The latest on Phil Kessel, Ryan O’Reilly, Eric Staal, Mike Richards, Anze Kopitar, Justin Williams, Jeff Petry, Tyler Myers and more.
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Justin Williams’ agent said contract talks with the LA Kings have been shelved for the remainder of the season… Bob McKenzie reports the Kings are looking at Senators defenseman Marc Methot and Hurricanes blueliner Andrej Sekera as possible replacement for the suspended Slava Voynov.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings are going to have a tough time re-signing Williams when they’ve also got to re-sign Tyler Tofolli, Tanner Pearson and other potential free agents…Methot or Sekera would be rental players only for the Kings as they lack the cap space to re-sign either player.
NICHOLS ON HOCKEY: Bob McKenzie cautions against using Nashville Predators GM David Poile’s recent defense of Maple Leafs winger Phil Kessel as an indication he wants to acquire the winger. Darren Dreger doesn’t see a “Kessel-to-Nashville” scenario developing and remains skeptical regarding trade rumors about the Leafs winger…Pierre LeBrun believes Poile could try to add a top-six forward near the trade deadline…Dreger considers it unlikely defenseman Jeff Petry re-signs with the Oilers and sees the Red Wings and Ducks as possible suitors…McKenzie believes Canucks GM Jim Benning is a buyer who is taking the long-term view…Pierre LeBrun doesn’t get the sense anything’s imminent involving Kings’ center Mike Richards. He also considers the Jets aren’t as desperate in seeking a forward because of Evander Kane’s recent return from injury…LeBrun also notes the Avalanche aren’t feeling any pressure to move center Ryan O’Reilly, who has another season left on his contract…He believes the Rangers could try adding third- or fourth-line depth by the trade deadline…Blues GM Doug Armstrong claims that, barring injury, there’s no impetus for him to make a trade by the deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: No, Phil Kessel isn’t being dealt to the Predators. Just because Poile stuck up for Kessel doesn’t mean he’s angling for a trade…Petry’s a goner by the trade deadline. There’s not enough money to keep him with the sad-sack Oilers…If the Avs decide to move O’Reilly, it’ll be in the offseason when there are more teams with available cap space willing to make deals in late-June and early-July…Armstrong, like any NHL GM, isn’t going to tip his hand as to his plans at the trade deadline. If a deal comes up which can help his team, Armstrong will be all over it.
ESPN.COM: Pierre Lebrun reports Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon is remaining patient over his trade deadline strategy. LeBrun believes adding offensive speed and skill could be Tallon’s priority…The St. Louis Blues will stick with three goalies (Brian Elliott, Jake Allen and Martin Brodeur) for now, but LeBrun suspects they could make a decision on Brodeur later in the month.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I expect Tallon will keep a close watch on the trade market leading up to the deadline. If his Panthers remain in playoff contention he’ll try to make a deal to help them clinch a berth, perhaps drawing from his depth in blueline prospects…Brodeur is the obvious choice to be traded, but it’s finding the right fit for him that could prove difficult. The Wild desperately need a goalie but I suspect they’re seeking someone with less mileage on their skates than Brodeur.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports re-signing center Anze Kopitar, who has a year remaining on his contract at an annual cap hit of $6.8 million, is a priority for the LA Kings…Mike Richards performance over the next few weeks could determine his future. Despite his contract, Richards has averaged 0.53 points per game in the regular season and 0.61 points per game in the playoffs since joining the Kings…The Kings could target Hurricanes blueliner Andrej Sekera…Word is Hurricanes’ captain Eric Staal hasn’t changed his mind against waiving his no-trade clause…Friedman wonders if the Canucks could become a player in the goalie market, as Eddie Lack is a UFA next summer and Jacob Markstrom is a RFA who won’t clear waivers again…Sources dismiss the notion of the Wild having interest in Carolina’s Cam Ward…There’s doubt the Penguins will trade UFA blueliner Paul Martin…A Ryan O’Reilly for Keith Yandle trade would make a lot of sense for the Avalanche and Coyotes…
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap space will be an issue for the Kings in re-signing Kopitar, who could pull in $10 million per season. That’s why I was surprised they didn’t use a compliance buy out on Mike Richards when they had the chance. Speaking of Richards, those average stats look impressive, but they’ve been on the decline in recent years, especially since last season. Factor in his contract, with five more years at an average cap hit of $5.75 million, and it’s buyer beware…Staal won’t waive his no-trade clause, preferring to see what direction the Hurricanes take in the offseason…Ward is another buyer beware option. He has another season at $6.3 million left on his contract, he’s got an injury history and has been inconsistent in recent years…The Penguins will probably retain Martin as they’re intending to push for the Stanley Cup this season…An O’Reilly for Yandle swap does make sense, but we don’t know what the Coyotes intentions will be under new majority owner Andrew Barroway.
