A list of 10 NHL players who could be traded this summer, plus updates on Ryan O’Reilly, Patrick Sharp, Rick Nash, Marc Staal and the Senators efforts to trade a goalie.
Top-10 NHL trade candidates for summer of ’15.
Phil Kessel (left) and Dion Phaneuf are among the NHL players considered most likely to be dealt this summer.
USA TODAY: Toronto’s Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf top Kevin Allen’s list of this offseason’s 10 most likely trade candidates. Others include Colorado’s Ryan O’Reilly, New York Rangers Rick Nash and Cam Talbot, Chicago’s Patrick Sharp and Bryan Bickell, Carolina’s Eric Staal, Ottawa’s Robin Lehner and Dallas’ Kari Lehtonen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll be surprised if most of the players on this list get dealt. A sluggish rise in the salary cap combined with 20 teams carrying cap payrolls in excess of $55 million means the high-salaried players won’t be easy to move, especially if they’ve got some no-trade protection in their contracts. More affordable assets like Talbot and Lehner stand the best chance of being dealt. One or two of those high-salaried guys could move, but it could get tricky making the dollars fit.
Avs likely to move O’Reilly?
TSN 1040 VANCOUVER (VIA TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Bob McKenzie reports the Colorado Avalanche are gauging the market value of center Ryan O’Reilly. He believes it’s more likely the Avalanche trade center Ryan O’Reilly at some point, but it will depend upon what the deal is and the financial negotiations of the contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly is eligible next summer for UFA status and is currently earning an annual cap hit of $6 million. If the Avs aren’t willing to pay big to re-sign him or if he’s unwilling to accept a “hometown discount”, they could move him this summer. Still, given the aforementioned salary cap limits, it might not be easy.
Sharp to the Capitals?
TSN 690 (VIA TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Pierre LeBrun suggests the Washington Capitals might be a destination for Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Sharp.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks must shed salary and Sharp ($5.9 million cap hit for two more years) is seen as the most likely trade candidate. Prior to the trade deadline, there were reports the Capitals had contacted the Blackhawks about Sharp. Perhaps they’ll revisit those discussions.
Could the Sabres pursue Rick Nash?
SPORTSNET 690 CALGARY (via TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Elliotte Friedman wonders if a team with an aggressive GM, like the Buffalo Sabres, might make a pitch for New York Rangers right wing Rick Nash. He’s not 100 percent convinced that will happen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t believe the Sabres will pursue Nash, whose full no-movement clauses becomes a partial no-trade on July 1. Even if they did, I don’t think Nash will accept being dealt from a two-time Conference Finalist to a team undergoing a lengthy rebuilding process like the Sabres.
No Marc Staal trade.
NEW YORK POST’s Larry Brooks took to Twitter to address the recent Marc Staal trade rumors: “You can stop with the hypothetical trade scenarios involving Marc Staal. His no-move clause took effect when he signed his extension in Jan.”
Senators hope to trade a goal before the draft.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators hope to make a goalie trade (either Craig Anderson or – most likely – Robin Lehner) before the NHL Draft next weekend (June 26-27). The asking price is said to be a top-six forward and a draft pick, though that could change as the draft nears if the Sens aren’t getting offers they like. Six or seven teams, including Buffalo, Edmonton and Calgary, are believed to have contacted the Sens.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Perhaps the first NHL trade of the offseason involves Anderson or Lehner (again, the most likely candidate) being moved next week. I don’t see them getting a top-six forward as part of the return. There was talk they also wanted a high draft pick in the package. At best, I’m guessing they get a promising young player or a second-round pick.
Re Lehner and “I don’t see them getting a top-six forward as part of the return. There was talk they also wanted a high draft pick in the package. At best, I’m guessing they get a promising young player or a second-round pick.”
They will get a top 6 F if it’s a package deal involving someone like Mike Hoffman (27 goals in his full rookie year) and one of their two 2nd round picks (in that situation I’d be trying to include Greening or Legwand in the deal). I just have a feeling that the Lehner deal will turn into a multiple-player/draft picks exchange.
I think you’re drinking a little too heavily from the Kool-Aid my friend. Lehner hasn’t proven himself a starter yet, and has a bit of an injury history to go along with that. IF they get a “top 6″ forward, it would definitely be a 2nd line forward at best with maybe a later round pick. And even then, I think that would be a bit of an overpayment, but he does still have that one sparkly thing that ALL GM’s love to pay dearly for…..”potential”
I don’t believe George said they would unless Hoffman was added into the deal.
Exactly Striker. Some people read into a comment what they WANT to read so they can come back with a response like that.
All good George. I may take you to task on occasion but trying to understand your points & I’m not sure Jaysin meant for it to be a reply to yours but to the article above & he hit reply by accident as opposed to just commenting.
OR I could have just misread your comment as you suggesting the Senators acquire someone like Hoffman and a 2nd round pick for Lehner. While I’ll apologize for misreading, you certainly didn’t need to be a condescending prick about it, George
Don`t fret it Jaysin, George can be a little ruff around the edges but I`m sure he meant no ill will nor was necessarily referring to you specifically.
You mean like you suggesting I’ve been drinking kool aid – presumably spiked? Talk about being a prick.
Yes, I said you were drinking the Senators Kool-Aid a little too heavily. Again, it came from me thinking you were suggesting the Sens should try and acquire a 20(ish) goal scorer AND a 2nd round pick for a fairly unproven, injury prone goalie. Again, I misread your initial statement. I own that. Should I put on lipstick before bowing down to your superiority, or can we just move on?
And all my (implied) suggestion was – if you are going to resort to snarky or sarcastic comments like that, its always best to re-read the item you are responding to before hitting send.
Not to nit pick here. But when people say top 6. It generally means a 2nd line player. Possibly a 2nd line player who is versatile enough to move up on the top line with a true top line player. It is why people say top 6. So yes of coarse it will be a 2nd line player. If Murray stated he wanted a top line player that would mean a top 3 player. If someone says top 9 That generally means a 3rd liner who has 2nd line potential. OH wait I am nit picking.
As for the Lehner trade. Trade alone I don’t think Ottawa has a hope of getting a top 6 player. Yet I fail to see how George is drinking to much. Murray has stated in interviews that if it isn’t an option he is willing to sweeten the pot by adding other players.
So If Lehner is traded along with a veteran like Neil, A young forward like Hoffman and perhaps one of Ottawa’s young D who they still have 8 left. That is a combination that should garner quite some interest. It should be something to create quite the hockey trade to help Ottawa and the other team they deal with.
