Trade deadlines are typically some of the most exciting days in sports. This past NHL trade deadline we saw names like Ryan Miller, Martin St. Louis and Ryan Callahan move. Meanwhile, other names like Ryan Kesler did not. This is the beauty of trade deadlines. Once a year, the NLL holds a trade deadline as well, and that is tomorrow.
However, do not expect a day full of moves like we got with the NHL. With just nine NLL teams, and shortened rosters that made 27 players from 2013 free agents, plenty of teams can reach into the free agent pool to get the players they want. We won’t see many trades this year, but moves will still be made.
The next day rosters still need to be set, so that is the last day to sign free agents. This means practice rosters will be filled quickly so teams have some reserves, and teams will also have to decide which players are worth keeping and who they should sign. We have already seen some players from the Canadian Lacrosse League signed in the past few days.
If any moves happen, they are going to be releases. Sources tell In Lacrosse We Trust that Lewis Ratcliff could be released after his healthy scratch last game for the Vancouver Stealth. Sources also indicate that Colorado is considering releasing Athan Iannucci, however, the new coaching staff might have an interest in keeping the veteran.
Last deadline saw Casey Powell, Scott Self and Jon Sullivan move. There haven’t been active deadlines in some years and it looks even more unlikely with fewer players than ever.
Rumor Mill
The following rumors have been mentioned by current or former lacrosse executives, current players or other reliable sources (scouts, coaches). Keep in mind, rumors do not mean that they are true, but that there have been discussions behind the scenes. These might even be revisited in the offseason.
* One source has said Toronto might be interested in shaking things up at the goaltender position. They have already signed Steve Fryer this week after releasing Zak Boychuk. After the situation with Brandon Miller holding out all offseason, there might be a chance he is shipped to Toronto, especially given his Orangeville connections. One thing hesitates this rumor, and that is Philly has no one else viable to be a backup. They might be stuck signing Don Alton again.
* One interesting rumor that is unconfirmed but has raised a few eyebrows behind the scenes is Rochester might move Johnny Powless. The reason this rumor is even being entertained with so few sources to confirm is the fact Craig Point is now back and there is a crowded offense in Rochester. Have to wonder if this doesn’t happen that they at least tried to get a gauge on his value. The teams rumored that he might go to are Buffalo and Toronto.
* Colorado is looking to add some offense still, and it looks like Athan Iannucci might be on his way out as a release (unless things changed with the new Colorado coaches). If he’s gone, that leaves room for a move for a forward like Ryan Ward who is under contract after this year. There are also rumors Dean Hill might retire (he posted about it on his Facebook page, so as good a rumor as there can get). Colorado might be one of very few active teams.
* Another rumor is circulating about Colorado and Philadelphia making a move regarding goaltenders, but that seems unlikely since Dillon Ward has settled down, and even if the Mammoth don’t make the playoffs, they probably want to have him keep getting experience. This rumor isn’t to be overlooked but it’s not an expected trade to happen. They also signed Dan Lewis to the practice roster.
* Edmonton Rush general manager and head coach Derek Keenan said this today: “I never say never but it is safe to say—highly unlikely that we will do anything,” Keenan said. “Our chemistry and cohesion is very good right now so it would have to be something I feel would completely take us over the top but at the same time not upset what we have built.” However, Riley Loewen being injured might make them consider something for a lefty. Could that be Ratcliff if he’s released, or in a trade for defense that Vancouver so desperately needs?
* Aaron Wilson is being shopped. There aren’t many rumors saying where quite yet but Colorado makes sense if they don’t get Ward or Minnesota if they decide to buy.
* Last rumor is somewhat ironic in the fact that Minnesota is the only team with real buying power (draft picks) and they might be out of the race. They are 6.5 games out of first place but have seven draft picks, two first rounders, one of which is their own and will likely be a high pick, the other one Buffalo’s, which will be a late first rounder. They need a right forward (Iannucci, Ward etc) but are they really in a position to buy at 2-8?
