More on the Nazem Kadri circus, the Sharks and Flames could target cap-strapped teams in the off-season plus an update on Antti Niemi.
The Kadri circus.
Does Nazem Kadri’s recent three-game suspension mark the beginning of the end of his tenure with the Maple Leafs?
SPORTSNET: Mike Johnston cites colleague Doug MacLean’s belief the Toronto Maple Leafs have mishandled Nazem Kadri in their public disciplining of the young center for apparent off-ice incidents. MacLean feels the situation could affect Kadri’s contract talks this summer with the Leafs. The center is a restricted free agent and MacLean speculates he could seek a five-year extension worth in the “$5 million per season range.” MacLean believes team president Brendan Shanahan’s recent comments about Kadri hurts the youngster’s trade value if the Leafs were to shop him.
TSN.CA: Jonas Siegel notes Kadri is the Leafs’ best puck-possession player and second-best even-strength producer. He’s also perhaps the most skilled player in the organization who is improving year-by-year and the only high-end center with room to grow.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shanahan says he believes Kadri has a future with the Leafs and that this recent benching is to send a message to the young center that’s it’s time to grow up. Kadri could in the offseason and demands a trade, make contract demands so unrealistic the Leafs have no choice but to move him, or the Leafs receive a trade offer too good to refuse. Still, I doubt they’ll seriously consider moving him. They’re engaging in a rebuild and likely want to keep as many of their good young players as possible. I disagree with MacLean’s assessment that this situation hurts Kadri’s trade value. If anything, it could prompt some rival GMs to inquire into Kadri’s availability. You can bet there are some GMs who believe Kadri could benefit away from the Toronto hothouse.
Latest on the Sharks and Flames.
NICHOLS ON HOCKEY: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes teams with plenty of cap space, like the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames, could target this summer’s cap-strapped teams (Chicago Blackhawks, LA Kings, New York Rangers) who face shedding salary to become cap compliant for next season.
SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS: David Pollak recently reported a group of Sharks players met with GM Doug Wilson before the recent trade deadline voicing support for starting goalie Antti Niemi, who was the subject of trade speculation leading up to the deadline. Niemi was grateful for the support and has been playing better of late. He’s an unrestricted free agent in July and claims he’s more focused on the remainder of this season, though he admits his agent and Wilson probably spoke about his future.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keep an eye on the Sharks and Flames this summer, as they’ll likely employ what The Globe and Mail’s James Mirtle called “the vulture strategy.” If the Sharks decide to let Niemi walk via free agency they’ll be in the market for a goaltender. They could target the Rangers’ Cam Talbot, the Kings’ Martin Jones and the Blackhawks’ Antti Raanta. They’ll also be in the market for defensive depth. The Flames could seek more size up front or depth on their third defense pairing.
It’s time the 30 GMs took off the “gentlemanly” gloves and begin sending out offer sheets to the RFAs of those teams. If they don’t want to go that route, then why does the league retain the “offer sheet” option? What better way to squeeze top teams like Anaheim, Chicago, L.A., Pittsburgh, Boston etc. than to ensure they have to match offers in order to retain their top RFAs, thereby forcing them to deal away some of their better long-term signees. Isn’t that what competition and the goal of parity is all about?
Jeez Ive never seen so many guys who seem sour to be out of the game than the guys around the Sportsnet and TSN and trade deadline this year (Maclean Healy Wilson Kypreos ONeil Ward McGuire)…everyone of them think they are interviewing for a job when ever someone puts a mic in front or em, turns a camera on and says the words “Toronto Mapleleafs”
I’m surprised any of those loudmouths still have a job, especially the Sportsnet guys.
Ever since Rogers received the rights for the NHL TSN’s hockey coverage has diminished. A couple of seasons back there was a constant stream of hockey news. Bob McKenzie, McGuire, and Duffy are almost invisible now.
There really is no quality reporting being done by TSN. I actually find the radio coverage better out west here.
Sportsnet on the other hand is experiencing growing pains and many who joined the network are not being used in the manner in which they anticipated and thus you can feel the tension in the broadcasts.
