Latest on Kevin Bieksa, Jeff Skinner and Kari Lehtonen, plus the Devils could trade their first-round pick in this year’s draft.
Bieksa, Skinner possible trade bait?
Could the Hurricanes trade Jeff Skinner?
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson wonders if the Vancouver Canucks could consider trading veteran defenseman Kevin Bieksa this summer. Bieksa turns 34 this summer and is eligible in 2016 for unrestricted free agency. He also speculates the Edmonton Oilers might have interest in Canucks forward Shawn Matthias, who’s eligible for UFA status in July. Matheson also thinks the Carolina Hurricanes could shop winger Jeff Skinner for a top-four defenseman, bearing in mind Skinner has an injury history.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks could consider moving Bieksa as a cost-cutting measure, which would free up $4.6 million in cap space. However, he’s got a full no-trade clause and must agree to be dealt. Matthias could prove attractive to any club seeking a skilled checking-line forward with a decent scoring touch. The Oilers could certainly use a player like that. Skinner could be a trade option but I suspect the Hurricanes will retain him in hopes he has a bounce-back performance next season.
Should the Stars shop Lehtonen?
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: In a recent chat with his readers, Mike Heika pondered Kari Lehtonen’s future with the Dallas Stars. While acknowledging Lehtonen is a 35-win, .917 goalie who’s tough to give up, Heika’s starting to doubt if he can return to the Stars and regain his form after struggling this season. He thinks Lehtonen might benefit from a fresh start elsewhere. If they want to unload his contract ($5.9 million cap hit for three more years), he wonders if Detroit would be interested in a swap of Jimmy Howard or Carolina with Cam Ward.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lehtonen’s contract will likely ensure he returns with the Stars next season. There’s not better options available via free agency and the Stars will have to pick up part of his contract if they try to trade him.
Lamoriello open to shopping Devils’ first-round pick.
NJ.COM’s Rich Chere recently reported via Twitter: “Devils will keep 1st overall pick if they win the lottery. Lamoriello said he’d consider trading 1st round pick if team doesn’t win lottery.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: At the 2013 draft, Lamoriello dealt his first-round pick to Vancouver for Corey Schneider, a move which worked out very well for the Devils. If they don’t win the draft lottery, Lamoriello could trade that pick for a good young scoring forward.
That’s like saying I’ll buy a Ferrari if I win the lottery. Thanks for the update Lou.
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.
I can’t shake this feeling that a team like NJ, Carolina or Dallas win the lottery tonight. If Jersey doesn’t, Kessel or Sharp seem like a good option.
Somehow I just can’t see Kessel and Lamoriello on the same page when it comes to two-way hockey.
Ya cause Lou has never been kn8wn as a GM to give out big contracts to great scorers like Kovalchuck and everyone who plays for the Devils needs to be a defensive beast like Micheal Ryder.
I figured you would chime in with your two-bits worth. Of course, it’s just my opinion and we all know that doesn’t stack up against your wealth of knowledge and keen insight into the game, but I see where Ryder played for a cap hit of $3,500,000 and is a UFA unlikely to be brought back – a far cry from One-Way Phil and his $8 mil hit for the next 7 years. And maybe – just maybe mind you – that was one reason why Kovalchuk and Lamoriello had a parting of the ways a couple of years back.
ya cant see lou wanting a cancer in the room like phil just doesn’t make sense
Kari flamed out in Atlanta, now he’s doing the same in Dallas. Follow the bouncing pattern.
Tonight’s lottery – Sabres covet McDavid, as does everyone. But they are also preparing themselves to be happy with Eichel.
Yay its lottery day…the bestest day or all us fans of bum teams that cant make the playoffs. Who needs line brawls slashing majors goalie controversies? Lets talk ping pong balls and McDavid… (or possibly another Kings player fellony) its a spring time tradition.
Listened to some spirited discussion on talk radio the other day. Here’s the scenario. Buffalo say they’ll be happy with Eichel, but, they absolutely love McDavid. If one of the teams behind them win the lottery, Buff makes an offer of second overall(Eichel), last year’s first rounder(Sam Reinhart)and the first rounder they received from the Islanders in the Vanek trade. Would you make that deal if you were Buffalo? Would you do it if you were the club with the first overall pick?
Nope Ill take depth everytime….not like those picks and players Buffalo has are anything to be scoffed at.