Ottawa has to find room for Prince and Peumple to move up and have to figure out what to do with Cowen.
Say: Edmonton returns Yakupov and a 2nd rounder for Lehner, Neil and Weircioch.
Ottawa gets a young top 6 player, the 2nd rounder and frees up roster spots. Although I wouldn’t want to give up Weircioch.
Edmonton get a solid Goalie prospect, an experienced vet and a serviceable defenseman.
Potential is being dealt for potential all over in this trade.
And if you think this trade scenario is ludicrous as I am sure some of you do. I am sure you all can tweak it slightly to make it more suitable for both sides.
perhaps a 1rst round to Ottawa. Perhaps Cowen instead of Weircioch. Maybe Neil isn’t an Option. Will Michalek be suitable for edmonton. Maybe one of Ottawa’s young guys like Hoffman or Lazar.
Trade options are there and Ottawa can also find away to move Greening in this aswell.
Oops should of read further down before responding. Haha.
I can see a few big deals happening I still think bergevin is gonna pull off a big one
its too bad they don’t have a few high end prospects they could use to make a big move. Montreal should at least see how much Logan Couture and Eric Staal would cost. Couture could be a pipe dream though.
Maybe they should make a run at Ryan O’Reilly. Only problem is the Habs really good dmen aren’t getting traded and thats what Colorado needs.
O’Reilly for Desharnais/Beaulieu/22nd pick??
Problem for the Habs (and most other teams) is getting the $$ to work. Even if the Habs had the assets for a Staal or Couture trade to work – and I don’t really think they do – they couldn’t absorb those guys under the cap.
They’d need to trade out pretty close to even $$ to make it work. Desharnais has little trade value, so I don’t think he’s in the mix. Emelin might have some, but he has an NTC and is still only making around half as much as Staal.
But, I’ll admit, Bergevin has surprised me before!
if the habs could trade emeilin and parenteau they would have the space to take on a big contract couture would be a good fit staal I don’t see imo he has lost a step the habs core is mid twenties and that’s the age of player they should go for couture,orielly
Hasn’t Hoffman earned the right to be a top 6 forward in Ottawa. His deployment by Dave Cameron made no sense to me at all, either in the regular season or playoffs. In the regular season he had to earn his playing time yet his points kept coming regardless of the limited opportunity he was given. Every time Cameron tried to get Zibanejad & Ryan going when they were in slumps it was Hoffman that was moved off that line & had MacArthur who was playing with Turris & Stone not been injured he may never have gotten the opportunity to play in the top 6. Even Chaisson got way better opportunities until Cameron realized he has serious defensive liability.
Hoffman played 79 games last season, lead Ottawa in goals with 27 & was 5th for points with 48; only 3 of those were power play points. Yet he was 7th for average ice time per game for forwards, 11th for power play time; 8th for forwards, & when he did get power play time it was as a point man! In the playoffs he was 5th for points 1 behind the leaders & when the playoffs started he barely played until Ottawa needed to start scoring. He was 7th for ice time by forwards, 9th for power play time;7th for forwards.
Does this make sense to anyone else. If I’m another team I’m doing everything I can to acquire Hoffman. Hell I’ll give him top 6 forward minutes & 1st line power play time as a forward.
To answer your question, I think he’s seen as an opportunist. He doesn’t play the hard game, won’t play the full ice, doesn’t really go to the corners. He’s a bit of a spezza type of winger. Waits for his chance. I think also that when his numbers were looked at closely they were not sustainable. He does have great foot speed and uses it to his advantage at times. The idea might be to sell high.
On the other hand not every player can be the ultimate player, sometimes you have a few complementary players that can score. More realistically you could have him score 20-25 at best.
Time will tell.
To use Churchill’s famous comment about Russia, as hockey players go Hoffman is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. At every level he was a slow starter before blossoming into something totally unexpected. He’s one of those rare ones who was cut loose by an OHL team (Kitchener) and relocated to the Q where he had a so-so start with Gatineau before being dealt to Drummondville and then Saint John, where he ultimately became the Q’s MVP. Overlooked in his first year of draft eligibility, he was finally taken in the 5th round of the 1009 draft by Ottawa (130th overall). His first year at Elmira/Binghamton in the pros was so-so before eventually blossoming at the AHL level. Now he’s a 25 year-old RFA who turn 26 in November and so can become a UFA after he turns 27, so I think, of all Ottawa’s RFAs, he will be the most difficult to sign to anything longer than 2 years. Why would he with a chance to to test the UFA market sooner than most “rookies.” Does Ottawa take a chance that he is the real deal and give him more money now in order to get him signed to a longer term – or do they let someone else worry about that if there’s a top 6 F to be had for him, Lehner and a 2nd round pick? Interesting dilemma for Murray.
I agree with you on Hoffman. Lots of upside, even if he is a Spezza type as mentioned. If he can continue to make the most of his opportunities and score 25+ goals a season, he likely has a home in a 2nd line capacity on most teams in the league.
I know I would be all for the Penguins picking him up for peanuts if the Sens have no interest in him! At the right price, he would be worth the gamble.
As for the Sens, I agree, they should give him the opportunity to run with a 2nd line position. If he flames out, move him. If he doesn’t and you can’t resign him by the trade deadline – move him. If he works out, then you’ve solved your top 6 winger problem.
What do you all think?
Full disclosure I’m a fan of both teams. But neither are ‘My Team’
Trade
sharp (5.9 x 2yrs)
Bickell (4 mil x 2 yrs)
Anti raanta (1 year x 750,000)
1st or 2nd + 3rd
To Toronto for:
Phil Kessel (8yr x 8 year)
Toronto keep 4 million of salary for the 8 years.
If you were Toronto or Chicago. Do you do that deal?
Responses:
Chi = Yes / Tor = Yes
Chi = Yes / Tor = No and why
Chi = No (why?) / Tor = Yes
Or both No (and why)
Thanks everyone. I love reading all of your responses each day. I find them insightful and/or funny.
Chicago = Of course Toronto = Hell No!
I dont really see what Toronto is gaining from these picks. All toronto gets is two salary dumps and a 2nd + 4th round pick because I would imagine that chicago will still be contenders in the next few years, and a question mark goalie. Chicago gets a 1st line players for 4 million dollars?! are you crazy? I know Sharp isnt really a salary dump but if toronto needed a productive player then why not just keep kessel in the first place?
