Updates on Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, Phil Kessel, Mikko Koivu and Dougie Hamilton, plus the latest on the Avalanche and Red Wings.
Highlights from Friedman’s latest “30 Thoughts.”
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman walked back his recent comments saying Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin was unhappy with losing and other clubs were hearing rumors he wanted a change of scenery, but there was zero chance of that happening. He claimed there were no motives behind his remarks and took responsibility for them.
Don’t expect the Carolina Hurricanes to move center Jordan Staal this summer.
Friedman noted reports earlier in the season claiming the Penguins discussed a deal with the Carolina Hurricanes which would bring center Jordan Staal back to Pittsburgh. He feels it never went anywhere at the time as the Hurricanes weren’t interested. He also believes the Penguins weren’t the only club to be rebuffed.
He feels the Toronto Maple Leafs are prepared to trade right wing Phil Kessel, for by the time the rebuilding club is ready to win again, Kessel will be past his prime. Things aren’t far enough along yet where Kessel becomes involved in trade talks. He carries a partial no-trade clause.
The Leafs will definitely look at trading the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft. The Arizona Coyotes have had three calls about their pick, which sits third overall. GM Don Maloney isn’t sure what he’ll do yet. The Columbus Blue Jackets (eighth overall) could be a club willing to move up as they’re seeking depth in young defensemen.
After re-signing defenseman Jeff Petry, the Montreal Canadiens may need to make a “money-out” trade. Friedman wonders if there’s any way the Canadiens and Minnesota Wild might do a deal involving Wild center and captain Mikko Koivu.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can read Friedman’s original comments about Malkin here. I don’t believe Malkin wants out of Pittsburgh or that the Penguins intend to move him. If we go by his season-ending remarks about wanting to stay in Pittsburgh and win another championship with the Penguins, or those of his agent claiming the trade rumors weren’t coming from him or his client, it appears those rumors were baseless.
Hurricanes GM Ron Francis was quick to shoot down the “Staal back to Pittsburgh” speculation. Unless he demands a trade, he’ll be suiting up once again with the Hurricanes next season.
Two reasons why I don’t see Koivu as a good fit with Montreal. One, his cap hit is $6.75 million for three more seasons. The Canadiens have over $63 million invested in next season’s payroll, while the Wild have over $61 million. With both clubs pressed for cap space and in need of re-signing other key players, I don’t see how they can make the dollars fit. Second, Koivu is 32 and clearly on the downside of his career. He’s not an addition who can help the Canadiens.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Leafs trade Kessel, but I still think his hefty contract (seven more seasons at $8 million per) won’t be easy to deal, which could force the Leafs to pick up part of it to facilitate a trade. I realize some of you disagree with me and I acknowledge it’s possible the Leafs could move Kessel without picking up part of his salary. However, two-thirds of the NHL’s 30 teams have cap payrolls in excess of $55 million entering an offseason where the cap ceiling might only rise to $71 million. Of those, 13 have cap hits in excess of $60 million. An $8 million cap hit is a big chunk of change for a number of teams to comfortably absorb.
Kessel also has a partial no-trade clause, and some of the speculation suggested either Western Conference teams had interest in him or the Leafs’ preference was to send him to a Western club. Add up those factors and it could be difficult to move his full contract. Doing so could mean taking back nearly an equal cap hit in return. Sounds easy, but the right fit must be found, especially if the rebuilding Leafs seek cheaper young talent.
Could the Bruins trade Hamilton?
CSNNE.COM: Joe Haggerty believes Boston Bruins RFA defenseman Dougie Hamilton is going to seek a big payday. It’s possible Hamilton could sign an offer sheet from a rival club. If the Bruins don’t match an offer sheet worth between $6-$7 million annually, they’ll be compensated with draft picks. Haggerty wonders if they’ll consider trading Hamilton, noting the Columbus Blue Jackets would be very interested in the 21-year-old rearguard.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t think the Bruins intend on trading Hamilton. While an offer sheet is possible, such moves are rare and almost always matched. Doing so would put the Bruins in a tight fix cap-wise, forcing them to perhaps ship out a player or two they preferred to retain. Still, I think they’re willing to gamble on Hamilton not receiving an offer sheet.
