The Ottawa Senators seek scoring while the Minnesota Wild need help in goal and on defense.
Senators GM Bryan Murray seeks a top-six forward.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Bryan Murray is still trying to acquire a top-six forward to give his club an offensive boost. Murray acknowledged speaking to several teams about an experienced scoring forward but said they’re tough to get right now. He’s currently in “wait-and-see mode”, preferring to give his team more time to get itself back in the playoff hunt. The Senators are currently eight points away from the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference.
TWINCITIES.COM: Chad Graff reports Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher is working the phones seeking help for his fading club. Graff claims Fletcher must decide if he’ll part with draft picks or young assets to land a rental player to help them push for a playoff berth. The Wild are currently 12th overall in the Western Conference. Goaltending is the Wild’s obvious need but Fletcher admitted his trade talks have also included defensemen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators and Wild are in a difficult position. There’s still enough time in the season for both clubs to push for a playoff spot, but they’re also dealing from a position of weakness. Rival GMs know this and will try to exploit it, hoping Murray and Fletcher will become desperate enough to part with a good asset, like a first-round pick, a top prospect or a good young roster player for a rental player who could bolt via free agency this summer. The other problem is there aren’t many teams in sell mode right now, meaning there’s not a lot of depth in the trade market.
Some of you might suggest the two clubs swap with each other, as the Senators have depth in goalies and defensemen while the Wild have some good young forwards. Maybe that happens, but based on recent rumors they appear to be speaking with other teams. For the Wild, the Carolina Hurricanes (Cam Ward), Edmonton Oilers (Viktor Fasth or Ben Scrivens), St. Louis Blues (Martin Brodeur) and Buffalo Sabres (Jhonas Enroth or Michal Neuvirth) seem the best options for goaltenders. The Sabres (Chris Stewart or Drew Stafford), Hurricanes (Jiri Tlusty), Arizona Coyotes (Antoine Vermette), New Jersey Devils (Michael Ryder) and Philadelphia Flyers (Matt Read or Vincent Lecavalier) seem the best bets as trade partners for the Senators.
While I would agree there is an outside chance that one of those goalies could help out the Wild (more so if they can land a younger one and turn him into a bonafied starter.)
But for the Senators (almost)none of these forwards would be a help to them. Stafford has never really been a Top 6 forward and has had a inconsistent career. Stewart is over priced to acquire and in salary and has been a lame duck. Tlusty is as injury prone as Lupul, Vermette is mainly a center and IMO the Sens need a scoring winger, Ryder is old, fragile and lost his scoring touch, Vinny is a shade of his former self, Matt Read is a risk depending on the Read that you get.
If these are the Senators “best” options then they should stop trying because none of them are going to lift them into the playoff race, unless the cost doesn’t harm the future.
Ehh Im not so sure the Sens imo are in the same boat as the Leafs as far as centers go, a good 2 C in Turris who plays first line minutes and not much else beyond that, ZBad and Legwand would be lucky to be 3 Cs on alot of teams around the league. Not enough skill there down the middle….just my 2 cents.
But I do agree if those are the best options I am not sure you go there…outside of perhaps bringing back Vermette if the cost wasnt thru the roof (which it probably is).
100% agree. Turris is a great player and a perfect 2C but nothing more. The Sens best option is to make smart trades (start with moving out the aging assets) to set up for the next couple of years and use the strong draft in June to pick up good, young pieces to help.
That said, with Lazar looking like a competent 2C in the works, if you get a good enough offer involving Turris for someone who meets more a 1C, I would definitely be looking at it.
Veteran top 6 forwards would greatly benefit the Sens, but won’t enhance their playoff chances. Their young D still needs to grow. Perhaps they are not talking of acquiring a DMan as Methot recently came back for injury. I see the same problems on the Teams D this year as last year and Methot was on the team lost year so I am confused by the Sens not being rumoured to be after Defensive help.
Over all the Sens need a top 6 left wing, top Centre, something better than Turris’s or perhaps equivalent but a guy who can win a face off and a bit bigger to better handle opposing teams top Centres. They also need Veteran who are still young enough to play considerable minutes. I am not convinced Methot is the answer this year, after all he wasn’t last year.
