Looks like the NHL's general managers have really kicked things into high gear the day before the trade deadline. There have been many moves - some major and some minor, depending on who you're talking to - already today, and there are still more than 16 hours until the deadline.

The major moves:

Montreal trades Jose Theodore to Colorado for David Aebischer. These two teams have dealt in goaltenders in the past (remember Patrick Roy?), and they're both hoping that these goalies will find new life in new environments. Aebischer has never really instilled much confidence in Avs fans, while Theodore has had an awful season so far. Theodore is still out with a broken heel, but should be back by the start of April.

The Islanders trade forward Mark Parrish and defenceman Brent Sopel to Los Angeles for forward Jeff Tambellini, D-man Denis Grebeshkov, and a conditional draft pick. With this, the Islanders send over $2 million in salary California's way, when all price tags in this deal are accounted for; meanwhile the Kings, 6th in the West, have some big-time help for their playoff run.

The minor:

Toronto dealt defenceman Ken Klee to the Devils for prospect Aleksander Suglobov, while picking up another blueliner, Luke Richardson, from Columbus for a conditional draft pick. The difference between the two defencemen isn't huge; they both play the same style of game, but Richardson's price tag is $190,000 higher. This, of course, is helped by the waiving of Mariusz Czerkawski. Consider the trades in these terms: Richardson for Klee, and a prospect for a conditional pick. I would have to say that the Leafs win out here, and though Richardson is 36 years old and will be a free agent this summer, either his departure or his eventual retirement will leave a roster spot open for one of the Leafs' young defencemen. Toronto also signed Bowling Green University's star forward Alex Foster.

The Senators signed utility skater Brad Norton, who has been playing this season with HIFK Helsinki in Finland. He's just another body to add to the roster, whether at the pro level or in the AHL, as he's signed a two-way contract. Probably won't add much to a potential Stanley Cup contender; if they're looking for a player with sandpaper, they can do better than this.

The San Jose Sharks acquired scrappy forward Ville Nieminen from the Rangers for a 3rd-rounder in 2006. This is who the Senators should have gotten, a gritty team player who's not afraid to mix it up, and has decidedly more skill than somebody like part-time goon, part-time thug Brian McGrattan. Instead, the Rangers are gambling that they won't need Ville's skills during the playoffs - judging from how well he played for the Flames on the way to the 2004 Finals, I would think that every team would want a Ville Nieminen.

Finally, Anaheim signed prospect Bobby Ryan to a three-year deal; the young American star is expected to be a big part of their future. Also, the Washington Capitals kept defenceman Brendan Witt off the ice as a healthy scratch tonight, which makes it fairly obvious that he will be traded before 3:00 tomorrow.

Until demain...