Another list of potential trade-deadline targets, plus the latest on Jordan Staal, James Wisniewski and more.
Another list of possible trade-deadline targets.
NHL.COM: Dan Rosen lists Arizona’s Keith Yandle and Antoine Vermette, Toronto’s Phil Kessel, Jonathan Bernier, Dion Phaneuf, Daniel Winnik and Tyler Bozak, Edmonton’s Jordan Eberle and Jeff Petry, Washington’s Mike Green, Carolina’s Andrej Sekera and Jiri Tlusty, Buffalo’s Chris Stewart and New Jersey’s Jaromir Jagr and Marik Zidlicky as potential trade-deadline targets.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Of these, I expect Vermette, Winnik, Petry, Sekera, Tlusty, Stewart, Jagr and Zidlicky to be playing for new teams after 3 pm ET on March 2. Yandle and Bozak are maybes, as it wouldn’t surprise me if their respective teams wait until the offseason to move them. Kessel and Phaneuf are too expensive to move at this time of the season, though you can never fully dismiss the possibility. Green’s not going anywhere. He’s too important to the Capitals defense.
Are the Blue Jackets shopping James Wisniewski.
Latest on Jordan Staal and James Wisniewski.
NEWSOBSERVER.COM: Chip Alexander noted reports out of Pittsburgh this weekend speculation the Penguins could try to reacquire Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal. Alexander claims Hurricanes GM Ron Francis couldn’t be reached for comment on Sunday.
NBC SPORTS: James O’Brien noted the Columbus Blue Jackets made defenseman James Wisniewski a healthy scratch in their games yesterday against the New York Rangers. It was a puzzling move to sit their best puck-possession defenseman, sparking speculation perhaps a trade was in the works. O’Brien noted TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie claimed the Jackets are willing to listen to offers for Wisniewski. Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen claims there was no pending trade for the blueliner.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hopefully Francis will clarify the situation with Staal, though as a rule GMs usually decline to address trade rumors. The longer Francis keeps silent on this, the more likely it’ll stoke speculation over Staal’s future in Carolina. Despite Kelalainen’s comments, Wisniewski’s name will probably remain in the rumor mill leading up to March 2. He has two years remaining on his contract at an annual cap hit of $5.5 million.
Updates on the Rangers and Islanders.
NEWSDAY: Steve Zipay reports the asking prices for Carolina Hurricanes blueliner Andrej Sekera, Edmonton’s Jeff Petry and Arizona’s Zbynek Michalek are currently too expensive for the New York Rangers. They’re not trading prospects Anthony Duclair, Pavel Buchnevich and Brady Skjei. They could shop one of their second round picks. The Blueshirts are eyeing Colorado’s Jan Hejda and Carolina’s Brett Bellmore, plus they have interest in Calgary’s Curtis Glencross. “Other names being bandied about are centers Mark Letestu (Columbus), Torrey Mitchell (Buffalo), James Sheppard (San Jose) and Kyle Brodziak (Minnesota) and wingers Daniel Winnik (Toronto) and Erik Condra (Ottawa),” writes Zipay…Mark Herrman notes recent injuries to New York Islanders forwards Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen, Mikhail Grabovski and Casey Cizikas. He suggests they shop a promising player like Griffin Reinhart or Ryan Pulock for a veteran forward.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers don’t have a lot of wiggle room under the cap right now (about $1.2 million), so I think they’ll be forced to consider more affordable options for their defense and for depth at center…As for the Islanders, they can add a depth forward without having to part with Reinhart or Pulock.
Latest on the Maple Leafs.
TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby claims the Leafs spirited 4-3 victory on Saturday over the Winnipeg Jets won’t stop the trade winds blowing. “Many players, led by UFA winger Daniel Winnik, centre Tyler Bozak, defenceman Roman Polak and perhaps goaltender Jonathan Bernier could be gone this time next week with the March 2 NHL trade deadline quickly approaching,” writes Hornby.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I doubt the Leafs part with Bernier, as there’s not many decent goaltending options available via trade or free agency. Hornby also speculated over the possibility of Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf being moved by the deadline but I think those moves could take place this summer. Winnik, Polak and possibly Bozak could be gone by the deadline.
Latest Flames news.
CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson wonders where Flames pending UFA Curtis Glencross will end up. “Anaheim Ducks, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Los Angeles Kings, the Nashville Predators and the Tampa Bay Lightning” are reportedly on his list of preferred trade destinations. Gilbertson speculates the Flames are in the market for a depth defenseman and perhaps some help on the wings.
Latest on the Senators.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Ottawa Senators have called up winger Colin Greening in hopes of showcasing him for a trade. Defenseman Patrick Wiercioch and forward Erik Condra are also believed available.
Id add Lupul to the list. Id think hr is almost as likely as Bozak to move, I doubt for much of a return if any but I think, they might mobe on from him and thats a contract I could see them wanting to move worse than Phaneufs.
Lupul will be on the market but he’ll be a tough move to make for the leafs. He’s on a pretty hefty contract and has had constant health issues over the past years. I can see a team taking a chance on him but he won’t get much of a return but the leafs should just be happy to get his contract off the books if they’re going into a rebuild mode. At this point, just getting some players out the doors is the right move, getting anything in return will be a bonus.
