HEADLINE SPORTS - Guelph (ON)
Today word has come out that a deal may be imminent. The Reapers are said to be close to shipping out Marian Hossa to one of two destinations. While which two destinations are the finalists is unknown, what is known is that there was a lot of interest in Hossa.
"We fielded offers from 6 different teams," GM Gandour admitted, "and had inquiries that never got to offers from 5 others."
That acknowledgement represents almost half of the league. The GM was close lipped as to whether or not their was actually a deal imminent as rumoured, but he did admit that Hossa was not untradeable.
"When you are fielding lots of calls and offers you have to give serious thought to moving any player." GM Gandour admitted. "We are comfortable with our team as it is now, and could start the year with the roster we have. However if there is a fit that makes sense it is my duty to explore it."
The GM did not say which teams had offered but heavy speculation says that most every top contender from last season had made inquiries on Hossa, and a few "wild card" entries had also chipped in. It is also believed at least one of the expansion GMs had inquired to Marian's availability.
The Reapers are keeping things tight lipped for now, but the word we have is there are two, not one, but two take it or leave it offers now for Hossa with different teams. Now begins the waiting game to hear back from the teams.
"With Lecavalier we felt it was the ideal time to move him," GM Gandour stated when asked about his last deals. "He has been superb for us but no one can expect him to continue that pace forever. He was UFA pending, asking for a raise of considerable amount, and not quite as useful as he has been the past two years. Rather then let him walk for nothing, we signed and traded him. To get back two 2nd round picks, and two young emerging stars was a great return. Now we must decide on Hossa. He also required a large raise this year as he would have left UFA. The main difference for us is Hossa is just entering his best years. We feel he is far more valueable and we are ready to keep him if the offers aren't the fit we need."
It is also rumoured that the Reapers after missing out on multiple centres in auction are trying to acquire at least one via trade. As it sits now, the team would start the year with three C's under contract (Fedorov, Yelle and R. Johnson) while Novotny decides on his RFA offer and McCormick would be eligible at C. In truth, only Fedorov and Johnson are regular NHL calibre in that entire list, and the team moving Lecavalier left a huge hole to fill down the middle.
"It's no secret," GM Gandour admits, "that a Centre is something we are aiming for. But trade is not the only option. We have our eye on a free agent or two still in that position."
The Reapers have also openly begun talks on some of their defensemen. Most noteably, long time Reaper Pavel Kubina is finally available in trade.
"He was our first pick ever," Steve said, "and thus sentimental favourite of mine and our fans. However he has been a Reaper since day 1 and now may be the right time to move him. We acquired a lot of depth on D the past few days, and now have 10 serviceable dmen entering the year."
It will be interesting to see how the next couple of days play out.
Reporting for your Reapers,
Sal Trachan
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