Avalanche need a puck-moving defenseman.
THE DENVER POST: Mike Chambers believes the Colorado Avalanche need another skilled defenseman capable of moving the puck up the ice. He suggests Los Angeles’ Andrej Sekera, Toronto’s Jake Gardiner, Washington’s Mike Green, San Jose’ Matt Irwin and Nashville Cody Franson as those who could immediately help the Avs. Chambers also claims the Avalanche are not expected to re-sign unrestricted free-agent defensemen Jan Hejda and Ryan Wilson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sekera, Green, Irwin and Franson could all be available via the UFA market on July 1. Any of them could be easier to land than Gardiner, as the Leafs likely wish to retain him as part of their rebuilding program. Some Leafs fans might suggest swapping Gardiner for center Ryan O’Reilly, but I don’t believe the Avs make that deal. They still have a year to get O’Reilly under contract before he qualifies for UFA status.
Updates on the Wings.
MLIVE.COM: Responding to a reader’s question, Ansar Khan believes the Detroit Red Wings will be more aggressive in pursuit of a trade this summer as there’s not much depth in the UFA market. He speculates Jakub Kindl or Brendan Smith could become trade chips. Khan said he’d be surprised if they signed Washington’s Mike Green via free agency but acknowledge Nashville’s Cody Franson could be an option, though they’ll have to decide if spending big money on free agents is better than moving up Xavier Ouellet or Alexey Marchenko.
I agree that Dougie Hamilton is going nowhere. He will be their no. 1 dman when Chara retires.
What would the Leafs wants to trade #1 picks with Boston, moving from #4 to #14?
Why would the Bruins trade up? The price is way too high for them.
If the Leafs are rebuilding why would they trade down from 4th to 14th? Makes no sense. Dubis was the one who mentioned they would be willing to move down a few spots because they like all the players 4-6. The Leafs need to trade vets for picks not move down in the draft or pick up players unless they are young.
Simple, to get more picks. If a team like Columbus was willing to give up two of their second rounders along with their 8th pick Toronto would think long and hard about it. We have two good prospects, this is a deep draft. Getting the most possible amount of prospects out of this draft I a great start to the rebuild. As much as I love strome, mariner and a guy like hanafin or provorov, if I could get one of them or a mixture of crouse, greenway and melouche etc I’m going to jump all over the latter
It sends the wrong message to Leafs fans. The highest draft pick the Leafs have owned in forever that they didn’t trade away. Add to the fact you fired most of your scouts and hired many GM’s from the OHL so you have people who know these prospects better. Now you say your not sure who is the best player to pick at 4 and want to hedge your bet by taking more draft picks further down the line? The Leafs have a ton of vets to trade for more picks and they have the money to pick up part of their vets contracts or take on bad contracts to get better picks in return. Trading any of our first round picks is dumb.
not sure it sends any other message than the one they have been preaching all along they need as many draft picks as they can get to rebuild properly…besides that or how its construed who cares? If they can manage to pick up an extra second or younger asset and if it only involves moving back a couple or few spots who’s to saythe player they get at 6 or 7 dosent work out to be as good as what they get at 4? stranger things have happened nvm the “wrong message”, I am sure fans wont care if it makes them better.
Specs quote:
Still, I think they’re willing to gamble on Hamilton not receiving an offer sheet.
That’s akin to playing Russian roulette this year. Boston needs to fill 7 roster spots before next season with $9-10 million to spend. At 750,000 for 6 that is 4.5 million. of that 9 – 10 million leaving 4.5 to 5 million for Hamilton. A 6 million contract offer could break the Bruins if there are not any changes before July 1.
Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Buffalo, Dallas, Nashville, Carolina and Phoenix could all make a pitch for Dougie and be very comfortable with the cost paid.
Except Nashville is loaded with defensemen, so I can’t really see them pitching an offer sheet for Hamilton
“Elliotte Friedman walked back his recent comments saying Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin was unhappy with losing and other clubs were hearing rumors he wanted a change of scenery, but there was zero chance of that happening. He claimed there were no motives behind his remarks and took responsibility for them.”
