With Scott Niedermayer returning to Anaheim's lineup off the suspended list and Todd Marchant a healthy scratch here it's worth keeping an eye on a possible Islanders trade if contracts or draft picks could be included on both sides because Anaheim apparently has to drop some salary.
TSN.ca: Bob McKenzie has a few words regarding Niedermayer's return and what Anaheim may look to do to free salary that mentions Marchant and some forwards but mostly centers around the defense where they have a surplus, including former Islander Matthieu Schneider.
Espn: EJ Hradek does some of his own speculating on how Anaheim will shed salary for Neidermayer's contract and includes the Ducks 08-09 contracts.
Philadelphia Daily News: Ed Moran reports Flyer gm Paul Holmgren could be interested in former Flyer Mark Recchi as a re-entry waiver.
National Post/several sources: Report a possible Mark Recchi buyout or his being placed on recall waivers is possible.
NYI Fan Central Comments:
Based on some unconfirmed reports that the Islanders almost traded Jason Blake to Anaheim last year at the trade deadline and Brian Burke's comments about Garth Snow when he was named gm, it's fair to speculate Snow checks in at number two on the list of gm's Brian Burke does not want to talk with outside of Kevin Lowe unless he can rob him blind in a deal.
Having written that....
Todd Marchant earns $2.517 million this season and next. He has been only a support player for a few seasons with low production - too much for a fourth-line checking forward in Anaheim but a player who could play as a top six forward here. For an Islander trade with Anaheim the Ducks would need to take Bates contract for the next two seasons, include a high draft pick and more. Does not seem like a fit here for New York but it is a player who would not cost them a prospect or an impact player that Burke would likely be thrilled to have off his roster and may need a fresh start.
Based on Bob McKenzie's blog it could be a chance to end the log-jam with Bergeron, Berard, Meyer and bring in a veteran like Schneider to run the powerplay. Goes without writing it Andy McDonald is exactly what this club needs and who Garth Snow should target even if it means taking Marchant to make it happen.
Recchi is a good gamble if he is bought out or goes on re-entry waivers but it's easy for me to spend Charles Wang's money. Spending now may mean not being able to spend later when an impact player is available.
Bottom line: Pass on Marchant unless the scouting reports are very good and he only needs a change of scenery. Anaheim also has to give up their top draft pick and more combined with taking Bates salary to do this and if I'm Garth Snow I want Andy McDonald so that means a Schneider for Sutton swap.
Now I'm spending even more of Charles Wang's money.
This gives Brian Burke the cap space to resign Cory Perry.
Also fair to write this could be the end of the line for Recchi and he is not worth taking a roster spot from another player but he did produce last season.