So in conclusion I am ok with any of the above players being acquired by the Sens unless they cost to much or are simple rentals wih no intention of signing on with the Sens beyond this year. The Sens could wait out the season till the summer. Use their 1rst round draft pick, Goaltending and large pool of young prospects both in and out of the NHL to attempt to fill the holes I mentioned.
yeah just like the past 10 years a top 6 player just falls into his lap smoke smoke smoke
Every week is good for a few post I simply don’t understand. Care to elaborate john Leafs.
he says the same thing all the time every year
Oh I gotcha, was confused guess you don’t think Bobby Ryan is top 6.
couldn’t agree with you more … another man’s trash is what’s available right now, but I’d still take a chance on Stewart when the price comes down …
I am really surprised that as a Senators fan you don’t value Zibanejad more , yes I know hes not your “A” typical power Center but hes a very good fit and delivers where he is on the team ..its not like this guy is playing with Jari Kurri or there is depth surrounding him ….but he is in the top 5 in both goals and points on the team, is still pretty young and ALWAYS seems to score that very timely goal especially in bigger games.
Also not saying that hes not replaceable but for being a NON SENS fan and looking in from the outside a Turris Zibanejad and Lazar breaking out …is a pretty good follow up as both these guys can play minutes and snipe when given the chance as well as play up and down the line up and on the PP ….they will grow into there roles and be more effective as the years go on ….there best attribute is that they can score goals …..the supporting cast need to be a it better and I dont think Chris Stewart is the answer here only a bubble gum fix….IMHO
Iam not a big fan of Karlson for Captain or the main leader on this team, I think they could use a better veteran presence ….but too late now !
They should move a goalie… Michalek and Methot or Cowen and round up the team with the return they get.
If I was the SENS Id be calling the Panthers to see what it would take to land ..Jimmy Hayes if you could do Cowen or Methot and a piece I think that would be a good steal for the Sens …if it meant taking on Campbells contract id do that too to help out the power play with Karlson.!
I agree with much of what you are saying but I don’t think Michalek is movable unless they eat a chunk of that salary. I have been patient but Cowan is just not growing on me he could be moved in the right circumstances. Methot on the other hand I feel is under appreciated. A healthy Methot is just what Karlsson needs. Now if his health continues to be in question and Murray feels the contract discussions are going sideways he would be a really good trade chip but big steady defensively reliable d-men that play big minutes are hard to find. When he is healthy Methot always gets the tough defensive assignments. His big problem right now is back injuries are slow to heal and career killers.
I really like Lazars ceiling and down the road sure he will be very good, but I am speaking of this year, which is another reason I agree with JJB I think you wait it out. No need to give up whats in the system for guys that could only be looked at as “maybe” quick fixes.
I like Zbad, I like the fact they can put him on the wing if needed as well but the Sens seem full of players that fill in as 2nd liners and no true top line guy beyond Ryan so I would not be Agaisnt them moving in a package for 1 greater player. If possible.
I believe all the players on the Sens roster are pretty much replicable. You won’t replace Karlson’s offense but you can enhance defensively by replacing him
MacArthur, Turris’s, Zbad, Legwand. Michalek, Lazar, Hoffman, Stone are all 2nd line players or borderline 2nd liners non are really 5top line players.
So to me all are movable some obviously I am way more willing to keep and if a top line player or defensemen can be found in the off season that is where I’d look to trade,.
“(Murray)’s currently in “wait-and-see mode”, preferring to give his team more time to get itself back in the playoff hunt.”
And Nero fiddled while Rome burned.
sens won’t burn. they are a money conscience team (cheap), they just need 1-3 stars to keep loyal fans happy and wait until they get solid goaltending (playoff positioning) before they spend/waste money
Same goes for most mid-level teams
“they are a money conscience team (cheap),” To repeat what I said in an earlier threade, next season, when the Ryan and MacArthur contracts kicks in, and with the ongoing deals handed out to Anderson, Karlsson, Michalek, Greening, Legwand, Cowen and Turris, they will have a cap hit of $52,606,667 with 6 RFAs – Zibanejad, Hoffman, Stone, Chiasson and Pageau to sign and maybe one UFA (Methot). Under the current $69 mil cap, that leaves them under $17 mil to spread around 6 players. How, exactly, does that make them “cheap?”.
Toronto Sun reports that he Leafs have recalled to the Marlies, William Nylander from Modo, of the SEL. Anyone smell a trade??
No just you. The Leafs are short up front with injuries and that two of the four Cs are AHL regulars…it doesn’t cost (risk wise) to bring in the youngster so why not. A trade is too early unless it was already basically set up a while back and finally the trigger is pulled from either party.
