NHL

SEASON'S GREETINGS
At the NHL trade deadline, gifts can come in all styles and sizes.
by E.J. Hradek

The Feb. 26 deadline for deals is a second Christmas for hockey fans who want to see their teams make a key addition fo rthe playoffs or cut bait on a losing campaign and move vets for kids. The Isles wowed their faithful last year by dealing a pair of top prospects and a first-round pick to the Oilers for LW Ryan Smyth … before New York's Cup run slowed to a crawl and Smyth abandoned Long Island via free agency. Who'll be moving this year? These five could put fans in a festive mood.

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The Sharks would love Blake on the blue line.

ROB BLAKE, D Kings
WHY HE'S AVAILABLE Blacke, 38, could bring valuable prospects and/or draft picks to spur the last-place Kings' rebuilding process—if he's willing to waive his no-trade clause.
WHAT HE BRINGS Though he's out until late February with a broken left ankle, the former Norris winner has big-game experience. He can score form the blue line and play in every situation.
WHERE HE FITS Blake's skill and experience would be a big upgrade to a vanilla Sharks defense.

DAN BOYLE, D Lightning
WHY HE'S AVAILABLE The least of the East may not be able to re-sign their top defender. He's eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1 and could pull down $6M per season on the open market.
WHAT HE BRINGS The 31-year-old veteran, a Cup winner in '04, has the speed and the smarts to jump-start any attack. "He has great instincts," says one GM. "He'd be a huge upgrade for most contenders.
WHERE HE FITS The Rangers would kill to get him.

BRIAN CAMPBELL, D Sabres
WHY HE'S AVAILABLE Last summer, GM Darcy Regier watched captains Daniel Briere and Chris Drury leave via free agency. Regier got nothing for either player and can't make that mistake again.
WHAT HE BRINGS The ability to transition from defense to offense in a flash. He's a powerful skater and can be a boost to a club seeking help on the power play.
WHERE HE FITS Campbell would be a great addition for the Canes, who love their defensemen to jump into the attack.

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Sundin is still a number one option.

MATS SUNDIN, C Leafs
WHY HE'S AVAILABLE The Leafs are likely to miss the playoffs for the third straight season, but interim GM Cliff Fletcher could get significant talent for Sundin, who would have to waive his no-trade rights.
WHAT HE BRINGS aT 6'5'' and 231 pounds, Sundin remains a legit No. 1, as well as a handful for opponents: He has 23 goals and 58 points in 57 games. "A special player," says former Leafs scout Craig Button.
WHERE HE FITS The Sens, Wings, Ducks, Sharks, and Stars agree with you, Craig.

MARIAN HOSSA, RW Thrashers
WHY HE'S AVAILABLE Atlanta GM Don Waddell hasn't been able to sign the sniper to a new contract, which is especially frustrating because he traded then-franchise F Dany Heatley for him in 2005. If Hossa skates away, the GM will take the blame.
WHAT HE BRINGS A complete package of size, speed and skill. Since the 2000-01 season, Hossa has averaged more than a point per game.
WHERE HE FITS Can you see him finishing for Sid the Kid in Pittsburgh? Sid sure can.

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