Latest on Curtis Glencross, Joffrey Lupul, Dion Phaneuf, Ryan O’Reilly, James Wisniewski, Antoine Vermette, Jonathan Bernier and more.
Highlights of Elliotte Friedman’s latest “30 Thoughts.”
Growing interest in Flames winger Curtis Glencross.
SPORTSNET.CA: Elliotte Friedman believes the Calgary Flames will try to bring in something via trade to help their roster now, perhaps in a trade involving pending UFA winger Curtis Glencross. The LA Kings are on his list of preferred trade destinations but the LA Times’ Lisa Dillman reports the Kings aren’t a fit. The Washington Capitals aren’t on Glencross’ list but Friedman think he’d be a good fit with them. The St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers could also be watching Glencross…With the Chicago Blackhawks placing Patrick Kane (collarbone) on LTIR, they could use the cap savings to land a short-term replacement. They’ve been linked to Glencross and Arizona’s Antoine Vermette. However, Friedman think it’s makes little sense for the ‘Hawks to invest assets on a player who could stay beyond this season, citing their limited cap space…Friedman claims there’s rumors the Rangers could consider trading Mats Zuccarello, see what they can get, and (if necessary) flip the return for something else…It’s believed Colorado Avalanche coach Patrick Roy will do all he can to salvage the relationship with Ryan O’Reilly and prevent a trade…San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi’s name continues to surface in the rumor mill. GM Doug Wilson won’t comment on if he’s seeking a starting goaltender…Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon could hang onto winger Tomas Fleischmann as long as possible to see where things stand by the deadline. Detroit and Washington know him well…Friedman dismisses rumors claiming the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins are in a three-way race for Maple Leafs winger Joffrey Lupul…Leafs defenseman Roman Polak might be a fit with the Tampa Bay Lightning…With Zbynek Michalek sidelined by a concussion, the Arizona Coyotes could try packaging him with Antoine Vermette…Friedman spitballs a Dion Phaneuf to Detroit for Stephen Weiss and Jakub Kindl.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whole lotta stuff from Friedman today. Certainly sounds like there’s lots of suitors for Glencross, depending upon if he’s willing to be flexible with his no-trade clause. If the Flames want a player in return who helps them right now, it could take until deadline day to hammer out a deal…All reports I’ve seen and heard from New York claim the Rangers aren’t moving Zuccarello. We’ll know for sure by deadline day…I don’t see O’Reilly being dealt at the deadline…If the Sharks fall further out of playoff contention, Niemi could be gone by deadline day…Habs acquired Devante Smith-Pelly and the Penguins picked up Daniel Winnik, so I believe they’re done shopping for forwards…Why is the Sportsnet crew so insistent on linking Dion Phaneuf to the Red Wings? If comments from Wings GM Ken Holland are anything to go by, he’s not pursuing an expensive defenseman like Phaneuf.
Latest on the Blackhawks.
NBC SPORTS: In the wake of the Chicago Blackhawks losing Patrick Kane to injury for an indefinite period, Jason Brough cites some speculation around the league as to what the ‘Hawks might do to replace him. Brough cites ESPN.com’s Pierre LeBrun suggesting Arizona’s Antoine Vermette would be a good fit. NHL.com’s Brian Hedger suggested New Jersey’s Jaromir Jagr.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane could be sidelined until the playoffs. Placing him on LTIR free up considerable cap space to take on a rental player like Vermette or Jagr. Keep an eye on the Blackhawks leading up to deadline day.
Updates on Curtis Glencross, Jonathan Bernier, James Wisniewski and Chris Stewart.
SPORTSNET: Luke Fox cites colleague Andrew Walker claiming the Washington Capitals are getting closer to acquiring Calgary Flames winger Curtis Glencross, claiming he will waive his no-trade clause for them.
SFGATE.COM: Ross McKeon wonders if the San Jose Sharks might have interest in Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier. It would not be as simple as swapping Antti Niemi (a UFA in July) for Bernier. McKeon speculates it could cost the Sharks a good young player like Tomas Hertl, Matt Nieto or even Logan Couture.
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH’s Aaron Portzline reports via Twitter: “Told James Wisniewski’s list of 10 no-trade teams was put together in a way to make it more difficult for #CBJ to trade. In other words …teams with no cap room and no need for offensive defensemen were approved, while teams with glaring need/cap room were on no-trade list.”