Glencross has generated some buzz with some repots saying he’s asked for a trade and others saying he wanted to remain a Flame while others saying he’ll do what management wants but he just wants a say in where he ends up. There’s be rumblings that half the league has shown interest in Glencross so there shouldn’t be an issue trading him. If enough teams get involved, there might be a bidding war to drive up the price but realistically Glencross is support player and will likely get something along the lines of a second round pick.
That being said, if multiple teams have interest in Lupul or Glencross, there could be a bidding war and either/both team could benefit.
Agree Paul thats what I was getting at about little to no return maybe a guy on an underperforming contract coming back to the Leafs, just as an example Raymond and a 4th for Lupul.
That’s actually a pretty good deal. Raymond has been a bust in Calgary. So in terms of numbers Calgary gets a top wonger for 2.25 mil.
If Lupul fetches a 7th round pick in 2017 but the team that acquires him takes his entire contract I think the Leafs will have done well.
Well to bring you up to speed. Raymond and Bouma are 2 of the hottest flames right now.
Calgary does not want older players they want almost NHL ready prospects so go try again.
Raymond is a hot n cold perimeter winger. Calgary had cap room n need of roster players. Burkey knows him well n no grit is part of it.
It was just an example, but since ya feel the need to go there Lupul and Raymond same age close, Raymon has missed (by being a healthy scratch and injury) as much time as Lupul this year yet Lupul has still out produced him. Lupul put up as many points as Raymond last year despite playing 15 games less. Lupuls contract lasts 1 year longer than Raymonds but in terms of actual dollars its last year is only 3.75 mill. In other words in actual
salary the difference the Flames pay is around 9 mill over 3 years compared to 6.25 mill to Raymond over 2, For a player who despite being hurt has out produced Raymond just about every year….not that it matters I
doubt lupul would waive to go to Calgary I was just using Raymond and his contract as an example.
I dare say Greene, Hemsky and Marc Staal will not be hall worthy, but that really had nothing to do with the conversation here. A long string of peoples foggy interpretations /or words being misconstrued and running away with it.
Last comment was supposed to be WAY below here…ooops.
Great now you are really going to confuse ’em.
I like Lupul as a player but I can recall a more injury prone player.
He is a hockey player stuck inside a tennis players body.
Can’t recall a more injury prone player…..
I’ve said many times that someone with the goal-scoring talent of Lupul and his willingness to go the dirty areas would be a welcome addition to any team – including the Leafs. BUT, for a guy who has missed 34% of the games since his first season in Edmonton when he played 81 games – and seemingly always for a different reason – a cap hit of $5,250,000 to 2017-18 is an awful gamble for a GM in an uncertain cap world. If Nonis pulled off that trade – regardless of what he got back – that should be enough on its own to secure his job. I just can’t see anyone taking that chance.
Mario Lemieux played 915 out of a possible 1424. That is roughly 36% of his games missed. Lindros missed a pretty big chunk as well.
Apples and oranges. Both were pre-cap players when all it cost their teams was money.
Not really apples to oranges George. Fergy said he can’t remember a more injury prone player. I answered. Really had nothing to do with the cap, stats, skill etc. Just injuries.
How many games Gaborik missed? Again not saying Lupul will fetch much but maybe could be moved if the deal was right.
Yeah many players are considered injury prone. It still doesn’t convince me that other injury prone players will benefit lupol’so value in a trade.
He is injury prone and other teams will not be looking at lindros, Lemieux or gaborik when deciding to acquire Joffrey lupol.
Maybe injury prone was not the best term , accident prone would be more appropriate, the guy just seems to have bad luck with freak accidents. He does not play a bang and crash game , not a shot blocker just seems to be wrong place wrong time and ends
up on the IR.
Lets add Hemsky to that list. 15 year career 1 full season only 4 seasons of 70 games or more.
Once again, who said anything about trade value or stats? Fergy said…..”Can’t recall a more injury prone player…..”…..I gave him some examples…..It had nothing at all to do with trade value….I also reiterated this in my reply to George…..Reading comprehension…..it’s a beautiful thing.
So is perception when a stand-alone answer doesn’t elaborate.
I was thinking mere mortals when making my statement but both NYR4LIFE examples were good , we can only imagine what kind of numbers Lemieux and Lindros could have put up if they had been healthy.
I guess if you can’t follow the question, the answer may seem blurry? I really didn’t think it was that hard to follow….
I gave 2 examples of rather fragile guys who have both been traded that have contracts somewhat similar to Lupuls. Just depends on whats coming back. I dont think anyone is expecting it to be of any value. A team looking for some scoring 7n the playoffs and a good guy in the locker room may roll the dice on him if its not to costly, its a few years of a caphit, if another cheaper or shorter contract was coming back that wasnt in a teams plan or wasnt working out as expected
its not that far of a stretch.
Lets add Gonchar, Mike Greene to the “recent” list…..have either of these guys come close to playing a full season in recent memory? Crosby has been a little fragile in his career, Marc Staal…..
Yeah I guess I was responding to the conversation as a whole not to anyone particular. As the quote on Paul’s post was. “Lupul will be on the market but he’ll be a tough move to make for the leafs. He’s on a pretty hefty contract and has had constant health issues over the past year”.