That would be very enticing, Eichel, Sam Reinhart, and a mid-late to late 1st rounder. Is having 2/3’s of a line of Eichel and Rienhart worth giving up for McDavid, plus a first rounder? I don’t know.
second thought… I think the Oilers should just keep McDaved. lol
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
The lottery will be won by either Arizona or New Jersey. You heard it here first!
Will you be issuing a retraction or a public apology or anything? or maybe we can just get a cessation on conspiracy theories. That would be nice.
whoever was whispering in your ear was whispering sweet nothin’s.
Its dream time; how much one player like a Mcdavid can change a franchise. Boston wins the lottery; they draft McDavid, trade Krecji for one of Seth Jones, Jacob Trouba, Morgan Reilly or Darnel Nurse. One lucky bounce and it could change the dynamics of the franchise for years to come. ah what a nice morning dream.
Also, if I was Shanahan I’d call the lottery winner right away. “I’ll give you Kessel, Phaneuf and two first rounders for McDavid” is what I’d say. And if the other GM says, “I need one more first rounder” I’d say “S*#t! Fine!!” and hang up the phone fast before he can change his mind. Then I’d lean back in my chair and smoke a fat cigar. Then I’d phone Erin Andrews and ask her what she’s up to this weekend.
Arnie, people that post stuff like this are the reason other people hate Leaf fans. Please stop, you’re making us look bad.
Sorry, its the team you root for that makes you look bad.
No one “hates” them. That’s too strong a word for something as mundane as sports fans. Some of us don’t UNDERSTAND them or where they’re coming from with off-the-wall trade proposals involving players they’d like nothing better than to see depart. But “hate?” Nah. I hate ISIL and all it stands for. I also hate cancer in all its insidious forms. But a hockey fan? Don’t be so melodramatic.
Thanks for explaning words to me George. I’d high five you but my hands are full of play-doh and colouring crayons.
if you never learned the true meaning of “hate” you probably went to a school where they sanctioned the word “awesome” to describe a hamburger or musical band or anything in between.
Doh! Someone got taken to school today! I’m pretty sure there’s a comedian out there that can explain how misused “awesome” is as a word, but who needs that, we have Spector’s chat! Although I guess I missed the post where the word was actually used…
Eichel would be number one overall any other year of the draft. But he’s not mcdavid. I remember Gilbert Perreault compared to the second overall same year Dale Tallon. Tallon was a good NHL defenseman and a better GM. Perreault is an NHL hall of famer and a WNY icon. Take the icon.
No a better comparison would be Ovi going first or Malkin in the 2004 draft. Both are can’t miss, both play differently but definitely elite.
The mere fact that the draft will not be shown live, should have the conspiracy theorists scurrying for their keyboards, particularly if a certain team that wears blue and white is declared the winner.
What about teal?
I am surprised the conspiracy theorists aren’t out in droves suggesting the league has fixed the ping pong balls for Toronto, Philly, Boston or LA.
Conspiracy theories will be everywhere – if Buffalo or Arizona don’t win the lottery.
I am not sure there wont be a whole bunch of em come out of the wood work about trying to save a franchise if Arizona wins.
Especially considering everyone’s dislike for Bettman. Can’t trust the little weasel.
Amen to that. His worst nightmare is an all-Canadian final.
From a marketing standpoint ….an all Canadian finals would be a nightmare. No offense to anyone north of the border.
Whoever gets him besides the Sabres people will say it’s fixed. Look at it this way the Sabres have a 80% chance NOT to get McDavid. Doesn’t seem that much like a sure thing. Anything goes and as long as a regular cup contender like the Kings or Bruins get him it’s good for the NHL to me.
Of course if Dallas gets him between Seguin and Benn I wouldn’t mind.
And they have, what? A 92% chance (more?) of not getting him?
I will say it again. Arizona wins the lottery then move to Las Vegas.
Well, it turns out Edmonton is so accustomed to picking 1st that even the lottery barrel was in accord with that notion.
Sharks score first pick and choose not to take McDavid. Now that would be funny. Sad and pathetic, not to mention excruciatingly painful, but nevertheless funny.
Let’s get the facts out. The lottery is bring monitored by a professional accounting firm. It is not possible for it too be “fixed.” Any posts to the contrary are a waste of space.