Roger’s Hockey ratings since the merger are down 33%.
TSN is no longer affiliated with ESPN as ESPN has divested themselves of TSN. TSN’s TV rating and advertising revenue are at all time lows. There have been discussions within BELL about selling the network.
Your welcome.
The TSN crew are better, but content drives advertising and interest, so that might explain why TSN is not as dominant as they were. They have had to sread themselves out to cover other sports to maintain content ( curling, junior hockey) and thus are no longer the face of the NHL. The TSN guys are mostly journalists first, with a few entertaining former players. The Rogers guys are mostly former marginal players (Kypreos, Healey) who love the sound of their own voice, but have nothing much to say. To add to the criminality, the NHL also “won” the bid for the World Cup of Hockey. Dollars trump skill, on and off the ice.
Sorry, meant to say Rogers also “won” the bid
What’s Doug McLean ever won? Someone should bench him and tell him to grow up. Personally I watch hockey with the sound off – more enjoyable that way.
The biggest suck-up of them all is Glenn Healy who’s been looking for a job IN hockey for years.
you should hear the guys from tsn 1200 they’re worse yet
Of course benching him kills his trade value, a similar situation is why Winnipeg was unable to move Kane….having said that they are resigning kadri, he isn’t going anywhere.
Yeah, I don’t get the public humiliation act behind this benching. I can see this going one of two ways, and neither would surprise me….the Leafs resign him to a “bridge” type deal with a modest raise for 1-2 years, or Kadri makes obscene demands in an attempt to be traded out of Toronto
sorry, was being sarcastic as obviously the issues with Kane did not affect his trade value. But they shouldn’t, and won’t trade Kadri. It’s a bigger story than it should be because it’s Toronto and because the team is in the midst of a massive implosion. He’ll get a 4 or 5 year deal and this won’t be mentioned again after this season. Players get benched, players act stupid. If I was a famous millionaire in my early twenties I’d be in worse shape than any of these guys. He’ll smarten up, he is getting a bad rap now when nobody knows what happened. Pat Kane beat up a cab driver nd is now a respected leader on the hawks…these guys are as dumb as anyone when they are young, they just have the fame and money, and usually get away with whatever they want.
Benching Kadri and publicly admitted his off ice issues hurts his value while he is scratched. His value has diminished for a few days. He returns to the ice and his play will reset his value. Making comments regarding the value of a player months from now based on the rare event in a players career holds little water. Yes Kadri may become jaded like from this and hold a grudge, demand an unreasonable cost and the Leafs move him. Maybe he will actually grow up and realize he was wrong. In any case a month is a long time in hockey the draft is a long ways away. Kadri’s play down the stretch will determine his value.
Just some thoughts from a flip flopping know it all. Haha!!!
I have to agree, Shticky. There seems to be no objective reporting on most parts of the game. You have the local telecasters and their colour men attempting to paint every play / penalty as a personal affront against THEIR players. Most descriptions even on mutual contact is ecribed as a great aggressive play by the hometown player, or a blatant unclaaed attack on the hometown guy.
At the national levels, everyone is ALWAYS ready to use their status as a former player to give crital “insight” by way of negativity.
I am starting to think it is similar to the way 24 hour news startions MUST create “news” and report BOTH sides when there is only one true side, what ahs truly happened, not what MIGHT have lead to it, ot what might happen as a result.
I just think the NHL fan base grows and LEARNS if the announcers in all areans and on all national hockey sports desks all just INVESTIGATE the facts and report the facts and not SURMISE, this or that.
I am not opposed to any of the “talking heads” whether they are my favorite seated telecasters or not, saying, THIS IS MY OPINION: I THINK AFTER STUDYING THE TRUE FACTS, THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE “this” happen.
It is is to pile on.
I guess that is why I appreciate a Bob McKenzie, who seems to be able to dilomatically CHOOSE his words well in most NHL “controversies.”
Even enjoy when someone is light-herteded about the “severe incidents.”
I respect the fact YOU media guys played, and have a perscective, but that doesn’t come BEFORE the true fact.
It’s funny you say that, there have been lots of times I’ve been doing something at home and listening to a Leafs game, something will happen and Jim Ralph will make it sound like a player is dead so I’ll go turn on the tv and check out what happened and it’s nothing. I can’t stand the former player ‘experts’ as they are all negative and most were at best 2nd tier players. Healy won a cup mostly because he was sitting in the right place at the right time…at the end of the bench. Kypreos is famous for his ability to not miss the ice when he gets knocked out, but they are both incredibly critical of guys who can actually play the game.
I have not “listened” to an NHL broadcast in well over five years now – I mute the commentary and simply watch the game.
I will, on occasion of taking a bathroom break or heading to the kitchen – or in case of some seemingly ambiguous penalty on the ice – pop the sound back on (to hear the call) but otherwise…? Nyet.
Too much “static” and BS for my liking. My eyes can see quite clearly what’s happening on the ice, and I’ve watched Hockey long enough (50 years) to have an instinctual understanding of the play unfolding before me.
As a side-effect, I find that when I read commentary or articles concerning the same game I sometimes wonder WTF game most people were watching – So broad is the disparity caused by the effects of being influenced by the play-by-play calling.
I Agree with the Bob Mackenzie or Lebrun, They are generally unbiased to any team and just report their rumblings. Most times their comments during intermission are also just calling it has they see it rather then jumping on a team band wagon.
I actually dont mind Jamie Mclennan either because he seems unbiased and thinks about what he says before he says it and it usually comes off as a good thought.
The problem with CBC or Sportnet is they jump on what ever band wagon is hot at the time and call games in order to say that team can do no wrong as long as they are canadian.
I think Kypreos, Healy are just sad to hear and i prefer not to listen to them. 4 years ago vancouver was the best team in the world, last year it was Montreal till they lost to new york, then commentary turned unbiased because no canadian teams were left.
when i watch Gamecenter, i always watch the American feeds, but thats just my opinion
If Kadri is dealt my prediction is he grows up quick and plays up to his potential or beyond. I used to think Carlyle was part of his problem it was obvious if you watched 24/7 last year that Kadri was not in Carlyles good books, lots of shots taken at Kadri. Now that a new coach is onboard it does not seem to have helped so maybe there was good reason he was picked on. If I were Kadri I would be pissed right now and want to come back and prove everyone wrong. If he comes back and plays ho hum hockey it is obvious he does not get it.
A bit off-topic, but I had trouble taking Carlyle seriously after watching 24/7 when he couldn’t figure out how to toast a bagel. One of the great moments in Leafs history.
Carlyle was the one that said Kadri had to play center if he plyed on the Leafs. Wilson tried to make him a winger. Kadri and Nylander have magic hands. Kessell is the best in the league at shooting off the rush. Don’t understand all the trashing of announcers? Kypreos is the best insider around but MacKenzie and Dreger are right behind. MacLean was better hosting Hockey Night in Canada. I love it when Healy and Hrudey are together. Opposites create fireworks.
Ok here goes! time to eat some crow! Awhile back on here I guaranteed that Johnny Boychuk would not resign with the Islanders. Clearly the information I had was flat out incorrect or the money he was offered trumped all else. I apologize to Islanders fans and the devoted supporters of this board to which I am one. Ok let her rip!
Here is a +1 for having the guts to admit you were wrong.
That’s the fun of this web site. We all throw out opinions and rumors. Sometimes we are right, other times we are wrong. Although some do take it too seriously.
Good for you to come clean, I had a similar foot in mouth situation after I stated that Minnesota was throwing up a Hail Mary by bringing in Dubnyk and they would still be looking for a true number one tender in the off season.
all due respect Spector, by public embarrassing your player, absolutely hurts his trade value, that doesn’t mean he’s not tradable just means its hard to get full value for him. No one will over pay for Kadri and what’s is his value outside of leaf nation?
It’s nice to hear that other out there share my view of tv commentary. I dislike bias game calling. Just call the game. The national game on cbc is the worst! At one end of the ice its a great save, exact same save by the other team its oh what a scoring chance. Oh there a missed call there, then don’t you think he went down kinda easy there. There is some good announcers out there that will give the visiting team their kudo’s and call their own players out, but that’s very few.
