A list of possible NHL off-season trade candidates, plus an update on Lars Eller and Alexei Emelin.
Off-season trade candidates.
Patrick Sharp could be among several notable NHL stars on the move this summer.
CANADIAN PRESS (VIA TORONTO STAR): Stephen Whyno lists several notable NHL stars who could become off-season trade candidates. Topping the list, of course, is Toronto’s Dion Phaneuf…There were recent reports claiming Pittsburgh GM (and former Carolina GM) Jim Rutherford has interest in Hurricanes center Jordan Staal…Hurricanes captain Eric Staal has one year remaining on his contract…If the Leafs win the draft lottery and select Connor McDavid they could retain Phil Kessel. If not, the Florida Panthers might be interested in Kessel…The Chicago Blackhawks could trade Patrick Sharp in a cost-cutting move…Ditto the Philadelphia Flyers with defenseman Nicklas Grossmann…If the Leafs re-sign Nazem Kadri it could spell the end of Tyler Bozak’s tenure in Toronto…Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward could be an interesting trade possibility. Like Eric Staal, he has a year left on his contract…The Ottawa Senators could still try to move Colin Greening…With Ryan O’Reilly facing a potentially big raise, the Colorado Avalanche could move him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Of the players on this list, Phaneuf and Sharp appear most likely to move. Eric Staal could be dealt if he and the Hurricanes are unable to reach an agreement on a new contract this summer. If that happens, Jordan could also be on the move. If Eric stays puts, so will Jordan…The Avs say they want to re-sign O’Reilly but that could prove very expensive (perhaps $7 million per season)…The Flyers might find a taker for Grossmann but could be forced to pick up a bit of salary. Ditto Greening…Unless the Leafs get a massive offer for Kessel or he demands a trade I think the Leafs could keep him, especially if they land either McDavid or Eichel in the draft…With only a year left on his contract, there could be interest this summer in Ward.
Eller, Emelin were in play.
NICHOLS ON HOCKEY: TSN’s Darren Dreger believes the Montreal Canadiens were shopping forward Lars Eller, and to a lesser degree defenseman Alexei Emelin, leading up to the trade deadline. Dreger claims a couple of weeks ago there was a rumor that had the Habs shipping Emelin as part of a deal to the Anaheim Ducks for Cam Fowler. Dreger admits he’s not sure how close Eller came to being dealt.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eller’s future in Montreal could depend upon his performance in this year’s playoffs. He’s really struggled this season but a solid playoff performance could keep him off the trade block. Same goes for Emelin.
Pretty sure there is no way Bozak is back as a Leaf next year, no matter what happens.
Shticky, just read your comments about Murray and Buffalo. One point your missing is Bogo is replacing Myers and Stafford, while Kane sits on the sidelines. If Kane was healthy this trade isn’t made because Murray isn’t looking for wins. In the west you have both Phoenix and Edmonton close to Buffalo. Every loss is very important to the Sabres and if Buffalo finishes last overall they are guaranteed one of Mcdavid or Eichel. In reality the trade also included moving up one or two positions in the draft.
I hate the tank – Sabres should give refunds to all ticket holders that pay to watch this garbage. The again, you are a “fool fan” if you pay NHL prices to watch an inferior product. And if you think this losing is helping your young players grow – then think again!
I would agree except that it was pretty clear from the get go that the Buffalo Sabres were a terrible NHL hockey team. If fans chose to pay to see them play that was their own choice that they need to be responsible for.
I am however shocked that the Sabres ticket prices are so high – 17th in the NHL according to my information.
Meanwhile the Leafs continue to sport the highest ticket prices in the NHL
But wont increase next year! (Still probably highest in NHL)
I live in Atlanta – alotta people turned their backs on the Thrashers because the team could care less about the quality of product on the ice. We endured terrible hockey and management who were clueless. Problem with some teams is they believe support is their entitlement. Sabre and Leaf management expect fans to show up no matter how bad the product is.
Murray wanted Kane.
Buffalo was not going to do any better if he was healthy.
Being injured n not welcome in Winnipeg anymore got the Jets Meyers. I highly foubt any ither team could swing a deal like that or it would have happened. The deal was max value going both ways n only reason sooner than later was the playogf push for the Jets.
Bozak is going to be a real good 2nd or maybe 3rd line center somewhere next season. Gotta kick out of Phil’s rant – so what do you expect in Tronna if you don’t win?
i hope so —blozak is ruining things—-how about take over when kessel has an off game—-ya not possible—he is so weak and can only score if he is spoon fed
I’m not so sure Bozak is gone this summer. He has proven that he is a utility player, and that he is the top faceoff player guy on the team. If Kessel goes his spot as the no. 1 goes with him and Kadri (barring either McDavid or Eichel) will get his shot at being the number one center next season. Bozak’s cap hit isn’t awful, and it all comes down to who replaces him if he’s traded? Holland isn’t ready for the number 2 role (and if pushed into it I think will become another whipping boy for the media), Gauthier probably won’t even make the roster next season…so if Bozak is traded, where is the number 2 center going to come from? The Leafs couldn’t care less about his $4.2m hit. It’s the 7 & 8 million cap hits they are looking to drop. Even if the Leafs unload one of Kessel or Phanuef, they aren’t going to get the “big” 1st line center in the deal. At best they’ll get another no. 2 that is asked to play as number 1.
