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Is Tyler Bozak the Leafs next trade candidate?
TORONTO STAR: In the wake of the Maple Leafs trading Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli to Nashville, Bruce Arthur speculates over which Leafs could be next to be dealt. “Move Joffrey Lupul? If you can. Tyler Bozak? Please do. One of the goalies? No good reason why not, yet. But only one of them is bringing anything significant back.” Arthur also notes Phil Kessel has to submit a list of eight preferred trade destinations and Dion Phaneuf 10, though they could probably be convinced to broaden their lists. He feels both could be dealt in the summer, rather than the trade deadline.
STARTRIBUNE.COM: Michael Russo suggests the Winnipeg Jets acquisition of Tyler Myers could be seen as a possible replacement for Dustin Byfuglien, who is eligible for UFA status next summer. Russo considers Byfuglien, a Minnesota native, exactly what the Wild need.
DETROIT FREE PRESS: Helene St. James wonders if the Detroit Red Wings can reasonably upgrade at the trade deadline, noting their ongoing search for a right-handed offensive defenseman. She notes it’s not a desperate need and the Wings have over $9 million in cap space. She notes Arizona Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle might be a good addition but the Coyotes could wait until the summer to move him and he could cost the Wings one of their good young forwards plus more. Carolina’s Andrej Sekera would be a good fit but he’s a UFA in July. Other options include Columbus’ Fedor Tyutin (signed through 2016-17) and Edmonton’s Jeff Petry.
THE PROVINCE: Jason Botchford reports the Vancouver Canucks must get younger and deeper without diminishing their depth, speculating they could make at least two trades by the deadline. Possible trade assets include winger Zack Kassian, forward Chris Higgins, backup goalie Eddie Lack, winger Jannik Hansen, center Shawn Matthias and sidelined defenseman Kevin Bieksa. Of these, Botchford feels Bieksa would have the best value, though he doubts the Canucks will move him. The rest could garner prospects, draft picks or a young player or two.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports Jeff Petry’s agent claims he’s had no contract talks with the Oilers and expects his client to be dealt at by the trade deadline. Matheson lists Detroit, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Montreal, Nashville, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay as potential suitors.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Jack Todd notes TSN’s Bob McKenzie’s recent report claiming Canadiens Lars Eller and Alexei Emelin could be trade candidates, but questions if GM Marc Bergevin is actually shopping them, noting how closely the Habs GM plays his cards to the vest. He also points out the Canadiens have plenty of depth in young talent, but also notes they could probably use another top-four defenseman and another scoring forward.
THE TAMPA TRIBUNE: Erik Erlendsson reports Lighting GM Steve Yzerman is believed seeking a defenseman and perhaps a top-six caliber forward, but notes not to read too much into rumors linking him to certain players, noting Yzerman’s tendency to “work off the radar” when working on trades.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: No rumor analysis today, as we’re trying to fix a busted furnace in the midst of a blizzard here on Prince Edward Island. Feel free to offer up your opinions, as always, in the comments section.
Ah crap… good luck Lyle stay warm.
Hang in there Lyle. You’re dealing with heaps of snow – we’re at minus 27 here in Ottawa. I think I’d prefer the cold – as long as the furnace holds up! Re the Habs rumours, whatever they do – if anything – at or before the trade deadline, you can bet Bergevin will be seeking to add SIZE because, outside of maybe 4 or 5 skaters that’s a team of smurfs. Or as Frank Mahovlich once said way way back when he was still a Leafs “we call them Singer’s Midgets.”
Hope the heat gets back to you soon Lyle.
Furnace working again. Snow got under the protective plate over the air intake pipe. Cleared the blockage and now enjoying heat! Wonderful heat!!
mmmmm heat…Good stuff Lyle. Glad it worked out
Now go shovel. 😉
Hear, hear. Glad you have your heat back! (from a wussy west-coaster who hibernates when it goes below zero!)
I wonder who would have interest in lupul or bozak and what they might bring back to the leafs?
Bozak might bring back something tangible from a team looking to shore up their 3rd/4th line C position (he is NOT a 1/2). If Nonis got anyone to take the perpteually hurt Lupul and his $5,250,000 cap hit for the next 3 years, that alone should secure his job.
Agreed with George above. If Nonis can even get so much as a draft pick for Lupul, he should be given an extension on his contract.
I am not sure how you consider a 40+ point guy who takes draws like Bozak a 4th line player George, I am not his boggest fan and he is miles off a good 1st line center but Bozak is a capable 2 c maybe a 3 c on teams that are very deep at center (but those are not the teams that would be looking in to Bozak), but more often than not Bozak is a 2 c. Here we go everyone pile on Bozak now.
Well obviously it depends on where he ends up. I said 3/4 and if he went to a team like Chicago, Anaheim, Nashville, Detroit, Pittsburgh etc that’s what he’d be. Going to say, a Calgary or Edmonton or even Ottawa he’d be a 2nd line C for sure.
