Top-15 popular trade targets, updates on Jaromir Jagr and Marc Methot plus the latest on the Blues and Stars.
USA TODAY: Kevin Allen lists Toronto’s Cody Franson as the most desirable playoff rental player leading up to the March 2 trade deadline. The rest include Arizona’s Antoine Vermette, Zbynek Michalek and Martin Erat, New Jersey’s Jaromir Jagr and Michael Ryder, Toronto’s Mike Santorelli, Carolina’s Jiri Tlusty and Andrej Sekera, Ottawa’s Marc Methot, Buffalo’s Tyler Myers, Drew Stafford and Chris Stewart and Edmonton’s Jeff Petry.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unsurprisingly all but Myers are eligible for UFA status this summer. I expect all but Myers and perhaps Ryder (who’s past his prime) will be moved by the trade deadline.
Jaromir Jagr could be on the move by the trade deadline.
NJ.COM: Rich Chere reports Devils winger Jaromir Jagr expects to be dealt by the trade deadline. He hasn’t approached GM Lou Lamoriello to request a deal.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jagr’s a goner, it’s just a matter of finding the right team and the right return, but he’ll be on the move by deadline day, if not sooner.
STLTODAY.COM: Jeff Gordon reports Blues GM Doug Armstrong could consider adding a short-term replacement for sidelined defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. Blueliners who could become available include Arizona’s Zbynek Michalek, Keith Yandle or Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Buffalo’s Tyler Myers, Toronto’s Cody Franson, Washington’s Mike Green, Carolina’s Andrej Sekera, Columbus’ Jordan Leopold, Edmonton’s Jeff Petry and Philadelphia’s Kimmo Timonen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Forget about Myers, Yandle and Ekman-Larsson, as they’re not going anywhere at the deadline. Besides, they’re too expensive for the Blues in terms of salary and return. It appear the Capitals could retain Green despite the risk of losing him this summer to free agency. The Blues have limited cap space and Armstrong won’t want to part with much. Franson could be out of their price range. Best guess is Michalek, Petry or Leopold. Sekera’s an option if the price isn’t high. Timonen’s health remains in question.
ESPN.COM: Craig Custance believes the Dallas Stars will become sellers by the trade deadline. Custance wonders if the Montreal Canadiens might try to bring winger Erik Cole back as a rental player. Forward Shawn Horcoff is a pending UFA like Cole and could be shopped.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cole’s having a decent year and could be a good addition for the Habs, but I’m not sure GM Marc Bergevin is interested as he reportedly is seeking bigger fish at the deadline.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports time is running out for the Senators and defenseman Marc Methot to work out a new contract. If unsigned by the trade deadline, Methot could be dealt. Detroit, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Vancouver and San Jose are reportedly in the market for a defenseman.
I have said it time and again , the Senators are making a big mistake if they do not resign Methot. He allows Karlsson to play his offensive minded , pinch game. Methot handles the odd man rushes in droves. If they let him go someone is picking up a big shutdown dman , nothing fancy he just gets the job done.
I’m not convinced Methot, can do more for Karlsson than another stay at home man who can play top 2 minutes. It makes sense to me for them to move him if he wants more than 4.5 million as that is top of the line dollar for similar players. Orpik being an exception. Ottawa had defensive problem last year with Methot on the Roster and although Karlsson is playing better now which coincided with methot’s return. Karlsson’s improved play also coincided with the coaching change and there is little happening that proves to me Methot is the reason Karlsson has stabilized and if so little that has happened to prove to me that annother capable D-man who will play for cheaper dollars couldn’t do it either. After all I remember Gonchar doing a decent job and Kuba doing a good job next to Karlsson. Methot is replaceable with a cheaper player however the problem exist, is there a replaement out their the Sens can sign if Methot walks.
Couldn’t agree more. It would be nice to keep him, but he is replaceable. Perhaps the best thing they could do is be on the lookout to bring someone responsible in who can grow with him.
