Heads might roll
It's almost Thanksgiving, usually the point when NHL general managers make true evaluations of their teams and begin 1) trading players; 2) firing coaches.
Here are some teams that could be making news:
• Columbus: How long a leash does coach Scott Arniel have? And what should be made of the reports that Jeff Carter, upset in the first place after his acquisition from Philadelphia in June, has already asked to be traded?
"There has been no trade request," Howson told the Columbus Dispatch. "Look, nobody's happy right now. Jeff's not happy. Rick [Nash] isn't happy. We've won three games. Nobody's happy."
• New York Islanders: When does GM Garth Snow become accountable for this mess? Josh Bailey has one goal, Blake Comeau and Kyle Okposo none. Expect some fireworks on Long Island, and hopefully it goes beyond firing yet another coach.
• Calgary: Jarome Iginla has five goals in 18 games and is a minus-10. Rene Bourque has six goals and no assists and is getting blasted by everyone, especially CBC commentator Kelly Hrudey, who said: "His passion-meter, it's not low on a scale of one to 10. It's turned off."
GM Jay Feaster has his work cut out for him with this franchise, which did a poor job drafting and developing under the previous Darryl Sutter regime. Don't be surprised if Brent Sutter as coach is on his way out.
• Carolina: The Hurricanes have lost seven of eight and it could be just a matter of time before GM Jim Rutherford gives coach Paul Maurice the boot for the second time in franchise history.