Leafs in the off season should look to trade Phanuef, as I think he might be personally finished in TO and will be asking for a trade. His ego has taken a huge blow this week, and a fresh start is in order. They should also make Gardiner available, and attempt to sign both Boychuk and Franson as replacements. Bernier has earned nothing more than a bridge contract, and if he disagrees, then trade his rights at the draft. Kadri will get 5yr/5mil deal, long enough for whatever center (17 y/o Zacha would be my guess) to continue to develop in the juniors and AHL for a few more years.
why sign Franson and boychuk if it is a rebuild? The idea is not to get better but allow young players to develop while the team collects assets. The young guys develop in the AHL or junior while the team flounders so that more high draft picks can be accumulated. Slowly the young guys currently on the roster continue to develop and guys from the AHL and junior move in to the NHL and develop. After at least three years the cycle builds enough talent to develop then it is a matter of time to see if the right players were drafted. The next step is to use UFAs and trades to supplement a competitive roster. Meanwhile guys like Brewer and Lindstrom fill whatever roster spots are not filled by developing guys like Kadri, Reilly, etc. Also picking up guys like Exeron(??spelling) to see if they can develop into something is some of the gambles you take. Burke and company signed Kostka and he looked real good for a few months so other teams offered good picks for him. In a rebuild as soon as you get offered good picks for a gamble you take them because picks bring younger prospects to keep the cycle going. I have been loyal to the Leafs for over fifty years and I can wait a few more for a cup or at least a real chance at a cup. Meanwhile I am loyal, not blind, to the team. Kessell and Phaneuf are world class players but both may have to be used to bring in assets that will be coming into their prime in 5 years. Patience is the key. Look at Winnipeg. They did not waste one asset and now they are something good.
2 things about the Leafs:
UFA’a won’t be signed unless a real coup. 2nd the farm has not much at all n the cupboard needs filling.
Just from observing the games he’s played in on the just-finished 5 game road trip, it looks like Greening may have finally gotten the message during his demotion to Binghamton as to how to best utilize his speed (he won the fastest skater at the Sens skills competition at least twice) and size (6′ 3″ 210 lbs) as I have never seen him play with that kind of aggressiveness before. He’ll never be a goal scorer of any consequence, but playing that way he could turn himself into a valuable 4th-line player/penalty-killer. But I agree, if he is dealt in the off-season, Murray might have to eat part of that $2,650,000 cap hit he gave him (two years to go) after scoring 17 goals one year when he had the good fortune to skate alongside Spezza.
2 guys that really had some questions about them this year Greening and Condra looked strong last night thats for sure.
I find it hard to see the cash strapped Sens retaining money or buying out a player. They likely will hang on to Greening giving chance after chance till his contract nears an end the. Trade him for a 6th or 7th rounder unless his game improves.
Everyone on the Sens Roster look better these days. 6-0-1 would do that. Greening problem is the dollar sign on his contract. There was never a doubt he was a good fourth line player and a decent 3rd liner.
OK – enough with this “cash-strapped” baloney. They are a “budget” team with a multi-millionaire owner who’s willing to spend, but wisely where possible. New contracts signed this year that will kick in next year include Ryan (to $7, 250,000), MacArthur (to # 4,650,000), Methot (to $4,900,000), Borowiecki (to $1,100,000) and Anderson (to $4,200,000). That will give them a cap hit in total of $58,370,000 with just under $11,000,000 to sign one UFA (Condra) and 6 RFAs (Zibanejad, Chiasson, Hoffman, Stone, Pageau and Hammond). Collectively, their salaries this year total $5,697,333 and since each will be seeking an increase of some sort if all are retained, that leaves around $5,000,000 to spread out amongst them. And with that TV deal they are now part of, I would hardly describe them as “cash-strapped.” What they haven’t done is spend stupidly like some teams that are now REALLY up against the cap and with far greater signing problems than is facing Murray.
Ok perhaps “Cash strapped” was a bad term. I hear what you’re saying. Let me rephrase. I find it hard to believe the “Penny Pinching” or perhaps “fiscally responsible” Senators would hold salery.
Perhaps these two phrases don’t work for you either but what I mean is the Sens are cash conscious. They don’t just spend money on nothing. Which is what retaining salary will amount to. There is no reason for them to retain money beyond moving the contract and they don’t need to move it. From their history they are more likely to keep the player have him play out the contract and till it becomes more palatable for another team to pick it up. I mean when it is nearing its end.
