NHL Trade Deadline - Would you trade for Ales Hemsky? (and other links)

Ever since Andrew mentioned it yesterday, I've been brooding on Ales Hemsky's fit with the Montreal Canadiens. By possession metrics, Hemsky is struggling this year. At the halfway mark of the season, Michael Parkatti of Boys on the Bus noted that the Czech Republic native posted negative possession numbers with everyone on the Oilers save for Magnus Paajarvi. As of yesterday, Hemsky is under performing his teammates with a 43.7% (zone start adjusted) Corsi For percentage to their 44.9%. Still, 30 odd games worth of data is not enough to gauge a player's true value. If we look at two years' worth of numbers, Hemsky outperforms his teammates' possession and ranks fifth on the Oilers in CF% and fourth in EV P/60. The question I have for you is how much risk do you see in a Hemsky deal and what would you be willing to give up? I truly don't know myself and am curious what you guys think. Keep in mind that Edmonton would likely want a pro defenseman and that one year's worth of Mike Ribeiro, who's roughly comparable, cost a 2nd round pick and a good forward prospect in Cody Eakin.

I realize that there's no real way to transition to links after that meandering disquisition. I'm just going to stop blabbing and get to the good stuff:

Habs News and Analysis

• Andrew has already listed all the roster information that you need, but here's a recap. Brandon Prust and Yannick Weber are back skating with the team, so both Jarred Tinordi and Gabriel Dumont have been returned to Hamilton. Meanwhile,Nathan Beaulieu has been recalled. I guess, but am not sure, that Weber isn't quite ready to be activated and will remain on the IR through Saturday. Ryan White has resumed skating individually, Raphael Diaz has still not hit the ice and neither has Rene Bourque since he suffered a concussion-related setback last weekend.
• A Game of Thrones fan over at Habs Laughs has created a house "Banner and Sigil" for each NHL team. They look fantastic, so please check them out.

General News and Analysis

• With possession numbers lower than L.A., Boston, and even Montreal, (and Marc Andre Fleury in goal) Cam Charron is not sold on Pittsburgh as clear-cut cup favourites.
• Following a week in which he was hit multiple times in the head, complained of headaches and neck pain, and yet still was allowed to play, New York Rangers doctors will now monitor Henrik Lundqvist for a concussion. As of this morning, we don't know whether or not he'll start tomorrow against the Habs.
• Bruce Arthur sorts through the Jarome Iginla situation drawing parallels to the way Toronto dealt with Mats Sundin and Ottawa has been dealing with Daniel Alfredsson.
• Gordie Howe will turn 85 on Easter Sunday. NHL.com's John Kreiser takes us through some of the notable numbers of Mr. Hockey's career including the fact that he scored 20 or more goals in 22 consecutive seasons.
• Pavel Datsyuk channels his inner "Hot Sauce"and dekes Logan Couture off his feet.
• Megalodon over at Battle of California recounts Doug Wilson's worst trades. Craig Rivet and a 5th round pick for Josh Gorges and the 22nd overall pick in the 2007 draft (which turned into Max Pacioretty) gets a shout-out.
• Team Canada beat the Gatineau Mustangs 3-1 in their first exhibition game before the April 2nd opening of the Women's World Championship.

Archive Material and EOTP News

• In one of the best FanPosts ever written, Pension Plan Puppets' "clrkaitken" explains everything you need to know about NHL waivers. This article recaps the rules under the previous CBA, but I think everything is the same under the 2013 CBA, save for the elimination of re-entry waivers. Please correct me if I'm wrong.