Lindros

Here's the deal. Eric Lindros might not don an NHL uniform for quite some time, but it's time to begin considering where he might fit in and what makes it all so problematic. Some options are based on rumors that are out there already and some are based on interesting possibilities yet to emerge publicly.

Flyers GM Bob Clarke says he wants front-line talent for Lindros. And you can't blame him because the Flyers, as constructed right now, are not better than Ottawa and New Jersey in the East. Draft picks do nothing for the team at present, and Philly wants to make a run at the Cup. Clarke also says he wants no part of a conditional deal where the trade hinges on how long Lindros plays due to the precarious nature of his head injury history. In the end, this means that some team is going to have to take a tremendous risk if it wants Eric Lindros. A general manager will be putting his career on the line if he makes a deal for Lindros and gives up legitimate talent.

The other part of the dynamic is Lindros' contract demands. There are conflicting rumors out there. Some say he wants a multiyear, guaranteed deal, while others have said he'd be flexible. If he has asked for five years at $10 million per year like Al Morganti reported Tuesday, that's a problem for two reasons. First, it's a ton of guaranteed money for a guy who could bump his head tomorrow and be out of the game for good. Second, it would be an expensive contract to insure, making it an even bigger expense for the team he ends up with.

Having said all that, let's get to the interesting stuff, namely where Lindros might play when he returns to the NHL.

Toronto: It's his first choice, and the Leafs do covet him. But at what price? Mats Sundin? Sergei Berezin and Danny Markov. Those might be interesting debates with a healthy Lindros, but Coach/GM Pat Quinn might hesitate to part with that kind of talent. Toronto has the money to pay Lindros, and the bottom line is that, although the Maple Leafs have no problem selling tickets, Lindros in the blue and white would generate so much interest for this team. And on the ice, Lindros at his best would be an amazing bridge connecting the grit of Darcy Tucker, Shayne Corson and Gary Roberts with the skills of the other forward -- tough to mention names because who knows who would be involved in the deal.

Los Angeles: Who knows how good this would be for the Kings, but it would be great for the NHL. Lindros isn't in Wayne Gretzky's league in terms of stardom, but he's a major star, and to have him in Los Angeles would get that region cranked up about hockey again. The real issue here is, big surprise, money and talent. Who would GM Dave Taylor give up for Lindros? Zigmund Palffy, the league's top scorer? Luc Robitaille, who is just 55 goals shy of becoming the all-time Kings leader? Rob Blake is in a contract year, and the Kings are having trouble re-signing him. That makes him an intriguing option -- and also frees up money to sign Lindros -- but Blake is so good. And he's the team captain.

N.Y. Rangers: They have the cash. Even though Clarke said he'd make a deal with the Rangers if it was a fair one, it's difficult to imagine Clarke dealing Lindros to such a strong rival. The potential embarassment is too huge -- i.e. Lindros' Rangers bouncing the Flyers from the playoffs. Clarke isn't going to outsmart GM Glen Sather on a deal, so for what it's worth, put more money on Alexei Yashin in a Rangers uniform than Lindros.

Dallas: GM Bob Gainey admitted his interest in Lindros, but it seems he's taken Lindros' public affection for Toronto as a rejection. Which we already know doesn't mean a whole lot because Lindros' desires are just one variable in this equation. Dallas' recent history: The Stars won the Cup and then lost it. That logical extrapolation is that a few changes are needed to get the Cup back. Gainey isn't afraid to take chances, but he's no dummy, so it's anybody's guess who he would package for Lindros. Conventional wisdom says Brett Hull would go before Mike Modano, but if all three could be on the team without compromising too much depth, that would be impressive.

San Jose: Why? Because this team would be a lot of fun to watch if Lindros was a Shark. The fans in San Jose would go bonkers over this guy. Can you imagin Lindros, Mike Ricci and Owen Nolan on the same team -- assuming Ricci isn't dealt (you know Nolan won't be traded). Lindros could be the final ingredient to make the Sharks a Stanley Cup favorite.

St. Louis: We're not really sure about this one, but it's a team that has been mentioned. GM Larry Pleau is smart and knows that Lindros could be a great addition to his Cup run. The Blues have great forwards but no real dominating presence up front. They also have the depth to make a deal; the Blues have guys in the minors right now who are NHL-caliber talent.

Brian A. Shactman is the NHL Editor for ESPN.com.