So it appears Mr. Friedman is also prone to dreaming up “rumors” where none exist which casts some doubt over the blurb yesterday which said “Elliotte Friedman reports a handful of teams have spoken with the Toronto Maple Leafs regarding their asking price for winger Phil Kessel at this weekend’s NHL Draft Combine.”
That prompted this snarky post from CO: “A handful of teams have enquired about Kessel?!? Not possible, no one would touch that contract, right George?”
All of which is to say, CO, that you shouldn’t put much faith in unsubstantiated “someone said” rumors.
LOL You misread my comment, don’t take it as snarky. It was just a little jab at your claims that no one will have the slightest interest in Phil the Thrill, wouldn’t have him on their team, etc, etc. It’s pretty clear the Leafs are shopping Kessel around and there are at least a handful of teams interested. These are clearly facts, not “unsubstantiated rumours”, just admit you’re wrong. Do we have to wait until he’s traded or will you just come forward now and admit you were wrong?
I’ll admit I was “wrong” when something actually happens. In the meantime, I just take with a grain of salt any and all “informed sources tell me” approach to journalism. It may be clear to you – not to mention the rest of the country – that the Leafs are hoping to move Kessel. That’s a classic no-brainer. But saying a “handful of teams” have been inquiring without naming them is hardly a “fact.” Maybe to wishful-thinkers desperately wanting the door to his Kessel’s ass on the way out, but not to most of us.
Hmm… “take with a grain of salt”, “hardly a fact”, is that sarcasm or maybe a subtle ‘toning down’ of the rhetoric. Is it a fact or not a fact? Before very long you’ll be back peddling full speed.
Friedman presented as a “fact” on Calgary radio that Malkin was unhappy and wanted out of Pittsburgh. Now he admits that “there were no motives behind his remarks” following strong refutation from Pittsburgh. If YOU want to accept as “fact” that a “handful of teams” are inquiring about Kessel then go right ahead. That’s you’re prerogative in a free society. Me, I’m from Missouri as they say so “show me.” My position on Kessel is based purely on the mathematics combined with with what a team is getting in exchange for 7 years at a cap hit of $8 mil per and how that can possibly be absorbed by teams with cap issues of their own. A consistent 30-goal scorer is essentially useless if he’s on the ice for that many or more against – certainly at THAT price. So, I am not “toning down” anything – I think the Leafs are stuck with him for the duration. If it turns out I’m wrong I’ll acknowledge that openly. I expect you to do the same if he starts the season with the Leafs.
Then I respect the fact that you’re still stading by your claims.
To clarify, I didn’t say that he would be traded, I only took issue with your claim that he has no value. They may very well hold onto him and see how he responds to a new coach.
this coming from a guy who thinks bryan murray is the best hockey mind in 100 years yeah right
If that was directed at me John, then you’ve just become a charter member of the Garrioch-Friedman school of unsubstantiated rumors. Point to ONE instance where I ever suggested that Murray “is the best hockey mind in 100 years.” That’s just a load of bull crap.
Ok than George than will you just admit you were wrong about about the rest of the mapr Leaf moves so far, since Shanny took ove ya know like what Franson and Sanotorelli would be worth Winnik Clarkson, Babcock…you are batting 1000 like most of the others here who just come to pile on the Leafs lol
Once again – be specific. What, exactly, did I say about the names you mention. I don’t think I ever even mentioned Winnik and Santorelli – why would I? They are both journeyman non-entities and literally a dime a dozen.
Lyle, this is ridiculous:
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Leafs trade Kessel, but I still think… Leafs to pick up part of [his contract] to facilitate a trade.
You’ll be eating those words, this month hopefully.
In any case, on moving down. Dubas said he thinks the grouping is pretty tight
Hannifin/Strome/Marner/Barzal/Provoroz/Zacha
So easily the Leafs could move down 1-5 spots. For that, I think they would need at least a 2nd, if not a 2nd and a 3rd.
Regarding my Kessel comments, Dan, I don’t see what’s so ridiculous. I’m just voicing my opinion, using financial information to substantiate it. If I’m wrong, no big deal. I won’t lose any sleep about “eating my words.”
One thing about your lovely sight Lyle is the people who respond to it don’t know the difference between an opinion and a fact.