A trade with Chicago would start with Saad or Teravainen then throw in other players to make the salary work.
Even still, a trade with chicago will never happen, they are ready have two top six RWs.
No way to either. Chicago isn’t making Kessel part of their core & they have 2 top line RWs now named Hossa & Kane & their current 3rd line RW is Teravainem who will most likely move to C eventually but not for a few years. But more importantly Chicago needs to find a way to get Seabrooke resigned which will be interesting to watch to see how Stan makes that work & still fills out his 23 man roster come 2016-17.
Sharp & Bickell will both be traded just not to Toronto for Kessel.
what a pile of crap what is 6 or7 teams has murray gone senile or he can’t add i think he is trying to pull the wool over yours eyes again i think i would know if it was 6 or 7
As a Rangers fan I haven’t even heard any Marc Staal rumors.
Also I like Friedman but any trade (even hypothetical) make zero sense for either team. Rangers are in win now mode and who on the Sabers would make a team that came 1 period away from the Finals with several important players injured better by replacing Nash? Even Eichel isn’t an improvement in the short term and Buffalo would be crazy to offer him.
ya no way buf offers eichel?? I think the rangers might need to trade guys for some picks they have traded away a lot of high picks that last couple of years
I don’t see Nash to Buffalo, makes no sense. Sabes biggest asset right now is their cap space; Buffalo is in a great spot to poach teams pressed up against the cap. More sellers than buyers, or at least buyers with cap space.
That’s another reason why I just don’t see Sharp bringing such a high return. Sharp will bring a 2nd, that’s it. Hawks hoping for a #1.
Sabres will have Eichel, Reinhardt and Girgensons down the middle for a long time – no need to O’Rielly, especially since Tim would likely overpay to get him. See Kane deal.
Interesting perspective on Sharp. I see almost just the opposite. If he’s essentially moved for futures, I see a fairly solid pick, late 1st 15th or later & a 2nd tier prospect. If the prospect goes up I could see the pick going down.
Example. Poirier & Calgary’s 2nd 45th overall. Washington’s 1st 22nd overall & Riley Barber. Anaheim’s 1st 27th overall & Kenton Helgesen.
I think at least 18 teams; Anh, Arz, Cal, Car, Col, Dal, Det, Edm, Flo, Mon, Nas, NJ, NYI, Ott, Pit, SJ, Was & Win will kick tires on Sharp & at least 13 of those will make offers. Sharp has 2 years left at a very reasonable cap hit 5.9 million considering his combination of skills, leadership ability; currently wears an A in Chicago, experience, 3 Stanley Cup rings, will be very enticing for many teams & regardless of Chicago`s cap issues Chicago`s return from this bidding war will be significant & certainly more than just a 2nd round pick.
In a perfect world I think they would prefer a D prospect to a F prospect but I don`t belief that will be a deal breaker.
I don’t know that I see Sharp going to Detroit. We have an abundance of younger forwards, some of which are overdue chances to earn their spots with the big club. Though I wouldn’t mind seeing Sharp in the Wings sweater, I just don’t think Detroit has enough to make a legit offer without giving up too much on their behalf (if that makes sense)
Detroit has the cap space to potentially take on Sharp. Weiss will be moved as a toxic contract or bought out. Fransen may never play again although Holland is holding out hope. That’s a ton of concussion issues & I don’t have much hope.
Yes it’s a little crowded at forward in Detroit but if Detroit were to bid for Sharp at least 1 if not 2 of those prospects will have to go. Jurco & Pulkinnen?
If they can’t land Sekera, Franson or Green at a price acceptable to them as UFA’s then trading for Phaneuf is going to cost at least 1 young forward. Detroit rarely delves into free agency as the cost is prohibitive to what Holland is willing to pay & on the few occasions they have it hasn’t worked out very well.
Detroit is getting younger but the clock is ticking on Datsyuk & Zetterberg & Detroit would be wise to take 1 last kick at the can before Datsyuk moves on to finish his career in the KHL. He’s 37 in July with 2 years left on his current deal. Injuries are starting to become a factor. Will he sign on again at 39 when this contract expires? I sure hope so for 2 more years.
I didn’t say Detroit would make an offer but I’m sure Holland will at least have a conversation with Stan. Sharp might be enough to push Detroit into contender status in the East.
I don’t think you have to worry about Buffalo offering the #2 pick (Eichel) for Nash lol, that pick along with the #1 are not being shopped or being moved no matter what the offer is.
Because Nash is the reason the Rangers lost game 7.
If he was on the market many teams would be calling
I don’t think Nash is the reason they lost game 7. Having 4 of your top d-men playing with injury didn’t help.Plus your 1st line winger. If I had to point a finger in that game, It would be on King Henrik. That 1st goal against was TERRIBLE and a game killer. But as far as offensive no shows, there is plenty of that blame to go around. Kreider, St. Louis, Hagelin, Hayes etc. They can all share a little of that blame.
I meant it as Nash was not the problem.
I read some other site today with the writer mentioning the Rangers add Mike Green for the PP… huh?
With the Pittsburgh Penguins having salary constraints (as usual) and a lack of scoring depth… would that not be a solid destination for Bozak and Kessel? The return??? Malkin, a prospect and a 1st this year. 2 second line players for $12.2m instead of 1 guy for $9.5m
Kessel would play 2nd line with Perron on the left and Bozak in the middle and give the more consistent scoring punch Pittsburgh needs while Crosby centers Hornqvist and Kunitz.
Toronto gets the #1 center they have needed since Sundin.
I also think the Leafs should do all they can to re-acquire Winnik. He was a very nice fit in Toronto and a very serviceable player. $2m (a significant raise from his $$1.3m last season) should get it done and would be money well spent for a versatile, heart and sole guy who can chip in the odd goal and kill penalties like nobody’s business.
The Pit deal would leave a gaping hole on the right side of the Leaf’s top line, but like Rob Brown with Mario, maybe a guy who can like Kozun can ride the right wing (JVR on the left) and make a good fit as the “shooter” of the trio.
Lastly, the leafs flip that mid-late #1 pick from Pit to land Lucic who would play 2nd line LW with Kadri in the middle and Lupul on the right. His “sandpaper” style of play will be appreciated by Babcock I am sure and will whip Kadri into shape ASAP!
don’t see the leafs taking any big contracts back unless they are totally drifting away from the “shannyplan” I think they will be going after young players prospects and picks
I think you may have been drinking that Kool-Aid Jaysin was saying George must have been drinking.
