By Justin Orlewicz (Hockey Writer) – Email
First I would like to pass along some news that I forgot to inÂclude in last week’s Locker Room; even I show my human side once in a while and forget things, but I am always the first to admit it. During all the All-Star commoÂtion, I forgot to talk about Gary Bettman’s press conference, where he extinguished any ideas of a poÂtential franchise move to Canada in the near future. The obvious leaders in the running for another Canadian franchise are Winnipeg, Quebec City, and Southern OnÂtario, in that order. Winnipeg and Quebec City will get their franÂchises back, sooner than later, it’s just a matter of time before PhoeÂnix, Atlanta or Florida blow it and need to move north.
Back to more current issues; Evgeni Malkin is likely out for the season with a torn MCL and ACL after crashing awkwardly into the boards with Buffalo Sabers deÂfenceman Tyler Myers. With MalÂkin and Crosby out, the Penguins have managed to stay at the top of the league, which is a good sign of depth and overall team strength. Crosby has also been cleared to start skating after missing every game since January 5 with a conÂcussion, which he sustained durÂing the Winter Classic.
Peter Forsberg has decided to give it one more go with the ColoÂrado Avalanche at the tender age of 37. Forsberg has been playing in the Swedish Elite League for the last two seasons, but he was still plagued with that foot injury that kept him out of the NHL. During his entire two year stint in Sweden he only managed to dress for 26 games, a similar story to his last two years in the NHL with NashÂville and Colorado. Forsberg says his foot is feeling fine, and he is ready to give it another go in the NHL with the team he won two Stanley Cups with. Providing he doesn’t get injured first, the AvaÂlanche will finish the NHL reguÂlar season with the veteran in a team sweater.
More trade rumours are flying around the locker room, in the press box, and on national televiÂsion. In a recent television interÂview, Phil Kessel of the Toronto Maple Leafs stated that he was unÂhappy with his play and the situaÂtion with the Leafs. Kessel has not scored in over ten games, and he appears very discontented on the bench and in the locker room. Don Cherry even said that he doesn’t see that snap in Kessel’s game anymore. Kessel said himself that a change may be in order. So, now the player that cost Toronto Tyler Seguin and this year’s first round pick may not even be a Leaf come this trade deadline. Coach Ron Wilson said that Kessel is one of those players who concentrates too much on scoring and when he doesn’t score it affects the rest of his game. Kessel also stated that Wilson has not spoken to him. For more insider info, follow me on twitter @JustinOrly.