I think your opinion is well argued with some strong facts to back it up. Somehow I think the leafs will move Kessel with out retaining salary. A bad contract will come back with much shorter term. Its the no trade clause that will be the biggest issue. I could envision a 3 way deal that places Kessel in the East when it is done but that no trade clause bungs things up.
Facts are facts and I wonder if anyone has a fact where a top 5 player in the league, in his prime was moved and his salary is retained? So if the Leafs have to retain salary to trade Kessel then those that think that must also think if Chicago trades Kane, they’ll have to hold some of his salary back too, right? Kessel’s contract isn’t even that bad…8mil for a guy that’s never hurt, just entering his prime – which all agree it will be 3-5 yrs (a reason some think he ought to be traded in the first place, when considering the rebuild time frame) so for 3-5yrs you’re using 8mil of your cap for a player who plays almost every game, that can get you at least 30 goals a season and at least a point/game player in the playoffs and for 3-4yrs (depending when you’ll guess when you expect his drop off to be and at what rate…let’s say something ok like around a 20g/season veteran player) and based on how much the UFA market gets crazier and crazier, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to see a UFA that can score 20 goals a season fetch around the 8mil by the time when Kessel might be past his best before date in 2020. Btw Kessel is an elite player regardless of the team he plays and like most elite players skills and skill sets, they also peak longer than you ordinary good players. Again facts not opinion.
He’s never hurt because he avoids contact like the plague. You can’t say that about Kane. Even mentioning the two in the same breath is ridiculous unless it’s to compare total approach to the game. Scoring 30+ goals a season soon loses its appeal when a player is on the ice for as many or more. Yeah, you can point to the differences in team strength and say that’s why he’s always at or near the minus factor as opposed to Kane – but then again, he’s part of the problem – not an ultimate solution to goals against. That’s one of the main reasons he’s almost always listed as among those the Leafs want to see gone. If he was on an elite team and playing the way he has for the Leafs game in game out you can bet his “check” responsibility would still be scoring on defensive breakdowns. And I doubt that would sit well with coaches like Quenneville, Sutter, Boudreau – or Babcock.
To me, Marner is a cut above the rest and in a class of his own.
Hanifin is a specialty defenseman, not the guy that’s going to get you 60 points a season. (He’ll probably get you 25-35 in his better years, but he’ll be a +10 first pairing if you train him properly)
Strome might go before Marner only because he has higher utility and still has a lot of offense to offer.
The others are projects, especially Barzal, who might be as good as Marner and Strome, but will take longer to develop. Zacha probably has the most raw athletic talent of the bunch. Provorov is the best offensive d-man in this draft.
I agree with your thoughts on Hanafin, I can see him dropping to 5 after Marner and Strome get taken. I think Zacha’s a bit overrated though, hes not physical enough for me. He reminds me of Brayden Colbourn, both big skilled guys who are great at finding open ice but rarely engage in puck battles. A polar opposite would be Crouse, I love watching him play, he’s so aggressive. He always seems to be in the middle of the action.
Sorry, I meant Joe Colborne not Brayden.
In addition to retaining salary, there is also taking on a very bad contract to facilitate the deal.
Semin (3 years remaining @ 7 million/year) is probably the equivalent to retaining a portion of salary.
You’re in la la land. Semin had 6 goals last year. Kessel, in a down year, had 25.
The Leafs will not be retaining salary on a player who can be counted on for 30 goals per year on a good team.
Patrick Kane gets $10.5 to score 25 with Thoews as his centre…
You didn’t seriously just compare Phil Kessel to Patrick Kane? The latter won the Calder, Conn Smythe, played for two Cup winners and was leading the scoring race (64 points in 61 games) this season. when he suffered a broken collarbone. I agree comparing Kessel to Semin is silly, but Kessel to Kane is absurd.
Spoken like a true crabs fan hahaha. j/k
Yes you cannot compare Kessel to Kane… Oh wait you can if you take into consideration of who they play with.
Kessel’s center: undrafted Tyler bozak
Kane’s center: captain Canada
Toronto: barely an NHL team
Chicago: one if not the best NHL team.
Is Kane really worth $2mil more than Kessel?