Way too many love or hate Leaf followers. Bozak is a poor 1 for sure, but a 3/4? Mentioning 4 is just non-sense. He’s a decent to low end 2nd on most teams, including CHI (better than Richards now, Shaw has upside) or DET (better than Helm or Sheahan) who are loaded on the wings. High end 3 on most teams. Would be 3 for sure on PIT or ANA(better than Sutter or Rakell). And who would really take Turris or Hudler (both under 50% on F/O) over Bozak? Poor choices as a 1C all round there
@Matt – Bozak has 10 points more than Helm and 11 more than Sheahan. Helm has a better faceoff % while Sheahan is equal to Bozak. Both Detroit players average 15 minutes per game while Bozak averages almost 20. Both Detroit players make much less money. I fail to see where Bozak is an improvement over Helm or Sheahan. Plus most of this season Datsyuk and Zetterberg have been the #1 and #2 centers for the Wings with Sheahan centering the 3rd line. So basically you have been trying to make a case for Bozak being the Wings 3rd line center as there is no way in hell he would be above Datsyuk or Zetterberg and even Sheahan at 3 is a push.
It better not…go back and calculate how much this Club has wasted through long term contracts, although $$ are not the issue in TO…It has been the pitifully poor judgement of character and not having the foresight of seeing that the key to any Team success is “SYNERGY” and applies to “who” certain players actually played with during their successful years that make them seem better than they are…stop looking at individual “stats”and base contracts on Performance bonus…yes you will not sign everybody however you will discover the Players that actually have Character and play for the love of the game and have a lot of “Cap” space to pick the fruit…
I don’t think trading even Lupul saves his job; Clarkson however, if he can swing that trade……
Disagree on Bozak being a 4th liner. 2C or 3C. If a team is so deep at C that Bozak slots in the 4th slot then that particular team isn’t paying $4.2 million on a term.
Bozak won’t be fourth line C for any length of time within the next three years.
bozak is a 3c on playoff teams and a low end 2c
I agree, the only playoff teams where I see him fitting into the 2nd line is Vancouver and Washington.
Vancouver for sure
Bozak is very tradeable. Bozak is a second liner on a team without depth. Part of Bozak’s issue is he has been asked to go beyond what he is capable of.
To the right team he will warrant a mid round first and a b level prospect.
Playoff Teams with an injured C could become very interested so not Dallas.
Sorry Russ but I don’t see Bozak generating a first from anyone on his own. Franson seemed to have more value than Bozak and got a late first plus a B prospect when the Leafs included Santo and took back salary. He is a 2 or 3 IMO but making 4.5 which is a tad high for a player like that. I suspect the Leafs could get a 2nd rounder for him but would likely need to take back salary so he’ll fit for someone else.
Would the Wild have room for Buff long term? gotta figure Dubnyk gets a deal there Vanek Suter Parise Pommenville, Granlund RFA next year Dumba the year after…I think they would need to send someone packing to make room for Buffs next deal.
There is now way the Jets let Buff leave, and the recent deal with the sabres puts the Jets in a better position to re-sign guys like Buff, Ladd, Trouba and Scheifele. Also unlike Kane he likes Winnipeg and is part of the Minnesota Mafia that exists on the Jets roster.
Buff has been Winnipeg’s best player this year. He has been a pillar on the blueline.
I would expect he will sign an extention this summer. That core in Winnipeg is really tight.
I would be really surprised if Winnipeg lets Buf walk. Production and leadership aside he is the most marketable player on that team. The management team knows exactly what he brings on the ice and to the Jets business brand.
Detroit needs to be a bit more flexible with trades. Understandably, they don’t want to give up a future star but they have to give up something tangible to bring in quality.
A right handed PMD has been identified as a need for a while and they need to move on it. Franson is off the market so maybe Petry is the short term answer. Yandle is left handed and will cost way too much; surprised Marek Zidlicky hasn’t come up as an option for them, in case they are open the a left handed defenseman. He wouldn’t cost much, will probably need to play restricted minutes and be productive on the PP.
Agreed I think Zidlicky would fit in well with the Wings, and Id think would probably be the most affordable option.
With Datysuk, Kronwall and Zetterberg all in their twilight, Detroit is probably doing the wise thing by not mortgaging its future.
It’s all about balance Johnny. Do the Wings think they are good enough to win the cup by adding a piece or two? if so, they should make a move to give it a shot. Not saying they should move blue chip prospects like Mantha or Larkin.
True but with his age I am not sire Zidlicky is costing much in the way of high end prospects which seems to be the main concern. Could be an affordable pick up for a run if they get him for a second and a younger not quite so blue chip prospect. Petry wouldnt cost them much at all I doubt but I am thinking he wouldnt produce near the results Zidlicky would, and I think the price of Sekra would be steep, tho he is probably the most productive of the 3 at this point.
agreed Schticky. A second is the most you would give up for Zidlicky at this point. Petry might be more expensive because he is young and someone Detroit might want to keep long term.
This is where Detroit is better than most clubs. They have a plan and though they are doing really well they are not quite ready to be true contenders for the cup.
Detroit is looking for pieces to take them to the next level. This summer you will see Detroit very active in the UFA market and they will try to swing a significant trade to bring in a promising young impact player.
Detroit probably already has eyes on Sharp, Lucic, and or one of the players other teams are forced to trade due to cap issues.