1. Bozak & Kessel aren’t getting Toronto Malkin even if it was Toronto including the late round 1st & prospect. Nor does Pittsburgh have a 1st this season; went to Edm for Perron, it would have to be a 2016 pick.
2. Winnik is a UFA & can be had for free. It won’t cost any where near 2 million to sign him. Although I agree he’s a solid defensive player that can chip in some points. I don’t understand why he’s so undervalued.
3. Boston isn’t giving up Lucic for a late 1st rounder.
Next. Ha-ha!
My bad on the 1st, forgot they gave it to EDM for Perron. Crap. Shot a hole in my suggestion right off the top.
Lay off the kool aid! First off Pitts doesn’t even own a first round pick this year. 2nd off Pitts is already a cap strapped team. There is no way the can take on the $12.5 mil salary for Bozak & Kessel while only dumping Malkin’s $9.5 mil salary. Pitts would have to make another deal with somebody else or give another player to Toronto.
“Toronto gets the #1 center they have needed since Sundin”
To play with who, exactly, if the one guy they needed a C FOR, Kessel, is sent the other way?
Its not a trade I see happening but ya I agree George….how many of the Sundin years were people saying if he only had a winger to play with?
Does JVR count as nothing? And I am sure we can ALL agree on this point at least… Top 6 wingers are WAY easier to acquire than 1st line centers.
good point with jvr hollywood
Hmmm I kimda beg to differ, how has finding a winger to play with Crosby worked out? Also I am not sure, you could be right JVR might work out to be that guy aswell with a real firstline center but what makes you so sure that Kessel is not kinda responsible for some of his production over the past couple years? Away from Kessels 80 points playing with Kadri and another winger JVRs numbers
dont look as good as they do with Bozak and Kessel, and his posession numbers are the worst of the bunch, soo you maybe right but Im not sure JVR is going to produce the same kinda results as Kessel or when Kessel is gone. I do find it kinda funny everyone kicking him to the curb tho. Whole bunch of real analytical guys in the Leafs staff now saying prepare for pain…think maybe its cause they know? To become a better properly built team they need to re order some things Kessel being one of them but at
the same time, maybe there is a reason that everyone who plays on that line has career type years, and why when that line is clicking they go on big runs, when Kessel doesnt score they lose lots of games.
Re JVR HollywoodHudon – that’s a player who is hard to figure out. He certainly displays all the ingredients needed by a power F but as Shticky points out, are his good stats enhanced (maybe something like Kunitz) thanks to who he’s been playing with? I can’t get a handle on him. Anyone recall who he played with (mostly) in that 21-goal season in Philly? Having said that, I’d still take him in a deal IF TO is including him in their planned housecleaning.
no. never. not ever. ever. get where im going with this. i thought you might be kidding/sarcastic at first read. I think Malkin would not approve the deal. He wants to win not be on a rebuilding team. Malkin would probably cost something like:
#4 pick/JVR/Reilly
for
Malkin/Kunitz’ contract even this proposal is far fetched but closer
If the Penguins traded Malkin and all they got was Blowsack and fatboy Phil I would personally fly to Pittsburgh and slit Rutherfords throat myself. What a horrible, horrible backward move for the Penguins. I would consider bringing Kessel on but for much less and Bozack is an average 3c on most NHL teams. No thank you a thousand times over.
Kessel isn’t worth Malkin. I would rather keep the penguins team we have now. Toronto doesn’t have the assets to pry Malkin from the pens and everyone knows Kessel is signed to a overpriced contact.
Think we have reached the point of no return…not saying all or any of these guy are traded but it seems like every player mentioned in every rumor ends with “but his contract…” Horcoff Hemsky Spezza Nash Richards Carter Clarkson Gaborik Miller Hossa Gomez Wisnewski Umburger Hartnell…guys get dealt its part of the game, there are ways to make things work and when everyone is facing the same issues and with all these bigger type contracts whos to say some dont get dealt for one another? It just kinda seems like an easy way to hedge your bet or to say “I told ya so” if every time someone is mentioned you end the next sentence “but with his contract..” I think most realize the cap plays a
significant role in the nhl it has since its inception and will continue to do so its n8t free wheel dealing like it used to be but there are always ways these guys
find to get around it if it makes sense to do so. I am not so sure after what we have seen over the past few years we should be caught off guard if guys with big cotracts get moved despite their being a cap and what it inflates to….just my 2 cents.
in terms of kessel its a combination of things salary,term,attitude, and one dimensional play imo! I see the return for him a young player,prospect,pick and either a toxic contract or salary retained trading him in a year where the cap didn’t go up as much as expected will hinder the trade a bit
NHL GMs have to start thinking like Bill Behlichek. Pats tend to use players to a pount, then discard them for younger, less expensive players. Let someone else “reward” the players for their efforts.
NHL GMs need to take the position “thank you for your services – time to move on” vs paying some of these guys when it is apparent that their best days are behind them. Still good players? Sure, some of them but not necessariliy with their contracts.
I agree hanson
@4th Hanson brother “NHL GMs need to take the position “thank you for your services – time to move on” vs paying some of these guys when it is apparent that their best days are behind them. ”
They could do that IF the owners dig in their heels and at the next CBA adopt the NFL system of “no guaranteed contracts.”
Don’t sign 33 year old players to multi year contracts, unless the situation or the player is extraordinary. Vermette is about to get a nice multi year deal, rewarding him more for what he has accomplished than what he will bring to his new team.
Oh I agree totally with what you’re saying. But we both know, when push comes to shove, some GMs will start outbidding one another to latch onto I suppose is the best UFA C available. And then regret it perhaps by this time next year.
Forget about non guaranteed contracts. Not interested in any NFL comparisons. NHLPA will never go for it.
With the Cap not moving much i can foresee most trade candidates staying put. Backup goalies only worth a 2nd IMO.
Never thought in todays cap world that picks will be easy to acquire. Unloading contracts teams will have to take a hit if wanna deal.
The multi-millionaires with term left probably won’t go for it, but the tactic for the owners is to stick together this time and apply the “divide and conquer” technique because, the longer things drag on during discussions, the more those just on the verge of entering the league or the many “grunts” playing for much smaller amounts and shorter terms will begin to get antsy. And there’s no longer any problem with the KHL being an alternative as long as Putin the Moron is in charge of Russia’s “economy.”