So once again. Other injury prone players do not convince me that dealing a particular one is improved by the existence of the others.
Actually, upon further review…Both Lindros and Lemieux both played into the cap era. Lindros 2 years, Lemieux 1. Shockingly none of those combined 3 years were healthy ones…..So I guess it was apples to apples?
Also George stated
I’ve said many times that someone with the goal-scoring talent of Lupul and his willingness to go the dirty areas would be a welcome addition to any team – including the Leafs. BUT, for a guy who has missed 34% of the games since his first season in Edmonton when he played 81 games.
I guess I am not posting my post directly where it should be but to the conversation as a whole.
So my statement is valid.
@Jeff, Was Gonchar not traded THIS year? Is there not a lot of buzz around Mike Greene at the moment? If someone thought Gonchar was a guy to trade for, why not Lupul? After an injury riddled career, even Forsberg managed to have buzz around him when attempting an NHL comeback.
Yes sir they certainly have.
I just think when it comes to players labelled as injury prone. They tend to move on a case by case basis.
I like Lupul. He is a good hockey player and may be able to garner a good return. I think due to the position he plays his contract and the fact he is a guy labeled as either injury prone or accident prone (Pick your term) his value in a trade will be reduced. He does produce when healthy though.
Let HoF voting start for Lupul
@NYR4
Thx idk Lupul n Lemieux n Lindros could be used in the same sentence.
LOL, I can’t even believe I have to explain myself again….. I did say that in this particular conversation that the players were being compared by health issues injury history….Not stats, Skill, Value, etc. I think everyone needs to READ before blurting out after skimming through 10% of a conversation…..
Hemsky, M.Staal, and Mike Greene were all mentioned as well….And I don’t think they are getting in the Hall without buying a ticket.
I never checked the stats but I think David Booth might be injured more often
Gonchar was basically a salary dump though. This is his last year and Montreal got to take a contract off it’s books (Moen’s 1.8 next year). It’s highly unlikely they bring Gonchar back. It will be hard to find that kinda deal for Lupul as he has more term, more money (than Moen) and happens to be very brittle.
Nobody gets injured more the Suge Knight.
I agree with sticky of all the leafs that could be moved phaneuf and lupus are the two players I see they will have to eat some contract. That being said the fact the leafs are rebuilding they shouldn’t be anywhere near the salary cap so they could take on some of their contracts or take other teams bad contracts back to get some good assets.
I don’t think Joffrey has been sidelined by lupus. At least not yet.
Lol a few teams were moving Mumps around. I guess Toronto can move lupus.
Oh boy I funny.
on lupul or any leaf for that matter get lost montreal use your own players your not getting any of the leafs to win anything
I don’t understand why anyone would want Bozak at this point. He seems to disappear on the offensive side of things without Kessel. So I doubt anyone takes him on unless it’s in a package deal or something. He’s a low level second line center right now.
“Bruce Garrioch reports the Ottawa Senators have called up winger Colin Greening in hopes of showcasing him for a trade.” Well, they sure as hell didn’t call him up for an offensive boost.
They likely called him up as a extra body in case of injuries. Letting the guys like prince and plump le stay in the minors for this road trip as calling them up will cause travel issues. I suspect Greening may be riding the pine for the majority of this trip.
Unless Calgary management thinks that their team has hit the wall and won’t make ir into the playoffs, why not keep Glencross for the push and the playoffs?
I get not wanting to n lose assets for nothing but they are not going to get a return for Glencross that is going to help Calgary more right now than Glencross will.
With the development of the youngsters Glencross has been left on the outside looking in. Cutris is not happy with the role givend to him and last week asked for a trade.
I would expect to see Glencross moved today or tomorrow.
Calgary is in a strange spot with Glencross. He helps the team but the games he’s missed this year haven’t hurt the Flames that much because they have players ready to make the jump, especially at LW. Glencross won’t be there next year so they have to get used to playing without him and if they can capitalize on trading him they will. They won’t give him away for a third round pick but if they’re offered enough, they’ll pull the trigger on a deal.
I would expect Curtis to be packaged with a prospect or two for a high end RW prospect that will be able to be in the lineup next year.
I’m surprised we haven’t heard much about the Bruins targeting a player like Tlusty… I realize he’s a left wing and the Bruins have been seeking a right winger but Tlusty is a goal scorer who could play on the top 2 lines and he’s only 26 years old. Slide a left winger over to the right, or try Tlusty out on the right, either way the market for quality scorers appears thin… especially quality right wingers. Bruins may need to use some creativity to make something happen.
With the cap mess PC created in Beantown idk if anyone will help him out from under. PC has to take a hit to make any significant TDL deal. He seems unwilling or unable to do that.
Could Bergevin work a move to bring ‘The Wiz’ back to Montreal?
He fit in well the last time he played for the Habs, and would make a solid second PP pairing.
I would take Wiz back if cbj ate 800k-1mill of his cap hit. 5.5 for him is just too much. It was too much when he signed it and is still too much today. That said, wiz for the 2 yrs left at 4.5 would be worth it to play on Montreal’s 2nd/3rd pairing and PP.