First off, Zidlicky is a right handed shot. There is no point for the Wings to bring in a defenseman unless they are getting a top pair guy. From the rumors being thrown out there none are really available and the only one I would even want the Wings to part with a good young roster player, a top prospect and a pick is OEL. I wouldn’t pay anywhere close to that for a one way guy like Yandle. Wings PP is tops in the league this season and they play with 4 forwards and one defenseman (Kronwall and Dekeyser being the two defensemen) on both units. The need for the right handed shot is not as bad as it was last season. They have Marchenko right now playing in the NHL with Sproul and Jensen in the minors for the future. I wouldn’t even give a 2nd round pick for Zidlicky or Petry and in any deal they would have to take Kindl since Babcock hates him.
Wondering what trading lack or Kassian will even get the Canucks? I doubt anything that will help them. Lack really doesnt contribute nothing except for that lack jiggle at the end of his wins. Kassian just contributes that ugly toothless grin of his.
well if MB would consider it ….. canucks could get either Tinordi ,and or a couple prospects for Kassian hes just to me what the habs need .
I think you see Kadri and Reimer in oilland for yakupov and Fasth
i doubt bergevin makes that trade as we have brandon prust who does what kassian does bet better and if he gives up tinordi it’l be in a hockey trade where he lands a player like eberle
I could see that happening also John but eberle is another small forward I think the they need some more size and I think kassian could cash in with more points then Prust
What is more size going to do for the Habs? If it’s size and skill great but just getting Kassian because he is big isn’t going to help the Habs. Kassian’s point totals are not so much better than Prust’s that it would make sense to trade Tinordi.
everybody says eberle is small 5″11 isn’t that small plus he can score he’s a perrenial 30 goal scorer he’d give us another with pacioretty that can put the puck in th net and and is a great skater with speed and chracter all things bergevin looks for in a player
Botchford is a moron. He says the Canucks must get younger and deeper without diminishing their depth then suggests trading a bunch of players who are in their 20’s (Kassian, Matthias, Lack, Hansen) or players with limited no trade clauses (Higgins, Bieksa). Of the names mentioned, the only one I could truly see them moving is Lack and that is because of the play of Markstrom in the minors this year and the fact that Markstrom is 3 years his younger. The Canucks were rumored to be looking at Neil and Methot from Ottawa in exchange for draft picks but that was until Neil got hurt and Methot resigned. Outside of that, not hearing much on the Canucks front.
Does Botchford actually read what he writes?
Moron he is!
Depending how bad Edler’s injury is will dictate if the Canucks go into panic mode.
It looks as if it is a shoulder injury from the highlights from the Calgary game. If he is out for longer than a couple weeks the Canucks will have to decide if the playoffs are still a realistic goal. If so they need a big time D man with Bieksa already out.
it could get worse than just Edler and Bieksa being out as Tanev also hit his head on the post against Calgary(i think on Monahan’s goal) and has taken a beating the last 3 games. with Hamhuis having missed as much time as he did without surgery the Canucks depth has been severely tested (even the replacements like Corrado have been hurt). when you consider the lack of defensive help avilable and the possible cost for rentals Vancouver may run out of options and have to play rookies who aren’t ready which would be disasterous.
I think if his injury is significant Vancouver’s playoff hopes are done. With the Kings and Wild charging hard and a Calgary team that refuses to die the Canucks are likely the odd man out.
From my perspective I would really like to see the Flames put some distance between them and San Jose.
Methot just signed 4 year deal
Good move by the Sens. Fair value for an upcoming UFA Defenseman who can play the first pairing.
Ya good deal 4.9 for 4 years, pretty nice deal indeed.
I know some posters don’t think Methot is worth that kind of money but I do.
It’s not about numbers with Methot , he makes everyone around him play better. Nice move by Ottawa , he would have made allot more in the open market. Hopefully his back is healed up.
Like Fergy22 says poster like me don’t think Methot is worth 5 million a season but as a replacement for him seems difficult to get. I was thinking Sekera. I am not upset in the least of the Sens do decide to pay he money to retain Methot.
While Petry to Nashville to fill out the bottom D pairing makes sense I could also see a deal with Buffalo.
Ellis and Stalberg to the Sabres for Weaver and Stewart. It is a much better salary match and helps the Preds now with depth now and the flexibility to decide to retain the guys base on performance or to free up more cap space next year for a bigger deal.
Ellis is surplus now and Weaver is a much better fit for the 3rd D pairing as a more defensive defenseman than Ellis and the Sabres seem willing to take on injured players with upside for next year.
I get the sense that the Preds won’t be trading roster players and if anything will add a rental since they have the cap space to do so. I base that on nothing but a hunch….
The rumour that just won’t go away is Phaneuf to LA. With the Leafs taking Richards off the table, and LA in cap crunch, would J. Williams, a 2015 first, and J. Wheal get it done? LA already has TO’s second so they will still have a decent pick in a deep draft. Williams could then be flipped to Pitts for a second and a contract to balance their cap. Wishful thinking?
Ya pretty wishful I would say I dont think the Leafs get Williams Wheal and a first out of that deal.