NBC SPORTS: Buffalo Sabres GM Tim Murray claims he’s never made a call to one of his rivals offering up defenseman Tyler Myers. There’s speculation since the start of the season Anaheim and Detroit made inquiries about Myers. Murray said it would take “a major, major offer” to convince him to part with Myers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Murray isn’t interested unless you’re willing to offer up at least a good young player, a first-round pick and a top prospect.
NORTHJERSEY.COM: Tom Gulitti reports Devils GM Lou Lamoriello could soon reach the point where he decides which players to move leading up to the March trade deadline. The Devils are currently 12 points out of the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference.
Be it now or in the offseason I’d really like to see Murray call up Colorado about O’Reilly. I’d say he is the type of forward the Senators could offer up Jared Cowan in exchange for. Cowan IS a top 4 defenseman and I think playing along someone like Erick Johnson would really help his career out. I am not sure how that exact deal would work, Ottawa would probably have to send something in addition probably Prince or Guptill from the prospect pool or possibly a draft pick. Cowan is seriously hated on but he is a solid guy, with lots of upside, who was rushed and hasn’t had a good mentor.
According to Pierre Maguire, Cowen is THE most improved Senator since MacLean was canned, playing much more relaxed and not afraid to jump into the slot when the opportunity arises, and much much better back of his own blue line. He isn’t going anywhere.
I agree with Maguire. Cowen has improved a lot. Cameron has simplified the game in the Sens home end allowing Cowen to react and reduce the thinking required in Maclean’s system. Gryba has also improved significantly. This D is still Porous though but showing improvement. Hopefully they can increase some stock in the trade market.
I can’t see the Avs trading ROR away for a 3-4 d-man that possibly may or may not work. If they were willing to go that route, I’m sure their phone will be ringing off the hook with better offers than Cowan.
Yandle’s not a 3-4. He’s more top 2 then he is 3-4. Yandle for ROR would be a great trade for both teams. ROR’s being overrated by many. He’ll never blow up like Seguin did. I know some people see him that way but in reality he’s just your solid 2nd line center. He’d be #1 on some teams like Sabres and Leafs but he’s nothing more then 2nd line center.
I was referring to Cowen, not Yandle. But I’m not so sure that Yandle is the answer either. ROR without question is a #2, and possibly a #1 depending on the team. He is a 50-60 point 2 way center, he was 12th (centers) last year in scoring on a team with Duchene, Mckinnon and Stastny. You don’t have to put up 80-100 points to be a 1st line center. If that were the case that list would be very short.
He was 12th because he played on the 2nd line. He played with Mackinnon and Statsny I believe. He’s on pace for like 42 points this season. Definetly not 1st line material.
He wasn’t a 2nd line winger full time last year, he was moved around. The year before 20 points in 29 games, the year before that 55 points in 81 games. By way of comparison he ranked 20th (centers) in 11-12. Which again tells me you don’t have to put up 80 points in today’s nhl to be a 1st line center. Last year the Kings and Rangers combined rosters had 1 center/player with over 60 points. (Kopitar. Also take into consideration he is far from a 1 dimensional player. Killing penalties and playing responsible defense in your own end isn’t usually a recipe for 80 point players.
A while back I asked what calibre of Centre ROR was for this very reason. I was trying to figure out if he is a good fit for the Sens who have ample cap space if willing to spend it. The thing I like of ROR is his ability to also play the wing. I know little of him beyond media reports and highlights of games not being an avid watcher of Colorado.
The Sens do need top 6 help but they need it in the top 3. I know that is asking a lot but is it wise to take on a guy who is going to have huge contract demands if he turns out to be simply another number 2. If he is bigger and tougher than Turris to better fight off the opposing teams top Centres than there may be merit to this.
He is a player floating around out their who I really have no idea if he’d be a good fit for the Sens. Puts me squarely on the fence regarding him.
I suppose its all in how you look at it. ROR is a 2 way center that can still put up points. Add to that he can also play wing, Kill penalties, Power play etc. I think he is a guy you can trust in any situation. I’ll add a strange stat, Last year they guy played 80 games and only had 2 penalty minutes…? For the right return price I’d take him in NY any day!
ROR is def more of a 2nd line centre than a 1st but he’s possibly that 1st line 2 way player the way Patrice Bergeron is. He’s not gonna put up 80 points but you can and want to match him up against the best opponents and he can play in any situation as it’s been stated. He also plays with a lot of heart and it shows. He’s a guy that you build a team around. As for the send, I’m not sure what it would take but far more than Cowen I’m sure. You might have to add Zib. And that might be worth it when all is said and done. Once lazar is ready for the #2 spot then he ROR can also play the left wing. That would be an extremely hard line top play against I would think.
I like everything you both NYR4Life and Brokenhip are saying.
If Ottawa was to get him it certainly would cost way more than Cowen. Zbad would need to be added but with the addition of ROR I don’t see why the Sens wouldn’t move Zbad. Perhaps a 2nd or 3rd round draft pick as well.
If ROR can be near to Bergeron, I would very much jump off the fence and join the crowd to bring ROR to Ottawa.