I see no sense to the staal going back to pens unless its both of them which I still see no sense .. probally make more sense if they both where moved to TO
I think Nashville with a glutten of defensemen will make a move for another forward … maybe a stewart or even lupal
this week is most going be very interesting to see who fires the first shots and then watch the rest try to counter before march 2
NY should start looking within the organization for help rather than trading for it. Lindberg, Haggerty, Allen should be seeing some NHL time right now. I think their wish list of Vermette, Sekera are going to be too expensive for rental players.
Didn’t Aaron Ward report that the Hurricanes have reassured Jordan Staal that he was not being traded and it was an unfounded rumor.
He did.
I Doubt very Much Ottawa is seriously show casing Greening. Although they would so so so lové to move him. I would pût money on it that they simply Want The extra forward in case of injure as they are going on a Riad trip.
Lol sorry for thèse typos. Usine m’y wifes tablette and it is auto correct french haha,
Lupul for Glencross?
Then flip Glencross and Polak to PIT for #2 2015, Ehrhoff and Bennett.
CGY gets the wing replacement this year and moving forward in Lupul.
PIT gets the top 9 forward they are looking for and an additional physical shut down D-man that they need for the playoffs and keeps them cap compliant as the move only eats up $400k.
TOR gets a good young player in Bennett, a 2nd round pick and frees up a bunch of cap space for next season.
This GM stuff is EASY!!! 🙂
If Glencross + Pollock could get a return like that, the Flames would just bypass the leafs and make the trade with the pens. Glencross has a say in where he goes because of his NTC and he hasn’t said he’d go to the leafs or pens at this point.
A. CGY does not have a D-man like Polack to give. B. What winger in their right miond would NOT want to play with Crosby/Malkin?? No way Glencross passes up that opportunity. And would CGY be better off with a 2nd rounder and no replacement n the playoffs for Glencross? Definitely NOT!
England or Smid are comparable to Polack, he isn’t anything special. Glencross said he’d like to stay in the west because him and his wife are expecting a child any time now and want to be close to home or only in certain places anyway. As for the Flames being better off without Glencross, it depends. They have players who can step in and who have stepped in while he was injured. They won’t give him away because he’s an asset but if they get enough for him, they’d trade him. He isn’t going to be the reason a team makes or misses the playoffs. He’ll help though but Calgary has players who can move up in the roster that’ll make the loss of him less noticeable. If he was traded for a second, the second helps but they can just replace him with one of their NHL ready prospects and that may help.
There is not a chance that either the Flames go for that deal, or definitely not the Pens…
Right… BC Lupul is a downgrade from Glencross??? Not even slightly. And PIT is GREAT defensively and have n use for a sut down D-man or a top 9 winger… only been trying all year to fill the void left emptied by the blood-clotted Dupuis. Come on man… THINK! Just because assets are coming from the Leafs does NOT mean that they have no value.
Guy, cmon. Lupul has no value. He’s basically David booth/Stephan weise to teams. Got some second line skills to go with a body made brittle glass. No value for Lupul and his 5.25 cap hit for a couple more yrs. if he gets dealt it’s for barely anything or a bad deal going back for prob equal time. If TO ate 1.25 of his cap for the term he’s got some better value as he would be getting paid like a low end second liner, which he is due to health.
You are on glue if you think this will happen.
Some within LeafsNation are bound and determined to unload the walking accident who’s become a cap albatross around management’s neck. For that I don’t blame them – but Jaysaus, they have to be realistic.
im on glue and thought it did happen
damn buzzkillers
Well you can take ernhoff off that lest. No way pens put him in that trade plus Bennett and 2rd pick should be enough plus would rather just have Glencross
You are on crack from every angle but here we go.
Glencross has a no trade clause and if you think for a minute TO is on that trade list you are a glue sniffer.
The Flames are in the market for high end talent (and it is unlikely TO is willing to give up Rielly and or Nylander at this point) to the point they will likely sweeten the trade. They have more than enough role players like the crap you are saying they want.
Polak like defensemen…. Sieloff, Wotherspoon both considered NHL ready of a similar mould.
The Flames have a plans for the Future… so no trades involving older players unless you are prepared to give up young A level prospects..
Lol. Just how are the Flames going to add top level talent? They have nothing to offer and I can’t see anyone with any talent going to accept a trade or sign in that loser’s cemeter .
I’ve proposed trades for my Canucks expecting more than whats realistic but this one takes the cake LOL
Hollywood Hudon please leave. I’m being serious here.
Hey Lyle, from the above list of trade targets, what do you think is the likely out come of Eberle?
McTavish already said they want to build around him and the other young core players so they won’t be trading him unless they get a better roster plyer back – ie it won’t be for the typical suggested package of B prospects and 2nd round draft picks.
I’ll be very surprised if Eberle is traded at the deadline or this summer.
Eberle is young n dynamic. Any trade if he is traded would be huge with D going to the Oilers. I cannot see it happening unless maybe with the Preds. Oilers need NHL quality players now n not more picks.
The only player I am still hearing rumblings on is Hall. Eberle, RNH, and Yak have management feeling warm and tingly.