The Sens will own the mistake of the deal and wait it out then get the best return they can if anything rather than trade him and retain salary.
Time will tell. Melnyk has allegedly been losing money hand over fist and supposedly is ready to build an arena sans gov’t handouts, so time will tell what their cap ends up next season. Lots of time to m of out money.
Eller having a good playoffs could facilitate his exit rather than extend his stay.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see the Oilers trading for Ward if they can’t get anyone closer to a #1. Can also see them paying too much money for Niemi if he hits the market July 1.
Ward is overpaid n not the answer. Niemi is in the downhill slide n not a long term solution. MacT IMO is no dummy but has it hard to get the missing parts needed. He can try to overpay a bit for a couple of stud D men to plug the major problem or swing a big trade. Idk if he will move big assets n exercise more patiece instead n try to gleen players 1 by 1.
If Bozak and Phaenuf were moved, it would feel like a start. While I’d very much like to see Kessel and Lupul get a chance to win with a contender before they get too old, they may very well stick for a while.
I really don’t see TOR getting McDavid/Eichel, but Strome would be very good from what I hear, and its no mystery, TOR needs to draft centres.
I fully expect to see ShannaNonis to try to move up to 3rd to get him if they’re down a spot.
Depends on where they are..but I doubt they get Strome. I think the end up with a 6/7 pick, i just cant shake the feeling they are going to win some more games down this final stretch, and I dont think they are anywhere near as the bluejackets or Canes, and Buffalo Arizona and Edmonton have no hope of catching up. Maybe they can use both their first to move up a spot or 2 but not sure any would do that and not dure its a great idea for the Leafs.
put reimer in and give blozak all the minutes possible—-they will do what they do best and lose
I will counter you gut feeling with he history of them being in a playoff spot and suddenly way way down there. They have plenty of time to drop more.
However I was the one that said once they reach bottom 5 they will suddenly find out how to score. They just want a. Chance at MacDavid.
I sincerely doubt there is ONE NHL player who would deliberately take a “tank” approach in order for their team to get a top pick.It’s simply not in their interest. MANAGEMENT can ensure a tanking simply by dealing away anyone who might help them win (e.g., Buffalo and Arizona) or by doing virtually nothing to improve a lousy team (Edmonton) – but once the players are on the ice their competitive nature takes over and they want to WIN. A coach can manipulate his line-up to ensure a loss, but again, to what end in his case?
Oh i don’t think the players are tanking. They suck in this system honestly.
Edmonton might be a fit as a trading partner for Toronto. Oilers have RNH/Draisaitl penciled in as their top 2 line centres for the foreseeable future. If they draft 1st or 2nd they will get an upgrade with McDavid/Eichel and could trade Draisaitl. If they draft 3rd or later they don’t really need Strome so they could trade down. Their pick for a later top 10 pick + an NHL ready prospect would likely make sense from the Oilers perspective.
I disagree in that if Edmonton drafts 3rd and that may be to their benefit as not to take a forward Hanifin is there for the taking. A pairing of Nurse and Hanifin could be their top pairing for the next 5-8 yrs.
My thinking was they get another asset from a team wanting Strome or Marner and move down and take Hanifin or Provorov.
Personally I think Hanifin goes before Strome or Marner…I’m not sure how ready Marner will be Hanifin, has the size that might make a GM think he is a little more ready than Marner is 5’10 165lbs, he is going to take sometime. I could see him falling a spot or 2 by draft day. I think its McEichle Hanifin Strome Crouse Marner, maybe swap Crouse and Marner around.
100 % agree with you Len. If McDavid & Eichel are gone I think they take Noah Hanifin. The Oilers need to draft to suit their needs and not the best player available, although at 3rd pick Hanifin is probably the best available.
Oilers would take Strome no problem. Draisaitl is goin no where. Teams build from D n C for depth. Only way he moves is if a stud man comes back. As for an Oiler/Leaf trade i’d say for a goalie to Edmonton
To me Strome would be the best pick for the Leafs. He is rated sixth right now and the Leafs are slated to pick 5th if the order stays the same. Using the other first to move up to get 1st or 2nd pick is ok but after that there are a whole bunch of guys about the same so do not waste that pick to move into 3 or after that. Packaging the later first with other assets to move into the top ten would be a good strategy as long as it is not next years first.
Just went and looked at the Maple Leafs depth chart to get a visual.
god help Maple Leafs fans if they do trade bozak, kessel, phaneuf and JVR like everyone wants.
i get that there would be a return but any trade made by the leafs will see the leafs giving up the best player in the deal.
i really, truly hope the Leafs win the lottery for the NHL’s sake.