What a ridiculous statement. Of course Kane is worth more than Kessel. And Kane doesn’t always play alongside Toews so suggesting Kane’s success is solely tied to Toews is baseless. Sure, Kessel would probably post up better numbers with a better center, but he’s not a complete player like Kane, who actually knows how to backcheck.
More comparable on points Id say, pretty tough to win a Con Smythe on a team that cant make the playoffs…Id say Kanes team, ya know the one thats won 2 cups the past 5 years has alot to do with that success, The Calder perhaps but its tough to judge what Kane would be like playing on a team as bad as the Leafs. Stats wise its a pretty good comparison.
Kane > Kessell. Nuff said.
any that thinks kessel is as good as kane should watch soccer not hockey lol
Kessel’s numbers are better than Kane’s playing with players that are much worse.
“Kane has won ______” – refer to above.
If Kane was on the Leafs, his stats would be worse. And they are already worse than Kessels.
So, let me get this straight, Dan. You believe Phil Kessel is a better player than Patrick Kane?
lol oh dan ” kane has won 2 staley cup” I like the way phil can score but cmon?? not better than kane that’s like saying dion is better than keith! be realistic
Kane is better than Kessel But yes if Kessel was on Toews wing he would benefit from it. Yes if Kane was on Toronto the Leafs would benefit from that. I don’t think Kane would of squandered a series lead with the leafs Like Kessel did with them.
Kessel was over a ppg during that series Jeff and was 4 mins away from scoring 3 game winning goals and a series clinching goal…not sure how that was his fault jeff youre talking out your butt.
Yet when the puck had to stay out of his net he could do little defensively to help.
So by the same token could it not be said that Price is good but he is no Jonathan Quick? That’s absurd…as far as this love affair with Kane and saying about his “complete” game coming from a guy who knows a thing or 2 about adv. stats Lyle, your argument about back checking is a little surprising and not accurate.
Kane starts a freakishly-high percentage of the time in the offensive zone, with a 65.7% zone start percentage [offensive zone FOs / (offensive zone FOs + defensive zone FOs)]. When Kane is sitting on the bench, Chicago is only a slightly positive zone start team at 50.6%. On the other hand, Phil Kessel’s zone starts relative to his team are much less positive on a relative basis (3.9% vs. 15.1%). And yet, Kessel improves his team’s Corsi For percentage (CF%) by a whopping 3.6% while he’s on the ice, while Kane only improves his team’s by 0.7%. In the context of their usage, Phil Kessel is a far better possession player than Patrick Kane, and it’s not even close. Offensively 5vs5 Kane actually has a small advantage over Kessel, with 2.33 PTS/60 compared to Kessel’s 2.26. However, as we saw above, Kane’s team in Chicago has been miles better than Kessel’s Leafs over that time span. So why don’t we take a look at their play with and without their most common centre. For Kane, that would be the [more-clutch-than-Crosby] perennial Selke-candidate Jonathan Toews. For Kessel, that would be Tyler Bozak.
Kane’s main flank Toews actually produces exceptionally well away from him, at a 2.29 PTS/60 clip. That is in fact slightly better than Kane does away from Toews, despite the fact that Kane is heavily sheltered in the offensive zone. And together, they’re a pretty dynamic duo, scoring 2.64 PTS/60.
Kessel and Bozak actually do produce pretty well together, at a 2.30 PTS/60 clip. Kessel is only marginally worse away from Bozak at 2.19, but this is likely a sample size issue (most of the TOI for Kessel w/o Bozak was from Kessel’s first few years in Toronto before he reached his peak scoring age). And how does Kessel’s main centre play when he’s not flanking him? Well, he’s produced at a 0.76 PTS/60 clip. Yes, you read that correctly. Zero-point-seven-six.
one player cost 8 mill the other costs 10….not sure Id agree that Kane is that much better.
lol well that was a long read of drivel sure adv stats might say kessel is better but I guarantee the majority of gms would take kane over kessel to build a team around! again kessel does score but that’s it brings nothing else to the table except cancer to the locker room but hey that might help teams…somehow? maybe…nope kane>kessel
Ouch Big Bear saying a player who had Cancer brings it to the locker room is well perhaps not the wisest thing to say. I all picture is him spreading it around lol. I pretty sure you mean it in regards to attitudes but it is a poor choice of metaphor in the situation lol.
