Latest on Antoine Vermette and Sean Bergenheim, plus updates on the Maple Leafs, Predators, Bruins, Hurricanes and Rangers.
Who Could the Predators Target?
ESPN.COM: Scott Burnside reports the Nashville Predators are expected to be buyers leading up to the March 2 trade deadline. He reports of rumors they have interest in Maple Leafs defenseman (and former Predator) Cody Franson for defensive depth. Burnside also wonders if they could pursue Arizona’s Antoine Vermette or New Jersey’s Jaromir Jagr for added depth at forward.
THE TENNESSEAN: John Glennon reports the Predators would be well-served to add an experienced quality defenseman like “Ottawa’s Marc Methot, Colorado’s Jan Hejda, Carolina’s Andrej Sekera and Arizona’s Zbynek Michalek.” They could also benefit from depth at center. Glennon suggests “Arizona’s Antoine Vermette, Colorado’s Ryan O’Reilly (if he’s on the market), Colorado’s Daniel Briere and even former Predator Mike Santorelli, now with Toronto.” As for scoring depth, he suggests “Buffalo’s Chris Stewart, Dallas’ Erik Cole (who played for Predators coach Peter Laviolette in Carolina), Carolina’s Jiri Tlusty and New Jersey’s Jaromir Jagr.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators GM David Poile will probably make a move or two to bolster his club’s depth for what he hopes will be a deep playoff run. I don’t expect him to overpay for talent, as the Predators are a budget-conscious club, nor do I think he’ll sacrifice much (if any) of his prospects, draft picks or young players for help right now. He’ll consider affordable options over pricey ones.
Could the Coyotes try to re-sign Antoine Vermette?
Latest from TSN’s Darren Dreger.
TSN: Darren Dreger speculates the Arizona Coyotes could still make a last-ditch attempt to re-sign Antoine Vermette before the upcoming trade deadline. It’s believed the “Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks and Colorado Avalanche” have interest in Vermette, who could command up to $6 million per season via free agency in July…Dreger also puts pending free agents Cody Franson, Daniel Winnik and Mike Santorelli atop his list of Toronto Maple Leafs most likely to be dealt by the trade deadline. He considers percentages of Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf going at the trade deadline to be low.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Vermette believes he’ll get $6 million on the open market, I doubt the Coyotes can re-sign him.
Bergenheim requests a trade.
SUN-SENTINEL.COM: Harvey Fialkov reports Florida Panthers forward Sean Bergenheim’s agent has requested a trade for his client. Bergenheim, an unrestricted free agent in July, has been a frequent healthy scratch of late. Agent Todd Diamond took issue with Panthers’ coach Gerard Gallant questioning his client’s effort.
THE WASHINGTON POST: Neil Greenberg included Bergenheim in his list of five prime players to target at the NHL trade deadline, noting the Panthers forward is seventh in shot-attempt percentage. Other players on Greenberg’s list are New Jersey’s Jaromir Jagr, Toronto’s Cody Franson, Arizona’s Antoine Vermette and Edmonton’s Jordan Eberle.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been rumored for some time Panthers GM Dale Tallon is trying to move some of his pending UFAs to make room for younger players. Maybe Bergenheim will be dealt by the deadline.
Latest on the Bruins, Hurricanes and Rangers.
BOSTON HERALD: Stephen Harris reports with Drew Stafford now off the trade market, the Boston Bruins have to consider other trade options, including New Jersey Devils forward (and ex-Bruin) Michael Ryder or Buffalo’s Chris Stewart.
NEWSOBSERVER.COM: Chip Alexander reports Carolina Hurricanes GM Ron Francis expects to be “fairly active” by the trade deadline. It’s possible Andrej Sekera, Jiri Tlusty, Jay McClement and Tim Gleason (all pending UFAs) could be dealt.