Pretty good young center still cost controlled on a bad team…
take the word Kadri and Leafs out of the equation look at his numbers and compare them to some of the other guys in his age bracket…he would be valuable.
The other day a local radio station had a “tweet” poll asking the question “would you trade Jared Cowen even up for Nazem Kadri?” (the two have been linked ever since that draft when Kadri went 7th to Burke in Toronto, and Murray took Cowen 9th). The responses were overwhelmingly slanted to “Hell yes!” And I agree. If the Sens could get Kadri out of TO for Cowen (and whatever – just not their 1st pick) I’d do it in a New York minute.
I have to agree with you Shticky, I dont see how Kadri could lose value. Looking at the Evander Kane Situation and what he got as a return vs Kadri its pretty tame.
Fairly Comparable players, lot of upside not yet reached, the only difference in the leafs favor. Kadri has only played 3 full seasons in the nhl while Kane has played 6. Kadri is on pace for near the same point totals as Kane. Hes a Center which is much harder to come by and has steadily improved on his draws. hes also tops in the league for most penalties drawn on a consistent basis. if the leafs decided to move him, i doubt his value is hurt at all by any of this.
Right or wrong-there is no was Kadri will be pursued as much as Kane was-so the return will be significantly less
OK…
lets compare some numbers…
Both Philly and Toronto are bad teams.
Kadri has 36 points, with 16 being goals.
Couturier has 29 points, with 13 being goals.
Couturier makes 1.75 next year and is a RFA the next summer.
Kadri makes 2.9, and is rfa in July. A raise is expected.
Couturier plays mainly a defensive role, on the third line, with the likes of Umberger and Read (combined 41 points).
Kadri gets more of an offensive role.
There is no doubt that both players are valuable to their teams.
Both have value, but I stand by my statements that Kadri is worth more to his team than as a trade chip.
I think the benching hurts Kadri’s rep, but Kadri can answer by his play on the ice, and that, to me, is the key to how this affects his value. His response will say a lot.
Cam Talbot’s contract was extended through next season. He is more apt to be traded this summer.
Wow-Its media bashing time today on these posts
That would be the best thing for the Maple Leafs, if the Leafs fans would go on a full out revolt on the media. The media has to much power with the goings on in the Maple Leafs.
Hey George
I have to give you props. We disagree on many things yet always keep the talk to hockey. You were and are right about Pageau. I didn’t think he’d be a viable option for the Sens if he didn’t generate much offense as the Sens have many guys like him. Yet he is proving valuable in many other areas mainly the PK and pushes the energy level up.
Very pleased to be wrong here.
Cheers.
Not to mention winning the majority of his face-offs (67% last night). That line has been consistently one of their best both ways for 10 games or more.
As long as we trade Bozak I’m good with resigning Kadri to a 5mil/5yr contract. He’s improved his game every year he’s been here. Give him first unit pp time and he’ll easily be a 65-70 point player.
KADRI will be a 2nd line center and no more but he would be a good one i think his upside for producing points projects as a 2nd line center not a #1 as leafs fans think this guy is…….
To whom is in charge of this website I have a question why is it everyday you all ways talk about 2 of the worst teams in the NHL this Season the Oilers and the Leafs what about some real hockey teams like the Blackhawks The Blues The Flames and the Habs the LEAFS OR THE LAUGHS AS I CALL THEM don’t deserve the time of day from anyone so can we change topic and let’s talk about the Play Off Teams and not the one who are trying to book the Tee Times already
Whoa take it easy…the laughs?! I don’t think Leafs nation can handle many more of those perfectly sculpted burn jobs.
The reason is simple enough. This is the “rumors” section of the site – there are precious few rumors surrounding the other teams you mention. The worse the team the greater the number of rumors.
Oh, and I forgot to mention, this site doesn’t generate those rumors, instead it relays those that appear in print in the various NHL cities or are hears through radio/TV panel shows.
Thanks, George, for saving me the trouble. Cheers! 🙂