I agree from a business perspective the best possible place for Connor McDavid to end up is Toronto. But lets be honest if the leafs finish bottom 3-5 and win the lottery everyone and their mother is going to be saying the lottery was fixed.
The thought of McDavid in Arizona, Columbus or Buffalo makes me physically ill…
sorry couldn’t resist:
The thought of McDavid to Toronto probably makes McDavid ill
Ya Im sure McDavid has his hopes and dreams set on Buffalo with Arizona a close second.
you don’t want him in Buffalo cuz the Leafs will have to face him several times/year. You also know he will make the Sabres that much stronger and the Leafs that much weaker. BUF is a very good hockey market.
McDavid would be ill if drafted by the Leafs. He’s better off in Phienix Edmonton Columbus or Buffalo with their talent n prospects. Leafs r gonna go thru a lot more pain before it gets better.
Agreed 100%. They will never get market value for these guys straight up, just future potentials that may or may not work out. If Kessel, JVR, Phanuef and Bozak are gone next season, then the Leafs will be lucky to top this years Sabres record. There is little depth ready to come up and play right now, the Marlies are hardly tearing up the AHL…
I seriously hope if the Sens don’t make the Playoffs that they win the lottery for the NHL’s sake. If he Sens make the Playoffs I seriously hope a 9th place team wins the Lottery for he NHL’s sake
I surely hope Arizona, Buffalo, Carolina or Toronto and any other tank master doesn’t win the lottery for he NHL’s sake.
If a tank master wins the cup I surely hope the NHL adresses it and finds a way to further reduce a tank job for the NHL’s sake.
For the NHL’s sake.
You left Edmonton off that list? Do you think Edmonton picking in the top 2 again is good news for the NHL? Honestly, I’d rather any of the above mentioned “tankers” to win the lottery before the Oilers do.
Fair enough but I would counter with there is no way Edmonton is tanking they just have a crap team.
The year before the Pens drafted Crosby they drafted Malkin #2, 2003 drafted Fleury #1 and in 2002 they drafted 5th overall.
P.Kane was a #1 pick Toews a #3 drafted #7 in 2005 and #11 in 2008.
Point being when you are as bad as the Oilers you are bound to be draft near the top for a few years.
What bothers me about Edmonton is if they aren’t intentionally tanking, They are just broken beyond repair. They have the assets to make this team better, but refuse to part with any of them. Florida and NYI’s should be the model for the forever dysfunctional Oilers. Until they repair the back end goal tending nothing is going to change. I am tired of watching them be rewarded for being grossly mismanaged for years now.
Can’t argue the fact that Edmonton is trapped in the 1984 mentality. They have had the worst management in hockey for 10years easy.
But in all fairness they aren’t being offered Shea Weber for Jordan Eberle or Taylor Hall.
They obviously arent getting the value they need to move the players everyone wants them too. Look at all the trade proposals that have been discussed here for any of their players no GM is trading Taylor Hall for spare parts.
The biggest mistake was not grabbing Cory Schneider when the had the chance even if the price was high.
Dang your right. I knew there was one down there I missed.
Or not grabbing Bishop for yakupov. Ottawa wanted that deal, the rumour mill had the story being edmonton was only willing to give up a 2nd round and Ottawa wanted a young prospect so they went with Conacher. Guess Ottawa should of taken the 2nd round haha. But Edmonton could of had Bishop for Yakupov from my understanding.
What do you mean? The only clear cut tank job has been Arizona and Buffalo. If Toronto was tanking, Phaneuf would be having surgery Kessel would have been moved and so on. They are still basically playing the same team that started the year minus Franson, Santorelli and Winnik. They couldn’t win with those guys anyway.
To be honest if McDavid ends up in Canada Ill be happy.
I hate the Sabres and Coyotes but I am getting real sick of this Canadian bias BS. The Leafs are doing the exact same thing the other teams are doing to get the best chance at a generational talent, as they should be. But don’t sit on your soap box denouncing what Buffalo and Arizona are doing, while pretending the Leafs aren’t doing the same thing. Oh and where was all this tank job talk for the Oilers, year in and year out?
And I agree with NYR4Life, so sick of the Oilers being here every year, ruining propsects. I am pulling for the Coyotes or Sabres to get McDavid, and again I hate those teams but at least they are rebuilding the right way.
Can you give me an example of Toronto trading their number one goalie and playing back ups who have had horrible years?
Did the Oilers or the Leafs have a fire sale and get rid of any and everyone that gave them a chance at being successful?
Were the Oilers supposed to draft Taylor Hall and then win the cup with no help around him?
Bad teams finish last or around last for years .. How long has Buffalo been horrible?
Is it wrong to want star players to play in the country that supports them all through minor hockey? The same country that sells out every building and is responsible for how much of the revenue generated in the league? All with having less then 25% of the teams in the league.