MacT has said over 80% of the team now will be back next year but the news papers and bloggers in EDM still are pointing to a big trade….
To me the only one that makes sense now is Hall.
Eberle isn’t going anywhere. More of a chance that Hall gets moved IMO.
I would think that the Leafs are looking at moving $$$ more than anything else at this point. Lupul is a good presence in the dressing room, but I don’t believe he’ll be back for another season in Toronto. I can see Pittsburgh having interest in him, and Toronto and Pittsburgh have a history of deadline day deals. Lupul if healthy could look deadly on the wing with either Crosby or Malkin. Yes he has term left, but Pitts can also look to address that in the off season. I think Pitts 2nd round pick and a salary dump could seal the deal.
Bozak could end up in Calgary. Or a bigger (longshot) deal that see’s Kessel maybe end up in Calgary. For a small market team like Calgary, every season has to count, and every opportunity to take a run at the playoffs can’t be ignored. If Glencross is part of a package trade between both teams I could see it happening.
Calgary a small market team? You know Calgary is in Canada right and until this rebuild spent to the cap every year it’s been around. The owners here will spend spend spend,
As for Kessel that’s a long shot IMO, I don’t think he fits with this team.
Lupul doesn’t fit either,
oh no! Nick kypreos just tweeted David Krejci has a knee injury and could cost him the majority of the regular season. No cap space, can’t place him on ltir. Spooner gets his chance to show what he can do a center. Philly and Florida just got a gift. Hopefully youthful enthusiasm has a positive effect on the whole team.
Man this year Krecji can’t stay healthy. Big blow to the Bruins….again….
injured wise players lupal ,gaborik, krejchi, hemesky all seem to get injured a lot not to mention Crosby and to see Crosby fighting the other night makes no sense
if im a gm other then Crosby I don’t think I would trade for any of the above
and they all have like at least 4 yr contract @ 4 mil plus if they where one year contracts maybe but id only be giving a late draft choice or a bag of pucks lol
watching the jets on Saturday night shows that they need energy on the team which they lacked on that night and buff was just average ,myers looks good heck of a trade
stewart to the canucks and Kassian to the habs
If I’m a GM that fears an injury riddled player, I’m more fearful of Crosbys cap hit 8.70 for 9 more years than I am of Lupuls 5.25 for 3 more years. And with all of the new evidence of the long term effects of concussions and multiple concussions (ALS, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, depression, suicide, etc) , I REALLY fear guys who have already suffered multiple concussions at a young age. I think with all the studies coming out, players are no longer going to be willing to take the Lindros route and continue to play. And with all the lawsuits coming out, teams should be VERY afraid of guys who are prone to them.
Before anyone jumps out and thinks I’m comparing Crosby to Lupul….Well …I am. Because no matter how much better Crosby is on the ice than Lupul, they are equally as valuable on the IR or in the press box.
I take Crosby any day n Lupul can carry his gear. Crosby is a marquis cash cow n Lupul is?
Glad u prefer Lupul u would make the Leafs a fine GM.
LMAO…..Talk about taking something out of context. Perhaps you may want to read what I say before spinning something I said around….. What I ended with was ” Before anyone jumps out and thinks I’m comparing Crosby to Lupul….Well …I am. Because no matter how much better Crosby is on the ice than Lupul, they are equally as valuable on the IR or in the press box.”……….Does that translate to Lupul is better than Crosby or worth more in your mind? …..I’m sure people will be lining up to buy Crosby jersey’s if the guy had to retire? LOL…And which contract would hurt a team more…a 9 year 8.7 deal or a 3 year 5+deal? By your comments, I see you would make an excellent Oilers GM, No idea of whats going on or being said around you…… .How many Pronger jerseys, Marc Savard jerseys are being sold over the last 2-3 years? Once again…..Reading comprehension……it’s a beautiful thing!!!
Gordie I don’t think you understood what NYR was saying.
Casual thoughts from a (life long Leaf fan) casual observer.
Lupul said something the other day that makes sense. ‘You can’t blow it up. Then what?’ That is an excellent point.
Most players who make it to the NHL are good hockey players, otherwise they wouldn’t be there in the first place. The Leafs have many good players but is is obvious they are not playing from the same page. But you know, sometimes all it takes is a little fine-tuning to change course. Why not eliminate the negative influences and cliques in the dressing room – regardless of the player’s name and cost. Make the team one unit instead of a few / many. This may go further to a re-build than shaking the team into nothingness.
Perhaps I have my rose coloured glasses on,…
That seems like a more logical step Brian, I agree.
See what the rest of the team can do once you get rid of the problem children. Problem being is that one of them is the Captain, which the Leaf Management have just recently placed a great deal of faith in. To trade Dion now would be difficult and would certainly question the decision making on the Leafs management stream.
BRIAN i totally agree. Idk who or why but the Leafs lack character to face adversity n play hard a full season. 2 steps back a couple times for a key couple players can facelift them. Problem is contracts n other already mentioned reasons need to get buried to move forward. Phaneuf being captain says a lot n not his fault leadership is not abundant. #1 priority is get the D corp on the right path n then build.
The problem is the leafs management have tried everything except changing core players, not once, but 3 times. This is 3 strikes your out for the players, who now have no excuses.