Cowen and Zibby for ROR???? LOL. Have you seen any Sens games lately? Z-Bad is becoming exactly the same type of player as ROR with more speed….. By next year he will surpass ROR. That trade would be a disaster for Ottawa. And Murray would never make it. If the sens get ROR the trade will most likely be Marc Methot and Dallas’ 2nd round pick + maybe Pageau for ROR. And that would be fair.
Yandle is as much a 1/2 as Phaneuf is…judging by a lot of stats… a little cheaper for now but a high risk point producing D man. Not sure Id wamt to play him top paor unless the other guy was very good defensively.
What I am getting at is if I was the Avs I am not givi g up ROR for Yandle, any more than I am giving him up for Phaneuf…Yandle after next year in all likelyhood is going to have a contract very simmilar if not more expensive than Phaneufs if you dont think so you are deceiving your self cap will be higher so will the paychecks.
What they really need is a brilliant young defensive minded guy like John Moore! Plus he is REALLY cheap!
lol I dream of a day as a Leaf fan, I can complain about only having 1 bad D man and he is only as bad as cheap guy John Moore. Would you like to consider a swap of Polak Robidas or Holzer?
Its literally a half a d corps that is worse and more expensive than Moore, quit your whining. :-p
LOL. I’d trade Moore along with Mcillrath to Toronto for a 12 pack of beer. Honestly at this point I’d rather give Connor Allen a shot.
ROR would be #1 in Buffalo until Sam Reinhart shows up. One concern about Yandle – he’s never played in a prime time market. Very different skating in the desert vs the bright lights and constant scrutiny of Tronna. Not a knock on Toronto, it’s just the way it is especially when the Leafs give up a quality asset to get him.
Nashville and Philly are historical trading partners. As per yesterday’s rumor-how about Matt Read to the Preds.
Historically they were….until that whole Weber offer sheet mess, I think that damaged that relationship a little bit.
On the Kings:
Everybody who signs with the Kings takes a little less than market. It’s why they were successful. I see Kopitar getting about $8M per season, maybe a little more.
I can’t see why a team like Edmonton wouldn’t want a Richards:
– He can mentor the young guys
– He still puts up points; he’s not completely useless
– $5M per season is not insane and the cap keeps going up
– Edmonton wouldn’t have to give up much to get him.
Sure, the oilers would LOVE to have a guy like Richards to help right the ship but I’m pretty sure he has some form of movement clause and would probably go to the KHL over going to the oilers.
Come to think of it, Richards would probably really help that team get out of last place so I doubt the oilers want him. They loooooooooove their high draft pics because it justifies their “lose to win” strategy in their minds.
I don’t see a fit for the Oilers. If they don’t improve this year, they will get either McDavid or Eichel to go with RNH/Draisaitl/Gordon and carry Lander for depth. If they want a veteran around they can re-sign Roy. It makes more sense to pay Roy $1M than Richards $5M+ when they give you similar output.
I think Winnipeg makes more sense for Richards. I heard that he spends his summers not far from Winnipeg.
Why would 2 time Cup winner Kopitar take 8 million when Toews and Kane just scored 10 million each.
If it means staying with the Kings, I can absolutely see Kopitar taking some sort of a “home town” discount. If he’s looking for the dollars now that he has the Cups, he could most definitely make $10 million on a crappy team, but having read a number of articles about Kopitar, I don’t see him chasing the paycheck as much as he wants to win
I can’t get Capgeek to come up any longer but I believe Getzlaf and Perry each took $8M per season to stay together on the Ducks.
I understand the dilemma that Oiler management struggles with regarding their top 3 guys. Every game they do stuff that makes one sit and go wow, they are great players. But then the clock ticks down and the score is another loss. Yakupov also has been playing some great hockey.
Right or wrong I think the mentality in the Oiler circles is the young guys are good but overall the team sucks. That they need to acquire players to put around them and continue with the rebuild.
I don’t see anything changing with this team in regards to how they deal with their players and trades. Hall, RNH, Eberle and Yakupov are not being moved. They will wait out the season, draft another player, Hoping to get MacDavid. Hope Draisitle and Nurse Progresses and proceed along the same coarse.
Right or wrong is for us all to debate but I see nothing to tell me the Oilers will do anything surprising. I can’t see the Oilers picking up Richards.
As a Flames fan, I hope you’re right Jeff. Hallsy and the gang just need more time… They are a great group of young players that does everything right and should not be traded. They will get a top 2 pick this year and that player will be the oilers next second line centre and draisaitle can move down to the third line and yakapov to the fourth line or maybe defense. Nurse should be their #1 guy next year the cup will be theirs for sure….Just don’t change the team in any way shape or form. The press conferences full of excuses are waaaay to fun to watch.
It’s just sad that they’re going to ruin another young prospect. I feel sorry for the kid that loses out and ends up on the oilers.
Yep. Right or wrong is the debate but as far as the Oiler brass is concerned. Logic doesn’t dictate a thing. Just fear of making the wrong move over rides fear of making any move.
Which prospects have they ruined? Should they follow the Flames development plan that has worked so well with Baertschi and Janikowski?
