Could the Devils move Patrik Elias this summer? Could the Rangers be forced to trade Cam Talbot in the offseason?
Elias moving on this summer?
Could Patrik Elias be traded this summer?
NJ.COM: Rich Chere reports long-time Devils star Patrik Elias is currently centering a line with Dainius Zubrus and Stephen Gionta, leaving him to wonder if he’ll be asked to play a fourth-line role next season, the final one of his current contract. “If they want to play me on the fourth line, I’m not willing to do that,” Elias told NJ Advance Media. “I think that’s a conversation I’m going to have after this season. I know what I’m capable of.” The 39-year-old Elias’ production is down this season, which he attributes in part to the club’s lack of overall offense. “If they don’t want me, they have to let me know,” he said. “I’m sure someone would want me. I’m not worried about that.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Elias intends to discuss his role with GM Lou Lamoriello at season’s end. The veteran forward isn’t the scorer he once was, but he had 53 points in 65 games last season. Elias also has a full no-movement clause but could waive it for a chance to play where he won’t be placed in a checking-line role. He could be an affordable short-term option if Lamoriello is willing to pick up part of his remaining salary $5.5 million cap hit for a decent return. Elias’ status with the Devils could be worth watching this summer.
Could the Rangers move Talbot this summer?
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the New York Rangers may have an issue with the 50-contract limit but are expected to be among the bidders for Boston University’s pending free-agent goaltender Matt O’Connor, who attended the Rangers’ development camp last summer. Brooks notes current Rangers backup Cam Talbot could depart in 2016 via free agency if he’s not dealt before then, perhaps as early as this summer depending on interest around the league.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Talbot will be a UFA in 2016. Since taking over for sidelined Rangers starter Henrik Lundqvist, the 27-year-old Talbot has been superb, posting a 10-2-3 record. His career stats since joining the Blueshirts last season (26-12-5, 2.02 GAA, .930 SP, 8 shutouts) will have rival teams drooling if he’s made available via this summer’s trade market. The Rangers will be pressed for cap space and have several key players to re-sign. Talbot has a one-year deal worth $1.45 million. Despite his stellar play he stands no chance of unseating Lundqvist as the Rangers starter. If they succeed in signing O’Connor, Talbot could be shopped.
I can see someone picking up Elias, despite the fact he’ll be 40 next season his production hasn’t fully dropped off, would be interesting to see what Lou has in store for NJ, maybe if they miss the playoffs this year they opt for a minor rebuild?
Not sure the interest level on Elias anymore but always thought Detroit would have been a good place for him to play.
Poor mans Jagr.
I can see Elias fitting in with many teams as a 2nd/3rd line forward. Be interesting if the Devils let him go.
Pretty sure if he is a 4th liner for the devils, he won’t be a 2nd liner for anybody,
Agreed. Elias has been a class act his whole career and even self-deprecating (inc. regarding his attendance at the all-star game).
However, I think he’s in for a shock. Even if he gets traded, I’m pretty sure he’ll slide down any team’s depth chart pretty quickly at this point.
I foresee him getting his trade… and then retiring mid-season once he becomes a healthy scratch / 4th-liner with his new team.
He’d be an huge upgrade over Legwand on Ottawa. May not make the 2nd line but certainly lots of PP time.
If I was a goalie with the highly anticipated potential of Matt O’Connor, and many teams wanting to sign me, do I want to go to a team that will be so tight to the cap they will not be able to pay me much, who also happen to have a franchise goalie like Henrik Lundquist who will continue to hold the net for as long as he wants, or a team that will spend to get me and give me a shot to be a starter? I say the Rangers keep Talbot because O’Connor does not sign there.
If I’m not mistaken, O’Conner can’t sign for anymore than an ELC deal no matter where he signs. So I don’t think NY has to worry about being outbid. Unless there are no limits on bonuses? I also don’t know if he will be an automatic starter in most markets….Why not take a back seat and learn for 2-3 years behind Lundqvist?
You are correct about the ELC but yes it is the bonus money I was thinking could get crazy. While he would learn a ton from Henrik, I just think he will be advised and persuaded to go where he thinks he will get a chance to play sooner, but who knows…
I know-its the never ending issue-but O’Conner makes sense with the flyers as Emery going to be gone, and he will have a chance to compete for the back up and play for 25-35 games.
According to what you read, O’Connor isn’t even the best potential U.S. college free agent out there. Another goalie, C.J. Motte at Ferris State is rated just as highly, and then there’s 6′ 3″ 205-lb RW Casey Bailey at Penn State who Buffalo is chasing hotly, Bobby Baun’s grandson Kyle, a big winger at Colgate, 6′ 2″ 194-lp D Drew Brevig at Ohio State, diminutive but fast and skilled 5′ 9″ C Austin Czarnik at Miami U, 6′ 200-lb C Daniel Doremus at Denver, and 6′ 2″ 205-lb D Kenny Morrison at Western Michigan.
Thanks for the info. An odd FA turns out to be a real find, the Matt Reads, Tyler Bozaks etc-with the gold standard being Adam Oates.
Elias has had a stellar career , very good 2 way player , clutch in the playoffs , could play pp, pk you name it. He is also capable of playing both center and wing. Pretty comparable numbers to Alfredsson , a bit less point production but 2 cups. He would be a good 3rd line player for a team who has some young kids who need a solid role model to help their progression. Lou needs to eat some salary and move him in the summer. That or Elias needs to hang em up, playing 4th line minutes in NJ is a waste of his talent and character.
How about Elias in Edmonton?
Elias would help out Edmonton just fine. Help the young guns settle in more n pass on his savvy.
O’Connor is going to go where he can play, not sit behind Henrik and play 15 games / season. Maybe Tim Murray will com eout of his Darcy snooze and make a play. Sabes have a spot for a kid that wants to play now.
Talbot has played like a #1 goalie – he deserves a shot somewhere.
Nobody deserves anything in Pro Sport. Get the oppurtunity n run with it. ELC is the ticket to make his mark.
You are wide right there dude – Talbot has played like a number one and deserves a shot at some point in his career to be a number one. Did it again tonight against the Islanduhs. think he will gladly sit behind the King when he gets the chance to be a number 1? Doubt it