ESPN.COM’s Craig Custance reports the following via Twitter: “Asking price for Chris Stewart in one negotiation was a B+ prospect. No picks. Not as high as some of the speculation I’ve heard on him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Glencross to the Capitals? If Friedman’s remarks are anything to go by, the Flames want a player in return who can help them right now…Ok, the Sharks aren’t parting with Logan Couture for Jonathan Bernier! Get that out of your heads right now, Leafs Nation! Couture is a player the Sharks will eventually rebuild around…Well, it looks like Wisniewski may have checkmated Blue Jackets management. Well played!…Considering Stewart hasn’t been acquired by anyone despite supposed interest in him from other clubs (hello there, Boston Bruins) earlier this season, it means the Sabres have lowered their asking price, or maybe Stewart isn’t as hot a commodity as we were led to believe.
Personally I want the Sabres to hold onto Stewart. He’d be a great compliment to McDavid or Eichel. Good protection for them provided he’s not going to ask for too much as a UFA. Not sure if he’ll want to stay considering this miserable season but things are about to get better.
There is no way the Sharks are trading Logan Couture for Bernier. That is the most ridiculous rumor I’ve heard all year.
There isn’t much the Sharks would trade for couture in my opinion. Beyond the obvious high end players,
Bernier could be had for less than Couture. The Sharks are looking for a goalie with term so a conditional pick would have to be in the equation.
Sekera to LA, almost a done deal.
Nice move by LA, should be interesting if Voy of is quitter,
Lol let me try again. Nice move by LA should be interesting if Voynov is aquitted.
LOL. He may be both.
Good thing the Kings have had some success the past few years cause the way they are going when this window closes man they are going to be in a mess.
I agree. They will be looking to rebuild in the next year or two.
They are ranked as one of the weakest farm systems by Hockey’s future. They’ll be able to recoup some assets from a trade of Jones but after that it’s fairly thin. They have some major gaps in the future and don’t score all that well during the regular season now. Course any team with Doughy and Quick likely won’t suck as hard as some of the other teams do now.
I’m not sure Doughty and Quick will keep them anywhere near contention. They are going to have to come up with a couple of miracle trades, and flip some bad contracts for some youth. Gaborik, Brown, Carter, Richards will be some VERY tough sells in a trade.
Ya I agree with both of ya, weak in youth outside Pearson and Tifolli, now sending McKewon away who is a real good bet to be a top 4 guy along with their fitst for Sekera? Terrible, in the next year or 2 Kopitar will be close to 10 mill long term and 4 or 5 older guys with 5 6 and 7 mill long term deals? Could be a real tire fire, in the next year or 2.
Looks like a rental IMO
Massive overpayment by LA IMO. I think they will regret this deal down the road and I don’t think that this changes LA’s playoff chances. Sekara is good, but he won’t be back unless the Voynov situation works out in LA’s favor and they manage to deal Richards.
I hear that the 1st round pick is 2015 if Kings make playoffs, 2016 if they do not…
Couture for Bernier??? Where and when are they signing??? (note my sarcasm pls). More like Kessel and at least a draft pick as a starting point (maybe plus Bernier). Couture would look good as a Leaf, but it would take a massive deal to get that done. Realistically Bernier would look good in SJ, and if Hertl was packaged with an A prospect or 2nd round pick then that should be enough.
Kessel plus Bernier for Couture??? Holy overpayment.
Sekeras is a top 4 D man. Helps any teams playoff push.
A mid 1st rounder n prospect is in line easily. LA’s cap management is next yrs problem. Offseason means LAK will be very busy.
Lot of things leading me to belive there is more to the Bernier talk, Nonis scouting FA college goalie in the Beanpot, no real contract talk happening yet, not the first time media outside Toronto mentioning Bernier…hmm
Makes sense to shop Bernier.
Nothin against him but Reimer is good to keep for rebuilding.
Kessel/pick for Couture/Hertl/A-prospect
Sounds ok but IMO Kessel needs to fetch a Top D man or why trade him. Top 5-6 pick this year gets high grade talent n rebuilding process is 2-3yrs tops.
Would love to see bernier and Kessel go to San Jose for
Hertl, mueller a first and a salary dump. Throw in maybe holzer or something for some depth on defence for San Jose and bang. Toronto gets a young centre, a dman and an all important first rounder. San Jose can make up ground in the west with Kane bring out. The arms race and jump into full force with la making a deal today. This will be a last ditch effort for San Jose to win the cup. Both Kessel and bernier would look really great in San Jose and they are young enough to fit with their players even after marleau and big joe are gone. Will keep they relevant.
I should add that niemi could be thrown into any deal too. Toront can flip his expiring contract to someone too.
Get it done nonis. I hate to say it but he has done really well in his two trades so far. Love Zach sill coming back to toronto.
On a side note, does anyone else think that toronto may be able to get Wilson out of Washington in a deal around bozak. Would be more pieces moving I know but it just seems to me that nonis(shanny) is really focusing on high character guys coming back
I was thinking that Bozak would fit good with the capitals, but I’m not sure they’d be willing to part with Wilson. I’m not familiar with him, but seems that they are quite high on him. Kuznetsov is playing a little beyond his readiness as No. 2 C at this point. Bozak could slot in and take some pressure off of him, also allowing him to return to his LW spot.