No sir I will stay on my soapbox all day long …
Dino, get a grip buddy. It was reported by every single Toronto media outlet that the Leafs were trying to trade everyone, except guys like Rielly. So they were trying to do the same thin Buf did, just couldn’t pull it off. Buffalo traded away ufas and made a brilliant crafty trade with the Jets.
As for the Oilers they traded Perron, who wasn’t a UFA for a draft pick and a 4th liner, hmmmm. Leafs tried their hardest to trade Phaneuf and Kessel, hmmmmm. So please get off your soap box, or get a grip on reality.
And no its not wrong to want star players to play in the country that supports them all through minor hockey, but the problem is NONE of these star Canadian hockey players want to play in ANY Canadian city.
What are you talking about? Wanting to change their team vs giving players away are two totally different things. They didnt trade their #1 goalie for a back up. Sure they looked at trading Phaneuf and Kessel but couldnt find a deal that made sense but there were options to trade them.
Buffalo traded Stewart for a 2nd round pick 3 drafts away .. and again how many years have they been awful.
Toronto media is always looking for a story, the leafs didnt trade their #1 pick for an aging veteran they have to be tanking for McDavid?
They wouldnt trade Phaneuf to Detroit for Weiss and a b level prospect and hold salary they must be tanking for McDavid?
Are those the headlines you are reading? Is Toronto benching players or not dressing them to lose games? I am really have a hard time finding ways they are tanking.
Edmonton wasnt any better with Perron incase you have forgotten. They were this bad last summer for crying out loud. And they have tried to improve their team Roy has worked out kinda well there and has Yak going a bit.
They got a first round pic for Perron .. He was unhappy and began speaking out about teammates and the team. The last thing the Oilers needed was a locker room issue.
And fair enough that alot of these star players dont want to play in Canada but I always find it extremely odd at how proud they all say they are to go play for team Canada.
It’s hilarious that you think that TO and Edm trading out players for picks is genius and not tanking at all, but Buffalo and Arizona doing the same thing is a disgrace and a tank job???? Wow man, just wow.
Face the facts, Leafs tried to tank just as much as anyone else did. But in true Leafs fashion they can’t even do that right.
Can you please show me one example of Toronto or Edmonton tanking?
Was Edmonton at top 16 team before the season started were they not predicted to suck even before the pre-season?
Where did Toronto finish last year? Were you convinced that they were a playoff team in October?
And before the leaf fan nonesense comes out I am a Flames fan and after that a fan of every Canadian team then from there a hockey fan.
Two example of Toronto tanking. Moving Clarkson out for nothing but Salary. Putting in place a defensive style of game that is not suitable for the team. Keeping it in place despite the team being shutout game after game. Management was just fine with Toronto falling from a playoff position to a top 5 draft spot. The propaganda was to teach them how to play defensive game and make them better. Funny though as they also were saying they were in a full rebuild to. So once you teach the game plan you move the players out and reteach it? Shanny is on record telling the Maple Leaf faithful to be patient and that they are in a full rebuild. The made moves to insure it would happen.
@Jeff Noel valid points about the defensive system and so on for sure.
But trading David “10 goal”Clarkson can hardly be considered tanking. Not to mention Clarkson is out for the year anyway.
@jeff the dumbest thingd I have heard on here today, the defensive sustem is trying to tank? They were the worst defensive team in the league, how is playing a better defensive game evidence of tanking? When they fired Carlyle they were not winning eother and getting blown out of games by teams like Buffalo…trading Clarkson for nothing? What were they supposed to trade him for? He was an anchor of a contract bad player they wanted to drop the salary and no one was going to give up a good player for that…if anything trading Clarkson makes them better not worse so how is that tanking? Have you seen David Clarkson? Any number of plahers that the Leafs have can replace his minutes just aswell at less cost Panik has picked up his spot in the lineup and is better than Clarkson…its addition from subtraction when it comes to Clarkson, quit whining anout how they traded him for nothing…nothing was all he was worth and they were lucky to get that.
Looking moving Clarkson was to better them next year. Not this year.
Moving Clarkson was to help them tank this year. They could of waited till the summer to move Clarkson.
Also it is very apparent that the Leafs current roster was not suited for the defensive style they attempted to put in place. They couldn’t score a goal. Management said have patients were are working on it. Its a new system. Everyone said Oh it is just they are going into California playing tough teams. It will be better when they come home. It wasn’t. They continued to stink. Did they change the system? No they didn’t care if the team scored goals. They used the excuse they wanted to teach them a defensive system. But then they say they are doing a rebuild. So they are wasting time teaching a system that will have to be learned by new players as these guys are moving on. They could of simply maintained the Offensive system, maintained the 3.5 goals/game pace they had and one way more games. But they thought they still miss the playoffs so if they are going to lose they are going to do it well and started the tank.