Your belief that the Flames have things figured out is humorous as they have over-achieved on the backs of a bunch of 30+ year olds. I guess if your goal was to re-build into a 9th place team then congratulations are in order.
Wouldn’t be the centre I went after. We have a small roster with not much bite to it as it is. We need size with any players being added to the roster. That leaves Richards out. Good player. Just not what we need. He would be on the bottom of my list.
Why help out LA from underneath cap problems?
Richards for a 3rd in 2015 max
ROR is a bonafide #2 centre n coveted by many teams. Yandle or Hall or Kessel straight up n make any cap probs work.
Yandle is a 6-7m 7yr D man.
The best thing for the Kings to do is to trade Williams. The guys 33-34 years old I think. Id try and find a suitable replacement for him hopefully by deadline day. If not then it will have to be in the offseason. But I’d definitely wouldn’t resign him. Waaaay to much salary on that team. Unless ofcourse they can get rid of Mike Richards. Then Williams can sign for a couple years. Richards has an awful long contract though and his production has gone down considerably.
I just thought of this, what about a trade involving Williams to the Oilers and Yakupove to the Kings? Now not a one for one swap, there would have to be other pieces involved. But this give the Oilers another good vet to help lead on the second line and this give the Kings another good pear goal scorer but also has the defence to bail Yakupove out. Lets face it, the Oilers do not have the defence needed to let Yakupove do what he needs to do, but the Kings do. Just my opinion.
Lol. Why would the Oilers trade Yakapov for a player that is FA at the end of the season?
True, but they could always do a sign and trade. It’s like that hasn’t been done before.
When is the last time a sign and trade happened in the NHL? It happens all the time in the NBA, But I cannot recall a single instance in the NHL.
The NBA’s cap structure makes sign – and -trades more practical. Though I am surprised teams don’t negotiate more with rental players before trades, to klnow where they can sign them long term.
@NYR4LIFE 2005 is the last time I can really remember of a sign and trade in the NHL when the Sens signed Hossa to a 3 year deal and then traded him the same day to Atlanta for Heatley. Might be others but I just can’t think of any and they probably weren’t involving good players like Hossa and Heatley.
That makes absolutely zero sense. Williams won’t resign with Edmonton. I can see a Richards for Yakupov trade. But only if Richards decides to accept the trade. I believe he has a NTC.
I had commented on a post a few weeks back about how I thought the Kings should trade Williams for whatever they can get at the trade deadline. Kopitar is their main priority (or at least should be) followed by Pearson and Toffoli. The Kings kinda shot themselves in the foot with not buying Richards out last season and re-signing Gaborik to his new contract
would love to see the pens nab Williams … grit & scoring & playoff clutch …
Agreed. Justin Williams is UFA and unlikely to stay with LA. Paul Martin is UFA and unlikely to stay with Pittsburgh. Makes sense for both teams.
Agreed – I just get the feeling Williams will end up in Pittsburgh, either by the trading deadline or July 1. Too many young assets that are for a raise to pay Williams. As the Patriots would do, thank you for your services and have a nice day-somewhere else.
jes….the only way Williams gets traded is if the kings have no chance of making the playoffs they will let him walk for nothing before trading him at the deadline for a pick! have you seen how he plays in the playoffs?
Calm down mellow jello. Yes I know how he performs in the playoffs.
calm down jes la has lots of young talent and wont move williams
The Kings keep Williams and go for the cup. Lose him to free agency. The only type of player they could take back is an entry level contract or expiring contract amd picks or prospects. A stanley cup run is worth more to a franchise than a couple of second round picks.
agree gordon
Williams is a proven player in the clutch even at his age. Pitt would luv him btw. A UFA fetches not much n if LA is makin a cup run he’s goin nowhere. If they want a return n trade him they will fill his spot from within. Florida could use him along with NYI n Winnipeg.
What would it take for the Avs to land Vermette and Yandle in a deal where the main asset leaving Colorado would be RoR?
Dunno but it’ll have to be a lot more then ROR and a pick.
Avs Add a 2nd in 2015 if Veemette resigns IMO.
Yandle in Avs country would be a nice addition n Vermette is another good fit. ROR is in demand but the Avs r flush at his position n MacKinnon will play centre in 2-3yrs prolly
I agree that one can’t / shouldn’t read Poile’s defense of Kessel as an overture to a trade. Yet, to be honest, it’s not the worst fit. Adding Kessel’s one-dimensional scoring punch to an already solid 200-ft team like Nashville would immediately vault them into the category of serious contenders.
Kessel to NSH; Seth Jones & late 1st rounder to TOR.
Allowing the Leafs to finish the Shanahan-led core-shuffle by trading Phaneuf to a Colorado team in desperate need of prominent back-end help, thereby landing the potential #1 centre the Leafs have always coveted in O’Rielly. The security of Phaneuf’s deal could be translated to a positive for Colorado (who are constantly bumping up against contract talks with O’Rielly). This also allows the Leafs cap room to resign Franson – leading to a top 4D of Franson, Reilly, Jones, Gardiner.