I think your 2-3 years is very optimistic. Islanders with Tavares have been 5. Oilers with several top picks are no where near competitive yet. I think that realistically you are looking at 5 – 8 years to become cup contenders.
Agree Shtick, I’ve been thinking that Bernier is a good piece for gaining another blue chip prospect or high pick. Some twitter feeds the other day were saying that Bernier’s agent had approached the Leafs and that the starting point was 5/5…On a contender, with space, it’s a fair deal. For the Leafs, no point, not if they won’t be contending for at least the duration of that 5 years…Reimer at his 2.3 is a lot more reasonable for a team that is rebuilding.
Shop Bernier don’t overrate him. Goalies don’t fetch big returns..2015 or 16 2nd rd at most. His play has not been top 20.
They may well move Bernier but I am not sure that get a huge return for him. Not saying he’s not a good goalie, just haven’t seen big returns for goalies for a while now. Bernier hasn’t proved himself as a dominant number one and he’s a pending RFA. I suspect the Leafs could get some value for him but it’s not going to be a stud prospect or first round pick IMO
I dont think he really warrants a huge contract or return, Id be fine just not paying 5 mill to keep him. He is a good goalie but elite and key guy? I dont think so. Replaceable.
Really think Erik Cole could be a fit to help fill the void left in Chicago by Patrick Kane’s injury. Like Kane, he’s also a left shot RW who has 18 goals on the season, he has the speed to play Chicago’s transition game and he has the size to go to the net and into the corners. Would be surprised if Stan Bowman isn’t chatting with Jim Nill to kick the tires.
With Sekera off the market, Vermette unaffordable. I think NY should just stand pat. I don’t see anything out there that significantly improves NY. Maybe add a depth bottom 6 guy but nothing too drastic.
Rangers seem to be a lock for a playoff spot, and don’t have any glaring holes that could be fixed by a rental at this point. May as well stay the course and figure out where Zuc will be next season.
The biggest problems they have is winning faceoffs, and that 3rd pairing of D.Boyle and Moore. I don’t see an easy fix. Maybe Tampa would be so generous and Send us back Brian Boyle for John Moore? ? We’ll throw in McIlRath as a “bonus” …lol
Feeling generous?
Nyr I agree at standing pat but if a deal is needed to fill out the bottom of the roster what about a guy like booth. He fits in well on the bottom six. Go for holzer as a seventh dman. Work a deal for mcllrath. I’d be game for that slow bastard ruining Toronto next year.
Booth is a cast off fringe player at best. NYR can acquire a bottom 6 F easy enough.
Neil, Higgins, Glencross etc
Of anyone out there, I think Glencross is the best fit, but not really a team need. Honestly, I’d stay within the organization for help. Lindberg serves more of a purpose than Glencross.
Problem winning faceoffs?…do the Leafs gotta a guy for you! Bozak is captain faceoff, he is yours dirt cheap. Can put in a few goals here and there, better hands than Jay “the faceoff freak” McClemment who does absolutely nothing besides winning faceoffs…Call now!
I’d rather Bozak, But I like McClements term better.
Rangers have been on an incredible tear for the last couple of months. Doesn’t look like they need a whole lot. They’ll get their tender back for the playoffs and be extremely difficult to beat. They look like a lock for not only the playoffs but winning the Metropolitan the way they’ve been playing of late.
Your boys have been tearing it up. Congrats on a great year!!!! Glad to see the Isles back on the map and heading to Brooklyn! It will be a close race!
I Think Islanders should add a guy like Chara for the playoff run. Boston would love to move him and his contract. I’m Not sure on the Islanders cap space but Chara could help win a cup. Maybe a second rounder and good prospect.
Why does sportsnet link Dion to the Wings?!!! It had to be because there are Leafs fans working for them who have no concept of reality… Like most Leaf fans who post on here. i feel bad for you Leafs fans. Hopefully someday your luck will turn. 😉 Lets Go Pens!!!
Those of you who think the Kings are in trouble have no clue. Sekera is a great fit (fellow Olympian with Gaborik and Kopitar) and Voynov isn’t back with the team regardless of the verdict. Our D is weak without Voynov, Mitchell—because Green and Regher are too slow–and our younger D men are not fully ready. Drew is playing too many minutes and needs help. Quick has been standing on his head during our 8 game streak. Lombardi is smart, Sutter is smart and our core of players has been playing together quite awhile. We have a TON of wekll coached talent–with alot of experience.
Kopitar is Slovenian, not Slovakian.
Couture for Bernier??? So that’s the mysterious rattling sound I heard – those “30 thoughts” in Friedman’s empty skull/