To me itjust seems like any easy answer to say ya but his contract…when it seems like as often as not it turns out not to be the case….how many buyouts has there been? Now how many times have we seen guys with big contracts or atleast contracts that many deemed hard to move, potential buy outs moved? Its pretty even really. It may take some time but just seems like almost everyones answer on here “but his the contract!” when its not really the case. If its in the interest of a team to pick a guy up generally they will and make the cap work in some otherway.
I agree. Though it might make it hard for that team to sign UFAs (or even RFAs?) when the time comes. Players might be loathe to sign somewhere that has a history of kicking players to the curb.
It’s obviously working for Belichek, but might not be the same for all teams. (If a team can make it work, though, I agree; go for it!)
I think all NHL teams should model themselves around the Patriots ways. Cheat, deny, lie, get slapped on the wrist repeat. ZING!!!!
I agree. The money issue can be over come in most situations if a team really wants a player. I don`t think it`s that most of us don`t think something can be worked out just that based on what we know today it`s not likely or logical. Hey if Clarkson can be traded anything is possible.
Although I think Kessell & Phaneuf will be moved this off season, if Toronto can`t get what they want or think is fair perhaps they wait to move both till a later date. I think this is unlikely but the rebuild has started. Toronto acquired some solid picks & prospects at the deadline & we shouldn`t forget that when Carlyle was fired Toronto was in the playoff race & Toronto having no plan nor a suitable replacement lead to a tail spin. This concerns me as these decisions were essentially made by Shanahan & Dubois & I`m still sitting here shaking my head that a real general manager hasn`t been hired. No slight to the group Shanahan has assembled but their combined NHL managerial experience is essentially zero.
I agree . shanny doesn’t really have that much experience in the position he is all those guys from junior could be good but its just like a prospect its a big jump from the ohl to the nhl
I know the Flyers are tight to the cap, but are they a likely destination for Kessel if Lecavalier is part of the returning package? Possibly with a Draft Pick and an additional under-performing young player?
I have to admit Kessel on the other side with Giroux and Vorachek is intriguing. But I don’t think a team can be built with 3 forward making $8M or approaching $8M per year (Vorachek’s new contract). With the Canadian dollar expected to stay at the $.75 to $80 level any major increase in the salary cap is unlikely to happen. Money would be better spent on a stud defenseman now that Schenn and Grossman contracts’ are expiring.
philly needs dmen!! they do not need a scorer that has no idea what defence means! lol
The only way I see Kessel getting moved is if he goes to Carolina (Tor takes Semin’s contract and gets the 5th overall pick and a top end prospect), New Jersey (Tor gets the 6th overall pick, Larson, and takes on Clowe’s contract), New York Islanders (they have the cap room and the prospects like 2 out of the following 3 of Strome/Reinhart/Dal Colle), or Dallas (their 1st rounder and a couple of prospects). I think that there is a better chance of Phaneuf getting moved.
i agree for the most part. Not a Leafs or Devils fan so with no heart involved haha i say Toronto would be very happy if they could get Larsson and the 6th pick for Kessel. Larsson still has top pairing potential (could he play with Reilly?) and they could get a great player at #6 (Crowse/Provorov/Barzal/Zacha). And they got tonnes of cash to pay for Clowe.
If they could get Ryan Strome from the NYI that would be huge. He looked good last year, for the most part.
NYI trade Strome/Pulock/Grabner for Kessel and some of his contract.
IMO Carolina would be ideal because the Leafs could then hopefully draft Marner and either Hanifin or Provorov back to back. The return of Semin and a high end prospect sounds alright.
Carolina trade Semin/#5 pick/Hadyn Fleury for Kessel/Leafs 2nd rounder
don’t see either panthers or devils giving up top 10 picks in this draft both teams are in a bit of a rebuild I really see kessel getting around what seguin,kesler and spezza got all different skill sets but in the same situation as kessel the whole league knows they want to do a rebuild
Probably could add a lot more players. There will at least 2 maybe more Bruin players traded. They can’t do anything without clearing cap space Sweeney will make moves
Boston`s cap situation is bad but depending upon what happens with Hamilton`s contract they have the ability to sign 23 players & sneak in under 71 million, as long as Hamilton receives no more than 5 million on a bridge contract but even if he were offer sheet ed at 7.5 & Boston matches they could get in under the cap by moving Eriksson or Kelly. Moving Kelly wouldn`t be easy by himself but add Subban to the deal & several teams would take his 3 million cap hit, 2.5 in real dollars for 1 more year.
Boston has 11.533 in cap space at 71 million, with 16 players signed & other than Hamilton no 1 else is getting more than the 10% raise required on their qualifying offer. Boston only needs a 12th & 13 forward, a number 8 Dman & a back up goalie to get to the standard 23 man roster, 13 forwards, 8 Dmen & 2 goalies.
That said I think Boston will move Eriksson & try to package Kelly up with Subban to get futures, draft picks & prospects. This would give them 7 million in wiggle room & allow for filling some holes in the UFA market, so as not to have to rush some of the prospects.
Sharp to Washington eh ? I can see him okaying it, they are a team on the upswing. Chicago could ask for a prospect such as Carrick or Schmidt or settle for a 2nd round pick.
Just because the Blackhawks need to move players to get under the cap doesnt mean all teams will low ball them. Someone will step up. Like free agancy GMs cant control themselves.
There isn`t a hope in hell that Sharp is moving for a suspect prospect & 2nd rounder. Given a choice of Kesler or Sharp I take Sharp & Kesler & a 3rd moved for Bonino, Sbisa a 1st & 3rd. Gm`s throw 2nd rounders around at the trade deadline even 1sts for assets they AREN`T EVEN KEEPING & Sharp has 2 years left at 5.9 which for his skill set & leadership ability to put up points is fabulous value.
Brouwer was traded to Washington for a 1st. 36 points the season he was traded.
Frolik to Winnipeg for a 3rd & 5th. 10 points in 45 games, lock out season, the season prior 15.
Ladd to Atl for a 2nd. 38 points, full season.
Kesler. 31 in August. Career statistics. 736 games played, 202 goals, 238 assist for 440 points, plus 20.
Sharp. 34 years old in December. 745 games played, 249 goals, 247 assists for 526 points, plus 66.
Kesler was also moved under duress & like Sharp had 2 years left on his deal at 5 million. Kelser`s list of acceptable teams was 3 & then there was the other issue that forced the trade. The personal indiscretion with a former goalies spouse that forced the trade of both players.
Why would Chicago only get a 2nd rounder. You guys need to stay out of George`s Kool-Aid. Ha-ha!
You too my friend, you too lay of the kool aid.
” Given a choice of Kesler or Sharp I take Sharp & Kesler & a 3rd moved for Bonino, Sbisa a 1st & 3rd. ”
Please explain as ” I take Sharp & Kesler & a 3rd moved for Bonino, Sbisa a 1st & 3rd. ” makes no sense whatsoever.
Sharp has value no question but I stand behind my idea he goes for an amount that will leave people asking why didnt they get more for him.
Sorry Guru sending from my phone.
Should have read. Given a choice of Sharp or Kesler I take Sharp, period. Start of a new sentence. Kesler & a 3rd moved for Bonino, Sbisa, a 1st & 3rd.
striker…no way I take sharp over kesler age and all around play kesler dominates sharp! kesler plays against opponents top lines and still puts up points sharp has declined a bit maybe in fanasy hockey take sharp but not in the nhl
& how many Stanley Cups does Kesler have?
Sharp had 43 points in 68 games & played hurt as he tried to recover from his injury. Kesler had 47 points in 81 games playing 19:30 a night 2nd highest for forwards in Anaheim behind Getzlaf & got 1st line PP time.
Sharp’s roll on Chicago seriously changed last year. He went from being the #1 LW to the #3 LW & saw his quantity & quality of minutes seriously decline. This season he averaged 16:48 of ice time compared to last seasons 18:53 & no slight to Richards, Shaw or Kruger but your generating more points playing with Toews. Worse he got dropped to the #2 PP unit. He was 2nd in 2013-14 for pp time & couldn’t get on the 1st unit this year. Chicago’s power play last season dropped from 19.5% in 2013-14 to 20th last season at 17.6%. Coincidence? I don’t think so but just my opinion.
Sharp will return to a top 6 roll next year & see 1st line PP time where ever he ends up. Age is starting to play a factor but 30 goals & 65 points baring injury in a walk.
I also don’t want a player on my team that sleeps with a teammates wife. What message does that send to your teammates?
I bet almost every gm would take kesler over sharp!! and as far as sleeping with players wives?? cmon lol sharp was accused of that this year! kesler is a younger better player than sharp all around im done arguing that!
I didn’t know we were arguing. I assumed it was a discussion or debate. I’m certainly not angry or heated.
Kesler brings a ton of intangibles to the ice & is a solid shut down forward; 1 of the best 2 way C’s in the game & 1st line penalty killer. A role that Sharp doesn’t play.
My reference to Kesler was in relationship to the cost paid for Kesler comparing him to what most of you seem to think Sharp will return this summer. I think most of you seriously undervalue Sharp’s potential return. These people that think Chicago is going to give Sharp away for nothing more than a 2nd round pick are nuts. Not going to happen.
Yes in the real world you take Kesler over Sharp but at the time Kesler was moved; with 2 more years remaining at 5 million even with limited teams he was willing to accept a trade to that was great value. As he’s a C as opposed to a winger & 3 years younger he has more value in the real world especially at 5 million for 2 years.
I think the return for Sharp will be similar. Not exactly the same as were talking apples to oranges, it’s a year later & Sharp is 3 years older & makes essentially a million more but unless he’s solely moved for NHL players; which doesn’t solve Chicago’s cap issue’s, at least a 1st; 15th or later, a top flight prospect but not a stud prospect; & a roster player making no more than 1.2 million. A young player playing in the NHL but not necessarily a top 6 forward maybe a 3rd line forward like an Etem type player.
That said it’s only my opinion & time will tell who’s more accurate for all that it really matters.
Just curious. How much money do you think Kesler will get on his next contract & will Anaheim sign him as soon as eligible, after July 1st to get him locked up after next season?
I prefer Sharp to Kesler. I’m not a big Kesler fan, just a personal thing & why I choose Sharp over him. Vancouver is the team I see the most live, I have season tickets to Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary & Dallas, a business thing, I work in the petroleum industry & travel extensively to Alberta & Texas.
Kesler’s certainly not a better player than Sharp all round. Sharp is a better offensive player even at 34. He had 4 less points than Kesler this season in 13 less games getting significantly less ice time & power play time. He has out produced Kesler over his career in both goals & points playing virtually the same # of games & also done so over the last 5 years & in 2 of those years missing significant games to injury, last season & during the lock out.
you have to remember who kesler plays against and a major issue who sharp plays with!!! hossa toews kane keith seabrook and think about how often kesler played with the sedins or getzlaf perry? hardly at all. sharp at best with fetch a 2nd round pick and a b or c prospect
It`s possible I just don`t see it that way.
Sharp could play on my team & I`d gladly pay to have him. Unfortunately I`m an armchair GM that plays GM in 3 fantasy leagues & run 8 as administrator & Commish wrapped around my day job, so my opinion means bumpkiss.
I hope the off season from now till the drop of the puck in October is everything were being lead to believe. If it is this may be 1 of the most exciting off seasons to date. Although we have heard that story leading up to the draft, trade deadlines, July 1st, etc many times before & been left seriously wanting.
Bowman is dumping ( from another article )
” Nonetheless, the Hawks went on to win the 2010 Cup. Immediately after, Bowman needed to chop salaries for cap reasons, moving Versteeg, Andrew Ladd, Byfuglien, Brent Sopel, Ben Eager and Colin Fraser.
For all those players, the Hawks ultimately received a group that included Viktor Stalberg, Kevin Hayes, Adam Clendening, Justin Holl, Phillipe Paradis, Ivan Vishnevsky, Chris DiDomenico and Mirko Hofflin. ”
OUCH…….Yes Sharp is a good player and I would take him too but unless someone like Garth steps up I cant see the Hawks getting much in return. Now it may get better if there is a bidding war between Wash and NYI.
And yes I hope this off season lives up to its hype !
I’m wondering if Kessel would be a good fit for the Ducks. He would be overshadowed by Getzlaf and Perry and would be a good fit on the second line with Kesler. The ducks are basically at their peak for the next 3-5 years and need to make moves so that they dont waste Getzlaf and Perrry. I think the leafs would be able to get the young players they want and the Ducks would be able to ice two solid lines for the foreseeable future. I would expect Wisniewski to go the other way, not sure how high the ducks are on keeping him but im sure theleafs would be able to build up his value and then trade him at the deadline.
yes the ducks lost to the hawks but I don’t think goal scoring is the problem I think if they were to spend for kessel money they would go for a shutdown dman I cant see the ducks making to many moves with the roster they have its a good team with good prospects on the way
I think Anaheim is a great fit for Kessel, even better for Sharp. Anaheim has everything needed & Getzlaf, Perry & Kesler will get Kessel towing the team line if Murray is willing to take the cap hit for Kessel.
