Latest on Phil Kessel and Tuukka Rask, plus updates on the Penguins and Capitals search for scoring depth via trade.
Updates on the Maple Leafs.
SPORTSNET: Mike Johnston cites a report claiming the Toronto Maple Leafs have told at least one team they’re willing to pick up $2 million of right wing Phil Kessel’s salary to facilitate a trade.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I’ve consistently said for months, Kessel’s $8 million annual cap hit is a significant stumbling block, especially in an offseason when the salary cap marginally increased while 20 teams have payrolls in excess of $55 million. Teams are definitely interested in Kessel’s scoring talent, but not that hefty salary.
Should the Leafs pursue Mike Richards?
Luke Fox suggests the Toronto Maple Leafs should seize the opportunity to sign former LA Kings center Mike Richards to an affordable one-year contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox wrote this before reports emerged the Kings terminated Richards contract regarding an undisclosed off-ice incident, so let’s not jump all over him for that. Though this isn’t a trade rumor, I decided it worthwhile to include it here as it pertains to the Leafs.
Even if the Kings had simply bought out Richards, I wouldn’t recommend the Leafs pursue him. Anyone willing to make an honest appraisal of Richards’ performance in recent years understands he’s clearly in decline.
Some observers still feel Richards can regain the stellar form he had with the Philadelphia Flyers if only he played for a different team, laying blame at Kings coach Darryl Sutter. That’s just nonsense. I’m not going to speculate about Richards’ lifestyle affecting his performance, as that’s only based so far on rumors and innuendo. Noting Richards aggressive two-way style of play, I suggest that’s taken a considerable toll upon his performance. Some players tend to fade sooner than others. That could be the case with Richards.
Latest Bruins and Penguins Trade Rumors.
SPORTSNET: Damien Cox notes the Boston Bruins logjam in goal with Tuukka Rask, Martin Jones, Malcolm Subban and unsigned collegian Zane McIntyre. He speculates one of them could be dealt, perhaps to San Jose. Noting the Bruins didn’t clear much cap space in their recent trades of Dougie Hamilton and Milan Lucic, Cox wonders if Rask ($7 million cap hit) could be dealt.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins GM Don Sweeney told TSN’s Darren Dreger he’s not trading Rask. Considering Sweeney’s recent moves weakened the Bruins roster, trading Rask (the 2014 Vezina Trophy winner) would be foolhardy.
Cox notes that Pittsburgh GM Jim Rutherford can choose between Patrick Sharp, Phil Kessel, Jeff Skinner, T.J. Oshie and free agent Martin St. Louis as possibilities to bolster his scoring depth on the wing.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Of these choices, St. Louis would be the most affordable, as he can likely be had for a bonus-laden deal with a low base salary (perhaps $2.5 million) without giving up other assets. St Louis, who recently turned 40, noticeably declined this season. Oshie is the most affordable trade option in terms of salary ($4.175 million cap hit for two more seasons). Kessel ($8 million per), Sharp ($5.9 million) and Skinner ($5.75 million) are considerably more expensive.
Capitals to seek scoring depth via trade.
THE WASHINGTON POST: Alex Prewitt reports Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said his quest to add a top-six winger will likely take him down the trade path. MacLellan declined to say who he might target, but Prewitt points out Chicago’s Patrick Sharp and St. Louis’ T.J. Oshie are rumored to be available.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals and Blackhawks had talks about Sharp prior to the March trade deadline. Wouldn’t surprise me if they’re revisiting those discussions.
I’m starting to get tired of the criticism of kessels contract. I mean look at Malkin, he can barely stay healthy and is one of the highest paid players in the league. If I were Pittsburgh I would try and trade malkin to st Louis and try to get one of their young top 3 defenseman and backes.
Well if it’s any conciliation I’m not 1 of the complainers & I run 8 20 team fantasy leagues & few of those GM’s have any issue with it. I think Kessel’s contract & term are fair. Kessel is the 8th highest point producer & tied as the 5th highest goal scorer in the entire NHL over the last 5 seasons. He has accomplished this playing on a terrible team playing with a soft #2 C.