@ Start…
Interesting. I think the Kings are in a playoff push now. I wouldn’t have said that a few weeks ago. A few weeks ago I was looking at the draft charts to see what the 13th to 15th picks would land us.
I think Williams is the cog. If Williams seems intent on cashing in and getting a big paycheck, it will be in a new zip code. If they’re close and Lombardi think he can re-sign him then they’ll keep Williams around.
I personally would not give up Toffoli or Pearson. They would be non-starters. If we can give up other picks and prospects, fine.
To get Williams you are the one paying prospects. This guy is Mr playoffs. That’s why he got the payday he did. As long as LA is a contender I don’t believe Williams is available.
What pay day did he get? He’s a ufa.
I was thinking Dustin Brown contract– always get those 2 mixed up for some reason.
Phaneuf for Williams makes less sense then. You are not exchanging term and for an already cap stretched team that’s a problem.
You are correct in the scouting end of things though Aki. It may have started with Phaneuf for Richards but has since progressed maybe to Robidas, or Polak.
Time will tell.
True long term cap wise it probably doesn’t make sense unless they throw richards or now that I look maybe Dustin brown? Like you said he got a big pay day and imo isn’t worth what he gets.
This whole money thing makes things extra murky this year.
Moving any pricey contracts is a risk for the team receiving. LA knew they were always going to be tight this year and now with the dropping Canadian dollar it has made things worse.
They may be forced to do a mini rebuild.
From a leadership side of things Dustin Brown brings a great dynamic and it is something with Kopitar and Doughty that the Kings may be wanting to do anyways.
Lord knows the Leafs could use a great leader.
Jeezus Russ you talk anout bad contracts on the Leafs then say Brown is the antidote for what ails them, it reminds me of that SNL skit… They have a fever and ya know what the cure is?…They need more cow bell!!
Interesting take indeed. I have heard something along those lines as well else where. But do agree that something is going to happen with la and to. Nonis an co has spent way to much time scouting them and Manchester to not have something in the works.
I’m in Southern California. I had to turn the air condition on while driving yesterday as it was 80. That may sound like bragging, but just once I’d love to have snow in the winter.
Lyle, stay warm. Let me know if you want to escape the cold and hit Disneyland. We can drive by the pond and make fun of Ducks fans (both of them).
That’s funny but the last time I went to Disney World, I ran into both Devils fans.
I didn’t think they were allowed to travel together in case there was some kind of accident 🙂
Hang in there Lyle! You guys are getting a doozy of a winter this year! Hope you have a snow blower. I’m hoping the Oilers can resign Petry. He is becoming one of their top D men, and they really need D men. A lot of teams could have used the offence of former Oiler Perron, and they might have gotten more for him had they traded him now. The Oilers have to hang onto their players and can’t afford to bolster Cup contenders for peanuts.
Not sure how it would work, but Jacob Markstrom would be a nice goalie for the Sabres to build around. If they could pull off something where they trade Stewart and end up with Markstrom it would be interesting. They were asking Bruins about Malcolm Subban and Markstrom is far ahead in terms of his development. Maybe it doesn’t involve Stewart and doubt it happens……say what you will about Markstrom but the kid is going to be good somewhere in the NHL someday.
Goalies seem to be so hard to predict. Markstrom was considered a total stud in FLA but then they gave up on him. Canucks got him, seemed like a bust and now he’s playing great. Subban couldn’t stop a football with a snow shovel during the world juniors but now is doing well in the minors. So much seems to depend on a fit between their style, the team in front of them and their headspace.
Phaneuf, Bozak, Robidas, Jokinen (pending ufa) and Booth (pending ufa){17.8 in total year cap hit} to Dallas for Horcoff (pending ufa), Cole (pending ufa), Daley, Peverly (pending ufa and currently ltir){16.55 in total year cap hit}and a conditional pick(s)[if Dallas makes the playoffs then it’s their first rounder if they miss the playoffs then it’s their ’15 and 16′ third rounders. Have fun with it.
Or, if you don’t like that one: Kessel, Phaneuf, Jokinen (pending ufa) and Booth (pending ufa)(18.6 in total year cap hit)to Carolina for Semin, Skinner, Tlusty Pending ufa)and Sekera (pending ufa)(18.425 in total year cap hit)
Cliff, 3 decent roster players and and 2 UFA’s for 3 UFA’s and, conditional third rounders and Trevor Daley? Sorry. Hard to have fum with it its beyond funny. Daley and 2 third rounders for Phaneuf, Robidas and Bozak. No way.
Hmm. Any chance the Leafs could package Kessel & Bozak to the Panthers?
In return, Panthers send Bjugstad (lose a stud C, get Kessel) and… ? Some D-man? (not sure who. NOT Ekblad, obv.)
– Leafs get a young big centre and a d-man (or maybe pick/prospect)
– Panthers get a marquee scoring winger and a #2 centre to replace their lost centre.
Thoughts? (and I’m not proposing this because Kessel & Bozak are BFFs, but rather because it might address each team’s needs!)