No better cap managed team in the NHL. A cup contender for the next 6 to 8 years. This is a very young hockey team & they have 22 players signed at 53.809. They have 18 million in cap space & both Getzlaf & perry make over 8 million a year! I don`t understand how Murray accomplished this. It`s amazing.
Kesler will be resigned after July 1st for around 6.5 to 7 on a fairly long term, lets say about 5 years & they have a bunch of stud prospects playing in the NHL now, just about the whole team & 3 serious studs coming in Ritchie, Theodore & Kerdiles, as well as Sorenson, Wagner & Manson. Wagner & Manson are depth defensive players but both will play in the NHL eventually.
Anaheim is the best built & run team in the NHL. A serious cup contender.
exactly why I wouldn’t bother bringing in another big contract whats the point? good prospects coming in like I said goal scoring isn’t the ducks problem a good shut down dman is what they should be looking for
I agree really as well.
Simply as they have the means & that goal scoring Kessel provides might be enough to get Anaheim out of the west. The road to the cup is brutal in the west. You have to get past to many powerhouses.
What shut down Dman are you thinking would be a good fit? They currently have 8 Damn signed for next season not counting Beauchemin & the Wiz couldn’t even dislodge the 4 kid’s for playing time.
I agree that short-term Sharp is probably the best move to make. Gives the young guys some time to develop. My point is that the ducks are contenders right now. Their defense is still young and I think that next year they will be a lot better. With Sharp I think you’re rolling the dice a little bit because you already know hes the best he can possibly be, there is also the chance that his age is catching up to him and that hes going to be playing on the ducks 3rd line by the end of 2016. With Kessel i doubt anyone thinks hes going to decline anytime soon.
What do you all think?
Full disclosure I’m a fan of both teams. But neither are ‘My Team’
Trade
sharp (5.9 x 2yrs)
Bickell (4 mil x 2 yrs)
Anti raanta (1 year x 750,000)
1st or 2nd + 3rd
To Toronto for:
Phil Kessel (8yr x 8 year)
Toronto keep 4 million of salary for the 8 years.
If you were Toronto or Chicago. Do you do that deal?
Responses:
Chi = Yes / Tor = Yes
Chi = Yes / Tor = No and why
Chi = No (why?) / Tor = Yes
Or both No (and why)
Thanks everyone. I love reading all of your responses each day. I find them insightful and/or funny.
No for both. Chicago is giving up way too much and not getting under the salary cap anywhere near enough. The talent drop off from Kessel to sharp is no giant chasm and to have to add Bickle, Raanta and 2 picks is overkill. They could get Kessel if they wanted for Raanta and the picks really but Kessel doesn’t get them under the cap. And the Leafs don’t want to take on any older player contracts they fully intend to ice the worst roster possible for the next few seasons to finally build a proper team through the draft.
Thanks for the comment and insight.
I put this together because Chicago is going to have to reconstruct their team due to Toews and Kane contracts.
By already having 2 goalies. And seeming to be going with Scott Darking because he is a bit cheaper. They can create space by not carrying 3 goalies.
Also by getting Kessel for 4 million he makes the same as Bickell. So moving him in the trade is essential. Basically upgrading that spot.
Sharp is as good as gone. He even knows it. To create extra space.
Some say all of that and the picks are too much and not enough so it seems to be a decent start to a trade.
The sticking points like you pointed out I agree with. The salary cap. How much does Toronto hold and for how long to make this make sense for them.
I do think Sharp and Bickell with their proven ability in the NHL and Stanley cups. Are valuable to a new coach like Babcock.
I know that the biggest variable in this deal is what is Kessel worth. Some say nothing he is giant hole because of his personality / fitness. Some look at the stats and see his is one of the best goal scorers. Everyone agrees usually his contract is too much. That makes his value lower.
Chicago needs to make moves. Put a kessel on a 1st or 2nd line and see him set career highs I think.
Might have to convert him to the left though.
The teams like Vancouver and Ottawa that have to shed a goalie will get peanuts for them because of how many goalies are available via trade market and UFA’s. Zero chance Ottawa gets a top 6 player. I think Murray must be smoking something to even consider asking for that. Players like O’reilly and Kessel, and Dion might be hard to move but the Avs or Leafs don’t need to shed salary.
I think with the Flames available cap space they can get some decent players for cheap once trade values go down after the draft and teams are forced to clear space. I do think Kessel will go at the draft because teams looking for scoring will add that with him it just might require a first round for the team acquiring him if they need to dump salary back to the Leafs.
Oilers will be interesting to watch at the draft because they have some serious whole in the back and many picks after McDavid so I hope they fill those needs. Dion would be good as he is a home town boy but don’t give him the C and make sure he is not your best defenceman.
Renaud just told me that L. Eller. A. Emelin,3rd round 2015 and 2nd round 2016 to Columbus for 2x2nd rounds 2015 and 2x 3rd rounds 2015. Should be done at draft. Can’t wait!!!
I don’t want to burst your bubble, as you seem pumped & excited but I just don’t see that happening but time will tell. Those picks Columbus has stock piled are all very high in their respective rounds. 34th, 38th, 68th & 69th & this is supposed to be the deepest draft in history. There almost like late 1st’s & 2nd’s.
It also doesn’t really make sense. Columbus has a ton of kids coming & already have 2 C’s playing out of position in Jenner & Dubinsky both playing LW but were C’s & played C as injuries dictated this season as did Foligno. You have Johansen at #1, Anisimov/Dubinsky at #2, Wennberg at #3, so where does Eller fit into that mix?
Not to mention Columbus has 14 forwards signed already & only Dano & Wennberg can be sent down with out having to clear wavers. They have 8 D signed, all on 1 way deals & unless Montreal is taking back Rene Bourque or Clarkson, Columbus can’t get Emelin & Eller in under the cap.
Columbus currently has 23 players signed at 65.421 million & that doesn’t include a back up goalie. Now some of these players 4th line forwards & # 7th or 8th D could be waved with no concerns if their claimed but even some being sent down that aren’t claimed don’t get their full cap hits of the books. Example. Rene Bourque, his cap hit is 3.33 but Columbus only gets 900K in salary cap relief if he’s sent to the minors.