As for Karlsson, a stay at home being paired with him helps, but ultimately, for him to up his defensive game and become less of a liability, they need to bring in coaching staff who will teach him that side of the game. Frankly, I seem him cheating too often with his pinches, but he is able to recover most times due to speed – speed he won’t always have. He’s still a kid and has time to learn how to play a proper two way game – they just need to go about it.
Who would that replacement be Jeff ? Please don’t say Cowan or Phillips they tried several players while Methot was out and no one really meshed with Karlsson. Borowiecki could be the guy in a couple of years but he is not there yet. Mark my words ( no pun intended) if he bolts and goes to a playoff bound team and shows what he can really bring to a team he’ll sign for 5+ next year. You want a top minute dman for cheaper , not much out there. Who do you want on the ice in the last minute of a game when you are protecting a lead , Methot. I’ll rest my case and we’ll see how this plays out.
You are right Fergy22, there is on one on the Sens roster currently that can replace Methot. Which is why I stated that as a problem in my last sentence. Maybe Cleason from the minors can take the jump, not likely though. Perhaps Cowan will take the next step. I’m not sold on him. None of the other options on the Sens roster really have top 2 potential.
I am more thinking along the lines of a trade. You know all those Franson, Sekera, Petry rumours. Although Karlsson shoots right so they will need a left handed shot. Perhaps Sekera would be ideal.
However if they do move Methot, yes they do run the risk of not having anyone to replace him. I just think that it is highly likely that they can find a replacement to fill those minutes as effectively for cheaper dollars but you are correct they can end up doing what the Oilers and move someone with out being able to replace him.
If you don’t feel Methot is worth the money that is fine and he very well might not be but to say karlsonn can play with any other top 2 d is wishful thinking in regards to there being another top d available. They don’t grow on trees and it won’t be easy to just find a replacement
Sorry guess I should have read further down as fergy made my point
I’m not sure if this is good etiquette telling readers of one blog to go get info somewhere else because I really like this rumour mill but go read Jared Cozier’s article on Hockey Buzz.com title. “What is Marc Methot worth and should the Ottawa Senators resign him? He makes a compelling arguement kinda what I am saying and takes those fancy Corsi stats and the Wowy numbers to provide evidence.
However I don’t think the attention span to go through that article is enough because the bottom line in what I posted is stating that if Ottawa does move Methot their may not be anyone else available to replace, my point to all this is a othe drop 2 can play with Karlsson, Perhaps the Sens trade and Sign Sekera, or my dream comes try and they get Oliver Ekman Larson. In the end you must admit 5 million plus for a stay at hom defencmen that provides little offense and can not go on the PP is quite a bit for the budget weary Sens to commit to
Good points Jeff , personally I am not big on CORSI stats but in this case they paint an interesting picture.
And what will you be saying if they do sign him to a multi-year deal at close to $5 mil (that’s what he apparently wants) and he turns out to be another Joffrey Lupul? Always going on the IR, only in his case not from an assortment of injuries but due to a chronic hip/back problem. I realize that injuries are something that can strike anyone anytime, but in his case there is enough evidence to suggest that his problem might be a recurring one. When he’s healthy he’s a decent stay-at-home D type but certainly not a “franchise-building block” and so simply isn’t worth that financial and term risk.
There is always that risk George and if it is a long term injury …. he goes on LTIR and the team gets some relief. I am sure the medical teams evaluation will have input on the risk associated with a longer term contract. Maybe the answer is sign a shorter term contract, prove you can stay healthy. Every GM in the league thinking of signing him is going to have his recent back issues on the table when negotiating. I am not a fan of any contract over 3 years except for franchise players.
Leopold – cannot believe somebody might actually give up something to get this stiff. He’s worth a used puck bag, that’s about it. Classic example of a player you may want until you get him – then you can’t wait to get rid of him.
No way Arizona sends OEL to St. Louis.
Nate Schmidt, a Caps defenseman who has been injured, just got injured again on his conditioning stint in the minors. I doubt Green will get moved given that, you can’t create a gaping hole on D heading towards the playoffs just to get a middling draft pick.
But there are serviceable 5/6 D who aren’t on the list but could be had for a 5th – 7th.