Phaneuf to COL; O’Rielly to TOR.
Seth Jones is untouchable. Nice dream though.
I think Colorado can get better than Phaneuf for ROR so that won’t do it either.
Seth Jones isn’t untouchable when the return is Kessel. Nashville would have to add to make the deal work.
Kessel is a clear point and goal producer and has a good playoff record. It’s not easy playing in Toronto where any mistake is amplified and complaining in the media is always a lot more sensational than praising someone, especially since the Leafs are going through a bad stretch
The Phaneuf for ROR trade is the trade that is un-likely – although if possible (it’s not); sign me up!
I really like Kessel, I think he would garner alot from around the league. But some players in my mind are untouchables. Jones is one of them.
Kessel is a high priced scoring complement not a messiah to lead a team in the playoffs.
$8m for a young stud says a lot. Highly unlikely
I wouldn’t say Seth Jones is untouchable, and you are on the fence about ROR so not sure why you would say he is worth more then Phaneuf.
To be honest Seth Jones and a first seems like a gamble if I am the Leafs. He is still young and who knows how he would develop without a Weber to mentor him. I think Nashville really looks at a deal like that. I am not sure if thats fair value though, I am sure the Leafs would probably want something else along with Jones and a first (probably a 2nd or decent prospect).
And I dont think losing Kessel hurts the Leafs that much,
If Nashville throws Craig Smith into the deal I think that would balance it out and I say jump on it. I like Kessel’s offensive game, but just not a huge fan of his.
Kessel for Jones, Smith and Nashville’s 1st round pick.
Kessel would thrive in Nashville, playing with Forsberg and Neal.
mdz… medic said smith too that’s why I said no way for kessel. my bad
Poile is not suicidal.
Also he knows the value in top D men n built a career on it n all ppl need fo is see Nashville has always been a solid team under his watch. They hoard D men like no other team since the days of the old Capitals. Its a recipe that never fails.
As a Sens fan I’ve had plenty of oppurtunity to watch Kessel….. Jones plus a first? No. Not going to happen. Kessel has tons of offensive talent but is very much a one dimensional player. You do not sell the farm for run support. The Leafs probably get a first plus a roster player and a prospect back for him, but theyre not getting anyone the opposite team deams a long term centre piece back. that being said…. Kessel (if traded) will likely go to a team that sees them selves as being “that one piece away from a cup” because those will be the teams most willing to pay top dollar. So pick a trading partner between 6th and 14th over all in the league and narrow it down to who can handle his cap hit and needs to generate more offense, now remove any rival teams from the bidding, accept that the Leafs wont wanna play against him often so he’s at least leaving the division but most likely the conference and take a look at the remainder….. and you have a likely list of suitors. As I mull over these factors I find myself Leaning heavily toward the Winipeg Jets.
@Dino I did not say Phaneuf was worth more or less than ROR. I simply think their are many teams out their that would be interested in ROR and that Colorado will likely be able to get more for him than just one player.
They may even like multiple prospects and draft picks over just one defensman. What Ottawa got for Spezza is forming up to be a great deal for the Sens. Paul is looking better, Guptil is a solid prospect. 2nd round draft pick and developing Chiasson is turning out quite well in that trade.
Perhaps if not as much Colorado can get something like that or perhaps a defensman else where along with a prospect or draft pick.
That is all I am saying.
It would amaze me to no end if Nashville trades Weber’s Heir.
Jeff, come on man. Do you even realize how good a player Kessel is? he is one of the only players (or possibly the only one) to consistently feature in the top ten scoring the last 3 years.
If you think Seth Jones is more valuable then you need to give your head a shake. Nashville is showing itself to be a dominant team at the moment and the addition of Kessel makes them a cup favorite for the next 3-5 years. Takes quality to get quality and Kessel is as quality as it gets.
You are looking at Seth Jones and a 1st as a starting point of discussions.
If Kessel hits the market there is going to be a bidding war far greater than the RORs and Keith Yandles of the league
no way nsh trades jones,smith and a first for kessle!! wake up leaf fans!! look at the leafs don’t have a 1 or 2 dman you really think nsh is gonna give up that for kessle yes he can score but nsh is only 16 goals off the league leaders tb for total goals!! so that trade never ever happens!! geeeezuz leaf fans
Oh I do realize how good Kessel is. I value him the same as I placed the value on Hall. It isn’t how good Kessel is that has me thinking Nashville wont’ trade Jones for him. Heck If Toronto pulls it off great for them.
I just think Jones is another Weber in production. He isn’t someone a team gives up for 1 player. Especially when the team giving him up doesn’t need to worry about scoring goals.
Weber and Jones are going to do what Neidermier(sorry for spelling) and Pronger did for Anaheim. That is bring home a cup.
I’m not saying the trade happens. Just putting a clear indicator on Kessel’s value. Kessel is worth that; Seth Jones plus a first, whether that happens is a completely different story. I should have said that in my earlier post for clarity, my bad there.
