See the Trade Winds section following the feature article.

(October 24, 2003)

   Few expected that by this date David Aebischer would remain the number one goaltender at Colorado.  Although certainly a competent back-up, he's out of place with his peers on the team.  Aebischer is like putting street tires on a Porsche.  For most of us street tires are fine.  But this is a Porsche. 

   So when the Porsche fails to perform as well as expected people start to question the car.  Is the engine out of tune?  Is the suspension not working right?  What the Avs need is sticky tires.  They need a bona fide number one goalie.  When goaltending is weak play must become more conservative.  Just like putting street tires on the Porsche.  If the tires are not sticky you cannot take advantage of all that power and suspension. 

   It's not something that personally I would have expected; but at this point one cannot reach any other conclusion:  Since nothing has happened for such long a period one must assume that Colorado is focused on obtaining Curtis Joseph, and is waiting for the Wings to cave in and offer Cujo to them at a tolerable financial package. 

MIKE RICCI:   Mike has been known for his grit.  The Sharks at present seem to be dead in the water.  Mike is playing like he knows it.  Mike would be better served playing somewhere else and the Sharks would be better served moving at least some of his $3M salary.  (10/24/03).  Mike's play has picked up lately, and he presently leads the Sharks in plus/minus.  His fiery qualities quickly fade, however, in the wet blanket atmosphere of San Jose.  Mike should be given the opportunity to burn freely for a playoff team.  (10/29/03)

SCOTT YOUNG:   Dallas has the appearance of a team that has lost its chemistry.  When that occurs GMs have the tendency to change ingredients.  Any one of a half dozen or so could be on the block but my guess the most likely candidate is Scott.  (10/24/03). 

DANIUS ZUBRUS:   The Caps desperately need help on defense.  Zubrus lacks defensivie prowess.  But he possesses some skill around the net; sufficient skill to attract the interest of someone.  Certainly Jagr or Lang could be traded; but with the Konowalchuk trade Washington apparently has signalled that it is no longer waiting for either Lang or Jagr to be dealt.  (10/24/03)