Are Sheldon Souray’s days as an NHL player over? He has two goals in 17 games with Hershey this season. The fact that Souray only has a year left on his deal should get him at least one more NHL deal… but where?

Pierre Lebrun’s midseason award picks are up over at ESPN.

A huge swing and a miss by myself this season – Peter Regin. I don’t get to watch Ottawa play a lot, but I really liked his upside heading in to the season last summer. He was Ottawa’s best player in the playoffs against Pittsburgh, and he was facing little competition (or so I thought) for the top line LW spot.

I’ve dumped Regin in my one-year leagues, but he’s stashed away on my bench in one of my keeper leagues. It takes a lot for me to give up on a player with such low value (one goal on the season, no points since December 23rd). Any Ottawa fans care to chime on and provide a reason or two as to why Regin is struggling so much?

Lack of ice time, not in an offensive role, lack of quality linemates (a problem for all Ottawa players since the forward group is awful)…

I’ll play contrarian to Dobber – will a new situation really be the difference for Filatov? He has all the talent in the world, but the hockey sense (at least at the NHL level) seems to be lacking. Hitchcock and Arniel have both found it difficult to find a spot for him in the lineup.

I do agree that the Kings will try to make a big splash – tons of cap space and young assets, and they can’t afford to miss the playoffs after their fantastic 2009-10 season.

Dobber – Two points separate seventh and 12th in the West. While 13th and 14th are just three points behind that group with a game or two in hand. You’re going to see lots of trades int he Western Conference this year – probably mostly tweaking. But I think Los Angeles will make the biggest wave because a) They are a team on the rise, so taking a step back is unacceptable b) They have a lot of assets they can move

I think the Blues will make the fewest moves/smallest wave. Their “wave” will just be having Oshie settle back into the lineup and McDonald returning.

One name being bandied about, if Columbus becomes buyers, is Nikita Filatov. He’s not doing well in Springfield (nine points in 14 games) and yet is still young enough to be considered a prized asset. A new environment would to him wonders.

I knew that Dustin Byfuglien was slumping, but I had no idea he was pointless in 10 games. Tomorrow’s THN article addresses some of the slumping or injured players and how the ASG break will give them the time needed to recharge both mentally and physically. Byfuglien is playing in the ASG, but it’s more of a “fun” thing then a “job”.

Michal Frolik is another example – pointless in 11. In fact, his entire line is slumping (Weiss and Dadonov). I think they are prime buy-low players.

My Puck Daddy debut from yesterday – check it out here.

Pick up Keith Ballard if he is available in your league. His ice time is about to jump way up with Edler out for the forseeable future.

I like Ballard for a few reasons. One – he has been incredibly underused so far this season, so he’s fresh. Two, Dan Hamhuis logs a ton of PK time, and I doubt the Canucks will want to stretch him at the other end of the rink.

Ballard is a proven point producer in the past, as well. He has a good shot and he loves to get involved in the play. His ice time per game should climb by four or five minutes with Edler out.

Conspiracy theory with Salo returning… doubtful. Edler has been phenomenal this season and even if/when Salo returns, the loss of Edler is absolutely massive. I definitely think the Canucks were being extremely patient with Salo, but I don’t think his impending return had anything to do with a surgery decision. Interesting to think about, though.

With no NHL hockey on the schedule tonight, the ramblings, it’s time to open the floor up!

Fire me a tweet (angus_j), an e-mail ([email protected]) or comment below with any fantasy questions, news, interesting info, videos, and so on! I’ll have lots tomorrow on the happenings in the AHL and the CHL – time for a bit of catch up with those leagues.

A few DobberHockey veterans staged a mock NHL All-Star Game draft in the forums.

Another mock draft – this time Shane Doan and Paul Bissonnette make their picks on TSN. Funny stuff.

The Kamloops Blazers show off one of the best celebrations of all time: