Updates on Nazem Kadri and Dion Phaneuf, plus questions over Ondrej Pavelec’s future with the Jets.
Latest on the Leafs.
Will Nazem Kadri or Dion Phaneuf return with the Leafs next season?
TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons believes if the Maple Leafs didn’t consider Nazem Kadri worth keeping they would’ve ignored his “perceived indiscretions” and simply traded him in June. Simmons claims the Leafs front office likes Kadri’s talent but not his immaturity. Kadri’s recent three-game suspension was to sen him a message it’s time for the 24-year-old to grow up.
Simmons also notes that “three of the general managers I respect most in the NHL — Dean Lombardi in Los Angeles, Ken Holland in Detroit, Jim Nill in Dallas” – all have interest in reviving trade talks for Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf, leaving Simmons to wonder why the Leafs are trying to trade him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Where things get dicey for Kadri is his contract negotiations this summer, when he has arbitration rights. If the Leafs are truly committed to Kadri, will they pony up a long-term deal worth over $5 million per season? Does he even want a long-term deal? Could negotiations require arbitration to settle? And if so, how do the Leafs proceed after that?
As for Phaneuf, I think those rival GMs are trying to see just how badly the Leafs want to move him by trying to squeeze them into taking on a big chunk of his $7 million per season salary while also hoping they’ll take on another bad contract (Mike Richards or Stephen Weiss). If the Leafs stand their ground, I think the interest from Lombardi, Holland and Nill evaporates.
Are Pavelec’s days in Winnipeg numbered?
WINNIPEG SUN: Paul Friesen recently speculated over what the future holds for inconsistent Jets goaltender Ondrej Pavelec. They could trade him in the offseason, though an NHL executive told Friesen that Pavelec’s trade value is minimal. They could buy out the remaining two years of his contract. Though he has an annual cap hit of $3.9 million, “his actual salary will be $4.25 million and $4.75 million,” which could be tough for a budget club like the Jets. If they keep him for next season, they’ll have an expensive backup on their hands.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A buyout is the easiest choice, as the buyout counts as $1.5 million annually against their cap over the next four years. If they’re unwilling to go that route, the other option is to pick up part of his salary or agreeing to take back a toxic contract in return. Ultimately, the buyout seems the best bet.
/start rant
I honestly find Steve Simmons the least credible sports reporter in this market.
The ‘game’ is becoming so obvious that the weaker reporters play. They lobby for a decision and when it happens they argue that decision was wrong. No matter what, for these hacks to sell advertising nothing can be right, even if the steps are EXACTLY as prescribed.
Why would some ask (not this audience I suspect)? Because misery and anger sells advertising in a way that recognition of (any) correct direction and the time required to see the fruits of that direction realized can.
/end rant
P.S. I find Damien Cox to be the most credible in this sphere. Bob McCown on the Fan590 isn’t too bad either. You can tell these gents aren’t worried about trying to create the hottest TMZ drama of that day/hour/minute, they have a longer view.
I don’t get the same vibe from Simmons comment quoted on this sight as you have Joseph, however I do find it funny that he wonders why the Leafs are trying to trade Phaneuf. It really doesn’t matter who has interest or how much interest. Phaneuf could be the best player in the league yet if his management feels the team is stagnant showing little or no improvement or regression and has little chance of future success with the current system/roster then changes are made. I am sure their will be interest in Kessel to. Does that mean Simmons wonders why the leafs would trade him as well or any other player on the roster? They are will likely have interest from respected GMs.
The fact remains Toronto Sucks. As currently constructed. I mean they dropped below Carolina now. I didn’t think they could do that when this all started. Management decided they sucked where they could of kept the blinders up and are making moves to improve their fortunes in the next season and beyond. Trading Phaneuf beyond anything else will certainly change the culture and atmosphere in the room. So why wonder why they want to move him. The answers are endless and the arguments to retain him are bountiful as well. In the end its a decision to be made we just have to wait for time to tell us the right and wrong of it all.
Simmons?
5 days straight of Kadri..
Give me a break…
I’ll go out on a limb now n predict Kadri will be 8 days a week convo.
