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Getting his way? Lindros waiting for deal between Flyers and Maple Leafs
Eric Lindros , medically cleared to play six months after sustaining his sixth concussion in 27 months, insists he wants to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs, a public pronouncement that might backfire given Flyers president Bob Clarke's unwillingness to do Lindros any favors. Still Lindros, a restricted free agent, always has gotten his way dating back to junior hockey, when he forced his way out of Sault Ste. Marie, and his NHL draft, when he refused to play for Quebec. Lindros has put all potential suitors, such as the Dallas Stars, on hold while he waits to see if the Flyers and Maple Leafs can figure out a way to share the risk in a deal. Toronto would likely be willing to deal young, promising players like center Nik Antropov and defenseman Danny Markov and throw in a No. 1 draft pick, but the San Jose Sharks are one team with enough young talent to potentially blow away Clarke, who would be wise to move Lindros to a Western Conference club.
ConcentrationWhile he always has been the kind of defenseman to make the highlight shows with thunderous hits, Vancouver's Ed Jovanovski finally has figured out what to do the rest of the time. Canucks coach Marc Crawford told me that while Jovanovski is not at the level of a true No. 1 defenseman like the Blues' Chris Pronger or the Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom , his play isn't far off. A year ago, Jovanovski saw almost no power-play time. This year, he has emerged as the Canucks' quarterback. Crawford credits past and current Canucks captains Mark Messier and Markus Naslund in helping the once-distracted Jovanovski by getting him to concentrate on pre-game preparation.
Fit for the jobAnson Carter has stepped in seamlessly to the Edmonton Oilers' top line, hardly surprising given the quality of linemates Doug Weight and Ryan Smyth and a wide-open Oilers style that flatters his talents. But the most important factor in Carter's quick transition is the extraordinary level of fitness he maintained even while holding out with the Boston Bruins. Carter is finicky in his training and diet, one of the most impressive performers at T.R. Goodman's workout program in Los Angeles favored by many NHL players. Sports Illustrated senior writer Michael Farber covers the NHL beat for the magazine and is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.
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