Yes he has numerous faults but 30 to 40 goal scorers don’t grow on tree’s & his ability to stay healthy, he hasn’t missed a game in 5 seasons is impressive. Kessel could play on my team at 8 million per for 7 more years. This contract will look like great value over the next 2 to 3 seasons as salary’s continue to raise & it’s good value today.
If Malkin went on the block, the pens would not have to wait for months to tarde him – they would get their asking price and not have to eat 1 cent of his contract. amaure that with the terminal process of the Leafs trying to trade Kessel to somebody, anybody with no real end in sight. It’s not that I like Malkin or dislike Phil – it is what it is.
For what it’s worth, I do like the Pittsburgh to St. Louis trade suggestion of Malkin for Backes and a young Blues’ d-man. Backes is better suited for the #2 center postion, Malkin would be the shake up the Blues need.
Oops – that’s better!
If Malkin went on the block, the Pens would not have to wait for months to trade him – they would get their asking price and not have to eat 1 cent of his contract. Leafs trying to trade Kessel to somebody, anybody with no real end in sight. It’s not that I like Malkin or dislike Phil – it is what it is.
For what it’s worth, I do like the Pittsburgh to St. Louis trade suggestion of Malkin for Backes and a young Blues’ d-man. Backes is better suited for the #2 center position, Malkin would be the shake up the Blues need up front.
To be honest I think the pens would be in a similar situation. I don’t see much of a difference between Malkin and kessel and if anyone has issues making room for kessel than they will have an even harder time making space for Malkin. The reason I brought the whole Malkin thing up is because I dont think Pittsburgh should be worried about getting wingers but they should be building more depth on defense. There really isnt much I would take if I traded with the pens because I don’t really see much young depth at any one position on their team.
Pittsburgh has a wealthy of young Dman. Maatta, Pouliot, Harrington, Dumoulin; fast becoming a suspect.
Don’t see any difference? Malkin is a huge physical dominating presence – kessel is talented at scoring but that’s all he brings. I can’t believe some of the things I read on here but this is one of the toppers. If Malkin hit the trade market he would be gone in days.
What did you hit your head against today?
Then they should put him on the market and get as much as they can for him. He’s a drag on the team. What’s the point of having 2 first line centers? He can’t even play on the wing as hard as that is to believe. With malkin and Crosby Pittsburgh will never win another cup again.
Well Malkin is a number 1 centre, where Kessel is a number 1 winger. So I would think it would be easier to move the Centre than the Winger. If Malkin was a RW there wouldn’t be much difference in moving either. If Kessel was a Centre he’d be likely gone by now. Yet maybe not. The no trade clause, the fact he is due 4 million July 1rst and his 8 million /year over 7 years are add up together to hold the trade back.
I agree the two headed monster has not worked in Pittsburgh any longer. Perhaps Marleau would accept a trade to play with Sid. Package him+??+? for Malkin.
They do have a lot of young dmen but, with martin and erdhoff leaving this year I expect that they will be in the lineup this year. Wouldn’t make sense to trade those guys when there is no one that will replace them.
LOL
I am not saying Marleau alone is worth Malkin. The Sharks continue to be a losing cause in the playoffs and need a shake up.
Can the Sharks beat Chicago, LA, Anaheim, St Louis..hell Calgary, Minnesota or Winnipeg in the playoffs? NO
I think the Pens should trade Malkin to Nashville for Shea Weber. Malkin has not been happy since the Pens traded James Nealand that would put them back together.
best trade offer ive heard on here bossman! makes sense
Malkin hurt? Um wrong pens superstar
Lyle do you know if Richards can still grieve his case through the PA if he signs with another team? A couple of reports have said this could take weeks or months to sort out, it would be unfortunate having to chose between possibly clearing your name and sitting or having your name dragged through the mud and playing.