Trouble with Cox….he sits in TO…really doesn’t watch much of West…but thinks he knows it all
Bob McCown is the only one of his type (panel show host that is) that I pay any attention to since his reaction to things like “I heard that so-and-so could be traded …” is usually met with “who said that?” And if the other person chooses not to reveal the source McCown quickly shifts the conversation elsewhere.
Long time reader, first time poster….lol classic McCown 590 call in comment, agree, he’s good, McKenzie is the only other guy I listen to. Simmons is useless, maybe that’s why Burke gave him crap on his exit interview. Realistically if the leafs take on any of Dion’s salary and take on a player like Weiss or Richards back we’re idiots…I’ve seen worse decisions in leafs land though. Fair deal in my mind is either a first OR good prospect plus later picks, 2nd or 3rd and some salary back (like Richards). What would you guys move Dion for?
Ideally myself, I would like a decent draft pick. 2nd round and a A level prospect. It’s a rebuild why take a player back but if they can bring a bad contract back with not to much term on it say 2 or 3 years than fine do it. They will likely be able to move it near its end point and when this rebuild is starting to show growth.
Let me give you the perspective of a Kings fan for your proposed package. There is ZERO chance I am giving up a 1st, 2nd and Richards for Phaneuf. Phaneufs contract is HORRIBLE, quit over valuing him. You talk about how terrible Richards contract is, but think Phaneufs isn’t just as bad? $7 mill for 7 more years for a 30 year old who is at best a 3/4 d man.
Well if the Kings trade anything for Phanuef than they are the idiots, but I highly doubt Lombardi, who is one of the best GM’s in the league even considers that.
I did say Ideally. Perhaps we don’t live in an Ideal world. lol
if your demanding that return for phaneuf you’ll get nothing for him and be stuck with him for the next number of years i think that the best thing the leafs can do is take back a bad contract that only has a 2-3 years lef and retain some salary and hope to get a 2-3 rd rd pick …otherwise rival gm’s will not help the leafs out at all let’s face it they have the leafs over a barrel and all 29 other gm’s know it!
mitch melnyk from tsn690 is the same as bob mccowan
I rank Friedman, McKenzie, and Dreger as the most credible. McGowan is more one to debate his opinions. He rarely ever comes up with a hockey rumor or insider insight
Friedman, McKenzie and Dreger all got their job’s because DADDY got it for them.
None of them are at all respected or liked.
Bob McCown (who’s retiring soon), Dave Hodge and Michael Farber are the most respected sports reporters.
This is pretty dumb…explain how Bob McKenzies dad got him a job? Went to Ryerson for journalisim, got his first job covering sports in the Soo. While still in college and has been around for 40 years since…now I am no expert or anything but anybody who has been in any 1 single industry that long probably has some credentials, and knows a person or 2 outside their “Daddy”.
Why do you keep insisting on using the word “dumb” whenever someone posts something with which you happen to disagree? I’d love to see you do this to my face.
Easy old man.
So, now we know, you’re another from that unctuous aspect of the younger generation who thinks the minute someone hits senior age status they’re just wasting air. You have NO idea who it is you’re insulting.
Look George I am not young by any stretch, of the imagination, my issue with yourself is your cantankerous attitude, and how you seem to come here only to hone your writting prose, complaining about whatever is in the thread that particular day (alot of days you will find other things to complain about aswell such as threads from other newspapers, people who read certain
newspapers, politics…. ). Its one thing to be
aged its quite another to be old…
You sir are a cantankerous old man.
” … your cantankerous attitude, and how you seem to come here only to hone your writting prose, complaining about whatever is in the thread that particular day (alot of days you will find other things to complain about aswell such as threads from other newspapers, people who read certain
newspapers, politics…. ).”””
Hmmm. And how would you know that exactly? Funny, but you seem to react ONLY when my comments are directed at that Barnum & Bailey organization known as the Leafs or those who somehow think their “assets” are gold-lined.
To paraphrase Bob Loevy: “debating is something fans of the game are expected to do. If the debates are lively and cantankerous, it advances the cause of the public being able to see through the wool being pulled over their eyes.”
Bob McKenzie’s Dad was a “beat reporter” for many many years.
Bob McKenzie’s Dad got Bob McKenzie a job as a “beat reporter” and then went to TSN when TSN was hiring “beat reporters”.
Bob McKenzie’s son is a “beat reporter”. How did he get his job? Want to take a wild guess? LOL!
In any profession with over 40 years experience naturally you get to know a few people.
Can you tell me how Dreger’s daddy got him his job?
McKenzie has worked for the paper in the Soo the Globe and Mail, The Hockey News (Editor & Cheif) The Toronto Star then TSN full time how is that youre daddy getting you your job? He worked for 3 different papers before TSN which started as a 2 min bit on with Jim VanHorne on a televised edition of the Hockey News in the 80s. Then after he left the Hockey news he covered hockey for another news paper…long way off dad getting a beat writter a job at TSN.
I wonder if “Bob” got his job the same way some of the hot CNN women newscasters got thiers
Totally agree – Bob McKenzie has paid his dues and is a credible source of NHL information. I think the same about Elliott Friedman – he is very careful to inform people whether or not his information is on the record. The biggest problem that I see with NHL media coverage is the incredible over – abundance of recently retired players who are not clear on the concept of basic journalism – find the facts, confirm the facts, report the facts. It is really, really hard to listen to some of these guys offer their “expert” opinions. That’s why my mute button gets worn out.
Your comments have no merit.
Nepitism so what its the way of the world n your off base.
MacKenzie is straight up n unbiased n one of the best.
McCowan is more of a baseball guy…he has been around long enough to know some people, and yes does have hockey knowledge, but Id say he is along way off a “hockey” guy.
Know him personally do you?
Never said I did, you know W.C. Feilds?
Nope. In his case all I did was quote one of his favorite catch-phrases – not pretend I could read his mind or had some inside knowledge of his preferences.
McCown has said as much…he is good friends with Paul Beeston, started originally in Blue Jays broadcasts host shows and has a production company that does documentaries on baseball, people who collect baseball merchandise, again not saying he doesnt know or write about some other things but McCowns roots in sports broadcasting/journalisim are in baseball not hockey. Doesnt take having a conversation with him to know this. Iam a baseball fan aswell.
Bob Mckenzie is the one I respect most. Don’t have the time of day for Damien Cox; couple years back when Nathan Mackinnon and the Halifax moose head were playing in the Memorial Cup, his lack of hockey knowledge was evident when he had nothing good to say about Mckinnon until the final game when it was very clear that he was the best player on the ice. Before the jets let Pavelic go they better have a number one because Hutchinson is proven with a sub 900 save percentage in March not to be the answer. No one wants a 3 million dollar backup.
That is true. If Winnipeg does move Pavelic they have to find a replacement. With out knowing who that is it is hard for me to say what they should do. Personally right now keeping him as a back up isn’t the worst option. The hope being his game would improve for one season and they can get something for him. Even a 6th round pick is better than a buy out or retaining salary in a trade. (well unless the player returned is a huge upgrade for the jets.)
Trade him Toronto with one of their first round picks for Reimer. Solves both problems(decent starter/backup, money of the books).
sorry tugboat, I don’t see the jets trading a 1st round pick for Reimer; Chevy done a nice job of drafting and developing and have a couple of solid goalie prospect in the ahl. Connor Huckabee (spelling) will get a chance.
totally agree, Reimer is worth about a 3rd rounder, maybe 2nd if they catch a GM asleep at the wheel.
Depends who is picking I’d suggest but ya I tend to agree with King late 2nd early third is about the going rate. Also would depend on whats involved, never know could be some kind of package where the Leafs include a later pick to move up for an earlier pick if someone was still on the board they liked. At any rate Reimer I doubt would get anything in the first without adding something significant.
Phaneuf is a decent although not great #1 Dman. At 7 mil per he is some what over paid but he would have received more had he left as a UFA.
Accross the board his #’s are decent. Here are the Dman #’s. He’s played 58 gmaes this season. Missed 12 to injury. He’s currently 51st for points, 25th for hits, 60th for blocked shots, 60th for give aways, 60th for take aways, 42nd for shots for, 19th for missed shots, moving him higher up in shot attempts. He sits 30th for total average ice time per game. His shooting % this season is 2.8% 1/2 his career average.
In todays NHL playing on a brutal team those are decent #’s that show him to be a soft #1 Dman. His 7 mil is higher than desired but the market has shown that UFA’s are paid a significant premium over RFA’s. I think we can all agree that salary’s for players are going up. All we need to do is look at Subban, Getzlaf, Perry, Kane Toews etc.
There are currently 15 other Dman in the NHL that make more or similiar money to Phaneuf. Comparing apples to apples is virtually impossible as age, term; length of contract, free agent status, etc all come into play.
Who would you prefer to have. Phaneuf at a decling salary in real dollars at a cap hit of 7 million or Niskanen at a cap hit of 5.75, Orpik 5.5, Staal 5.7, Methot 4.9, MacDonald 5 Carle 5.5 etc.
You just watch what solid Dman on expiring contracts are going to start being paid in today’s NHL. It’s going to be more than 7 million. Boychuk just got 7 years at 6 mil. He has virtually no track record & was late to the NHL having just played over 400 NHL games this season. Phaneuf has twice as many games as Boychuk & is a year & a bit younger?
I find it funny Specter always thinks that no one will have interest in Dion unless we give him away for a bag of pucks.I believe they they will eat a little of the contract or take a bad contract back but I think they will get a first and a prospect for sure.
I say keep Phaneuf. I don’t see why you would want to trade a solid asset that is virtually impossible to replace.
Dump Kessel he’s a cancer.
For the sake of being politically correct Phil has already beaten cancer…I would chose a different set of words to describe him, perhaps not being a leader? He came as advertised, a goal scorer, did you expect him to become the leafs next captain or something?
Hahahahah
Certainly not Captain material, agreed. I’m a Bruins fan & was happy to see Kessel move. I don’t care how many goals he scores, I don’t want him on my team.
There is more to scoring goals as weird as that sounds to winning games. Hall scores, so does Eberle & Hopkins & Yakupov will also be big point producers eventually but Edm is in year 6 to 9 of their rebuild depending upon which 1 their actually on & are no closer to getting better. There is finally a light down that tunnel that’s just starting to flicker.
wOAH, since we talking puns/contradictions…did you just say politically correct???
I find it funny that you’re flat-out lying.
Lyle.
Not sure who your directing this response to?
By following how this comments are being tabbed over I would say Lyle is responding to the lies Man on TV is posting.
Then by reading what Man on TV has posted I conclude I am correct
That’s correct,Jeff. “Man on TV” is flat-out lying. I’ve never said “no one will have interest in Dion unless we give him away for a bag of pucks.” That is a bold-faced lie.
I’ve maintained he has value but his expensive contract makes him difficult to move. I’ve also stated (and reports during and after the trade deadline bear this out) interested clubs want to squeeze the Leafs into taking on a toxic contract or accepting a lesser return.
Thank you.
I have been reading Lyle for well over a decade & have taken him to task on several issues, most notably choice of words in describing players, teams or situations. Brian Campbell, Gary Bettman, the cap, Columbus being a budget team etc & although I don’t always agree he is honest, forthright I enjoy his style of writing.
That’s mighty magnanimous of you. I bet Lyle sleeps soundly tonight.
i think you better put the crack pipe down! the leafs will not get a 1st rd pick and a prospect for phanuef…. the leafs aren’t holding the cards in trade talk with\other gm’s they have the leafs over the barrel and they know it…if the leafs ask or that return you’ll be stuck with him and that contract plain and simple
@MAN
Phaneuf at say 5m/5yrs n he prolly fetches late 1st n top prospect n maybe a roster player at best.
Spector is bang on when its 7m/7yrs. Night n day n a toxic contract FACT.
Homers think what u want but be realistic n IMO when Dion is moved i’ll bet the same homers will sing a diff tune when reality hits.
Not so much based on your choice of words (salary/term)- no offense
Ie. If the Leafs won the Cup with phaneuf would his sal/term still be bad? Is he that bad compared to other similar players/contracts and worse trades in the past, that he’s toxic and no one will touch him.
