Rumor Mill

From CBC (Hot Stove: second intermission) Jan. 31

-Mike Milbury suggests several players on the New York Islanders will be available at the trade deadline, listing Mike Comrie, Bill Guerin, Doug Weight and Brendan Witt as topping that list.

Duh!!!! Gee Mike way to come up with that one. How long did it take you? You're now only a few weeks behind the rest of the Islanders fans.

Okay, let's break them down.

Comrie: Has trade value as a scorer and at center. Hilbert would probably be his replacement for next year, assuming the Islanders sign Hilbert. As of now, I would expect at least a second rounder for Comrie due to his young age.

Guerin: Has a no-trade clause. Period. If a playoff contender comes calling, he may listen, but there are reasons why he has that clause in his contract.

Weight: Is having a renaissance year, and is attracting a lot of attention. But here is my thought. I don't think Bailey is ready to be a number one center. If the Islanders truly want to finish dead last in the conference by seasons end, then you trade Weight. If the Islanders find themselves too far ahead from worst overall, sign him to a one year extension. He's almost a point per game player, and has helped the power play.

Witt: Has two more years on his contract, and that may scare a few teams with cap trouble. He would be sought out by playoff teams, but it all depends on if they can absorb his contract.