There are rumblings that whatever happened likely will affect his ability to keep a work permit and cross the border which of course makes things more interesting.
I get a sense this is more than mud-slinging.
What are the “rumors”suggesting he did?
The NHLPA is currently investigating the situation. They could file a grievance on Richards’ behalf if they feel the Kings lack sufficient grounds to terminate his contract.
Richards is good friends with Jarret Stoll who just had a run in with police himself & may have killed his NHL career moving forward. Being a UFA few even blinked at the issue but it certainly breaches the moral ethics code in a standard NHL players contract & the law. He was caught with cocaine & ecstasy.
Richards life style choices had him moved out of Philadelphia & most know the circumstances of those indiscretions, or you could have had you simply read the multitude of articles available. That data was available from numerous reputable sources & this information will also come out via investigative reports from bloggers. The main stream media rarely exposes themselves to potential slander defamation suits but many bloggers particularly writing for SBNation due great investigative reports.
The NHLPA will gladly support you if you have been wronged but break the law, good luck. The Situation with Slava Voynov being a perfect example. Are you not innocent until proven guilty? Voynov was suspended initially with no cap relief, the NHL later relented on this issue. His wife has refused to testify yet Voynov had is ability to earn a living revoked by the NHL, has now lost an entire year of development & not a peep from the NHLPA. Varlamov did the same thing & wasn’t suspended in anyway. Isn’t it leagl to beat your wife in Russia? Your that’s a bad joke & in poor taste.
The reality is NHL justice is a joke. The NHLPA isn’t much better.
I think you are looking way to far into this, this has cap circumvention written all over it if you ask me.
If I were LA I would use what ever means possible to get out from under this contract. They are on the hook for the circumvention penalties of this contract regardless but I say good on LA.
They are using their rights under the CBA. Playing by the rules & if it holds up good on them.
If accounts at the border are true this is not a manipulation of the rules to not pay a salary it is a product of Richards’ own doing.
Which are?
Last nugget for thought. Why do you think the mainstream media has not released this yet. McGuire and others have the story but are not following up on it because the incident is severe enough none of them want to risk an inaccuracy.
And frankly neither do I.
The mainstream media rarely if ever touches on these issues due to slander, liable issues.
Most of these things get pleaded out or negotiated by lawyers often sealing all the facts well before a formal trail ever starts.
The Latest being Stoll.
For god sakes man just say it I can assure you Richards isnt going to sue you. I dont have time to do all this googling
This blurb just popped in on the wires:
“A source told ESPN.com that Mike Richards is part of an ongoing investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for an off-ice incident. A spokesperson for the RCMP in Manitoba said that no charges have been brought so far, but mentioned that the Canadian Border Services is also involved in the investigation. Richards had his contract terminated by the Kings on Monday for “a material breach of the requirements of his Standard Player’s Contract.” Several sources told ESPN.com that the Kings were made aware of the investigation on Friday, which halted trade talks for the center at the draft.”
I agree it doesn’t make much sense to trade Rask, i’m not really against it either. Thinking 7m is too much for a goalie elite or not and Boston with all this potential in net. Not sure what you get in return, should be more then Hamilton. I would target Anaheim, if they had Rask they would’ve won the cup.
Agree-the odds of one of the Bruins young keepers being the real deal is good
I am not saying Marleau alone is worth Malkin. The Sharks continue to be a losing cause in the playoffs and need a shake up.
Can the Sharks beat Chicago, LA, Anaheim, St Louis..hell Calgary, Minnesota or Winnipeg in the playoffs? NO
just for ha’s unsigned collegian Zane McIntyre..is signed
I too am sick of hearing how hard Kessel’s contract is. Ask yourselves this question if Kessel was a UFA how many teams would pursue him and offer 8 million a season? A ton of teams and they would simply trade other players to dump salary. The Leafs need to keep Kessel if they are retaining 2 million because Kessel at 6 million is a steal and unless the Leafs are getting 2 first round picks which I doubt don’t retain any salary because we might need that 2 million year 5-7. Take a toxic contact back that expires in a few years instead.
