Latest on the Blues, Avalanche and Canadiens, plus speculation about Martin St. Louis, Stephen Weiss and more.
Collection of rumors from the Edmonton Journal.
Will Martin St. Louis accept a significant pay cut to remain with the New York Rangers?
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson speculates the cap-strapped Minnesota Wild could shop defenseman Jared Spurgeon, suggesting the Edmonton native would be a good fit with the Oilers as a number-three blueliner.
Oilers general manager (and former Boston Bruins GM) Peter Chiarelli may take a run at Bruins UFA rearguard Adam McQuaid.
Despite talk of the Detroit Red Wings trading goalie Jimmy Howard, that’s not expected to happen as they don’t have any cap issues this summer.
Matheson expects the Chicago Blackhawks should get a second-round pick for winger Bryan Bickell, who’s likely to be a salary-cap casualty this summer. The Arizona Coyotes and New Jersey Devils could have interest in Bickell.
The San Jose Sharks seems like a possible destination for Ottawa Senators goalie Robin Lehner, though Matheson wonders if there’s any lingering bad feelings between the two clubs when the Sharks got interested in Dany Heatley several years ago after the Sens paid him a $4 million bonus.
Matheson wonders if Martin St Louis will agree to a one-year, $1 million contract with the New York Rangers next season. He also doubts the Philadelphia Flyers will find any takers for fading forwards Vincent Lecavalier and R.J. Umberger. He also wonders if the Red Wings might buy out Stephen Weiss if unable to move him in a trade next month.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s possible the Wild could move Spurgeon to free up some cap space, but it remains to be seen if the Oilers will pursue him. There’s also no guarantee Chiarelli will pursue any former Bruins via free agency. If Petr Mrazek outperforms Howard next season, then he’ll likely be shopped next summer. A second-rounder for Bickell seems about right in today’s trade market. I doubt the Senators will balk at moving Lehner to the Sharks because of any real or imagined ill will about the circumstances leading to Heatley’s trade, which happened nearly six years ago. St. Louis will likely prefer a bonus-laden one-year deal with a base salary of $2.5 million. I’ll be very surprised if the Flyers find a taker for Lecavalier or Umberger. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Wings buy out Weiss if they fail to find a trade partner.
Big move coming this summer for the Blues?
STLTODAY.COM: Jeff Gordon believes there will be considerable interest in Blues winger T.J. Oshie if he hits the trade block this summer. There could also be some interest in Patrik Berglund. Gordon adds we shouldn’t be surprised if a bigger move takes place this summer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oshie and Berglund could be the biggest moves. Oshie lack a no-trade clause and in my opinion is the most likely to be dealt.
Radulov to the Avalanche?
NBC SPORTS: Mike Halford cites a report from a Russian new outlet citing the Russian agent for former Nashville Predators forward Alexander Radulov claims his client has been contacted by the Colorado Avalanche. Radulov played his junior hockey under Patrick Roy with the Quebec Remparts. The report claims Radulov spoke with Roy about joining the Avs in 2016-17, when his KHL contract expires.
THE DENVER POST: Mike Chambers reports Avs vice president Jean Martineau dismissed the Radulov talk as “only speculation.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Not blaming Halford for passing along what was reported from a Russian news outlet, but one must take reports from that country about KHL players jumping to the NHL or vice versa with a huge grain of salt. Reliable sources for Russian hockey news are Dmitry Chesnokov and Slava Malamud.
Canadiens shopping Fucale?
SPORTSNET: Gare Joyce reports the stock of Montreal Canadiens prospect and Quebec Remparts goalie Zach Fucale took a significant hit following his recent poor performance with the Remparts at the Memorial Cup. Joyce claims this could hurt the Canadiens efforts to trade Fucale, as they’ve reportedly be trying to move the netminder stretching back to the trade deadline.
I read that Grace Joyce article yesterday and my first thought was that it smelled of sensationalistic journalism but I must be honest in that I am completely unfamiliar with his work.
Murray isn’t about to refuse to share his toys because of some quite understandable decision made by San Jose 6 years ago. If San Jose is willing to give up a top 6 forward in some package regarding Lehner it pretty much is a forgone conclusion. All that will hinder it, is if another team has a better offer. I’m not convinced the Sens will be able to get a top 6 forward for any goalie. A Package is likely required.