One of the Leafs many assistant GMs gave a flat “no” on Hockey Central At Noon today when asked if Nylander could be a call-up to the Leafs at some point down the stretch. When asked for clarification he said the intent is to give him a fill half-season at the AHL level to see how he handles the pro system. And he’ll likely play in more games in half an AHL season than he would in the entire Swedish Elite League schedule. Which is a wise move given their past penchant for hurrying people because, face it, Nylander is not going to be the difference in whether or not they make the playoffs.
Murray could take a chance on Stewart , but I don’t believe he is willing to part with a 1st round pick and prospect for a rental. I would not even do a 1st let alone throwing in a prospect. Maybe a conditional first if Stewart resigns but even that I struggle with. Prospect wise I would not send Puempel or Prince, Wideman could be an attractive player to the Sabres. Or maybe Wiercoch and a lower pick?
One of the Sens issues right now is they lack grit with Neil, Borowiecki and Smith out of the lineup Stewart could at least bring that to the lineup and if he finds his scoring touch playing top six minutes even better.
After watching Minnesota in Chicago last night, I wouldn’t be surprised by a coaching change there. They looked lost and uninterested.
Seen that movie before.
I couldn’t agree more. I think the axe will fall soon, with Bylsma waiting to take over.
Wild show similarities to the Leafs before Carlyle was fired – lost and lacking leadership in the dressing room. You can blame it on the players if you like, but it also shows the coach has lost the confidence of his team leadership.
You may very well be right. I just can’t believe with the players they have that leadership would be a problem. One thing to keep in mind with Wild though two top players have lost there fathers. That can’t be easy to deal with. Trying to continue to play at your highest level when your whole life your dad has been me hockey to you.
Agreed Aki – maybe the real issue in Minny has been what’s been talked about so much lately – goaltending. As a player, sometimes it gets in your head that the team will have to do more because they can’t rely on their keeper to make the key saves. Gotta be something
Ya that is my thought and I’ve been trying to strike up the convo on here lately but I don’t think minni is a well followed team. Imo they need a guy on a cheap deal who isn’t a gamble as they could legitimately be a threat in the playoffs.
Neuvirth will come relatively inexpensive, I think he can make a difference compared to what the Wild have in the pipes. Buffalo will keep salary to make the deal work.
Aki and 4th Hanson Brother, I think I’m the only Wild fan on this site. We need a goalie, a 5 or 6 Dman or both and possibly a coach, JMO but Yeo seems to have lost the guys respect, time for a change but not sure if Bylsma is the answer. I would like to see them go after Tokarski then maybe Enroth or last ditch effort Marty B. The Wild are reeling and they need to right the ship asap.
Lyle and Readers-what type of return could Matt Read bring. He is a former 20 goal scoring who plays a solid 2-way game. But admittedly is having a poor season.
I haven’t seen the Flyers enough this season to tell you how he’s playing, though I would expect Philly will want a prospect + 2nd rounder. it will take some time for Hextall to fix what Holmgren broke.
Watched them play Boston on Sat. He had a really good game that day, but I also haven’t seen him play much this year. Wonder if they would consider their own 2nd rounder (Bruins got it via NYI for Boychuk)and perhaps Bartowski. Not sure if that would be enough or not. Barts has been hot and cold when given regular playing time.
Depends on the needs of the other team, but I think a decent 2nd pairing defence or average 2nd liner would be more than fair.
First thing that popped to my head admittedly would be a Read for Yakupov swap (it’ll never happen).
I can see the Oilers and Flyers as trade partners. Flyers have solid 2-way forwards to give-up as well as some solid D men. Coburn, Grossman or Schenn. Both of which the Oilers need.
And the Oilers have some projects that the Flyers historically have been willing to take chances on. Yakupov and Justin Schultz.
In short, Read would bring a pretty fair return. But then, why would Philadelphia want to deal him? He’s the least of their problems, a 20+ goal scorer in his two full seasons and on pace for another 20 during the lockout shortened season.
Could the Bruins move Svedberg to the Wild for a young forward? The Bruins definitely need some offensive power (winger), and Svedberg is a solid goalie… much better than some of the other options out there currently. Bruins also have goaltending depth.
Svedberg wont get much of a return unproven goalie on defensive minded team
The only trading I’d want to see is some vets moving out, or young talent for other young talent. It hurts me bad, but the Sens aren’t a playoff team. I’ve seen over 30 games and there is a lot of the same type of play and mistakes every game. Granted, Cameron has improved the positional play and they look more confident but I don’t see them making the run they would have to make, to gain ground in the standings. I say trade Methot, Neil, Legwand and Michalek if they can.