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers have interest in Toronto’s Mike Santorelli but the asking price thus far is “beyond reason.” He suggests Columbus’ Mark Letestu, Buffalo’s Torrey Mitchell, Calgary’s Curtis Glencross and Chicago’s Dan Carcillo (a former Ranger) as possibilities.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Letestu might be the best option if the asking price is reasonable. The Blue Jackets and Rangers also have a trade history.
I don’t doubt that there will be a playoff team interested in Jagr. It should be noted that he will never be on the back-check and will be sucking air by the games last frame.
I think it is the funniest thing when present day Jagr and Hossa are mentioned in the same sentence as “similar.”
Whether Hossa is scoring or not, he is involved in all three zones and always hustling as a defender, besides his strong play with the puck and disrupting opposing puck carriers.
With all dues respect Jagr isn’t willing or able to play that hard. Just saying.
I watch a lot of devils games. No Jagr he isn’t Hossa, but he has bought into the devils system. There if you don’t play defense you don’t play. He is in fantastic condition also. Unfortunately Lou still seems to think they’re a playoff team. Yes that one still baffles me also. At this point i’d like to see a fire sale in Jersey, but the cupboards are pretty bare for any type of returns.
A last playoff run could inspire #68. As a depth forward why not if the price is right
jagr will be on a playoff team this year any team that has issues with the pp will pick him up
Uhhh, Jagr is also 6 years older than Hossa, Jagr is a LOCK first ballot to be in the HHOF, Hossa isnt. Jagr holds 18 NHL records
Hossa does not. Lets not get into awards. However, I believe that
father time is finally catching up with Jagr as his body has so
much mileage on it. Hossa is a really good player, and definite
leader for the Hawks but he is no Jagr.
Hossa’s been remarkable. Helps he’s on a team like the Hawks who seem to play hard all the time. Toews is so quiet but they’ve got serious leadership on that team. Could have been very easy for Kane to wander off the reservation but it never happened.
so what happens tonight if the leafs loose to the habs what fall out will there be
does the blow up start tomorrow
and if they win tonight what happens do they think there on the right track and take a run at being a trying team for the rest of the season trade away there free agents before trade deadline and trade no’s 3, 81,34,45 and maybe even 43 in the offseason hoping to get more
One game won’t make a difference for the Leafs, even against the Habs, win or lose they are already sellers. every game is a showcase to expose the tradebait for the next 3 weeks.
jones is close to chara in overall skill now in a year will be better no way jones for chara happens
The Leafs will probably win tonight. The Habs have made a habit of losing to bottom feeders lately.
Seb has it right, it doesn’t matter how the team does now, just the individuals.
To tell ya the truth, I wouldnt be surprised in the least if following the game tonight the exodus starts, or that there is a deal or 2 on the burner but its Habs Leafs and as a player or a GM you want this oppertunity, it gives the players something to get up for in a rough year allows management to kind of showcase or get one last idea of some of the value of what will be moving, and on the 28th a few days from the deadline it will be close to beginning the evaluation of whats left. I suspect it will be a decent effort tonight, and after tonight the tear down begins. Habs Leafs is never meaningless.
I keep hearing that the Leafs are looking for a second round pick in return for Franson. That’s a little underwhelming in my books. Franson is probably TO’s biggest trade chip(barring a deal involving any of the bigger contract players) so why would they set their sights so low? It’s quite likely that a second round pick is the best they can get for Franson,but shouldn’t they set the bar a little higher and hope someone bites?
I would think the Leafs could more than a 2 for Franson given the need for D around the league. It may not be a 1 as those seem to be very highly valued this year but it could be a 2 and a very good prospect or a couple of picks. The Isles got a second plus for Andrew Macdonald last year and Franson is much better, course this years draft is much better than last years as well.
you have to remember he is a ufa tho and most of the playoff teams wont want to pay 5plus for franson to keep him long term! 2nd and a b level prospect imo
When the Leaf go into full rebuild or retool, I believe the key will be to focus on getting some big tough players to ride shot gun with the young talent coming on board.