The Leafs are not tanking…really thats the sad part as Dino mentioned if they were I am sure they could have dropped Bernier at the deadline for another backup. Held a bunch of salary and sent half the team packing. Not dure Santorelli Clarkson Winnik Franson or Oli jokinen were the reason they were winning games at the beginning of the year.
Leafs fan hope they are tanking. The scary part is they are losing with their so-called core players. This is not a good atmosphere to have your Kadri’s and Reilley’s develop in.
Perhaps if Management felt this team would win a game they might of made the move. But they are perfectly happy watching them fall and nothing seems to be preventing it.
I will agree the Oilers have tanked. But in my defense. I viewed them as tanking in previous years. Now they are trying to win but simply suck. They haven’t done a yard sale like Arizona. Toronto, Buffalo or Carolina this year. They moved out Petry as they couldn’t sign him and brought in Roy. Not really a tank this year. Just sucking. They were playing pretty well despite losing Hall to injury but quite frankly their Goaltending sucks and the over all roster needs improvement. But their is a difference between Tanking and sucking.
You agree the Oilers are tanking???
a month or so ago you were saying how much better they are this year. Then they fired their coach, and you said they were terrible then 2 weeks ago you said they were much better…that doesnt seem like tanking. The Oilers and the Leafs are just not good, there is a difference, Buffalo trading no. 1 golie D man and anyone who has ever put up anywhere near 20 goals is a tank job same as Arizona goalie that was winning gone #1 center gone #2 D man gone…Edmonton and the Leafs did none of those things. They essentially have the same rosters as they have had for years and are playing the same lineup. No trading away core parts over halfway thru the season.
I’m agreeing with it and explaining why I didn’t. Do you people read an entire post.
I WILL AGREE THE OILERS HAVE TANKED, BUT IN MY DEFENCE BLAH BLAH BLAH and added reason’s why I thought they weren’t.
I really hope the leafs don’t tank enough to get mcdavid they will ruin him! anyone saying that the leafs aren’t tanking is stupid they trade the coach away while in a playoff spot and look what happened!
While I personally am OK with the Sabres getting McDavid, it does seem as if Arizona is in full, deliberate tank mode. And I am not ok with them getting McDavid. I think that if the draft was rigged, it would be in Arizona’s favor as Bettman attempts to draw some more interest in the Coyotes. Sadly though, even with McDavid, the team would still be near the bottom in attendance and on the verge of bankruptcy again with a few years. McDavid is wasted on all the fans playing in Arizona, and if he is a generational talent, will be nothing more than a footnote in the NHL’s history if he ends up playing his career in the desert.
I disagree about McDavid being a footnote if he goes to AZ. It’ll be almost like when 99 was traded to the Kings, bringing hockey excitement to the west.Phoenix is a town that needs a consistent winner to get fans to by in, you can’t make the playoffs one year and miss them 3 years straight afterwards and expect attendance to skyrocket, not to mention the ownership roller coaster. Their NFL team had the same issue and now games are sold out for 6 years straight. When the Coyotes moved there in 96′ I remember being in full houses every night. They had Roenick, Tkachuk, Khabibulin, etc. and were winning. This could happen again with possibly McDavid, Domi, and Duclair. Remind me, weren’t Pittsburgh having issues with attendance before 87 was drafted? Or the Blackhawks before they drafted 19 and 88? What happened thereafter? So as you can see it would benefit AZ to finally get a amazing player, of that caliber especially since those type of players don’t sign with AZ as free agents. For years fans here wondered how things could be different with Stamkos, Kane, Ovechkin, Crosby, etc. wearing the desert jerseys. More buzz, more hype, more wins, and more fans most likely. Yeah McDavid is a game changer and I can understand why Canadians will be upset about their golden boy not only playing in the States, but in the desert no less. However McDavid or Eichel will really help AZ.
Chicago has always been a solid franchise attendance wise. Sid saved Pittsburgh, Stevie Y pulled Detroit up. It was a miracle that Pittsburgh ended up with Sid, bankruptcy around the corner and no where else to turn. No hankypanky here, no siree. Oh did I say that out loud
Yes pittsburgh didn’t Start the sellouts til after Crosby was drafted. Before then they did what they could to keep people in attendance right after the pens dumped there roster and traded kovy and Marty away they introduced the student program tickets which at the time was 10 dollars for the best ticket (up to two for one student id) in the house right after the current game was over for the next home game. Over time the shortened it to 20 dollars (for 1 per each student id) for best ticket a hour before game. Plus we still had Lemieux despite he played limited games.
The facts are the penguins did best to appeal to the young fans to make tickets affordable and current fans threw promotions and deals and the truth is us true fans knew better days where coming due to faith in our ownership (Lemieux and Burke). The Crosby lottery was a bonus to get us there sooner.
Probably why I wonder what the Oilers true problem is considering they have had enough first picks to build a championship team 3 times over. Fans should push for better management and coaching.
