NHL Today (9/7): Devils, Stars, Parise, Stamkos, and More

New Jersey Devils

Sources are saying that today is the first day that the Devils have serious talks trade-wise. As mentioned in my article a few days ago, the Devils need to move $3M+ and have been considering moving a few players including Rolston (almost impossible to move), Salvador (veteran defenseman; could be easier to move), Zubrus (a few more years on his contract at a high price), and Zajac (a stud center who will most likely stay pat).

These teams under the cap floor could take on at least one of the contracts easily:

• Colorado Avalanche
• New York Islanders
• Atlanta Thrashers
• St. Louis Blues
• Carolina Hurricanes
• Phoenix Coyotes
• Florida Panthers
• Tampa Bay Lightning
• Dallas Stars
• Anaheim Ducks
• Nashville Predators
• Los Angeles Kings

But will they be willing to help the Devils out? There would most likely be a price of a draft pick or a prospect, two assets that GM Lou Lamoriello will most definitely not trade away. If no trade could be made, to the minors they go!

Dallas Stars

Remember those Kaberle to Stars talks? Well they did hold some validity. Dallas offered Ribiero straight up for Kaberle, but Toronto GM Brian Burke declined the deal.

So what's keeping the Stars away from obtaining a star defenseman? Their budget. Mike Helka of the Dallas Morning News reports that the only way the Stars will trade for a high-price/star defenseman is if the other team takes salary back as well, which is why they liked Ribiero for Kaberle. 

The Stars still do have interest in getting a top defenseman (Bieksa, Souray, Kaberle, etc.) on their squad, but as mentioned above, their budget is the problem. 

Zach Parise

Sources are saying that talks between the Devils and winger Zach Parise have come to a screeching halt. At least for now.

Earlier in the summer, there had been reports that the Devils would sign Parise to an extension. However, Kovalchuk took the stage and Devils' management put all their time and effort into that situation.

The problem right now is the money. The Devils should have enough cap space next season to fit him at $6M+, but they are playing it safe for now since they just signed Ilya Kovalchuk to a $100M contract.

Steven Stamkos

Erik Erlendsson reports that the young 50-goal-scorer, Steven Stamkos, might sign a contract netting him $7M+ a year next summer (He will be a RFA).

Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman says that he does not want to rush anything and re-signing the young Stamkos will be his number one priority this upcoming season.

Stay tuned for more updates coming soon! 

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