In the midst of all the hoopla stemming from Lindros-mania, the calm mind reflects on this past summer's vital question:

If Lindros starts with flair, will Sather be forced to abandon the long-term rebuilding plan, and focus on an immediate run for the Cup?

Without a doubt, the perspective has changed. Whether this translates to a "going for the Cup" move is debatable. But vital issues have surfaced.

Mike Richter. Before the season, a move to St. Louis was practically assumed in return for rebuilding parts like stud defenseman Jackman. But Richter has been as valuable as Lindros in the first quarter of the season. With Blackburn a few years away, and Richter having a few years left of elite form if his knees hold up, it might not be prudent to take apart a solid situation.

New York Knicks. A total collapse of the basketball team must have Cablevision worried, especially since their tracking stock showed a loss of $60 million. A Heat-Knick game that was almost an afterthought? Time to focus on Lindros and the Rangers.

A Second Star Player. Sather admitted that he was after both Jagr and Lindros this summer, though it was buried in the sports pages because Jagr was no longer available and thus not a topic to discuss. But, if Slats were ready to bring on a $10 million player for a decent return, what is to stop him from doing so now with someone else? Especially since it looks like a buyer's market with a variety of options. Let's examine:

Pavel Bure, Fla. Recently, Panthers have called out Bure for his lack of effort this season, especially for his defensive physical play (or lack thereof). With another awful season and new ownership, Panthers may look to deal the astronomical sums due Bure on his multi-year deal.

Teemu Selanne and Mike Rathje, SJ. One scoring forward and one defensive defenseman. Teemu is an upcoming ufa who is struggling in the tough San Jose style, and whose top minutes seem to go to Owen Nolan. Rathje is a holdout defenseman who seems determined to leave San Jose after an acrimonious contract dispute.

Tony Amonte, Chi. Still not signed by Chicago, and the team is playing great hockey. With a balanced attack, it seems unlikely that the Hawks will break the bank to keep him. But, on the other hand, there's no guarantee that he'll get the money he's looking for this summer from another team.

Billy Guerin, Bos. Boston's questionable decisions this year with Allison and Lapointe are well-documented. Seems very doubtful that the B's will give Guerin what he needs to stay away from ufa waters. And, note, Guerin is a Sather and Low supporter and loyalist.

Bobby Holik, NJ. Unlikely, but don't rule it out. Sather has already shown he won't care what the fans or media think, and Lou has former popular Ranger players on the team, Nemchinov chief among them.

Vinny Lacavalier, TB. Trade rumors seem pure media fodder, but if Vinny is on the block in San Jose, expect Sather to have a real interest in a Lindros-Lecavalier 1-2 punch.

Two other teams to watch are Montreal and Phoenix. Kilger and Komisarek are a tempting combination in Hab country, while Doan and Handzus are enticing players in Gretzky's new neck of the woods.

The issue is that there is no slam-dunk opportunity. Which means Sather, as is his custom, will wait until the best return comes available.

Does San Jose blink and deal Selanne before they lose him for nothing as a ufa, especially if his mediocre season continues? Or does Florida deal Bure before one of his only potential suitors makes a deal elsewhere?

The Fact or Fiction "stab in the dark" is San Jose.

Sather came close to dealing Richter for Selanne last season, which shows his interest. San Jose didn't give up astronomical return for Selanne in their deal last season (Friesen and Shields), and Teemu's value is now less. The Sharks are having problems with their second line center position, with Marleau struggling, and where Nedved could fit. Sather and Lombardi have dealt recently, for Adam Graves. And, with Rathje another option, and a partner for Leetch still needed, it adds another component.

A close second in possibility is Billy Guerin. Billy's ties to Sather and Low, his unlikely re-signing by Boston before ufa, and the cordial relationship between Slats and O'Connell, makes this another strong possibility.

Now that the Rangers have established themselves as a team, it shouldn't take long for the national media to start the rumor mill in earnest. Should be fun.

-Gabe

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