They could replace Green easily should they decide to move him.
The Caps have Alzner, Carlson, Orpik and Niskanen. Green is expendable especially if they can pull a young 5-7 defenseman back along with picks or prospects without hurting them now or in the playoffs. The writing was on the wall for Green last summer when they went out and signed Niskanen and Orpik even if I am of the opinion that both of those were not worth the money that was shelled out to them.
If Jagr is available, I wonder if the Burins have room get him. If and when Boston meets the Habs in the playoffs, Jagr would really help them beat the Habs….but Jagr to the Habs via like last year’s rental of vanik could be a fit too maybe?
I think Jagr would be a great fit in Calgary. Would be nice seeing him play with Hudler and Gaudreau as I think Jagr can complement them nicely. He could also help out their powerplay. Jagr once stated that before he ends his career he would like to play for a Canadian market. I think the Flames would be the perfect fit. He could mentor the young guys, and his leadership could be helpful in the playoffs. I also see him as a good fit for the Habs.
No thanks, not for nothing.
Don’t think the Flames are a fit for Jagr. The flames are a fast up tempo team and that is not JJs game right now (see Iginla in Colorado). I could see him on the bruins
Jagr was a bust in Boston the first time around by the time the playoffs comes around he is out of gas
Maybe that’s why a team should squire him early and rest him a lot before the playoffs??
I don’t think San Jose add Methot to their roster. They’re going to miss the playoffs IMO. They should start trading. Marleau to Toronto?
For whom?
If the Leafs start rebuild or resetting or whatever you want to call it, it makes no sense to trade for Marleau. And I don’t think he would waive his NTC to go to the Leafs. And what makes you so sure the Sharks will miss the play-offs?
It could be Jagr’s last season, so i’d like to see him in a Pens uniform for a last run at the cup.
I was thinking the exact same thing before I read your comment. I just don’t see it happening, which is sad because it is where he should end his career.
He was welcome to do just that 2 years ago when he talked up about how great it would be to come back and do something for Mario and all that. Then he signed with the Flyers. As a lifelong Pens fan since the 80’s, he has lost all goodwill with me and I’d rather not see him back and I am not sad about it.
besides, from a hockey sense, I don’t see how he could upgrade any position on the top 6 for the team anyway.
DO YOU THINK NASHVILLE WOULD BE BETTER OFFIF THEY TRADED FOR SANTORELLI AND OR BOZAK AND WOULD PICKS DO IT THANK YOU.
Yes…all the picks…youre welcome.
NO NEED TO SHOUT! 😉
And I do not see Nashville giving up more than a 3rd rounder for blue line or forward depth. The asking price for Bozak would be too high (even though he is REALLY a #2 or #3 center – NOT a #1 on basically ANY team outside of the Leafs. Sad but true!).
Do you people listen to yourselfs.. You say the most ridiculous things!!! None of your scenarios will ever come true.. Methot is garbage!! Who cares what happens to him. Ottawa needs to get worse if they want to get better. Am I the only person that can see this!!!
Leafs are one of the worst teams in the league!! Why is anyone even talking about them. Leafs are perennial losers!!! Watching them fall apart has been one of the most amusing things of the year.. It will be 5 years before they are even relevant.. ahhaahahahahahahabhahahahahahahahahahahahahahha
I laugh at anyone who is a leafs fan.. They have every advantage possible but they will always get Munsoned!!!! (Look it up)
You’re the only only one I’ve ever heard refer to yourselves as “youreselfs”… funny you should ask do people listen to themselves.
Would like to see Boston grab Cole he’s a good fit there.
If not him Jagr or Ryder but not for more than a third rounder.
Wouldn’t be a bad idea to try to get two RW’s as Smith is sucking.
Cole would be a good fit in Boston. I truly think that Boston will get their man in Chris Stewart though. Boston is just trying to wait out the high asking price. Pretty sure he’ll be had at the deadline for a B level prospect and middling pick.
Shticky is 100% a maple leafs fan.. How embarrassing!! You know nothing