The issue with the Oilers rebuild was no muscle to ease the pounding that RNH and Eberle take and have taken. Hall is beaten and constantly injured as he has been forced more into the role than just developing.
Not sure if they need to go with a huge amount of size but what they do need is a plan of some sort. I agree that the Oilers threw their kids to the wolves and didn’t have nearly enough toughness but they also seemed to be just making It up as they went along. The tough part is you don’t get to dictate what’s available in the draft when you get there. There were a couple of times that Snow dropped down in the draft and I thought he was a complete tool (I still pretty much think he’s a tool just not a complete tool). In retrospect he passed on Luke Schenn and a copule of other players that didn’t pan out so well because they didn’t fit. Of course he got Josh Bailey in that draft and ruined him by throwing him into the NHL right away.
Bill,
Trying to compare what Hossa and Jagr do on their respective teams is insane. Hossa plays on one of the deepest offensive teams in the league. He isn’t counted on, to carry the offensive load alone.
Jagr is on a inept offensive team, and he is leaned on to provide the offence. It’s like comparing apples and oranges.
Yes, Hossa maybe a better 3 zone player, but he also has more talent around him.
Jagr is not a terrible 3 zone player, but because of the expectation , that he needs to provide the offence, he does get caught deep in the offensive zone at times.
He is still a good player and has playoff experience, that is why he will be sought after.
Please Boston trade Chara, he’s a diminishing asset and the Bruin are not cup contenders; not sure if they’ll make the playoffs. Maybe Nashville would take him if they’re considered to be in the running for the cup. Seth Jones for Chara. This would give Boston an up and comer, free up cap space to sign our rfa’s in return Nashville gets an old, slow defenseman with his best years behind him and two more years left on his contract. Oh wait I mean an experience, Norris winning Stanley cup champ.
Seth Jones for Chara ?
Ummm , is it not too early in the day to be on what you are on ?
You won’t get Seth Jones or any other young stud D man for Chara.
Seth has 15-20 years left in the NHL. Chara maybe has 5 with all his best days in the rear view mirror.
Nashville also has argueably one of the best d men in the league in Weber.
I am a die hard Bruin Fan and that trade looks wonderful for us. But personally I think you are crazy if you even think it is possible. IMO the B’s are done (Playoffs 1 round maybe) this year and I would rather see them stand pat until draft day and then unload some salary to open up some spaces for young blood next year.
You folks r 2 funny! did you even read the post? a slow, aging dman with term. Hence sarcasm. but hey I throw in mcquaid.
The second they read “Chara for Jones” they didn’t bother to read the rest and just started typing up insults. Well said though 😉
Generally I think thats the way alot of these cats roll…
Scan paragraphs for names hit reply and fire away. Comprehension of words or ideas isnt really a strong suit around here with a few of these guys on most days.
everyone is just so used to leaf fans throwing out stupid trade ideas and not being sarcastic! like franson for nik Ritchie lmao
Maybe they just don’t get sarcasm, kinda like Sheldon Cooper on “Big Bang Theory”.
Seth Jones for Chara???? You’ve been influenced by some (SOME) of those Leafs trade proposals.
I read your post thoroughly and caught on to the sarcasm immediately lol… definitely gave me a chuckle. It would be disappointing to lose Chara or any of our ‘core’ players who’ve been with the organization for a number of years but at this point the team needs change. These changes needed to be addressed in the off season and never were. Problem is we have so many ‘core’ contracts with term, high AAV, and NMC or partial NMC. Eventually P.C. and the front office will need to move a substantial contract in order to address some of the areas of concern… not sure who it’ll be but if I’m a betting man I’d bet between now and the off season that a move will take place involving a key name on the team. We have Lucic, Marchand, Bergeron, Krejci, Chara, Seidenberg, Rask… someone will be moved but with anything I’m sure it’ll be difficult with the NMC that almost every player has. It’s not just about trading an Eriksson, Kelly, Bartkowski, or any of the 3rd-4th line or 3rd line D pairings… it’s about restructuring some of the key areas such as goal scoring, the right wing, and shut down defense.