As for yogi he knows Nothing especially about pittsburgh. Lemieux saved hockey in Pittsburgh and side got one little assist. Mario put all the workings in place before the Crosby lotto. It’s just winning the lottery made things easier and work quicker here. We would have done the same with Bobby Ryan and or Kane and Toews. We here in Pittsburgh appreciate good hockey and work ethic.
@rc21pa
The Oilers didnt draft a Crosby chief they drafted 2 wingers and a Center.
It took Pittsburgh just as long drafting just as high with 5x times the talent (Crosby,Malkin,Staal,Fleury all #1 or #2 overall vs Hall,RNH,Yak 3 #1s) remember Eberle was drafted like 22nd or something. Nurse hasnt played yet @ #7 and Kelfbom was #19 overall.
Pitts was as bad if not worse then the Oilers are now in the early 2000s
@Dino
First off i’m not trying to put the Oilers down, I’m just trying to figure how come they are still drafting high as they are and talk about rebuilding so fast. He’ll I’d love to have half the players you guys drafted in past years. If you guys compare pick for pick this should have been your breakout year. The fact we took centers and a goalie isn’t the point after all we still have the lack of winger problem ever year. Just saying I feel bad for you guys because I know how it is to suffer bad years to look forward to a turn around and it’s a shame that you guys are still drafting high. Plus Staal was a extra top pick due to Palffy’s early retirement and a couple other unfortunate events we knew that was a turn around year. Plus we where still short Malkin, remember malkin’s rookie year was a year after Crosby but drafted a year before.
Arizona will win the lottery and the team will move to Las Vegas
It’s possible, but I think if any team moves to Vegas it would be Florida. They have worse attendance and if they moved to the western conference it would be more balanced. NHL wants a team in AZ for tv dollars as well, either way anything can happen in the next few years good or bad.
God I hope not. Any sports franchise in Vegas is a horrible idea. Every game will be a sellout BUT they will be lucky to have 10% of the arena/stadium full for the actual game. Every game will look like a ghost town and the atmosphere will be just as horrible. It’s a joke to even think about giving Vegas anything to do with sports, any organization that places a team in Vegas doesn’t care about the sport or the players, they are doing it for the money and money alone.
What do you think would be best for the NHL’s sake? Actually I’ve thought for a long time that they need a rule that if you win the lottery you aren’t eligible for a 1st overall pick for a period of time, like 5 years. Would make it more fair, teams couldn’t stockpile and/or ruin 1st overall picks.
Interesting idea. May work. How about allowing two teams to win the lottery, the first who wins gets the top pick the next who wins gets the 2nd. That way a team can be pushed back two spots. Even perhaps weighting the chances of the 2nd draw higher for teams who finished closer to the playoffs. I hink the teams working to make the playoffs but fall just outside it need some kind off boon instead of being lost in limbo.
This way a bad team gets a chance improving and the best of the bad get a chance to improve.
Hmmmmm.,,,perhaps that two crazy, it would make trading a 1rst round interesting.
I’ve heard an idea that all teams that don’t make the playoffs should play in a t
Carolina is not tanking please look at their record since January 1.
McDavid to Ottawa for the NHL’s sake? Made my day
LOL
Honestly I hope McDavid lands in Buffalo. I would like to see that team get a good shot in the arm and give the fans a good team to chear for. Their good fans and deserve a good team. Same with Columbus.
Grossman is will be on the last year of his contract-so retaining $1m for only a year isn’t to bad. They will focus on signing MDZ. Depending of the progress of their kids-Luke Schenn will be shopped as well.
I have seen Emelin’s name pop up a few times in trade speculation, but I am *pretty* sure he has an NTC. Either I’m mistaken or these reporters are just making up stories and not doing their research.
(Because why would he waive his NTC when he’s already on a team with Stanley Cup hopes, even if it is to go to Anaheim. These guys sign NTCs for a reason; they don’t want to move!)
What is up with Ryan O Rielly? Due for a big raise? What does this guy do? 7 million a year projected. He has 10 goals this year?
I have idea either,
The Flames signed him for a huge raise in an offer sheet Colorado matched which I believe made the qualifying offer the $6mill a year he is on now.
My guess is because he is UFA and considered a good two way center trapped behind Duchene and Mackinnon that some experts believe he will be a great #1 somewhere.
The money is projected at 7 million due to what he is currently making. I am not fully educated on this but there may be a set amount that needs to be offered in relation to his last contract or that thanks to his high salary now people think he will be offered a bit more than that by another team once he goes to Auction.
blame the offer sheet cause yes he is making more than he is worth.
#1. Based on career, he’s worth 4-5 million but 20+ teams would offer a contract at that rate
#2. At $6 million your paying for potential offense and to narrow down the amount of other teams bidding to approx 5 teams
#3. At $7 million your praying for potential but narrowing down the amount of teams to 3.
