Dan’s Daily Links: Trade Market Bubbles, Bob Boils in Columbus

The NHL holiday roster freeze is one of the great ideas in sports. It was championed years ago by Brian Burke as a way to allow players to enjoy family time during a grueling season without getting a phone call that the U-Haul would be showing up on the day after Christmas. For hockey fans, it also adds excitement because GMs have a deadline to make moves. Such as former Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Kasperi Kapanen to Carolina?

The Toronto Maple Leafs are a talented and flawed group. The Toronto fan base is a boisterous and knowledgeable set. This should be interesting–the Leafs are shaking the can for defense while Carolina is knocking on their door about Kapanen. Insider trading was full this week (TSN).

Oh by the way–the Tampa Bay Lightning have won eight straight, including a 4-1 win over Toronto.

There was also a spate of new Penguins trade rumors. I use that term derisively. Only credible reports or speculation will be linked here.

Sergei Bobrovsky is not a happy camper in Columbus. (1st Ohio Battery)

Sportsnet listed the seven most likely destinations for Flyers power forward Wayne Simmonds (Sportsnet)

NHL All-Star voting is underway. But if we all hate the game, why do we vote? (NHL.com)

The Carolina Hurricanes are having troubles. As in too many hard hands and too few goals. (The Hockey News).

The Hockey News is on a roll–Ken Campbell examined revenues and hockey attendance. Calgary and Montreal are NOT selling out (perhaps they should have a student rush program to scarf up unsold tickets).  What the hell hockey fans?!  (THN)

Playoff Watch:

Montreal wins…again. (Sportsnet)

Break up the Sabres. Carter Hutton is a big reason why the Sabres are succeeding (Buffalo News)