Hahahahs funny but true the Bruins need to dump Chara now but Chia will never do it he is to loyal to him going back to his Sens days. Bruins really need to part ways with Loui also you can throw Smith into the mix he couldn’t hit the side of a barn if he tried. That would be the whole Seguin trade dealt away
Jager says he wants to play for a team in the East,but,after tonight do the Preds become a possibility?
I don’t see the Oilers making many changes between now and next year. The Oilers are playing and responding much better under Nelson. Hope the Oilers do not repeat stupid and get rid of him the way they dismissed Kruger a couple years back. they must be learning some lessons…right…right?
as for the deadline:
Fasth – if there is a market for him get something. Scrivens/fasth dual is not good enough, one has to go, and I think fasth is the reasonable one to ditch (but I am fine letting scrivens go if that is the better deal)
Petry – I think he must have requested a trade at one pt because all reports seem to indicate he will be gone and none even suggest negotiations to my knowledge. He is a good 2nd pairing dman, but if he is looking for a 1 pairing payday – I am fine with him leaving.
Roy – I think they need to resign him to a 1 or 2 year deal. Certainly they need a better option but they struck our last year, and only fools would think it would be any easier this year trading for or signing a better option. He seems to have good chemistry on the team too, especially Nail – better a bird in hand than two in the bush right? Lander has emerged nicely his a small sample this year too.
Purcell – I think if you can get something, move him. He doesn’t seem to fit well with the rest of the forwards imo. Acquiring a replacement winger in the off season is easy enough.
Hendricks/Gordon – both need to stay. Don’t even consider moving them for picks/prospects. they need more of these fellas, not less of them.
In the offseason I think the Oilers need to knock niemi’s socks off and bring him in on a 3-4 year term. They’ve tried projects and affordable options in net with failure for far too long. I know Niemi is not the second coming but he would be the first legit starter for the Oilers, in like…forever.
Also, I wonder if a disappointing playoffs could intrigue Nashville or st Louis to consider moving one of their Dmen (maybe Josi, Bouwmeester etc). Between the two clubs they have 5 or 6 Dmen that would immediately be #1 in Edmonton and imo capable of the role. Of course Edm would have to make a Hall or Eberle the center piece of their offer.
I agree; Getting rid of Kruger set the team back years, or at least seemed to. I watched the Oilers/Habs game the other night, it was a good game for the Oilers. They always play the Habs tough, but none the less, it was a quality effort against a top team. I think the Oilers are closer than many people think, if they can get their defence and goaltending resolved they will be a perennial playoff threat IMO.
What you saw in that Oilers-Habs game was how Montreal would look if they lost Price for any length of time.
I agree with most of what you say.
I like the idea of keeping Roy around for another year. RNH/Gordon/Lander are good for next year at C. I would prefer that Draisaitl get another year of seasoning and same with McDavid/Strome/Eichel if they get one of them in the draft. That might be tough to do with McDavid. Roy buys them another year of development and is a great influence on Yakapov.
Petty hasn’t asked for a trade. He is waiting to see if the Oilers will offer him a contract.
I wouldn’t trade Hall or Eberle as you suggest. Yes the Oilers need a top pairing D but they are one of the lower scoring teams in the league.
I wish there were better options than Niemi but alternatives like Anderson will cost valuable assets.
I often wonder how much the scoring on the Oilers is impacted by sub average D and the necessity of the forwards to carry the puck out of their own end more than some other teams.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d prefer to keep the kids, but to get value, you have to give value (most often). With Leon, and their 1st pick this year (maybe 2 if the keep Pitts), I don’t think giving up an Eberle, or even Hall for the right Dman will be a negative play.
If their pick this year isn’t top 2 they could trade it and the Penguins pick for immediate help. If their pick is top 2 they could trade Draisaitl and the Penguins pick. I hope they keep Hall & Eberle rather than start over building their offense.