BTW, I’m a Habs fan and I think Bozak is very much a #2 centre. So if you think I’m overvaluing him, that’s cool – but it’s not because I’m a Leafs fan! 🙂
Florida is a budget team with almost $6 mil in cap space whose highest paid player after Campbell ($7,142,887) is Boland of all people at $5.5 mil. Mind you, with UFAs Fleischmann, Kopecky, Upshall and Bergenheim freeing up $13,750,000 (if none of them re-sign there) they would have the space to take on Kessel, but I can’t see T alon relinquishing Bjugstad.
Fair enough, George! I imagine you’re right. I just see that they have a couple of great young centres in the pipeline, so might be able to afford giving one up for a prime, big-name scorer like Kessel. (especially if they got a pretty decent centre in Bozak back)
Probably right that they wouldn’t, especially as a budget team, but I’d be surprised if they could get Kessel without including ONE of their young studs.
With that in mind, if Kessel goes, he probably goes elsewhere.
Its floating around they have some intrest but wouldnt part with any of the young guys on the roster…maybe a guy like Campbell (salary) a pick and prospect like Trocheck, Panthers have a decent group of Centers and D.
Flordia has stated we could be interested but we will not give up any of our young studs.
Bjugstad is just that and as far as Bozak goes why would they do it when they are pushing Bergenheim down the depth chart.
I don’t see it.
I think if TO does send Kessel to Flordia it would look more like Dave Bolland, a Second, and Quinton Howden for Kessel.
After signing Bolland in the summer? Eehh I dont know about that or how much some of Torontos mngmt would be to eager to bring Bolland back at quite a bit more than they wanted to pay him, and him missing another 20 or so games out of 50, a salary dump injured player a second and a prospect wont happen…again they are not just giving him away.
I agree Shticky but much of the interest shown in Phil’s direction is bargain hunting GM’s. With the statement we will trade but not for one of our studs you have to know Tallon is bargain hunting.
I know many Leaf fans want Kessel on the rails out but it is doubtful TO will get his value this year. Nonis emphasizes if they don’t get value they are not moving.
The only exception to the value expectation will be Phaneuf but that is a leadership thing.
I’m wondering if Buffalo would be interested in a draft day trade with our northern neighbors. Buffalo desperately needs a RW to play with Kane. Does Hodgeson, Grigorenko and a pick get us Kessel?? They would have to eat salary but this offers them a fresh start at a rebuild and accelerates Buffalo’s…..plus Kessel can still live in TO if he wishes. Besides it looks like Murray is in to taking chances and in Kessel he would be taking a big one! High Risk, High Reward. Thoughts??
Bozak is a good 2nd line C on most teams and on a very deep team he would be 3rd C and in that case probably best 3rd line C in the league. Could anyone see Bozak to Van for Kassin(tough young nhler leafs still need players to play and he helps them not score and get lower in draft, also helps with cap number) prospect like shinkaruk and a 3rd pick. Another I would look at is Dion and Clarkson to LA for Richards another salary dump and a 1st or high end prospect. LA needs to get rid of Richards I think he can still play 3rd line for a rebuilding leafs team and they need leaders and vets for the rebuild. Clarkson can play 4th line for the Kings score a couple key goals in playoffs run and his salary offsets Richard better for kings then Richards playing in minors. I know Dion has his faults and people dislike him in TO but Dion would be a beast on a team like LA as a 2nd pairing D, leafs take a salary player back and maybe retain 1 or 2 million so the cap works. Leafs also get 1st rounder or high end prospect to help rebuild.
He is a 2nd liner on a surprisingly low number of teams; a few of the top of my head where he won’t be a 2nd line guy are; Detroit, Boston, Tampa, Florida, Montreal, Anaheim, Chicago, Colorado, Columbus, dallas, LA, NYI, NYR, Minni, flyers, Nashville, St. louis, Pitts, sharks, tampa
The teams where he is definitely a 2nd C are Ottawa, Buffalo, Phoenix, Carolina (E. Staal keeps playing wing) and NJ.
pete…mdz is right bozak is not a 2c on that many teams and as far as bozak for kassian,shinkaruk and a 3rd not happening! clarksons contract is pretty much untradeable even for buying out there is som many bonuses the team wouldn’t save that much per year! the leafs are stuck with it!
As a casual Nucks fan I wouldn’t trade Kassian for Bozak straight up, never mind including more assets. This may well be a difference in valuation disagreement but I think Kassian still has upside, Bozak is overpaid and not a whole lot better than Bonino IMO.
Just heard that Ottawa re-signed Methot at $4.9 mil for 4 years. Now they cross their fingers that his hip/back problems are not the chronic variety. With him, Myers and Franson off the market, who’s the next best potential D available?
Phaneuf, Michalek (Arizona) or Petry (Edmonton)
Also, according to Bob McKenzie, the Canadiens are willing to part with Emelin.
I was thinking more along the lines of pending UFA D. Having said that, I think Bergevin has a better shot at someone taking Emelin at $4,100,000 cap hit for the next 3 years than Nonis has of getting anyone to take Phaneuf and his $7 mil hit to 2020-21.
Michalek and Sekera.
sekera will be the most coveted of all the remaining dmen available
they were reporting on the radio here that the Islanders were interested in Vancouver’s Chris Higgins (31 years old) who has 2 years left @ $2.5 million so if that were to take place it would undoubtedly see him replaced by a younger player.