Oh and Dino….I was on the fence on whether or not Ottawa should trade for him.
I am unsure if a 2nd line Centre with large contract demands is something the Dollar watching Sens should go after. If he is a number 1 Centre than I would be for it for sure. Many teams however could use a solid 2nd line forward who can play centre and wing. Making me believe Colorado could get more than Phaneuf.
Don’t think I am trashing Phaneuf. I am not.
how do you know
I totally agree – Seth Jones isn’t going anywhere even if the return is Kessel.
hear hear hanson!!
Preds hit the lottery when Jones dropped to #4 in the draft. No slight on the players in 1-3, but Jones has everything you want in a defenseman. And he will become so much more in the coming years, just about the time the Preds decide they are going to trade Weber and move Jones into the #1 pair. This is no slight on Kessel either, he’s just not the guy the Preds are going to move.
Nutty imo to give up proven top 10 point producer for nothing proven. Id want Ellis or Jossi plus the first and then some, before Id want Jones who in all likelyhood could be hung out to dry by being rushed in to a role he is not ready for. Not that that is happening, but again I think too many are listening to guys like Kyper when placing a value on a guy like Kessel. If he was to move a just a pick and a 20 year old prospect (even a good one) who has only played just over 1 season isnt even a starting point.
shticky.. what else does kessle bring to the table?? he scores yes but when your team is horrible defensively do you not think your 8 million dollar player should do more than just score?? the only time you ever hear his name is in the offensive zone
Not sure top 10 point producers are paid to block shots jello amd I am sure most coaches would rather they didnt. Think about it what good is he if he fractures a foot? He is what he is jello, and proven consistant 70-80 point guys dont grow on trees, you are dilusional if you think he is getting traded for a guy 100 games in to his career and a draft pick.
I agree. As my earlier post, that is what kessel’s value is.
If anyone is looking at a player to put up those number of points and be amazing defensively then the answer is only Crosby and immediate comparables.
Leafs are a bad defensive team but that’s not a Kessel issue. It is similar to saying that Seguin isn’t worth his value because Dallas is awful defensively.
lol what did kessle get when he went to the leafs?? 3 picks no experience what so ever
shticky you are a believer of all those advance stats how are phil kessels?
not sure a ‘lol’ is required here at all. When Phil came to Toronto he wasn’t the player he is today. Like I said, top 10 in scoring the last three years, that is elite level.
And yes, he got three picks. He is now a better player and worth the same if not more. Seth Jones is extremely valuable but this is solely based on potential, currently he is a 2nd pair D-man. I in no way say that this trade i happening but to scoff at the idea of Kessel being worth that much is an opinion based on Leaf hate.
I have seen intelligent posts form you but they are few and far in between the “no way (insert leaf player name here) is worth that much”. “Dream on Leaf fans.” so on and so forth
mdz… kessel had is 2nd best goal scoring season and his best all around season in boston the year before he was traded to leafs to say he wasn’t as good as he is now is a farce! the same goes for your posts few and far between are intelligent
kessel had his second best goal scoring season and best all around season with boston the yr before he was traded to the leafs so to say he is a better player now is a farce! and I think the same about your post few and far between are close to intelligent! so those 3 picks were based on potential too and if you cant see how good jones is at his age? so no way are the preds trading jones for a one dimensional 8MILLION dollar player! you say im a leaf hater but look in the mirror and take the rose colored glasses off you think kessel is an amazing player that can fetch anything! what has he ever won?? for that matter in the top 3 of any awards?( beside bill masterson not really an on ice award)
The stat that gms will be interested in him for jello will be the past 4 years hasnt missed a game played in 255 games and has 257 points…Pat kane doesent have great adv stats either and Kessels under Carlyle are pretty close to what Perry under carlyle had, Kessel on Boston had great possession stats…Funny how those possession stats work…
David Poile says what was I thinking. Sorry to insult u with that offer.
Ttyl playoffs r looming again.
Drive for show n putt for dough
nice try, Kessel did have his second best goal season in Boston based on the fact that his top goal output has been the same twice making his boston season his third best. At that time he was a pure scorer but now sets up goals as well. I don’t need to check stats to see that however you may check for your satisfaction.
He was a + player in Boston but that is more of a team stat, no denying the boston of old are a lot better than the hopeless defensive play of the Leafs.
I have already expressed an opinion on ‘one dimensional’ players. But here is another one, Ryan Suter is great defensively but doesn’t put up 50 points in a season, he is too one dimensional. That statement is true however it doesn’t take away from the fact that he is one of the best defenders in the league
As far as top three of anything is concerned, Doughty has never been a finalist for a Norris; thats the only example I can come up with off the top of my head. Kessel is clearly a game changer who produces consistent seasons. Again, i repeat that i’m not saying that Nashville will ship Seth Jones out for Kessel; but thats his value. If Nashville wants Kessel it would take Seth Jones plus, I know that Seth Jones is good which is why it would take him to get Kessel; Nashville in no way has to pay that price if they don’t want to.