Considering he just made $6.5 mil, is a Centre, still relatively young, and the supply vs demand, then he might very well get $7 million, but most likely never meet expectations / salary (consistent 30 goal scorer).
I’d say $6 million would be fair middle ground (player vs risk).
Toronto faithful need to accept the shame of their team in regards to its tank job. It is happening their is nothing you can do about it. Just be happy in the hope they end up like Pittsburgh did when they tanked for Crosby.
Toronto just does not have the class of a team Like Ottawa who never says quit and recognizes the teams weaknesses and moves to fix it. Helps when they get lucky with a guy like Hammond to. But you can’t get lucky if you toss the season away early.
Thanks Jeff!
This was educational and informative. I for one appreciate you taking the time to share your vast wisdom with us.
Im going to buy my Ottawa jersey today but instead on a players name on the back I am going to get Jeff Noel stitched on since you are basically a hockey god.
Lol you’re welcome, I was trying to strike a nerve with that post. Haha it’s all good, just a little friendly rival banter, lol it seems I should of said that at the beginning of the day.
@jeff
Care to go back in time and explain what your Sens were doing in the early 90’s? Three first overall picks, a second overall and a third overall – in a five year span. Were they tanking then? The Sens failed to build that into a cup winner so how can you be critical of the Leafs?
Umm. The Sens came In to the league in 1992. So before we start comparing an expansion team to a 75ish year old team I will just say they drafted Daigle and that set the franchise back a few years. They should of took Chris Pronger. Unfortunately the rest of the players on the roster that other teams allowed them to draft were not the best players from the other teams. Hmmm wonder why?
Seriously you want to talk of the early 90s and the Sens. They gives you 2 years to work with 1992-1993, 1993-1994. Can you point out to me any expansion team who finished anywhere. Near a playoff spot,
St.Louis Blues made the Cup final each of their first three years in the league.
I get that your Sens didn’t tank. I never thought they did nor do I think the Leafs or Oilers have. Your Sens had a tremendous advantage and failed to capitalize just like many other teams. I just don’t get why you are so critical when your own team has faced the same issues and never won a thing in over 20 years.
Honestly is this some kinda sarcastic joke? Trading Clarkson and trying to play better defensively is tanking?…surely no one is this dumb (besides jello) Ya it was all part of a grand plan…if tthis year is atank job what was last year Jeff? They had Clarkson they played Carlyles way were in a playoff spot in Jan then what happened? Panik took Clarksons spot and has 1 goal less with far less minutes and absolutely no power play time which gor whystever reason Clarkson played the power play…and still didnt score Kozun took Paniks spot on the 4th line it doesnt “help” a team to have 5 million dollar 4th liners, are the Kings tanking too? They didnt get anything for Richards and sent him to the minors.
It is not hard to play defensively. You just need to put a system in conducive to the players on the roster. Yet this team is insisting on teaching a whole new system to a bunch of players they’re talking about moving. They may of held on to a playoff spot if they kept their offensive system in place, or came close. They decided that that wasn’t good enough and it is time to tear it up and start drafting. Which results in a fine tank job. However they haven’t moved many pieces in the grand scheme so why do they still suck so bad compared to the last few years and even earlier this season. Why hasn’t management changed the system. I would of after the first dozen shutouts,
Have you ever played hockey? There is a reason that defensemen take longer to “grow” into their spot. Implementing a defensive system requires a lot more work than the “get the puck, dump it down the boards and have the fast guys go get it” system the Leafs were playing. Yes this system isn’t the best system for these particular players at this point, but if you can teach them some defensive responsibility and awareness, if they buy in, they will become better overall players. But you can’t just say, “hey, I know you have played your whole career so far floating by the blue line waiting for breakout passes, but now I want you to drop into our zone, be not only aware of where the puck is, but where the opposition is, and still be ready for the breakout pass and score as much as you always do okay? Now get out there now and do it!” without some players having to learn these skills they haven’t had for years. It doesn’t happen over night.
Sorry Shticky I did not answer your question, you have contenders and pretenders, last year the leafs were pretenders, a team that does good until the final push to the playoffs appears and the room for error lessons and we see what this team really is, a pretender, that is not an insult. Just terms unused to discribe truely good playoff teams in the season and those who appeared to be playoff destined.
Since the leafs were a pretender last year and collapse duri the playoffs the previous year the Toronto management decided this team is t good enough and instigated the tank job we are witnessing this year.
the only thing I was really joking about is being ashamed of the tank job. If the Sens started tanking I would of been behind it saying “you gotta do what you gotta do, in the system your in.” This CBA promotes tanking as many in the past have. Lol
chill out peeps. I think your more upset cause I said things like the Leafs being a shameful organization than the fact their tanking. You are defending the tank for no reason haha.