On one hand: they have just rebuilt, they are fast, young, offensive, starting to see prospects transition to nhl, and have 3/4 of a reasonable 1st line
On the other, fans are mad and they went from first to worst 3x.
Mostly likely, the only core players leaving are Lupul (4th+Sal), Bozak (2nd+B Prospect) & finally Phaneuf. Kessel could stay 1-3 years unless a deal comes up worth taking.
After watching the Bruins’ Jekyll and Hyde squad of late I am convinced they will do little at the deadline.The kids looked pretty good yesterday in Chicago and Julien has got to let them play through their gaffes and mistakes.Spooner made a mistake yesterday that led to a Chicago goal but later got an assist on Lucic’s goal.Earlier in the season Julien would have promptly sat him at the end of the bench for the rest of the game.Also Jeremy Smith is one of the top goaltenders in the AHL and has a much better record in comparable games to Subban,I have to wonder if he gets a looksee soon as the B’s backup.I think Paille gets waived next week,maybe Caron too.
If Lupul has little to no value then I see no reason to move him. The Leafs won’t be up against the CAP next year and won’t be competing for a playoff spot. Might as well keep a guy like him to be a good influence on the young kids; he comes in with the right attitude and could be valuable during a rebuild.
The Leafs have no reason to hold back salaries as they will need all the cap room they can get in 3 to 4 years from now.
Wasn’t JVR considered injury prone prior to being dealt to the Leafs? Has he missed a game yet with the blue and white? Lupul has a longer spell of injuries but is a talented top 6 winger who should garner a decent return….ie: Lupul for an underachiever with upside
Lupul has been injured everywhere he has played. I luv his talent n character its too bad injuries haunt him. Salo for my Nucks faced the same issues. Some players just cannot catch a break. Watching the NHL since the late ’60’s we all know players r bigger n faster etc but hitting around the boards n players turtling to protect the puck r my problem with current style of play. Walter Gretzky taught Wayne most injuries r around the boards in the corners so Wayne was quick to keep moving n turn on a dime when in the high injury zone. That does not mean avoid those areas but awareness n early education is needed. Idk about other ppls thoughts but puck carriers put themselves at risk too often n create injuries unto themselves as much as the checker does. When protecting the puck with your body at risk is standard nowadays either more skill n self defence is needed or lettem keep getting injured if not a concern.
Good tidbit Gordie and I agree.
Problem with Lupul is that at this point he has a long term nagging injuries (back) i think and thats why he’s considered brittle.
I love the walter stories, although I haven’t heard many.
One my brother told me was that he’d use a tennis ball instead of a puck for wayne to shoot around rink & boards, because a ball will roll farther than a puck and illustrate the probably trajectory the puck would take. This can then be utilized for offense (be in probable openings or always in right spot) or to avoid other teams defense (path defender would come at puck/hits)
Don’t know if its true, but makes sense.
Seems like a cool tip and a difference maker.
I think Lupul has value in an off season. It’s simply the timing right now. He has term on that contract and injury history. Right now it is the contenders who are buyers and the guys on the outside looking in are selling not buying. All my value of assessments of Lupul are in the here and now. During the summer their will be teams with holes in their line up. Perhaps it would be better if he was a free agent so teams could pick him up for money like Ottawa did with Gonchar and not have to give up assets to acquire him. In the summer the leafs will find it easier to move him, perhaps in a package. He possesses a cap hit of 5.25 million after all and that perhaps is the greater obstacle couple onto his injury history.
Dan Boyle is horrible in his own end of the ice. This guy is nowhere near the player he once was…hated this move when it was made and not resigning stralman… terrible move by sather.
Why is it most NHL trade sights never really have good grasp of what’s really going on in the hockey world? Some are a bit more bolder than others. This site likes to keep safe. Most trade rumors have already been confirmed on TSN before they ever appear in print here. Just a question mind you. Don’t you guys ever have a handle of what’s really going on, seriously? What’s the point of having a hockey site if you can’t nail a few trades now and then?
Thanks for your comments. I’m glad that you’re enjoying the site and its content. I appreciate your patronage.
LYLE keep on truckin with your RUMOURS forum n leave news of trades to the others LOL
I get it its hard doing this with same ol same ol rumours regurgitated ad nauseum.
Nature of the beast in todays media microscope on sport.
Rick, this site compiles trade rumors and then Lyle offers an assessment on their validity. I for one have gained a lot of insight on the cap and player values by visiting. I’m not sure what you are looking for?
Could you further clarify as to which hockey expert on the panel has ever been able to predict an exact trade?
I am curious why you keep coming back with the same statements. Is Lyle a competitor of yours? Do you have your own blog you are trying to support and garner ratings? I have to conclude you are attempting to shift our opinions and move from this site. Why is it you wish that? If you don’t like the reporting on this site why continue to log on here? We can all see how you don’t understand the aspect of compiling existing rumours and giving an analysis on them.
If your looking for a crystal ball of information I am not sure one exist. As the GM of the NHL teams are not even going to tip their hands to each other let alone us.
You would think that if you were going to knock the lack of insight on this page you would provide some insight that you find lacking. Go on, tell us all the trades that are going to happen so that we can see what someone who really knows hockey knows.
