Marek Zidlicky is still unhappy with his role on the Minnesota Wild, and it's looking like the two parties will split at this NHL trade deadline. Zidlicky has reportedly waived his no-trade clause to accept a deal to the New Jersey Devils, but that doesn't mean a deal is imminent. Via the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:
"I can tell you for sure I'm planning on talking to other teams," [Wild general manager Chuck] Fletcher said. "We haven't traded Zid, we haven't made the decision to trade Zid at this point. I have not formally asked him to do anything because at this point I honestly don't have anything to take to him, I don't have anything for him to say yes or no to."
The news that Zidlicky had waived his no-trade clause for a potential deal with the Devils was made public by his agent, so it's very possible that they're using the media as a way to force Fletcher and the Wild into a trade. Fletcher says he won't be backed into a corner, however, and that there are other teams that could potentially be interested in the services of the 35-year-old defenseman.
Fletcher hasn't publicly committed to trading Zidlicky, but he's likely posturing a bit. He almost has to trade the guy at this point, given how unhappy he is with the entire situation in Minnesota, and given how public these trade discussions have become.
The Newark, N.J. Star-Ledger reports the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Florida Panthers and Philadelphia Flyers are potential options for Zidlicky as well, so it's not as if there's a limited group of suitors should Fletcher ultimately opt for that trade.
You can get team-by-team coverage of the 2012 NHL trade deadline from around our network of hockey blogs. For more on the news, rumors and speculation surrounding the trade deadline, subscribe to our StoryStream.