Here are all the links from around the hockey world, and what I’m reading, while wondering what the holdup was with JD Martinez?
*Here’s the New York perspective on the Rick Nash deal with Jeff Gorton not wanting to give up such a big piece with the Rangers, but clearly needing to in a rebuild. It was interesting that the seeds began getting planted on the deal way back in November before it finally became a reality this weekend.
*It’s official that Mike Fisher is back with the Nashville Predators and in for another potentially long playoff run.
*In the interest of self-promotion here’s a radio hit in Toronto from Sunday night where I talk about the Bruins deadline moves and give the Maple Leafs credit for a Tomas Plekanec deal that could be a big factor in a possible Bruins/Leafs playoff series.
*Speaking of the trade deadline, it’s D-Day for Erik Karlsson and the Ottawa Senators as they either move their Norris Trophy-winning defenseman or wait until the summer to deal a franchise player that seems destined to go elsewhere.
*What a great story where Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School won a state high school hockey title in the aftermath of the tragic shooting at that school.
*Pavel Datsyuk views the Olympic gold medal as more important than the Stanley Cup titles, according to Pro Hockey Talk.
*For something completely different: Best wishes to Kevin Smith on a speedy recovery from a scary heart attack at 47.