Ive dealt with or have had dealings with lots of people who have had experiences with many shady “professional accountants”…not saying its going to be rigged, but if it was the presence of an accounting firm is far from proof of validity.
I thought more of you and your comments. A big 4 auditing firm is not going to jeopardize their reputations and ethics. And no accountant is going to lose their CPA designation for a hockey draft. So like I said shtick you you’re post is waste of space.
Rainbows and unicorns…Wall street, politicans everywhere and Mike Duffy all say hi, as I said I dont really believe it will be rigged but not because I put faith in high priced bean counters and their ethics.
I gave you the benefit of the doubt on your dillutional over valuations of leaf talent. But this is really a waste of space.
Im not the one saying accountants dont lie and Babcock is on the next plane to Philly to meet up with McDavid…lol delusional
lots of hockey guys are saying babcock to philly could happen and just so everyone knows the lottery is videotaped and the lottery teams can watch if they have any complaints
Schitky is right AGAIN! The lottery was obviously fixed as everyone wants the kid in Edmonton.
Tough time reading I guess? Try again, look up above read both my comments where I said I dont think the draft lottery is rigged…lol. I’m just not naive enough to believe that the presence of accountants has anything to do with it
Very true. Now try practicing what you preach.
I also read a sportsnet article today that said any team can send a representative to watch the balls come out in person. They just wouldn’t be allowed to leave the room, or have any contact with the outside world until after Bill Daly is finished revealing the results. The whole process seems pretty transparent to me.
Just a question/thought, what do you guys think about Toronto moving say the third pick (if it works out that way). Let’s just say a team like Winnipeg offers their two first rounders (plus plus) for that pick? I’m only using Winnipeg because of their two first rounders….not saying I believe they would etc.
You know what, don’t answer. No shouldn’t be asking leafs questions when the article has nothing to do with the leafs. My bad guys and gals
In what scenario could TO move from 4th to 3rd? If, say, Edmonton wins the pick and moves from 3rd to 1st, Buffalo then picks 2nd, Arizona 3rd and TO 4th. If a team like Carolina wins it, and moves from 5th to 1st, doesn’t everyone else simply move down one notch? Just curious.
Only one team could move up, the winner of the lottery. They move to the top, every other team moves down one spot.
That’s what I thought. Thanks for the clarification.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: At the 2013 draft, Lamoriello dealt his first-round pick to Vancouver for Corey Schneider, a move which worked out very well for the Devils.
Vcr didn’t do bad out of that trade either picking up Horvat who’s now just turned 20 while Schneider is 29 and was replaced adequatley with a FA.
Haha, I know lots of you are unhappy but I’m smiling. The oilers won the lottery….again. Haha.
Although I much would of preferred a team outside the top 5 to win. I was routing for either he Leafs or Oilers to win this lottery. A generational player on a Canadian team is sweet.
I am also happy he will be in the west and not in my Sens division. Haha
Unless he sucks then all I said matters not.
Now for crazy trade proposals.
oilers win mcdavid!!!! lol thank god he didn’t go to the leafs! lol
Wow. Maybe, just maybe the oilers might get into the playoffs before his elc is up.
i was so sure arizona was going to win it. So sure.
Hmmm McDavid didnt seem to enjoy that outcome as much as he could have it seems…lol
yep, saw that. guess he’s gonna have to face the music to the knocked-up dancer he met at Eden Exotic.
I think he wanted Buffalo or Toronto,
CONNOR MCDAVID IS AN EDMONTON OILER!! and the best part about the oilers winning the lottery is the leafs didn’t and now we don’t have to hear who he’s going there1 no mcdavid no babcock!the ineptness continues for the biggest joke and worst run franchise in all of sports! bring on the kadri gardiner,reimer for mcdavid trade prospsals as only dillisional leafs fans will do
lol says the guy who still hasn’t figured out the caps lock key…
WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!
Kidding aside congrats to Kevjam Mawman Oiler girl and the rest of you Oiler fans, didnt work out for the Leafs, but this to me anyway is the second best outcome McDavid is in the west on a Canadian team. Hopefully wont be long till some epic Flames Oilers battles that mean something again.
Good for Edmonton, maybe they can stop sucking now and give somebody else a chance.
leafs have filled in for that job for awhile now!! so glad the leafs didn’t win the lottery that would have ruined the poor kid