Eller & Emelin both have 3 years left on their contracts, Eller at a cap hit of 3.5 million but in real dollars his salary is escalating, 2.5 next season, then 4.25 & finally 4.75 & Emilin at 4.1. That’s a lot of money to pay a #4 Dman especially when you already have 8 signed to 1 way deals & your top 4 are Johnson, Murray, Tyutin & Savard.
I also question the source. Renaud has a spotty track record at best.
What I know is that Columbus Gm has been wanting L. Eller since he’s been aboard. This is the same guy that drafted him back in St-Louis. Just saying….
Yes, Kekalainen; director of amateur scouting 2002-05 & asst. GM responsible for scouting & the draft 2005-10, & Davidson’s; former president, finger prints are all over St.Louis’s current roster.
I’m not saying it won’t happen. It just doesn’t look to make sense & I don’t value Renaud’s opinion. More so that cost seems way to high to me for those 2 players in the 34th, 38th, 68th & 69th picks. Yes Columbus is getting 2 picks back, a 2015 3rd; 87th & a 2016 2nd; position TBD, but unless Montreal is taking back salary or Columbus has another significant deal lined up, they can’t make the salary work.
If Renaud was reliable he would have backed the deal up with more specific’s & some facts to support it.
That would be a hell of scoop for Montreal. Although Kekalainen’s draft record both in his 2 years in Columbus & his 5 years as asst GM responsible for scouting & the draft in St.Louis from 2005 thru 2010 are amazing & I would be shocked if he forfeited such solid picks.
He drafted Tarasenko, Schwartz, Pietrangelo, Allen, Lehtera, Eller, Cole, Perron, Johnson, Berglund, Oshie, Bishop & others well responsible for this in StL. His 2013 draft in Columbus may turn out to be 1 of the best ever for any team. Granted he had 3 1st round picks but he got Wennberg; 14th, Rychel; 19th, Dano; 27th, Heatherington; 50th & Bjorkstrand 89th. Those are all stud prospects.
are you a better source than Renaud striker?? lol
No certainly not. I’m just like you. I read, listen & watch the journalists, broadcasters & bloggers I respect & who’s opinions I value. Those I don’t I avoid or discard. In the chat rooms I visit when able, you guys provide a fabulous perspective & I enjoy the conversation & debate.
I then try to use deductive reasoning to render an opinion or express an educated guess based on facts & not here say. I don’t say so & so is being traded for X, Y or Z. I may reference a rumor but don’t try to sell it as fact.
I may spend more time than the average person on fantasy hockey, it’s a hobby, a job & a significant source of income for me in the fantasy leagues I run as Commish & administrator.
The sign hanging by my desk from my wife reads. “We postpone this marriage for hockey season.” But as I tell her I was running hockey pools long before she came along. I set up my 1st pick em pool in 1981 & over the years it evolved into a fantasy pools; which back then were all processed manually with stats from Tuesday’s Vancouver Province as the internet didn’t exist, & has since grown & branched off into 8 other fantasy hockey leagues. The revenue it generates now is significant, never mind winnings although I haven’t given up my day job.
I’m no different than any of us. Just older than most I assume at 52. Ha-ha!
I’m not so certain that’s true. There are almost as many teams in need of a starter or back up as there are goalies available. I think the bigger issue is the quality of what’s available.
After Niemi, Dubnyk, Lack, Anderson/Lehner, Talbot, etc the potential quality of these goalies is a question mark. Some concerns based on experience; Lehner, Lack, Talbot, or are they truly available; Anderson, Talbot, etc.
What I do know is that the following 11 teams all need starters or back ups. Arz, Bos, Buf, Cal, Dal, Edm, Min, NYI, Phi, Pit & SJ. They will either have to sign UFA’s, make a trade, or promote from the minors if able.
I don’t think the cost relates to too many goalies being available but the potential quality of said goalies potentially available.
Reasonable goalie offerings r available this year. Nothing outstanding yet some quality.
The teams Striker mentions have some nice options to choose. Maybe only Edmonton needs a top starter in a big way but could at least get a solid tandem if not.
Eg Lack/Lehner
I know D is a big hole atm but the crease will be easiest to address.
I think GM Rutherford will pull off another stupid trade!!!
Maybe our 1st rounder next year ( 2016) for a small, offensive minded D-man or small but speedy forward.. that can’t score
FIRE RUTHERFORD
FIRE RUTHERFORD
FIRE RUTHERFORD
Seconded! Time to finally promote Botterill and/or Guerin and truly move forward.
SHOULD HAVE A COMPETITION BETWEEN RUTHERFORD & WILSON TO SEE WHICH ONE IS DUMBER. DOUG WILSON SHOULD’VE BEEN CANNED NOT ONLY AFTER THIS SEASON BUT LAST SEASON AGAINST LA. AT LEAST RUTHERFORD IS WILLING TO MAKE SOME MOVES THOUGH. CAN’T EVEN SAY THAT ABOUT WILSON. HE DOES NOTHING! HE SHOULD BE FLIPPING BURGERS.
SHARKS NEED TO PULL OFF A TRADE WITH THE RANGERS & TRADE FOR TALBOT & NASH. SEND A GOALIE OVER TO BACKUP LUNDQVIST ALONG WITH MARLEAU, WINGELS & NIETO (OR SOMEONE ELSE) & SOME PICKS. PROBABLY JUST WISHFUL THINKING BECA– USE OUR JACKASS GM STILL HAS A JOB SOMEHOW & HE’D NEVER DO ANYTHING LIKE THIS. HE’D RATHER GO OUT & SIGN SOMEBODY LIKE JOHN SCOTT WHO LED THE TEAM IN PENALTY MINUTES. WE’D HAVE A BETTER CHANCE AT WINNING THE LOTTERY THEN HOPING HE’D DO ANYTHING LIKE THIS.
SHARKS NEED TO WORK OUT A DEAL WITH THE RANGERS (IF WILSON IS SMART ENOUGH). TRADE FOR TALBOT & NASH & SEND MARLEAU, WINGELS, NIETO (OR SOMEONE ELSE), SOME PICKS & A GOALIE TO BACKUP LUNDQVIST. WILSON WOULDN’T DO IT. WE’D HAVE A BETTER CHANCE AT WINNING THE LOTTERY THEN HAVING HIM MAKE A MOVE LIKE THIS. IT’S PROBABLY GOING TO BE JUST WISHFUL THINKING. HE’S DESTROYED THAT TEAM.