that, "Any contact between opposing players while pursuing the puck on an icing must be for the sole purpose of playing the puck and not for eliminating the opponent from playing the puck. Unnecessary or dangerous contact could result in penalties being assessed to the offending player."

The last change will be to Rule 85.5 on faceoff location, saying that if a puck is shot off the goal frame, goal post or crossbar, the subsequent faceoff will remain in the end zone where the puck went out of play.

Rule 81.1- Torrey Mitchell anyone?