You’re right bigbear. I bet nearly 100 % of GMs take Kane over Kessel.
jeff… lol yes I meant attitude my bad
Kessel fought cancer Kane fought a cab driver because he thought he shouldnt have to pay the fare….ya stand up guy. lol
lol who hasn’t fought a cabbie?? im still in disbelief there is actually an argument over whose better between kane and kessel? lol
Read the thread again bigbear try sounding out your words and point out who is sayiing Kessel is better than Kane…I see people saying points wise they are comparable and Kessel is cheaper but I domt see one person sayi g Kessel is better, they are 2 comparable players playing for 2 very different teams.
quit trying to flip things around dude you are known for that
Ya, quit trying to flip things around with clear concise points and data to back it up Shticky.
lyle so let me get this straight dan you believe kessel is a better hockey player than kane
take your own advice and read the thread again
Where do you get I compared Semin to Kessel????
We are talking strictly in terms of dollars. Dollars matter no matter who you are.
In terms of saving money (if Carolina is cash strapped), retaining 2 million of Kessel for 7 years equals 14 million dollars.
Taking Semin (3 years at 7 million) and retaining zero dollars on Kessel equals 21 million dollars.
That’s the better deal for Carolina. They are getting no production from Semin and will get production from Kessel. But, but, they can’t afford both.
Saying I compared Semin and Kessel please don’t.
1. Avs should make a play to trade up to 5th for Hanifin. They need transition defense and bad. Hanifin’s foot speed and grace would be perfect for the brand of hockey the Avs play. Mike Green is also an option.
2. I’m not a Toronto fan, but I don’t necessarily think the Leafs will have to absorb salary for Kessel (they can choose to in order to get a better deal, but that’s a long time to take a cap hit).
3. The Leafs shouldn’t trade down unless they’re looking to stock the cupboards, but the Coyotes could move down if they get something really juicy from Phi, SJ, or Col for Noah Hanifin. I believe the most interest in Hanifin will be from those three teams, and I highly doubt that Hanifin will fall that far… so I fully expect either Arizona (less likely) or Carolina (more likely) will trade down. I doubt Toronto trades down.
I think ARZ may take Strome instead of Haniffin. Reportedly they are very hot on him and they have a pressing need at C. On D, they already have OEL to build around.
I think they WILL take Strome, but trading down is an option if they get a good enough offer, and they can opt to take Barzal instead.
Leafs need a Strome-what does it take for them to secure that?
The Leafs need all of Strome, Hannifin and Marner for their rebuild. Which one they get this year versus next year or the year after doesn’t matter all that much.
Hanafin will be gone before 5. I think, Not sure that he doesn’t go before Crouse or 1 of Strome or Marner…could be there at 5 but if all these clubs are supposedly looking to move up to the 4, 5 or 6 range I would be lead to believe its to get a crack at a D man
Duncan Siemens should see NHL time in 15-16. Chris Bigras and Mason Geertsen will be regulars before too long as well. Honestly, forward prospects are a priority for the Avs. Outside of Connor Bleakley, there isn’t much. I expect the Avs to make a play for UFAs Sekera or Oduya; if they swing and miss, they could realistically do nothing, as they still have Stephan Elliott in their back pocket.
Hypothetically what would the Penguns have to give up to get Kessel, I mean on top of Scuderi and Kunitz to make the money work of course? A first next year, the 2 compensation 3rd rounders and what else? I’m not big on moving any of our defense prospects. I want them playing next year. Unless the Penguins sign Mike Reilly, his style of play does suit their team. Then I would maybe sacrifice Harrington as well. What else do I add if I am them? Kessel, Crosby and Hornquist would dominate as a line and put up huge numbers. That is if Kessel isn’t starting to wash up. It’s still an intriguing option.
I completely agree. The trouble spot is how things project next year and the following 5 years. For example, does Malkin end up moved and if not, how does the cap work with his salary in addition to Kessel? To give something up, I think there is a case to be made (if the Leafs are interested) in a deal surrounding Letang going the other way. I think this can be done because of Maata returning and how well Pouliot and Harrington are progressing. With Shero placing defence as a priority of the last several drafts, we might as well use the youth to our advantage and recycle them. Only problem I can forsee would be Letang’s injury history souring a deal.