So to wrap up. Not proposing a trade, simply stating what my opinion is on Kessel’s value.
you are exaggerating when you say “Kessel can fetch anything” I never said he is going to land Crosby or Weber. Seth Jones is potential and nothing else. You make these insane exaggerations and sweeping statements like Kessel had his second best goal scoring season in Boston while conveniently leaving out an Assist stat which holds importance in any offensive discussion.
Get with it man, 8 Million is what it costs to keep a guy like Kessel on your team
$8m 1 dimensional top scorers should have lower base salary with bonuses for playoffs n cups. If they rely on other players to do all the hard work thats all they worth. Complete players get big bucks n win. Kessel is no leader only a part.
Anyone arguing that then who trade Kopitar or Bergeron or Toews or Datsyuk etc unless a stat freak?
mdz…suter is a great defensive player but he also plays on the first pp unit so they must just put him out there in case of a shorthanded collapse?? that makes no sense very bad comparison! and I agree gordie
L.A. jumped all over gaborik for the same type of player & salary while 3 other teams were in the bidding. Gaborik even came off a serious year long broken leg injury and when traded, he almost single handedly got them in the playoffs(goals & team boost),which was also the year they won the 2nd cup…I think
Point being, if it was kessel instead of gaborik teams would have choosen kessel.
I say trade him to pittsburg for fun
Seth Jones? Are you kidding me? Lol please leave…
Security of Phaneuf’s contract? What type of security are you talking about? There’s absolutely nothing secure about his contract. Leafs aren’t getting rid of that or Clarkson’s contract. Unless they take salary back and dangle something real nice in front of the opposing GM like Nylander or a first.
By the same token, LA needs to hold back 40% of Mike Richards salary and give up their first to trade him?
Things just don’t work that way Jes.
Phaneuf is an NHL level defenseman and if the Leafs hold back 1-1.5 mil in salary they could trade him the first day of the offseason and get a player/prospect or a combo in return. This isn’t a fact in any way but it is realistic.
I have yet to see any expert say anything remotely close to what you are saying; because they base opinions on knowledge of the game and the salary cap.
For sure the Kings are going to ha e to throw in Pearson Martin or Tifolli to move Richards. The Flyers will probably have to throw in Ghost or Hagg to get rid of Lecalvier but Stewart is just a good player stuck on a bad team not sure why Lyle hates him he should be worth a second round pick easy! Jeezus jes…lol
Stewart should fetch a 2nd rounder at the deadline. Big bodied forward can certainly help in a 7 game series. I’m sure GM’s will be thinking of him as a Bryan Bickell-type acquisition. Could prove to be a shrewd pickup.
Why would any team give up its best prospect to trade a 5 mill dollar contract….Clarksons contract is not a good one but realistically its 5 mill, lots of teams float with third liners making 5 mill, Bolland Clowe Richards Lecalvier…on and on and on think any of em are giving up last years top 10 picks to move em? Let alone top 10 picks and holding salary? Crazy talk. Again Phaneuf is 7 mill and yes the leafs may hold some salary to get a better return, but if people around the league are saying there is a market for Phaneuf and Kessel like multiple sources have said why would it involve moving a prospect aswell? The reports are not saying people are interested in Nylander and would take on Phaneuf to get him..again crazy talk before you go off on tangents again look at what top 4 guys make its always above 5 mill now Orpik Scuderri Niskanen, how good is the Wilds D so far this year with the last guy who was the “next Weber”? For top D men they come at a premium, 7 mill over the next year or 2 will be the going rate like it or not…Yandle will be well over 7 plus Giordano will be wellover 7 plus all these guys that are and 5and 6 mill deals now with old deals will be signing new deals in the next few years that will make Phaneufs 7 look a little better.
Virtual high five Schticky
Floating $5m 3rd liners should get a GM fired permanently.
Just cuz dummies offer stupid contracts does not make it worth using as an example.
An anchor is an anchor so who offers it up should be sunk.
Be alot of fired gms…lots of teams…just about everyone has a contract or 2 they wish they didnt, dont get me wrong Nonis has more of them than mpst and imo should be fired, but teams float 5 mill in thirdliners, GMs start giving prospects like Nylander away and holding millions in salary is beyond dumb.
virtual high five jes
If Stepan is down for a significant period of time….I’ll offer up Girardi, Mcdonagh and Staal for ROR, Just so I don’t have to watch St.Louis try and be a center again!!!!
Colorado says lets do it yesterday.
Pinch me am i awake?
as a kings fan i’d really love to see williams resign with LA, but i just don’t see it happening. unless he and stoll are will to sign for significantly less than market value the kings won’t be able to resign them.
lombardi has shown his priorities. he builds from goal out. quick is locked up, so next. he’ll do his best to resign regehr. then he’ll move to center. i’m sure he could trade richards but values depth down the middle so he’ll keep richards over williams. maybe he trades richards and keeps stoll (and maybe williams if the money works) but that seems less likely to me.
beyond that, while i too feel kopitar will take a long term deal at less than toew’s 10million, i think any one who is planning on him doing it is making a mistake. lombardi is smart enough to not paint himself into a corner with kopitar’s negotiations. he’ll plan on giving him 10 and hope to get him at 8 or a little over.
lombardi will then look to within to replace williams and stoll with youngsters like pearson and toffoli taking on bigger roles and kids from manchester filling in where they were.
but that’s just my opinion.