Lupul is untradeable unless the leafs hold back $2M
Great comment. Could you further elaborate how this will be beneficial to the Leafs?
mdz just broke a record 201 days straight of trying to stick up for leafs players!!! yaaaaaaaay
well done jello; well done! you have successfully copied a comment I made recently and made it all your own. Insightful and original as always pal. Keep up the good work! Oh and is ‘jello’ a nick name your last girlfriend gave you?
lol just showing you how much of hypocrite you are!!
No need to get ‘testy’ didn’t want to hit you ‘under the belt’
lol its funny listening to hypocrites lol
I will elaborate for him
If Lupul stays u eat a big vontract when he is injured.
U cut bait n move on u get assets that r cheaper n absorb money til its actually time to make a serious playiff push year in year out.
Now ur turn to say what Lupul fetches instead of picking on a statement without elaborating.
I don’t see much of a return for Lupul; which is why one of my other posts today says that if Lupul isn’t worth much then the Leafs should rather hold on to him.
Holding back two million in salary doesn’t make much sense as it limits their ability to hold back on a deal for Phaneuf. The Leafs aren’t going to be close to the cap ceiling next year and might as well make up the cap space with Lupul. he isn’t a bad guy to have around during a rebuild, brings his A game (when healthy). There is no point of moving Lupul out for minimum returns and hold back salary. Lose-lose situation for the Leafs. Now if you tell me that the Leafs hold back 2 million in salary and a Nick Petan comes back as a return then yeah I’m all for moving Lupul and holding back half his salary; but we both know that won’t happen.
I’m not suggesting any possible returns for Lupul. Say anything in return for not holding salary back. If they hold back 2 million then the return needs to make sense with a true prospect coming back, not just a 2nd/3rd rounder.
If Lupul fetches a 7th round pick in 2017 but the team that acquires him takes his entire contract I think the Leafs will have done well.
Uhg…. :s
Not exactly sure how it would work or why but Friedman is saying Boston Pitsburgh and the Habs have some interest in Lupul.
Many will have interest in Lupul. He is a good player when healthy. Its the fact many tend to add that last part when describing him which will hinder any deal. Also I believe he does have value to a team next year who has holes to fill. The leafs will likely get more for him in a deal over the summer than trying to fit his cap hit on one of the contenders who can possibly get someone less prone to injury and/or at less of a cap hit.
I think the above comments about Gonchar or last years Gaborik trade don’t really compare to Lupuls situation. Both of those guys were on expiring deals while Lupul has term and a pile of money left on his. By no means do I think Lupul is impossible to move, but it will be difficult.
To be frank, Bergevin managed to trade Rene Bourque, so there’s always hope for anyone to be moved. Just don’t be surprised if the Leafs are forced to eat a bit of salary or take a bad deal back.
Of they do there has to be something in it for the Leafs or why bother? It would be a move just to make a move, so either a young asset co es back with the bad comtract or no momey will be held for an expiring deal, Again I am not sure anyone gets the part that when hr is healthy he is a very good player, they are not going to trade a good player who gets hurt for a bad one that doesnt….it makes no sense.
I could see the habs going after lupul leafs might eat a bit and the habs will send back a parenteau and bournival something like that
Jagr to the Isles. And I could see the Isles parting with Pulock or Reinhart at some point but not for Jagr (only in part of a BIG deal)or maybe a guy like Hickey. I think Snow is going to try to turn a guy like Hickey (for an example) who was waiver wire into something else when he earns a salary that the Isles don’t want to pay. Let’s face it. A few years from now when these cap friendly contracts that Snow got these guys to sign (Give him CREDIT!!!) expire, it’ll be nice to have guys like Reinhart and Pulock at that same point where Okposo was when he signed.
The Isles might actually try to pry Elias out of NJ, funny as it sounds. For what it’s worth, Elias was one of Tavares’ line-mates at the all star game and might like Elias’ ability to make his line-mates better players.
I think the Lightning and the Habs want a crack at Zidlicky when Sekera gets dealt to someone else.
I’m not sure where Jagr ends up… could be Pittsburgh. Maybe the Isles want Jagr! Maybe Florida wants Jagr!
Comment
when you watch sportsnet or Toronto sports network its laughable
Montreal has to make trades if they expect any chance of going far in the playoffs is the comments the experts are saying now I don’t say a few moves would be good but I also like the team work ethic maybe new bodies might thro it off ….if you watch whats going on Chicago, Detroit, ducks ,pens, LA all have there defiancies , I think there a good half dozen teams that can make a good run in playoffs it all depends on the breaks and the health of the team
just sayin
The east is any bodies game. Injuries and puck luck will play as much a factor as good hockey in deciding who goes to the finals. Montreal has as much a chance of going to the finals as all the rest in the east.
I have more confidence in declaring favorites in the west.
I can’t see the leafs moving Bernier, even tho he is due for a new contract I don’t think he’s going to get anymore then 4.5-5m per year at max as he has not had a good year.
What are the odds the leafs can move bozak or lupul without having to retain any salary. Surprised there isn’t more trade chatter about Reimer being on the move since he requested a trade in the offseason. I know his poor play this year is probably the reason no teams are calling for his services.