I am still of the opinion the Sens don’t need to move any tender. They have the cap room to hold all three for now. Give Lehner some ice time and perhaps hope his performance enhances his trade value as the season goes on. Of coarse there are 3 counter arguments to this so perhaps they should move him. 1. He struggles and drops his value below what it is now. 2. He gets injured and that ends any trade possibilities. 3. Teams may make other moves thus ending possible beneficial scenarios that exist now. Yet I don’t believe Lehner’s value is what it can be given time. It is a tough decision, who to move? When should you do it?
If I’m in charge of the Sens, I try and take whatever I can get for whichever goalie I’m moving out and run the risk of them possibly being undervalued in the exchange. The chances of Lenher getting hurt and ultimately decreasing his value is a good possibility.
Exactly. The old adage “strike while the iron is hot” should be uppermost in Murray’s mind. Distractions heading into camp are not something the team needs at this stage of its development.
I don’t move Anderson in the near term. No sooner than the trade deadline next season, if then, unless the offer is to good to refuse. He has 3 years at a very reasonable cap hit of 4.2 million & is solid #1 goalie. Ottawa is a playoff team & I don’t want to bet my hopes on Lehner or Hammond just yet.
Ditto. Move who you can for the best value you can with respect to the direction you are taking the team. Personally, I would move Anderson because his value currently is at the highest it will be moving forward and I don’t know if at 34 he factors into the long term plans. That said, they have the cap space and his contract is reasonable as mentioned.
As for SJ – I don’t think that matters anymore (aka no one cares, including front office staff on both teams) outside of bored journalists. While this likely won’t happen because SJ wouldn’t move him (smartly) and I don’t think Ottawa would be willing to offer the proper return, but it would sure be neat to see Logan Couture back in Ottawa to rekindle his fanbase from his days with the 67’s.
Ditto. Move who you can for the best value you can with respect to the direction you are taking the team. Personally, I would move Anderson because his value currently is at the highest it will be moving forward and I don’t know if at 34 he factors into the long term plans. That said, they have the cap space and his contract is reasonable as mentioned.
As for SJ – I don’t think that matters anymore (aka no one cares, including front office staff on both teams) outside of bored journalists. While this likely won’t happen because SJ wouldn’t move him (smartly) and I don’t think Ottawa would be willing to offer the proper return, but it would sure be neat to see Logan Couture back in Ottawa to rekindle his fanbase from his days with the 67’s.
With as many goalies available as there will be this year, I think the Sens aren’t exactly dealing from a position of strength as it stands. Now compound that with carrying 3 tenders longer than necessary , imo that makes it even worse. Without question a package for a top 6 forward will have to include much more than Lehner.
I’m of the opinion that the Sens will receive the most return for Anderson but Jeff makes a great point in that a package is probably required should Lehner be the choice. Since they have a number of RFA’s to sign and if their internal budget holds true with the elevated salaries of Bobby Ryan and Marc Methot about to take hold this season, my best guess is that they would prefer to move Craig Anderson and his salary. Having said that how comfortable would they be going with Lehner and Hammond as their goalies? I am looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
“Matheson wonders if Martin St Louis will agree to a one-year, $1 million contract with the New York Rangers next season. He also doubts the Philadelphia Flyers will find any takers for fading forwards Vincent Lecavalier and R.J. Umberger.”
The history of the NHL has shown that some stars are able to extend their careers into their 40s – most cannot however and are effectively finished when they hit 35. Vinny just turned 35. Umberger just turned 33 and if can extend his career past 35 it will be a miracle. Gretzky hit his brick wall at 37 as did Mario Lemieux (although he plugged away for a bit of 2 more seasons). I’m not sure St. Louis will be a bargain even at $1 mil (Heatley sure wasn’t) and if they did bring him back for a season he’d just be taking up a roster spot from one of their prospects.
