September 17, 2008, pt 2

The latest update is that the Ducks are still trying to trade Mathieu, and have had offers, none of which they want. A deal will likely not be done until after camp, per the OC Register. According to reports from his agent (again, per OC Register), Mathieu will report to training camp in Anaheim on Friday just like nothing is happening (unless something does actually happen). He has no responsibility for any of this and it is up to the Ducks to work out the problem they got themselves into. Until they do, he will fulfill his professional and contractual responsibilities.

September 17, 2008

Mathieu has cleared waivers: OC Register. Because no team claimed him, Mathieu, and salary, goes back to the Ducks. To get the needed cap room, the Ducks will have to sweeten a trade deal (by adding another player or pick; or accepting another salary in return), or trade another player that teams would take "for free." Mathieu is not something that teams were likely to do that for. He is still an amazing pick-up, but his salary is high and his age is, um, elevated. Plus, with only one year left on his contract, he's a gamble. If teams are going to take on the risk (not to mention help out a rival), they want more. I personally think the Ducks way underestimated the situation, but I digress. Too bad it is someone as experienced and respected as Mathieu (not to mention his family!) who is stuck in the middle of NHL politics, economics, and strategy.

September 16, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks have placed Mathieu on waivers: per TSN.ca.

What does this mean? Follow the discussion over at the Battle of California blog. They know much more about the workings than I do.