The report didn’t claim Toronto was willing to eat 2 million per season but 2 million.
Malkin is paid 9.5 million for 7 more years. He sits 15th in points & 19th for goal scorerd over the last 5 seasons. Well below Kessels rankings. He plays uninspired hockey for extended periods of time, has played on 1 of the best teams & power plays in the NHL over that time frame & Kessel has generated better offensive #’s. Primarily due to injury, Malkin has missed 98 games over the last 5 seasons to Kessels ZERO. That raises character issues it’s self. We have all heard the Malkin won’t play through injury issues.
Why are none of you complaining about Malkin’s contract? Kane over the last 5 seasons is 13th for points & 17th for goals & has only played 44 less games. I’m not comparing these players in anyway but points. There have been all kinds of issues with Kane about his character, it’s just all been written off as youth. Kessel is 13 months older than Kane! Kane just got 2.5 million more per season than Kessel. That makes Kessels contract look like good value to me.
Fansided reported a couple of days ago that Toronto would eat 2 mill/per. This offer was to 1 team only and the return they thought was significant. So according to fansided the Leafs would eat 2 mill. for only 1 team 1 deal. Fansided also said that this was kinda 4th hand info and take it for what it`s worth. Even Kessels agent seems to think that the Leafs are in no rush to trade him. Kinda backing what Shanny has said all along
last i saw kane plays big when team needs him the most . and he does not have a double chin and trains year round and his mid section does not look like rolly poly .
Seriously George?! I feel like you have a personal hate for kessel or something. Did he not reply your love letters or something? He still plays 82 games every year and carrys the teams offense. Why don’t you talk to his performance and not to physical appearance.
Different George, dork.
Carries a team 4th from the bottom of the standings.
Great but Rolly Polly produces regardless & if he ever got the opportunity to play in a good scenario like Mlakin has in Pittsburgh or Kane has in Chicago what might Rolly Polly do? I think it’s safe to assume he would generate better production than he has to date & that production has him as 1 of the top 5 to 10 offensive players in the NHL now playing on a brutal team in Toronto & obviously he’s willing plays hurt. You can’t play 5 straight years & not have missed a single game & not have. Even with Kessel’s perimeter game.
Kessel has played in the center of the hockey universe for 6 years. No bigger spot light in hockey any where in the world. Kessel can’t go thru the drive thru at Timmy’s manned by 15 year olds & not be recognized in Toronto. Few would Know Malkin or Kane in their respective markets if they were sitting next to them for dinner for 2 hours. That’s a ton of pressure & not an ideal way to have to live your life. Can you imagine the abuse Kessel has endured by fans walking down the street in Toronto?
Kessel has faults, many, but he has something few players in the world have & that’s incredible offensive abilities. I’m sure as a coach I can find a few players to cover for Kessel’s faults. I hope Kessel goes to a true contender. Anaheim would be perfect & when he posts new career highs for goals & points, plus/minus & wins the cup you will all go whoa did I misjudge Kessel’s abilities & contribution. He’s carried Toronto for 7 years almost entirely by himself. Superstars are supposed to produce regardless of who the play with & Kessel has produced with anyone & everyone he’s played with. No single player other than possibly a goalie can steal you a cup. Games aren’t won solely based on players abilities to generate points but it is a significant factor in getting a team over the cusp.
If I’m Kessel you can’t get me out of Toronto fast enough. In fact I wouldn’t have even resigned there. I would have forced Toronto’s hand to trade me sooner. Why would anyone want to play there other than money?
Because it’s all Kessels fault Toronto is in the mess they are in !
Leaf fans have no patience now, I dont know how they will get through the next 4-5 years or longer.
You are right about Malkin. I guess it’s the passion that makes Leafs fans crazy but they do need to step outside the box and think their logic through.
