Dateline: March 4/03

Judy in Raleigh, North Carolina writes:

There is much speculation that the Hurricanes will trade defenseman Glen Wesley. Although he has a "no-trade" clause in his contract, he says he will waive it for the "good of the team," blah blah blah. According to TV sportscasters, Wesley wants to stay in Raleigh, as does his family.

Addressing the annual flood of NHL trade rumors leading up to the March 11 trade deadline, San Jose coach Ron Wilson said, "What bugs you is that people who aren't in the know do this stuff to act like they're in the know."

True enough. But in assessing NHL trade rumors, there are a few clues to help us seperate the credible from the ludicrous. In the Glen Wesley case, the telltale sign is that he is an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Perhaps Wesley and the Hurricanes are quietly negotiating a new contract, you never know. But players expecting new contracts rarely express a willingness to be traded. So the Hurricanes have probably decided not to re-sign him. Running with that assumption, you have to conclude that Wesley will be wearing a new uniform by March 11. Such is the logic of the NHL trade rumor mill.

Who makes the first move in this situation? Does the team "suggest" to a player that he be open for a trade, or does another team first express interest in a player?

Anecdotal evidence - from players, agents, general managers, media bird dogs and the ever-popular unnamed sources - suggests there are several ways a player with a no-trade contract can be dealt.

The team can approach the player: "We don't have much ice time for you anymore. Anywhere else you would like to play?" Or: "Toronto called about you. Interested?" In which case the player can announce that he's not going anywhere, or that he is willing to waive his no-trade clause for the right deal. Some players have been known to make a list of teams they are willing to be traded to.

A player can initiate the process by telling management he will relinquish his no-trade status, a not-so-subtle way of saying "get me out of here." Patrice Brisebois is rumoured to have done this in Montreal, where everybody seems to hate him.

Does this kind of situation happen often in hockey? It doesn't seem quite fair. What is the point of having a no-trade agreement if it is just ignored?

It happens all the time, partly because NHL teams are too generous in handing out the no-trade privilege (I mean, Mike Modano and Joe Sakic, sure. But Patrice Brisebois?).

The clause cannot be ignored. Glen Wesley has every right to veto a trade and stay put if he feels like it. But consider his position. He's 34 years old and has never won a Stanley Cup. Carolina won't make the playoffs and his contract is up. If his career as a Hurricane is practically over, why not go somewhere else for a playoff run? With any luck he could end up in Colorado or Detroit with a shot at a championship.

From the team's perspective, why not get something for him in a trade instead of letting him walk as a free agent? Wesley should command a couple of draft picks, maybe even a first-rounder. It helps that many teams are looking for veteran defensive help around now.

It's a case where waiving the no-trade clause is in everyone's interests.

By the way, I wouldn't put too much stock in what Wesley tells the TV guys. Players who are willing/desperate to move rarely take it to the local media.

Is it possible that the Canes will trade Wesley now so that he can help another team during the playoffs, and plan to re-sign him when he becomes a free agent?

Possible, but highly unlikely. If the Hurricanes want Glen Wesley they will sign him before the free agency period, when other teams can join the bidding and drive his price up. Of course, if Wesley is traded he might never make it to free agency. His new team might have a contract offer waiting when he arrives.

Having said all that, could Glen Wesley still be chasing pucks on behalf of the Carolina Hurricanes when March 12 dawns? Absolutely. That's why NHL trade rumors are called rumors. But, reading the tea leaves, you have to figure he's a goner.