@ MDZ
U constantly repeat Kessels top scoring stats nobody argues that. Now scoring stats don’t win cups or make the playoffs either. 8m is max for his production n winners get 10m when teams achieve success from them. Goalies n D men r the core of every good team n centres also. Wingers never carry a team.
Q: is Kessel for Sequin straight up a good trade?
Who wins or loses in a trade like that?
Is Kane or Perry? High priced wingers who have won cups, its whats around them that makes teams successful, take Toews Keith Hossa Seabrook… away you think Kane even sees a cup final let alone wins an MVP? Youre nuts if you do. Take Getzlaf and 2 norris winning D away does Perry win a cup? Its easy to sit there and pick apart a wingers game when he is the best plsyer on the team…thats not his fault or the reason a team loses.
Take Pery n Kanes contracts n takent iver Kessel anyday. They r hardly 1 dimensional.
Based on what? Playing on better teams? With better players?
Not sure of you noticed but Bozak is no Getzlaf…and Franson and Phaneuf are not Seabrook and Keith…
And how is Seguin even in this convo? No one is talking a Seguin Kessel trade any more…today no its not a good trade but hindsight is always 20/20 isnt it? Id say Boston who got Erriksson and a prospect for him would have rather have had an 80 point winger for him than Eriksson.
Sequin is in the convo cuz Kessels signing was the Draft pick lost. A comparison of a poor signing n Sequin would be better for Toronto without Burke goin that route. He’s gone. Nonis still there. Coaches fired as scapegoats.
Adds up to a mess that exists now for Toronto. Boston did their own poor trade n compounded it all. I agree if Kessel in Boston n nothing had happened Toronto n Boston would be better off. Winner of it all is Dallas.
Then what are you talking about? This makes no sense if Kessel was on a good team (Boston) Boston would be better off…its the direct opposite of what you have already said.
I am using Kessel stats to counter arguments which say Kessel isn’t worth much. as Schticky has already pointed out Kessel isn’t supported by the same team that Kane and Perry are.
You replace Kane with Kessel on the Chicago and the Hawks still win a cup or two, I can’t prove that but it is extremely plausible.
I’m not sure about the Kessel and Seguin deal, Kessel has been the better player for four years already and at the moment Seguin is better. We cant just discount the fact that Kessel has already produced what he produced. That would make almost every trade involving draft picks bad.
And as an FYI, the experts have a split opinion on the Kessel deal, some consider it a good move by the Leafs. Not my opinion, but I personally don’t regret that deal though it might just be because I was battle hardened by the rask for raycroft exchange.
@JELLO
Kessel got nothing going to Toronto but the CBA does state compensation. Thats not a trade nor show good or poor value.
As in another post of mine.
Q: Kessel for Sequin?
Speaking hypothetically comment on that SVP
that was a bad trade for the leafs even there fans knew they were in for a long year but they gave up 2 firsts plus for kessel and those picks turned into to great players like how bad does Toronto need dougie Hamilton right now??
another hindsight expert how do you know they would be drafting Hamilton? They didnt deal Hamilton they dealt the pick….what if theydrafted Zbad? Think he helps? How bout Larsson or Brodin?
Poor Oli Maata , bad year for the kid , he battles back from cancer , then gets the mumps and now has shoulder surgery. Do the Pens take the plunge for a vet d-man ? Or hope that Bortuzzo , Dumoulin , Pouliot pick up his minutes?
I can’t see the Kings trading Williams now that Pearson is out for the regular season. Not to mention all the guy does is score big goals in the playoffs.
And if the Sens were to ROR I am pretty confident Bobby Ryan numbers improve given they line up together.
Bang on nicely said
I’m I missing something… Why wouldn’t the Red Wings trade for Brodeur? The have decent goalies when healthy but need a rental type contract to finish the season.
Thats more an insurance move. Detroit makes trades to improve or not at all. They r patient n prolly kicking tires while focussed on RH D Men we all hear about.
Wings aren’t trading for Brodeur or any other goalie because they don’t need one. Mrazek with his 2.16 GAA and .920 SV% (in 10 games) is fine until Gus and Howard come back. Brodeur has a 2.87 GAA and .899 SV% in 7 games so why would Detroit trade anything to not only downgrade their goaltending but also add someone that will be useless in a couple of weeks? If Mrazek got injured for a while then maybe but at this point they don’t need to since Gus shouldn’t be out that much longer and Howard is only out for 2 to 4 weeks.
Personally I am very happy to see Mrazek as the starter getting plenty of starts. He’s very good and a much better puck handler than Gus or Howard which helps out the Wings defense.