Kessel plays and has played on a team that runs no defensive system and allows him to do whatever he wants on the ice. He’s talented and this type of system favors him so he puts up points (Hello Tyler Seguin in Dallas) – I can’t believe you are making these comparisons! I would take Kane or Malkin over Kessel ANYDAY. Kessel cannot inspire his teammates, take over a game or control the flow of play, he simple knows how to score, which is great but he is overpaid. People making that kind of money can do more than score, they have to be able to bring multiple facits to their game.
And of course he’s not injured, you have to go into the corner to get injured… lol. Kessel is afraid to ever go into the corners and take a chance, you you are knocking Malkin for not playing hurt, but yet you don’t mention Kessel who WONT EVEN GO AND BE PHYSICAL. EVER. I’d rather have the guy who doesn’t want to potentially destroy his body but is going into the corners and playing the game the right way than some sissy who lingers around just waiting to add point totals to his unimpressive career.
Honestly, you Toronto fans are insane. Get a grip and get a clue.
“Honestly, you Toronto fans are insane. Get a grip and get a clue.”
Both are as elusive as a Stanley Cup parade down Yonge Street. A team that has made the playoffs ONCE in a decade – and that in a shortened season – and they think their players are worth a king’s ransom. They coughed up two first for a guy Boston couldn’t wait to get rid of, and because he’s been their most consistent goal scorer – playing the most minutes of any of their forwards including the pp – and they believe his one-dimensional approach is worthy of the same return, only this time costing the other team $8 mil per cap hit. Jaysus
Can I just say, Jaysus! It’s a good thing you’re here to keep us honest! We need feedback from bitter Ottawa fans like yourself who don’t watch the Leafs and hate everything to do with Toronto.
The only “bitter” one in here is you CO. I don’t “hate” the Leafs – in fact I am completely indifferent to them. But if some can come in here and liken a one-dimensional chicken-s*&t forward to a massive two-way C such as Malkin – then yes, I’ll drop in my two cents worth. Or have you been elected site monitor and must all comments be vetted with you beforehand?
Denial is not just a river in Africa, my friend.
If I could try to extract the essence of what he was saying it’s that some players who have been fortunate to be on winning teams seem to be above criticism, you cam snort coke and beat your wife. While God help you if you’re on a losing team in Canada, especially Toronto, who everyone really hates anyway, the kind of anger people spew at you it’s just crazy, it’s loco. Thoughts anyone?
Kane doesn’t wear an A and I’m sure Malkin is inspiring his team making 4.5 million a season sitting in the pressbox…
quit comparing kessel to kane and malking!! jeezus
Ditto. Kessel’s numbers over the last 5 seasons speak for themselves and I would love to see him on a wing for the Pens (cap space is of concerning for me). Let’s be clear, he is NOT this franchise player that he was initially brought up to be by the Toronto media and he is not the type of person who likes doing interviews (despite the Toronto media pestering him constantly), much like Price (who no one seems to bother). This guy is a perennial 30+ goal scorer and would be valuable anywhere in the league at 8 million.
Sharks should still consider trading for Cam Ward. He will probably be the one to go in Carolina since Lack is there now.
Why.
Ward is a below average NHL goalie. In the 25 to 30 range. His career SV% is .910. He has 1 decent regular season, 2010-11 & 1 exceptional play off run in 2005-06. That’s 10 years ago. On top of that his cap hit is 6.3 million & he’s an UFA in 1 more year. Niemi was & is a far better goalie; his career average SV% is .916, & Doug Wilson choose to let him walk & not resign him. How Doug Wilson still has a job as an NHL GM is shocking.
Instead of the Leafs ‘seizing’ the opportunity to get Richards, why not go after Cody Hodgson? I think he would be a more worthwhile experiment, give him a chance to redeem himself, playing with JVR/Kessel and give him actual ice time over Bozak. Leafs are rebuilding anyways, so give him the
chance to play and if he makes mistakes, so be it, maybe Babcock would be good for him. Just a suggestion…
Let’s hope Hodgson’s power skating summer in Sweden helps. His skating is seriously suspect & not remotely close to NHL standards, he’s clueless defensively, nor cares about defense & if you think Kessel has flaws, Hodgson has his own & then you have his Dad’s interference on top of that.
