Don't expect major moves from general manager Ken Holland and the Red Wings at April's trade deadline. (John T. Greilick/Detroit News)
Detroit As the Red Wings stew over a relatively lost weekend against the Blue Jackets and prepare for a trip through Western Canada, let's delve into happenings around the NHL."
News: The trade deadline is April 3. Will the Red Wings, and the rest of the league, make it memorable and exciting?
Views: The NHL trade deadline used to be like Christmas for fans, but it simply isn't anymore.
Parity, the salary cap and long-term contracts have stifled any excitement. Free agency in July is much more active and interesting.
Plus, too many teams are still in contention. So, why would any team concede with about 12 games remaining?
And for the few teams thinking about trading assets — Florida, Edmonton and Buffalo — there aren't a ton of players teams really want.
The Red Wings would love to add a top-six forward or a top-four defenseman, but so would every other team.
News: The Red Wings finished the first half of this shortened season in a playoff spot. Can they stay there?
Views: Getting forward Valtteri Filppula (shoulder) back this week will help. And it sounds as if forward Darren Helm (back) could return by the end of the month.
And forward Gustav Nyquist, who leads the American Hockey League in scoring (60 points), is ready.
But so much of it goes back to that schedule. There's a sense the Red Wings simply didn't get enough points in the first half that was so home heavy. And, they haven't been great on the road (3-5-2).
News: How about first-half award winners?
Views: The Hart Trophy (MVP) goes to Sidney Crosby. As of Monday, Crosby, the Penguins captain, was leading the NHL in points (45) and assists (33).
The Norris Trophy (defenseman) goes to Kris Letang of the Penguins.
Corey Crawford of the Blackhawks gets the Vezina Trophy (goaltender).
The Calder Trophy (rookie) goes to Jonathan Huberdeau of the Panthers.
And, Adams Trophy (coach) belongs to Joel Quenneville of the Blackhawks. Going 24 games to start the season without a defeat in regulation is impressive.
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