Welcome to another edition of St. John Happenings.  It is deadline day and the rumours are flying around the city.  Apparently Kenny is on the verge of swinging a deal bringing Eric Lindros to town.  This coming on the heals of a deal which saw of beloved Barbarians lose a draft pick, Wade Flaherty and prospect netminder Brian Boucher for young superstar goalie Roman Turek. 

      With this deal it appeared that the fallout between Curtis Joseph and team management meant his departure was enevitable.  Boy howdy, were wrong on that count, this morning GM John Kenny announced that he personally took the time with Cujo to work out the hardships.  In this meeting Joseph inked a 1 yr extension with the Barbarians, in which Kenny reassured Joseph by insisting there be a no trade clause.  The deal was reported to be worth an extra 11.5 million dollars to Joseph.  Kenny went on to say "Curtis has been a key to the growth of this team, we could let him go that easily.  Needless to say the person who started the scuffle between management and Joseph was promptly let go!"

      With the acquisitions of 3 first round picks for this coming draft, the team has been very busy scouting and it is rumoured that if Kenny gets the opportunity to trade up to the top 2 positions, he will do it.  The Team is in the market for another young Goaltender as well as a Center. 

      As for the other free agents in the organization it appears that mior leaguer Martine St. Louis is not willing to negotiate yet, and we all know how impatient GM Kenny is, so being deadline day, do not be surprised if you see St. Louis in another uniform soon....perhaps Bacon?

-- Jim McKenzie