Five people the NHL could do without

As the end of the NHL season arrives, hockey analysts are examining the future for non-playoff teams and making picks for the Stanley Cup playoffs. With the end of the season upon us however, I'm thinking of something else. I'm thinking about 5 people the NHL could do without. In no particular order, here they are:

1. Chris Chelios: The fact that Chelios made it back to the NHL at age 48 is less of a testiment to his ability, than it is to the sad state of the Atlanta Thrashers blueline. Chelios has no business playing in the National Hockey League let alone the American League. If you had the opportunity to watch any Thrashers game that featured Chelios, you'd know that he caused more damage, and directly caused more goals against, than he did good for the team.

2. Pierre McGuire: For the love of all that is good in the world, Pierre McGuire needs to go. Listening to his moronic analysis (if you can even call it analysis) of plays makes me want to throw myself out a window. Seriously, look at the Facebook groups, read about the drinking games, search his name on Twitter; Pierre McGuire is undoubtedly the most hated and least respected announcer in the history of hockey.

3. Brian Burke: Now I know this will never happen, not with all the brain washed idiots in Toronto that actually think the Phil Kessel trade was a smart idea. Tyler Seguin or Taylor Hall, a 2nd round pick, and another 1st round pick for Kessel? Ridiculous. And how about that "Monster" Jonas Gusttavsson? Monster is right. Gustavsson finished 36th out of 44 goalies in both Save Percentage and Goals Against Average. In the most talked about hockey city on the planet, Burke is the most overrated GM on the planet.

4. Gary Bettman: If you've ever read my blog, you should have seen this one coming. I firmly believe Bettman has done more damage to the National Hockey League over the last decade than anyone. Bettman's crowning jewel of the last year has been the Phoenix Coyotes. Until Bettman can figure out that protecting his image is less important than protecting the players and teams of the NHL, this league will struggle. It's time for Bettman's dictatorship to end and for a breath of fresh air to rejuvenate the NHL.

5. Matt Cooke: It was the year of the head shot, and no one has dominated the press for dirty hits over the past few seasons more than Matt Cooke. Is he a decent hockey player? Definitely. Could the NHL do without him? Definitely. Big, open ice hits, even one's involving the head, are a key component of the NHL. Blindside hits or knee on knee hits aren't, and these dangerous plays are a specialty of Cooke.

I know my list is a little lopsided and I know none of them will likely be leaving the NHL anytime soon, but these are five men the NHL could do without.

Has the NHL trade deadline come early?

Leafs fans were rejoicing as Brian Burke unloaded some serious dead weight in return for Dion Phaneuf and JS Gigeure. The Calgary Flames dealt with the Toronto Maple Leafs and also pulled off a blockbuster deal with the New York Rangers which included Olli Jokinen and Chris Higgins.

Now, NHL sources are reporting Ilya Kovalchuk is only minutes, hours, or at most days from being traded by the Atlanta Thrashers.

So what gives? Has the NHL trade deadline come early? Why aren't NHL teams waiting until the end of the month to start making deals?

First, there are only 5 points separating 13th and 6th place in the Eastern Conference. The playoff race in the West is just as tight. With an Olympic break thrown into the mix and the first major deals already done, it's time for teams to start making their move if they want to stay in the playoff mix.

Teams in the hunt for a playoff rental player, or a long term salary fix, must move now that teams are dealing, because once a team has made a major deal, the options for others start to diminish.

The Olympic break has to be factored into this early dealing as well. The Atlanta Thrashers have no guarantee that Ilya Kovalchuk won't be injured playing major minutes for Team Russia at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games and therefore, want to deal him before the Games. Many of the leagues top stars who are approaching free agency or who have struggled this season are on the block and could potentially be dealt before the Olympics begin.

The potential for injury, and the fact that the playoff race is happening now, not two months from now, is extremely hard to deny for teams needing help. Watch for trades in the next 24 hours including Ilya Kovalchuk, Michael Ryder, and yes, more from the Toronto Maple Leafs. As well, watch for a major unload from the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes.

Let the games begin.

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