Vermette wants to stay in arizona , he has been saying this all season , and don Maloney wants to keep him , I hope that Andrew barroway lets don resign him, because he is the best coyote game after game !!
the route the yotes are going doesn’t make sense not to trade him before the deadline if they really like him resign him in the offseason but get something young talent pick for him at the deadline
Tough spot for the GM, Vermette won’t be playing anymore when the Yotes become competitive but sounds like the type of player you like to have around. He’s also headed for a bloated contract in FA needing only one boneheaded GM move to make him overpayed and impossible to move.
Question for Spector or Buffalo Fans:
1. Why does Buffalo HAVE to trade Chris Stewart? I get he is a FA after the season, but I have not read why we don’t TRY to sign him? I have not heard that he WANTS OUT – or is a negative in the dressing room. Am I missing the all important reason of why he HAS to go?
2. Now with Kane and a few other gritty wings (Nicolas Deslauriers & Marcus Foligno) we have a nice group of tough wingers to go with some young centers. Am I missing something, why wouldn’t Stewart fit in nicely?
3. Would anyone else like to see Gionta gone? Wouldn’t a Mike Richards look better with our young centers than a Gionta on what appears to be a pretty decent gritty wing group we already have? I have not see a HUGE explosion of leadership from Gionta either! Does anyone else see a high value risky veteran player better playing center for us than wing?
4. Can we trade Cody Hodgson back for Zack Kassian? He looked a lot better in Buffalo than Hodgson. And Hodgson looked better there than here!
Legitimate questions if you ask me, Bart! For one thing, I think the Kane trade pushed their rebuild up a year or two, which means it makes more sense now to sign Stewart than it did a week ago.
I also wonder if they’ve tried signing him to no avail, and that’s what makes him on the market?
My 2 cents!
I like Kassian in a habs uniform 3 or 4th liner gie up bournivall and tinordi
MB that would be a gr8deal
You don’t trade a player with Tinordi’s potential for a fourth liner. Let alone Tinordi and a speedy, hard working, versatile player like Bournival. Habs would regret that one in a year or two.
I think trading tinordi will be a mistake, it would be McDonough (sp) all over again. Especially for Kassian. Vancouver has given the kid plenty of opportunity and it seems he is more a 4th liner than a top 6 player.
Vermette 6mil a year…..BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Leafs need to trade Franson, Santorelli and Winnik for whatever picks they can get in this years draft. Other then that they shouldn’t move anyone else until summer. They want to lose every game possible and what better chance to do so then with the team thats lost 21 of its last 25 games?
Summer time trade everyone you can
Scratch Chris Neil off the list he broke his thumb in the game today, likely happened in a lively tilt with Luke Gadzic.
Why aren’t the Jets mentioned in Antoine Vermette rumours? They need another forward for the playoff run and they are loaded in prospects so grabbing him as a rental would be a great option imo.
Vermette to Winnipeg for 2nd round pick & Kosmachuk??
Considering how hyped the next draft is, which of the top teams could dangle their late late 1st round pick for a playoff rental?
I do not think Chara is available but could Tampa with the say 28th pick or Nashville with the 29th pick, Anaheim the 29th pick make a deal for Chara or similar?
Depth at center for the Preds is a need? Ya and pigs can fly. They have a tonne of centers. They have centers playing the wings right now. The need RW’s more then anything.
I suspect we haven’t seen a lot of movement as teams are still hoping to turn coal into diamonds. Be interesting to see who blinks first, a lot of teams jockeying for spots in the west and teams trying to gear up for the playoffs in the east (standings suggest the east playoff teams are more secure at this point than the west). Interesting to hear that the Leafs demands for Santo are deemed unreasonable. Guess I’m not the only one “undervaluing” this remarkable asset 🙂
Agreed! In any deal, isn’t the idea initially to set your price a little above what you would realistically expect to get, and then negotiate back down to what you originally expected to get? Not a used car salesman, but the same principle applies I would think.