Trade Deadline: Guerin Shipped Out

With the trade deadline approaching, the Quebec GM has been testing the water on what the interest has been for veteran Bill Geurin. The General Manager of the Nordiques was quoted in saying, "Although we received some fairly decent offers, nothing really tempted us to deal him. We were prepared to hold onto him another year as he provides a good leadership role for the rookies." But that seemed to have changed as in the early hours of Wednesday, as Bill Guerin has been dealt to the Vancouver Canucks. On the way back to Quebec, the Nordiques receive Juraj Kolnik, Ryan Craig, and a 2007 Atlanta Rnd 3 draft pick. Quebec now adds yet another pick to a cupboard already full of good draft picks, including four 1st rounders. However, while this bolsters a Canuck roster, it all seems over for Quebec this season as the biggest event it seems Quebecers have to look forward to is this years Entry Draft. With this move, Vancouver plans to make a push for the Stanley Cup this year and becomes a better team for that push, and a harder team to play against. This trade will benefit both teams and address the needs of each and Quebecers wish nothing but the best for the playoff hopes of Billy Guerin.

Quebec's Hauser Thriving

Quebec Nordiques' farm team from Chicago continues to dominate in the AHL mostly due to the fact that their goalie Adam Hauser is having a career year down there. In 31 games this year, he has posted a 1.94 GAA record which is the league leading GAA at the time of this article. Make no mistake though, Hauser has been at the top for several weeks though so do not this is just a hot streak. Hauser mainly credits his good stats to his defence and team overall. "You know, the defence have been helping me with the rebounds, the forwards are coming back too, we just play a tight game, plus it doesn't hurt when our blue line helps with scoring too", Hauser replied when asked about their success so far this season.

Even with no forwards within the top 30 scorers of the league, Quebec's farm team sits second in the East with 59 points at the moment. Their record so far is 49GP, 25W, 15L, and 9T, giving them a .602 winning percentage.

The future is bright for Quebec's younger players in the AHL and in only a couple more seasons could you see the big team with a similar record. They will be a contender for seasons to come just after a little more development.

Flames Introduce Third Jersey

Due to lagging attendance, the Flames management on March 4th revealed thier new third jersey in a match against the Ottawa Senators. Yellow in color, seen here in the team gear store, they were brought in to bring in more money and hopefully more fans to the stands. When interviewed, Flames chief executive of public relations, Kent Daniels said the color and design was chosen because it was assumed to be the best looking, affordable, and unique to the rest of the league. "I think the fans will really like this," says Daniels. " We think the yellow color goes great with the fire logo, and we know the fans are in for a real treat." The important thing will just be if the team can win when wearing it." The team, currently last in the conference will be expected to look for many more gimics to bring fans to the stands to see the struggling team. Some things that have been tossed around are free beer Fridays, no pants necessary Tuesdays, and half price ticket Wednesdays. Something still not thought of is putting a good team on the ice.

Quebec busy on the trade market

In a flurry of trades on thursday Quebec saw many familiar faces leave the city in order to secure a better future for the franchise. Olaf Kolzig was shipped off to Seattle in light of their goaltending troubles they have been happening there. The Seattle GM was quoted in saying "Kolzig brings a lot of experience and leadership to our club and we hope to make a push for the playoffs now we a one-two punch in net." In return Quebec gets a 2nd rounder in the 2007 draft and helps dump some salary for future free agent signings in the summer. This will give Micheal Garnett a good opportunity to get some NHL experience as he has proven to be capable on the Chicago farm team in the AHL.

Only a couple hours later did Quebec trade again, this time with Edmonton. With a lot of depth at the right wing, and Edmonton needing a right winger, it only made sense. In return for sending Mike Johnson and Seattle's 2007 2nd round pick, Quebec receives the nimble and offensive, young center Michael Cammalleri. "Mike Johnson will be missed on the penalty kill but felt it was a necessary sacrifice to make in oder to receive such a capable offensive force for our second line" the Quebec GM was quoted earlier today. This leaves a little more room at center for Quebec and look for one of the younger centers to be sent down to the baby Nordiques in order to develop.

There have been rumors that there is a pending trade with Boston concerning Quebec sending Pavel Kubina plus a young center for a young defenceman and picks in return but the proper papers have not been sent in yet.

The future is looking bright for Quebec, and we can only look forward to this years draft.