Turris isn’t a number 1 right now, but neither was Spezza, Datsyuk, or Mikko Koivu until they grew into the role. Turris could just be a late bloomer and I wouldn’t write him off the 1c role yet. People said he wasn’t going to cut it in the NHL because of his issues in Arizona and look at him now. Zibby and Lazar make a good 1 2 3 punch. Keep in mind they are all 25 and under, Lazar still a teen.
Things are ok with the Sens at the moment, i agree that they should stick with the younger core. The Sens aren’t a playoff team at the moment and even if they make it in the next couple of years there isn’t much expectation for a deep run. They are a few years removed from being a power house in the NHL and due to the new salary cap restrictions it will take some time before they can be legitimate again.
The only thing I would disagree with is trading Methot, he is one of their better shut down D-men and they are the hardest commodity to find these days.
The Senators are really a young team that should suck it up and not trade away their future. They just need to let their young pieces grow… then not be cheap and resign them lol.
Nylander is coming to the Marlies not the Leafs. He has done all the development he can do with Modo in Sweden. Has to learn how to play on smaller ice, north American style against guys in AHL who are much bigger and tougher and want to crush him as hard as they can every night. He might get a sniff with the leafs for the last few games of season if Leafs are out of of, or securely in a playoff position. That was the jist of the comments made by the Leafs Assistant GM on sports radio this morning.
If you look at the teams currently on the playoff/wild card bubble all have contracts that they would have a hard time moving due to the combination of cap hit and term. I’m NOT saying all these are “bad” players – but certainly are those for whom their respective GMs would have a hard time finding a suitable trading partner/return before the expiry years – even assuming those with NT/NM clauses would waive them:
Philadelphia: Lecavalier – $4.5 to 1018/19, Luke Schenn – $3.6 to 2016/17; Umberger – $4.6 to 2017/18;
Toronto: Lupul – $5,250,000 to 1018/19; Clarkson – m$5,250,000 to 2020/21; Phaneuf – $7 mil to 2012/22;
Ottawa: Michalek – $4 mil to2017/18; Legwand – $3 mil to 2016/17; Greening – $2,650,000 to 2017/18;
New Jersey: Clowe – $4,850,000 to 2018/19; Zajac – $5,750,000 to 2012/22 (I LIKE Zajac but if his struggles continue – his higherst goal total was 25 in 2009-10 and he hasn’t come close since and this year has 7 goals in 36 games – so that’s a loing-term for someone who might have hit a brick wall);
Dallas: sorry, but $7.5 mil a year for Spezza to 2019-20 is one helluva gamble; Hemsky – $4 mil to 2017/18;
Minnesota – Vanek – $6.5 to 2017/18 – boy, would they like that one back!;
As far as I can see, of the teams that still have an outside chance, only Colorado doesn’t appear to have an “unmovable” contract. This year.
I like your summary of players unwanted by their teams but every team has a similar player of two. In Colorado’s case unles ROR chnages agents I think they’re had their fill with this guy…not his skills but his demands
You’re probably right on O’Reilley, but I don’t see his contract and term being a detriment to any trad e shou8ld Colorado decide to go that route simply because, since good C don’t grow on trees, his $6 mil cap hit only has one more year to go before he becomes a UFA again and that won’t deter any team that feels they have a shot at the cup NOW and are looking for strength down the middle.
If Enroth or Neuvirth get traded to Minny I doubt either of the two decide to leave as both of them could be a 1A goalie and have Kuemper as a 1B. Obviously Backstrom would be coming Buffalo’s way.
I would like to see the Sabres give Hackett another opportunity. He’d come up if / when either of the two get traded. I still wouldn’t be surprised if BUF resigns Enroth. Gonna be awhile before the Sabres are any good.
Backstrom is going to the nearest Walmart to start his new career as a greeter! Why the heck would Buffalo want him. LOL
@ Thunder
Do you understand the logistics of NHL trades?
If the Wild acquire Enroth/Neuvirth, that will leave them with 4 goalies (Kuemper, Backstrom, Harding and Enroth or Neuvirth.) Buffalo will have to take Harding or Backstrom on. Most likely Backstrom due to his salary and him not having the MS problem that Harding has. He’s got 1 year remaining on his contract. Sabres have 2 goalies that are UFA’s at season’s end and 2 that are RFA’s at season’s end. Hackett has already been on waivers. Lieuwen looks like he won’t be back with Ullmark coming to North America next season. And the Sabres will be clearing a lot of salary this summer so they’ll have to add something that other teams do not want. I’d much rather have Backstrom and his contract then Phaneuf or Clarkson and there contracts.