I’d argue that if the leafs make playoffs within the time frame of dealing phaneuf, then his value goes way up the opposite of now.
If you are referring to dealing him today then he’s worth a top 20 1st or A prospect and 2 mil salary back. Anything less at the moment is dumb unless they just want to get rid of him to highest bidder ASAP
Slow news day –
Getting traded would be the best thing that could happen to Kadri – like he’s the only immature player in the league. Guess we can’t blame that on Carlyle anymore.
I still believe its a bigger message than to just Kadri…we will have to wait and see come contract time, and how he responds. I think it is more about what they will be expecting out of all their players going forward and that there will be consequences to guys who are not putting in professional efforts. Kessel Phaneuf Lupul and someothers are already being viewed as not future parts of their core, there is no sense sitting them and hurting any value they may have going forward in to the summer when they might think of moving them, Kadri is different.
Shticky – you know how I feel about ther Kadri situation, I believe it’s all wrong. They are expecting him to grow up, then they treat him like a kid. Most people who are imn favor of this situation say it’s about time they did something like this. Ok, fine just don’t do it to a player you say is part of your future.
You can slew-foot or hit from behind and avoid suspension, but act immature and you get a multi-game suspension.
Credible reporters:
Bob Mckenzie, Elliott Friedman, Pierre Lebrun, John Shannon, Jonathan Willis, James Duthie and our very own Lyle Richardson
Not credible IMO:
Darren Dreger (knows nothing about the Western Conference), Steve Simmons, Damien Cox, Bruce Garrioch, Larry Brooks, Ryan Rishaug, Nick Kypreos, Doug Maclean, Pierre Maguire, and other Leafs shills.
i wouldn’t put pierre macguire in that group he s very credible and hasmore hockey knowledge than all of those other guys combined
Friedman is the best of the bunch
@Chester
Bang on except maybe MacLean. Your list divides pros from butt kissers.
@Jeff Noel
I should have more clearly broken that up better. I personally just think Simmons is a horrible reporter (in general). The ‘game’ I say that weaker reporters play was a second subject.
The leafs DO suck, nooo question.
I do not however think Phaenuf, Kessel or Bozak do. I simply think that in Phaenuf and Bozak’s cases they’ve been elevated to a level where all they can do is fail, as neither excel in their number 1 roles.
Phaenuf may even garner a 1st, prospect and player in return from Detroit or even LA. Does this mean he’s worth that? Asbolutely Not, but I’d wager it will happen, or very near to that, provided we take back an albatross contract like Mike Richards’.
Happy for the rebuild, and sure if we managed (by fluke/omg its rigged) to get the number one draft pick and C.M. then its an easier argument to keep Kessel, but it’s hard to see Phaenuf and Bozak remaining in nearly any situation. We need futures, and like it or not they can provide them.
@ Joseph
1st off IMO MLSE n Shanahan do not want a toxic contract comin back.
2nd U over rate Dion n use 2 of the most savvy GM’s who will lose it temporarily n overpay.
What will happen IMO is Dion will go to another rebuild team. Eg the Oilers, Buffalo, Carolina etc where they can offer up more reasonable trades. Every other contender n playoff team will not go backwards outta the blue. Leafs will get squeezed like every other teams that has cap issues or tocic contracts. Thats the way of the NHL now.
It explains much why the TDL produced very lite big deals. Semantics when….
The offseason will be a better time to trade is thrown around as nauseam. Nobody claimed Richards for a reason n expect more of it for EVERY stupid contract.
OMFG are you kidding me.
#1 Don Cherry
#2 Ron McClain
#3 Dave Hodge / McKenzie (old/new players)
#4 Any Coach/GM
#5 Peter Puck
#5 The Rest
#10000000000000000000 Steve Simmons for hypocritical,contradicting, exaggerated, non-hockey gossip
I feel MacKenzie was 1st on TV with analytics and prospect reporting and clearly is cream of crop after Coaches Corner.
Hate Cherry all you want but the man sees media “bling” and deals with heart, respect, work and impact to a team not just player skills in addition to motivating while throwing players under a bus…as any coach should do.
He is also an advocate for hockey/family not just reporting “news”