I think the ducks are going to make a big splash! They haven’t been playing all that great and injuries are starting to be a factor there. They are more into the rental market where the habs are looking for something players with term
I’ve chattered many times that Reimer could use a change of scenery. Oilers for one place but its a goalie graveyard til their woeful D is dealt with. As for Bernier @4.5-5m/yr he has not earned it maybe 4m/3yr. IMO Reimer is better for the money if D was better in front of him. Move Bernier in a package n dump some salary.
Bernier/Lupul/2nd for
Petry/Yakupov maybe
Whimsical mostly n maybe catch flack but something along those lines.
In my opinion the Rangers need to get rid of Dan Boyle’s contract and his services. He has a huge chunk of cap for a third defenseman at a 4.5 million dollar cap hit. The Red Wings need defensive depth and have the cap space to take on Boyle’s contract. The Rangers need depth at center and some help with their penalty kill, and Darren Helm seems to fit the culture wonderfully. By all means the Rangers most likely would add a later draft pick to make this deal fall through, or add J.T Miller and get a first in return. What do you guys think? The Rangers have a serious cap problem and this aging offensive minded defenseman is not what this team needs.
Dan Boyle has been bad defensively, No question about that. He has also been demoted to the 3rd pairing with Moore/Hunwick and to the 2nd PP unit. All that being said, Do you really want the 3rd pairing to be Moore/McIlrath from here out? They don’t have many internal options on D. Skjei isn’t NHL ready, McIlrath is an AHL 7th d-man lifer, That leaves Allen. Allen is an improvement over Moore, But then we are stuck with Allen/Moore/Hunwick/McIlrath, all left handed shots except McilRath. Aside from that scary thought, AV rarely has 2 left handed d-men out at the same time. Almost never. Which leaves McIlrath / Moore or Hunwick as the 1st option on 3rd pairing….SCARY thought.
I can hear Leaf Nation already LOL
I know its giving away players but its about cap room. Boston n Philly r prime examples of bubble teams in a horrible cap crunch mess. Philly needs D n cannot unload crappy D men. Bruins payed for cup success but PC mismanaged the cap overall. My example of a Leaf/Edmonton trade is intended to entice the Oil addressing immediate need in goal n not guve up too much while absorbing contracts. The Leafs can do fine with cap relief n replace from within n draft picks.
Tweaks or additions could be done if trade makes sense to MacT n Nonis.
I don’t see where your trade makes sense for either team. Why would the Oilers want Lupul? They already traded him away once. Why would the Leafs want Petry who is a UFA at the end of the year? I also don’t think the Leafs have a 2nd round pick this year.
“Why would the Leafs want Petry who is a UFA at the end of the year?”
Why wouldn’t the Leafs want Petry? They need a good defenseman and Petry is nothing to sneeze at. Also gives them a head start on other teams to get him signed.
Leafs end up with Yak n try signing Petry or trade him.
Save cap space n go with Reimer while rebuilding.
Oilers get a true starting G.
Lupul in Yak out.
Top 6 vet for leadership doesn’t matter if back again.
2016 2nd rounder for taking on salary.
It hinges on if the Oilers want a G asap n can take on the salary. Purcell needs to go 1st. Lupul can reinvent his health maybe n settle down the young forwards.
It can end up as:
BernierLupul/2nd
Yak/2-3rd for Petry
Hey Lyle you hearing anything about Kessel for Huberdeau in some kind of package or is this just internet squabble. I would hate to see one of my beloved Sea Dogs end up on my hated rival the Leafs
Be a nice pick up for the Leafs though.
According to Tallon he’s sticking with his kids.
Greening is up to fill a space. That player/contract is unmoveable.
Also they have room after Cowen got suspended for playing too rough in a contact sport. It was a tad late but nowhere near his head. Silly league.
Weircoch is a 50/50 scratch. He’s not going anywhere.
Gryba is well….a great big Gryba. He’s not going anywhere.
Condra is like a Chris Kelly who can’t score. Not even on empty nets – and that’s not a joke. Decent penalty killer. 3rd pick. Gone on deadline day.
Cowen is 6′ 5″ – Jokinen is 5′ 11″ and so having his head impact somewhere near Cowen’s shoulder is virtually unavoidable. Just one more example of a chicken-s*^t league disciplinarian (like Shanahan when he was Bettman’s sock puppet) doling out a suspension for a “lesser light” that would not have been applied had it been a star like, say, Chara. One rule for the ordinary – another for the so-called elite. BS.
Ever hear of a body check or is the grunt to slow to learn after the last time. He coulda flattened him without a shoulder regardless of heights. 6’5″ is his problem to fugure out.
Gordie as long as you don’t believe this has ANYTHING to do with player safety. In any any sport, at any level.
It’s about money. 100%
Liability.
Getting sued.
if the league could have it both ways, NFL/NHL they would. You can’t sue us, sign a waiver please. BAM….all hitting completely legal.
NFL r money chumps n only do something when they have to.
US allows strange crap eg the NCAA.
Sekac traded to Ducks for Smith Pelley?
Also….Toronto police find Phill Kessel media avoidance chamber near tennis courts. Food cache of significant size also discovered in “secret tunnel”