Hodgson is the perfect example of what a player can do if given 1st line ice time & power play time. Mediocre #’s that make him look like a potential player but reduce that opportunity even slightly & boom their production vanishes. Vermette is another perfect example. In Arizona getting 1st line ice time & power play time he was a mediocre player, 35 points in 63 games. Moved to the #3 C role in Chicago with little to no power play time & his offensive production vanished. 3 points in 19 games. That said Chicago paying a 1st paid in spades. Vermette’s 3 game winners were instrumental in helping Chicago secure their 3rd cup in 6 years. Well worth every penny.
Thank God Vermette showed what he truly was as he was being talked about as a potential 5 mil plus a year player as a UFA. Vermette is a great 3rd line C who is 1 of the best face off men in the NHL but 3rd line C’s shouldn’t make more than 3 million per season.
Striker – good description of Cody, not sure he will ever consistenty evolve into the kind of NHL-er he could be. All in all, I think Tim just wanted him out of the locker room, move out another of Dorky Darcy’s guys.
I agree. And look at Bolland in Florida. Getting paid 5 million per season as the 3rd line center
IDK. I think Vermette is a good middle of the pack 2nd line C. He should get at least what he was making plus, a season for 3 seasons.
There is an interesting read on him ( 5 on 5 usage etc ) if you want the link lmk.
semin is being bought out on a 1 yr deal he has played good! brad boyes being bought too both cheaper signings if the leafs are asking too much for kessel
Boyes, yes. Semin…..I hope he likes Rubles.
lol true… a team like montreal might sign him to a one year cheap contract they need scoring?
I dont get the Boyes buyout but he would fit in nicely in Montreal for cheap. An upgrade over PA Parenteau and stay away from Belesky.
I do hear the Habs are hot to trot for Frolik. He may not fit thou….he’s 6’1
frolik wants to come to the habs not sure the habs are that interested? frolik wants 5 million per
It’s so funny to hear people supporting Kessel.. Shticky/ Dino Ridley/ Stricker
Just to name a few idiots…
You all are so sure he’s worth a top pick, top prospect, and a roster player!!
Yet day after day we see this assessment becomes more ridiculous.. But you will never admit it
You people are simply wrong about Kessels value!!
And if you weren’t wrong he would have been traded by now!!!!!
I’m going to tell you what will happen.. This is another luongo situation
Kessel will be talked about all the way to next years trade deadline.. Things will heat up
BUT NOTHING WILL HAPPEN!!!!!
The offseason will roll around.. And because the leafs will finish the season with the 8-10th pick
They will finally realize they have to move Kessel.. At this point they will take what they can get (a late first rounder and a mid level prospect) and probably eat between 1-1.5 million per year
Its Dino Rondelly sir, and you are obviously way more passionate about Kessel then any of us ever were.
And the guy that compared Kessel with Malkin.. You are a first class moron
Of course we know your a leaf fan!!!!! Because no other person in the world would say something so stupid and believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!
Toronto fans consistently reinforce the fact that they simply do not know what’s going on in the hockey world.. Or they can’t evaluate players without their blue and white goggles on!!!!!
It is possible to state your opinion without referring to people as idiots and morons.
It’s extremely hard not to when people make terrible comments. (Like that malkin comment)
I feel like they will never learn otherwise.
I feel like you need a lesson on how to use the reply button,
You are absolutely right K.
How dare people compare Kessel to Malkin. The better comparison is Bozak and we all know
Bozak > Malkin.
LOL. Now you’re just yanking chains.
@ hockey Guru
Are you suggesting that anyone in the world would rather have Kessel over Malkin??
Please let me know what you think Kessel’s value is?
Everyone wants Kessel.
Crosby, thats my starting point.
If you’re interested in my take on tonight’s Saad and Bieksa trades, swing on by the “News” section. I’d be interested in reading your thoughts on those deals.