This is more likely to pick up a defenseman. With Edler and Bieksa down Vancouver needs help now not later if they want a spot in the playoffs.
If the Panthers want Kessel, give us Ekblad, Kulikov and your 2015 1st Rounder. If not, go away!
Geez man, thats not even close to what you would get for Kessel. If the Panthers offer just Ekblad (which they will not) the Leafs should jump all over that. Every Florida game i’ve seen Ekblad has been a monster.
Right now Kulikov, a first and a contract back (bergenheim/Kopecky) would do fine for Kessel.
Today’s rumor mill is dominated by the Kessel to Florida rumor. It’s a new rumor and seems to be picking up a lot of traction. I wonder what actual price will be placed on kessel given his recent cold streak
There is NO way in hell that Ekblad alone is worth Kessel. Just because Kessel is having a god awful year, that doesn’t make his trade-worth. For the past few years, Kessel has been a proven elite goal scorer, on a team that has less stars than those in his scoring ranks.
Difference of opinion but if Ekblad is on the table for Kessel then I would pull the trigger on the deal.
What are you smoking?
Ekblad is worth way more than Kessel.
First Ekblad does not have a stifling contract. Second Ekblad is 18 playing first pairing minutes already. His potential is almost limitless at this point.
No GM would make that trade. Kessel, a prospect and a pick may get you Gubranson but as far as Ekblad not a chance.
These young Stud D-men are the second most sought after commodities behind Star Centers. TO has been trying to garner a first line center for 7 years… and how has that gone?
Ridiculous
Disagree, if thats the best offer you keep Kessel..needs to be a pick and a prospect in there if it means taking salary fine but in no way do you think of moving Kessel for a 4 D a salary dump and a pick. Wont happen, no need for Kulikov with Rielly Gardiner and Percy and Kulikov is not a top pairing, along with Kopecky and Berginhiem. Not enough. I am not saying they will get a 1 C or top pairing D, but if it doesnt involve a pick and a prospect it wont get done. They could take a contract back possibly or hold some salary but they are not just giving him away.
I looked at that again and realize that isn’t exactly a great deal for the Leafs.
What about: Kessel + Holzer for a first, second, Mike Matheson and a salary coming back?
I would do…
To Toronto: Barkov + Ekblad + 2015 1st
To Florida: Kessel + Nashville’s 1st
no way florida gives up ekblad period! stud dman don’t come around very often! mdz the 1st,2nd, Matheson and salary back would be what kessel could expect back
why in earth would talon ever give up barkov and ekblad and 1st round draft choice for kessel and his huge contract
Toronto has to take back one bad contract to make and trade for kessel in the cards
Thats just nutty…
agree matt…the panthers aren’t gonna give up any of there young core for kessel! draft picks fine but I think the leafs would have to take Campbell back in the trade
I seriously doubt that anyone could pry Ekblad out of Florida. I watch a LOT of Panther games. This kid is the real deal. Playing top pairing minutes,puts up numbers, cost controlled and only 19 years old.
Matt, i’m the first to say that Ekbland + won’t be part of the return for Kessel but to say that Toronto has to take a bad contract back is just as bad as the trade proposal of Kessel for Ekblad, Barkov plus. You are making it sound like Kessel is a liability but he isn’t, Leafs can afford to pay him $8 million during the rebuild, they just prefer to stock up on prospects instead. They won’t be giving kessel away.
mdz… the leafs will have to take some salary back when dealing a 8million dollar player its nothing against kessel on ice performance but taking back Campbell for one more year wouldn’t hurt the leafs for long
I must have read it wrong; it sounded as if the proposal was to trade Kessel for a bad contract only.
If Kessel is going to Florida and Campbell coming back then the deal would have to be a bit better for the Leafs; maybe something to the effect of;
Kessel + Robidas for Matheson, 1st (2015), conditional 2nd 2016 which becomes a first if Florida makes the Eastern finals in 2015/2016, Campbell, Bergenheim.
Leaf fans: add Trochek
Non Leaf fans: Leafs hold back 1 million in salary with condition of it dropping off if the cap rises above 75 million
I proposed all that and kinda realized how ridiculous a deal that size sounds; but i’ve put in the work of writing it all out already.
I could see going to Toronto from florida Campbell ,Huberdeau and 2nd round draft choice for Kessell or throw in bozak and get prospect and replace 2nd round draft choice with a first round
You are close but change out Huberdeau for Trocheck or Howden. Flordia has no need for Bozak. They have 12 Centers half of them better.
howden would work instead of huberdeau
I think they would flip him quick (kozak) canucks maybe get Kassian back
Not a hope in hell are you going to get a return like that for a miscontented, uncoachable, lazy, no defence, attitude issued Kessel.
Throw in his salary, and no way in hell.
Detroit is rumored to be interested in Cambell, and has the cap space to absorb him.
Can’t see Florida giving up Huberdeau…he is still on ELC, and has 31 points in 52 games, and is a +3. Career highs in assists and points. He is trending up. Kessel has 47 points in 57, but is a -18.
So you are saying the Panthers give up Campbell, Huberdeau, and a second round pick for 16 extra points.
Use some common sense…this is not happening.