I don’t see StL doing much in the off season or making any radical changes. I accept that StL has been eliminated in the 1st round of the playoffs 3 years in a row. This year to Min, last season to Chi & the season prior to LA. Nothing to embarrassed or upset about. Those are 3 of the best teams in the NHL & 2 of those teams Chi & LA have both won 4 of the last 5 Stanley Cups. Getting out of the west is no easy feat & playing in what is currently the toughest division in hockey makes it even harder. I feel some of Hitchcock’s personal decisions & Armstrong’s inability to find a goalie to get them out of the 1st round are the biggest issues. He tried with Miller but failed.
I see Berglund being moved & at a cap hit of 3.7 for 2 more years, being 6’3″ 217 lbs & only 26 years old StL will have numerous teams willing to take him on as a soft #2 or solid #3 C. The fact he can play either wing or had been forced to this season shows his versatility. The return will be decent. As his skill set, age & salary make him appealing. His skill set is very similar to Hanzal’s except he’s a better skater & doesn’t get injured. There is simply no room for him on this roster.
I don’t see Oshie being moved. I see StL trying to take 1 more kick at the can with this roster. Hopefully the improvement of all the young players, Schwartz, Tarasenko, Jaskin & especially Allen, along with Lehtera getting more comfortable playing in the NHL & the 2 roster additions; assuming Berglund moves, at forward & 4 at D will help.
This may be the best teams on paper in the NHL except in goal but if Allen can keep improving that may solve itself. They have 15 players signed. 10 forwards, 4 Dman & 1 goalie at 56.494 million. Tarasenko, Butuzzo & Allen are RFA’s. Goc, Jokinen, Porter, Butler, Jackman & Michalek are UFA’s. So no cap issues. None of these players have any leverage. Taresenko & Allen are coming off their ELC’s. Butler might be retained if he accepts the league minimum salary. He played his role as a depth Dman, #7/8 perfectly.
Steen, Backes, Oshie.
Schwartz, Lehtera, Tarasenko.
Berglund, Stastny, Jaskin.
UFA/promotion, Ott, Reaves.
Pietrangelo, Boumeester.
Shattenkirk, Gunnarson.
Butuzzo.
Allen, Elliot.
If Svoboda returns & we will know in a few weeks the #3 LW job is his replacing Berglund. Like Berglund he is a natural C & as injuries dictate will be moved to C when necessary just no room at the inn currently. If not StL will promote from with in or they have the cap space to address via UFA signing or trade.
StL has a ton of kids coming. Barbashev LW, Fabbri C, Rattie RW, Scmaltz D; just signed his ELC after 3 years in college, Lindbohm; had a cup of coffee this season as a rookie, 23 games, Parayko D, Vannelli D & Paarjari LW, may be allowed to return to the big club as a 4th line checking LW this year. He’s still only 24, an RFA & a very good skater who will play for nominal money. He also played well in Chicago both in the regular season & Calder Cup playoffs. The clock is ticking on his NHL opportunity but at 6’3″ his development takes a little longer & he may have to reinvent himself to be a checker.
This is 1 of the top 5 rosters in the NHL other than in net & time may solve that problem. Allen only has 52 games of NHL regular season & 7 of playoff experience. He’s only 24 but has a solid pedigree to be a star goalie in a few years.
Lets be patient & not do anything rash.
St. Louis is at a crossroads. It’s not about if they can afford to keep the roster together this year, it is about 2016-17; where both Oshie and Backes are very notable pending UFAS, with Tarasenko leading the RFAS. This offeseason is seems to be about positioning the team to ice a competitive roster.
So, yeah…. Berglund I see is going to go. A somewhat reasonable cap hit for a very good #3 Centre who can plug in at #2 if needed (not ideal, but…). Could be an effective fit in Edmonton, Columbus, could throw in the Pens as a LW.
Oshie moving will undoubtedly depend on his contract demands. His last couple seasons would suggest he sees about $6-7 million on the open market. That could prove to be too rich for the Blues blood, meaning he moves. I doubt there will be a shortage of interested parties for a 30 goal scorer…..
The smarter move would be tabling Backes; who arguably has the best market value, and at 31 is the oldest of the bunch. Yes, Backes brings a lot to the table; but strictly talking dollars and cents could see this move as well. Stats y, Leterha and Sobotka (if he returns) is still a pretty good centre core. There would be a helluva return on Backes as well….