Good explanation
I agree with Lyle
Ottawa n Minni seem a natural fit but being over a barrel looking up other GM’s grind them. Cap era effects so many trade options nowadays. Mid season trades being the hardest n unlikely big trades occur. Bad contracts with term r seemingly what all teams shop around. Drafting well is key obviously n teams like TB n NYI n Florida r positioned well. Player development eg the Wings is the next step. Moving forward patience wins the day IMO. Teams can no longer improve overnight. Rebuilds take a painful route just ask Edmonton n Calgary. Getting a youthful core together n adding the pieces is a long process. D men r top priority in my books when looking at teams like Nashville. Generational players r scarce n means horrible seasons to get them n they alone do not make a contender. Todays cap world shows a tiered salary is in vogue.
7m+ for 1st line forwards
4-5m for 2nd liners
Minimum to 2m for 3-4th liners
5m+ 1st pairing D men
4m+ 2nd pairing D men
1-2m for 5-6th D men
Entry level players r a necessity to help any team stay cap compliant.
Add to that bridge contracts coming up n the process keeps percolating roster changes.
That said teams signing big money 7-8yr term contracts r too long to absorb their effect if mistakes r made. Thats not to say don’t do it to lock up core players n keep off the FA market. GM’s r central more than ever to every teams well being n continued longterm growth. Big UFA signings r becoming rarer as teams now lock up their top talent to 7-8yr contracts. Desparate GM’s signing UFA’s eg Clarkson hamstring their team badly.
The cap has made GM’s be accountable n gone r the days of spending might win. Too bad coaches pay the price still for their bosses decisions. Some things never change.
Let me play armchair GM:
1st policy..no contract that takes a player up to 35 or beyond if 7-8yr term. I’d go to 32-33yrs old max. Max term only for players that carry a team n not stat based eg Toews Tavares Kopitar Getzlaf. All others eg Seguin Hall Kessel r great pieces but not stand alone players taking a team to the Holy Grail. They receive 4-5 terms.
2nd policy..EVERY entry level contract gets a bridge contract next. Here is where it gets dicey. Young Guns r 2yrs n developing players r 3yrs. These players r the root of any team building for longterm success. In the rare case of budding superstars give a 1yr bridge n chalkenge the player to prove a contract of 5+yrs is warranted. Only players with a total game get this. Holes in their game r not to hinder their team. I use Hall again.. defensive lapses n injuries hurt his team n gets him 20-30% less than top salary. Toews at 10m is only for the Elite with proven track records. Wingers take a discount except the select few who impact any game especially in the playoffs ss Kane.
Summary: Elite Centres n D men get the top contracts. Goalies r what they r all trams need an Elite one n pay accordingly. Wingers score goals n get less than what they think their value is. Teams win Cups from the Goalie out n up the middle.
PS…
UFA D men will fetch a premium price.
Holding back salary cap money is wise to keep more options available.eg 5%+
This allows trading easier whether for a plsyoff push or for sellers. Teams like Philly shoot themselves in the foot. Toronto has core isuues.
Chicago has depth of drafted talent n retools seemlessly. Detroit n LA develop talent. TB/NYI/Florida hoard talent from years of losing. Nashville makes an art form outta drafting D men n always in a good position.
Great post Gordie.
I view all the above as I view any million page document – BS (new NHL not your post)
Old NHL was so much better, at the time of bettman I complained they ruined the game (glow in the dark pucks); expansion,rule changes, Shootouts… Now it’s worse, due to the indirect financial vs length consequence due to “luck” Example Sign Gretzky 10 mill for 10 years and then he gets injured/cant score no more.
I personally always thought that players should get base salary and commission / bonus as a simple solution to all the red-tape BS you mentioned that they now created.
Like most things, greed as ruined all things fun/good/simple
Lyle, sorry if this is a hit for your competitors but found a good site replacement for cap geek. http://www.hockeybuzz.com/cap-central/
To throw another spin on trades with tight salary cap. What about teams tight in cap space taking a player in return in a trade that would have a higher salary then cap hit off a lower payroll team.
Just for giggles, I’d love to see a trade of Charlie Coyle for Antii Niemi happen. Many of the Shark fans gave DW crap for the multiple trades involving Burns, Setogouchi, Heatley, Havlat and Coyle. Well, most are washed up now, so it appears it was a straight up trade of Coyle for Burns. If DW got Coyle back, and with Niemi playing inconsistently, it might provide the Sharks with a much needed weapon up front, as Hertl and Nieto have been inconsistent in scoring. Sharks still need someone scary on D though…Burns is, but has too many defensive lapses…