Leaf fans are in total denial regarding Kessel. you just are not dealing with reality as far as your expectations. the only way you might get even close to a 1st, top line player,and a grade A prospect is waiting for the draft and even then youll be either retaining signifigant salary or taking Salary back in the form of a long term bad contract.
$8M may be the going rate for a top scorer, but thats not the entire cost involved for Kessel, an acquiring team has to account for the cost of acquiring him in players and draft picks. Toronto fans continually ignore that its not just money or not just assets…….its BOTH.
until Leaf fans accept that simple fact, you will never accurately assess Kessels value. Shannahan understands that, thats why moving contracts like Franson, Lupul, and Clarkson is so important, its because he knows that he most likely needs to address the salary factor, (either in retention, or by taking a bad contract back) in order to maximize the assets he receives for Kessel.
Shannahan understands this, Leaf fans in general refuse to….. hence they are in denial
In someways I kinda agree Bill, but see heres the thing, if the Leafs somehow msnage to move out guys like Bozak, Lupul or Phaneuf…or say all 3 here is what they woulbe getting in to depending on returns…who is left to play? You want guys to devrlop properly and you are not going to bring up 10 marlies and draft picks next year and become the Oilers or Sabres… And really the cap again dependinding on whats coming back isnt in that bad of shape after they are gone, if you are going to be rebuilding and building properly slowly, you keep him if you dont get exactly what you want because this isnt going to get fixed in the next year or 2 at that point. Move Kessel sure but be picky about it you dont just move him for the sake of moving him, if wins dont really matter for the next while anyway.
I think this is a really tough call. I don’t see Kessel as a great role model to have around a young rebuild and if he’s the best player on the team then he’s going to be part of the leadership group. He’s also not going to be in his prime when the team is ready to compete. The shape he is in now would cause concerns for me with regard to his future production. He doesn’t seem to take great care of himself or have a great work ethic. How motivated is he going to be if all of his buddies are traded away and he knows the team will suck? I agree that he should fetch a good return but he may become a quickly diminishing asset if he isn’t moved fairly soon (this summer at the latest). I don’t think you get someone else’s potential superstar for Kessel either (no Ekblad isn’t being traded). I think you get futures, prospects, picks etc.
Shticky, the problem with that is that if you reslly are rebuilding do you want Kessel scoring enough to keep you as a bubble team, not good enough to win, but not bad enough to get truly prime prospects. also what if Kessel’s attitude to losing is such that it infects your future core?
Yes, you do need veterans to be role models and Mentors, But is that Kessel? I think we both know the answer to that question
Exactly! The rebuild should be thorough, but strategic and executed over a period of several years. It’s not a fire sale. And throughout the rebuild, you still have to ice a full team and you want to provide sufficient veteran shelter for the young guys so they can develop properly. Make the trades when they’re there, but there’s plenty of time to wait for the right deal.
Hi Bill. with regards to:
$8M may be the going rate for a top scorer, but thats not the entire cost involved for Kessel, an acquiring team has to account for the cost of acquiring him in players and draft picks. Toronto fans continually ignore that its not just money or not just assets…….its BOTH.
That’s the same for all players on all teams, unless it’s an unsigned player, which by law you need to pay to employee. So either way you have to give up assets to trade and pay a salary to employee.
Its simple, Kessel’s track-record vs salary is market value, he is an all-star, he is in his prime, he is available, he has a normal salary
If you want a 1st line RW you pay (assets and salary) if not, then draft, wait, and cross your fingers. Same goes for anybody.
In leafs situation, although they shouldn’t need to retain salary, they probably will just to expedite the trade, if they trade him at all
assbackwards, what you dont get is that these teams are NOT asking for Kessel. you’re acting as if teams are clamoring for the opportunity to get Phil, nothing could be further from the truth. No teams are looking to acquire an $8M cap hit in times of a falling cap. whether or not $8M is the going rate for a scoring winger is immaterial, teams dont want to add that kind of drag on their roster.
Every team has RFA’s and young players who will be due a new contract at some point during Phil’s deal. the question is, is it worth losing your own young players, because you foolishly limited your own resources by adding Kessel?
How would Leaf fans feel if they lost Reilly as a free agent because they traded for Patrick Kane? GM’s must be proactive when it comes to cap management or else they wind up cap tight as the leafs are, desparately trying to acquire breathing space.
Nobody Wants that contract period. Nobody. they may put up with it to acquire a gifted scorer, but they absolutely will have to account for the stranglehold that contract adds to their team. you may think they accept it as part of having a gifted scorer but you couldnt be more wrong. that contract absolutely impacts the return. to say otherwise just speaks to how much in denial you are
“In these matters, the only certainty is that nothing is certain”
I agree with you.
It’s like the Leaf fan arguement” The open market rate for Phaneuf would be $7million in Niskanen and Orpik got their deals.
The big difference is it is only money for signing those two as UFA’s. Phaneuf (and Kessel) would cost parts of the roster or the future according to Leaf Fans.
I am not disputing that a goal/ point scorer like Kessel is worth a lot of money. I think probably closer to $7-$7.5, not his $8 mill cap hit or his $10 mill salary this year. At the end of the day, Kessel has had one season where he got above a point/ game: 12/13 he got 52 points in 48 games in the lockout shortened season.