I don’t think all this speculation is about a floundering playoff team as much as it is about keeping this team in the hunt for the foreseeable future. Tough decisions for sure, but it isn’t about individual performance (well, unless we are talking Berglund, then there is an argument to be had).
Agreed.
Backes has 1 year left, Oshie 2 but same basic scenario exists. Long term cap implications of all these players.
It will be interesting to see how Armstrong addresses these issues.
I don’t think Armstrong can afford to open the vault yet for Tarasenko with Backes, Svobotka; when he plays out that 1 year arbitration award, & Lehtera having 1 year left to UFA status, Shattenkirk, Oshie & Steen each 2 years from UFA status.
Tarasenko may have to accept a bridge deal so StL can have time to address these issues or if a long term deal is necessary it will need to be very similar to Hall & Eberle’s contracts in Edmonton. 6 years at or near 6 million better yet sign him up to 1 year from UFA status so the retain his rights & are in a good bargaining position for his 3rd monster contract.
They should do what they can to move stasney and bergland…. Stasney has proven to be overpaid as expected. I think keeping backas is better than moving him if you can find a deal for the other two. Trade for a second line centre and be finished with it
Berglund is gone, no trade kicks in July 1st, another dog contract from Armstrong. Stasney is going no where, Hitch played him most of the season as 3rd line center when he should of been a number one. Oshie and Backus will be wearing different color uniforms next year, all we have heard about was Perron and Halak being cancers, well guess what, they were not the problem!
“Reliable sources for Russian hockey news are Dmitry Chesnokov and Slava Malamud.” And the reliable North American sources would be…???
Depends on what side of the pond Dimitry and Slava are on, on that particular day I guess?
Love to see what happens if Radulov returns. The BS he has pulled with the latest being leaving the ice after Canada won the WHC will go over so well in a dressing room. He has been linked to the AVS fine , Matt Duchene has expressed his displeasure with these guys so imagine what that would be like.
Keep Radulov, he doesn’t deserve another shot.
This sounds racist but I find most eastern Europeans, Russian’s, Chech’s, etc, to be flakes with the very odd exception; Datsyuk, Kopitar & a very small group of others, & really just in it for themselves & the money.
I completely agree with you.
As a Pens fan, that strikes me as Jagr on his comeback who would take the money more than coming back and as he said “do right by Mario and the fans”. Or Kovalev who showed up when he wanted to. Or Semin who is only useful in a contract year.
There will always be exceptions to this, which is why players like Datsyuk and Kopitar are in high demand and have legions of fans.
I think Radulov is special because he is the one that has been the most blatant above all else in recently history with his desire to be paid.
It’s not just limited to eastern Europeans obviously but by percentages by country it’s staggering. It seems like almost every Russian, Czech, etc only care about the money. There are the odd American or Canadian that’s solely in it for the money & themselves but look at the Nordic players, the Finn’s & Swedes. They almost always play for less money than they deserve.
Wow you guys are either blind or not paying attention. I don’t care what country you come from, they are all the same when it comes to contracts and money. Between their agents, families and the pressure from the NHLPA, they all strive to make the most money they can with the limited careers they have. I can list numerous players from every hockey nation that takes top dollar at contract time. Players from NA are no better than anywhere else, hence the two highest paid players are Canadian and American (Toews and Kane).
And NO Nordic players are not always playing for less money. Two of the three highest paid goalies in the NHL are Lundqvist and Rinne.
So please don’t paint an entire continent with the same brush because of a few greedy players.
+1 Canadian King
old tired arguement.
Agreed Canadian King and Shticky.
This argument is a shortcut to thinking.
Adam McQuaid should be a 5-6 Dman, would be a nice resign by the B’s if the could add a top 4 Dman…..also a Bruin need is a big body right-winger to play on the 1st line who can take the body and score wild playing with a little edge.
Thomas Pleckanec ,Nathan Beaulieu,1st Round 2015 and 2016 ,Jacob de la rose and Zachary Fucale to Edmonton for L draistl and j eberle
lol
Tony, you forgot to include Subban, Price and Pacioretty. Also, please share whatever drugs you’re on.