In 2011/12 he got a point a game…82 points in 82 games.
After that, he has not had a point a game in his other 8 seasons, and if you include this year, 9 seasons. He has 459 points in 586 games. He is “difficult” and we’ll leave it at that.
He is going to be a tough trade. He is a little bit overpaid, difficult and needs insulating, and NOT a point a game player.
Other players with $8 million + contracts:
Giroux: 432 points/ 470 games, last 4 seasons PPP(points oper game)
Crosby: 827 points/ 602 games, no seasons below PPP.
Malkin: 584 points/ 569 games, all but one season PPP
Kane: 556 points/ 572 games, 5 seasons PPP.
Toews: 487 points/ 541 games, 1 season PPP, but Toews brings more to the game than points, and has qualities and leadership that Kessel doesn’t have.
Ovechkin: 871 points/ 736 games. all but one season PPP.
Leaf fans, Kessel does not really stand up to other forwards point wise, so stop with that garbage.
Then there is also the salary structure of the team.
Trading Kessel to say the Islanders…who deserves to be paid more…Tavares or Kessel. That puts JT’s next contract starting above $8.
There is so much more to it than stats that can easily be manipulated to make anyone look better or worse.
It’s 70 and sunny here in LA. Good luck with the blizzard!
I would just like to know what people think Patrick Kane would bring back in a trade?
Take your leaf hate/love glasses off and look at a comparable player to kessel with a higher contract and ask yourself what would he get…
Max Pacioretti is a better player to do that with Aki. Kane is a winner. Has proven he is a winner and proven playoff stud so the trades would be skewed.
Max and Phil are nearly identical to a point neither has had a proper star center.
Kane plays on a better team. His stats really aren’t that muh better.. Kessel has put up a pint per game in the playoffs just isn’t on a good team.
Well, I can’t argue that. He LOOKS like he’s put up a pint per game!
Here is an article on the analytics and comparison of the 2.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-phil-kessel-canadiens-max-pacioretty-analytics/
Patches was signed as an RFA after one 30 goal season. Kessel was going to be a UFA.
There is no denying that Patches and Tavares have the best contracts in the league. It hardly a fair comparison since they are signed well below league salary.
Patches’ contract and production makes almost any contract look bad by comparison.
There is the rub Mdz. That is why Patches will be worth more on the open market and will yield a better return.
Vanek was signed as a free agent at $6.5 and is likely a little over paid since he was signed as a UFA.
So what does that say about the Management in TO. This is a theme for player contracts in Toronto and now it is harming the returns on the acquired assets.
Phaneuf, Gardiner, Clarkson, all good players but the money they are making is too high for their production.
The players agents got these guys their contracts did their part but the Leaf management did not do theirs. If one were to look at Fenwick, CORSI and did there character intangibility list none of these players would have been signed for the money they were.
People can spew we that was the going market rate but that is not true. The only way that is true is if you just look at the base stats and not the analytics. CORSI and Fenwick, Offensive, and Defensive zone percentages have been around since before the rebuild started.
Long and short of it is the ownership/ management of the Leafs blew it big time.
the different measurement that most people forget to consider is the proven performance in playoffs. For that factor alone Kane is worth 25% more than an equal non-playoff player.
Kessel for Vanek (Almost identical players)
Kessel and a second round pick because Kessel makes 1.5 m more a season and his contract runs 4 years longer.
Pacioretty for Vanek
Patches for Vanek and a first (contract is better and Patches has huge leadership abilities)
Yeah, no to that from the Leafs
Vanek is the closest player I could find to Kessel in stats temperament and the whole 9 yards.
You don’t build a team around Vanek though he will score a ton of goals and is amazing to watch.
Vanek to gets caught in slumps and can be a little temperamental.
I get you guys love your Leafs and that’s a good thing but Kessel is more like Vanek than he is like Kane, Paccioretty, or Cory Perry.
If Kessel did not have that contract and instead was making 5.5 – 6.5 M he would be much easier to trade but the money makes it complicated.
A Kane trade would bring back less than you think, because once again teams have to account for the cap hit. but even Kane at $10.6 is different because He AND Toews ARE LOCKED UP IN TANDEM. Together they are the core of a consistently cup level roster that is dependent on them as a unit. As they go so go the Hawks.
No one has a clue if Kessel is that kind of playoff performer. his body of work says it might be, but no one Knows for certain
Every team in the league would make room for Kane if he was available.
Don’t be silly.
It goes without saying of course, that Kane’s value to the Hawks, far exceeds any value he might have as a trade piece.
In their current position that is obviously not true for kessel
Recently Ken Holland was interviewed and Mantha and Larkin were mentioned as trade untouchables but Pulkkinen was not which scares me as a Wings fan.
Usually I hate when Holland stands pat at deadline but this year I hope at most he only get this team a tough winger or stay at home crease clearing defenseman that hits like Brad Stuart did when he was with the team which they badly miss on back end.
Resign Matthias 2m/3yrs
Trade all the other Canucks listed no probs.
Kassian only for a hockey trade n keep him is fine also.