From a hockey point of view, statistically, Kessel has been a top end player in the last 5 seasons. As a triggerman, he would be outstanding alongside Crosby and it would be exciting to think what could happen if they have any chemistry.
I don’t think they can spare Letang yet. He’s the only grown up that will be playing back there next year and he will have his work cut out for him. I don’t see Harrington making the team right out of training camp. Scuderi and Kunitz’s combined salary is 500 000 less than Kessel’s. So there would be no new salary being taken on. Obviously those 2 alone don’t get Kessel even though they both come off the books in 2 years and would give the leafs cap space when they start to need it again. Crosby and Malkin are going nowhere, I mean it’s fun to speculate and invent stories but at the end of the day they have no relevance. Maybe in 2 years Fleury and Letang become expendable when the next generation of talent is ready to take over but not now. It will be crazy to see the Penguns become the Devils in 6 years or so, when they have an elite defense and goaltending tandem but no offense to speak of.
cant see the leafs being able to trade kessel without holding money back the report said a handful of teams but lyle is right after he gives the leafs his list that handful drops to a couple and if they don’t have the cap space the leafs need to get rid of kessel I don’t think there is any doubt he is a cancer in the locker room doesn’t work well when you are rebuilding and the kids see how he is
I wouldn’t go as far as call him a cancer. I’d say he certainly has some undesirable characteristics, but I also think he is not suited for the Toronto spotlight but if he was playing for a team that attracts less attention, and that he is not *the* star player, then he’d fit in well as a supporting player. Such a role would allow him to be himself without having a mic shoved in his face all the time. Some GMs have said (anonymously) that they’d love him on their team because he is a consistent goal scorer regardless of line mates.
true but those teams cant afford his cap hit hence holding some salary and getting a better return the leafs have the money and aren’t gonna be competitive for 4-5 years if they do follow thru with the rebuild
Anyone of Anaheim, Arizona, Buffalo, Calgary, Carolina, Colorado, Dallas, Detroit, Edmonton, Florida, Nashville, New Jersey, NYI, Ottawa, San Jose, Washington or Winnipeg. That’s 18 teams more than 1/2 the NHL that could take on Kessel’s full cap hit with little difficulty.
I’m not saying these teams are interested just they have the space & wiggle room to make it work if so inclined & I don’t think Toronton has to eat a dime of his 8 million if they don’t want to. What will determine if that happens is what the deal is.
I could see Toronto potentially taking back a toxic contract. Using Carolina as an example. Lets say Semin. That’s 3 years with cap hit of 7 million. Toronto would want some serious enticement to justify such a deal, so to make that work what would Carolina have to give up? Is their 5th overall enough? Just an example not a trade proposal but it’s floating around out there.
Conveniently overlooking that Arizona, Carolina, Colorado, Dallas, Nashville, Ottawa and Winnipeg are budget teams. You’re also ignoring that some of those clubs could be on Kessel’s “no-trade” list. Washington already has two high-salaried forwards with goalie Braden Holtby due a big raise, so rule them out. Arizona could be on Kessel’s no-trade list. I don’t see how Calgary’s a fit when they’ve already got a top-line right wing in Hudler plus they cannot afford to tie up too much long-term salary with Monahan, Gaudreau and Bennett due raises within two years. San Jose also has two expensive first-line players, neither of whom want to move. The Islanders seem keen to keep their current lineup intact. The Oilers need a goalie and a top defenseman more than they need a first-line winger. After re-signing Jagr, I think the Panthers could be out of the Kessel bidding. Detroit is more interested in bolstering their defense. Ditto Colorado. And I have my doubts Kessel would go to Buffalo.
Don’t confuse the poor sods with facts and logic, Lyle.
Who does Friedman think he is, Kypreos ?? I give him a bit of credit at least he admitted his mistake. Crazy media always looking to be the 1st to break a story. Turns out the story ends up being about them not what has or is happening. What a rat race world they must live in.
I see the leafs having to hold 2 million I hope they don’t but the majority of us leaf fans see how he doesn’t help with certain parts of the game and if they don’t see it they are bigtime homers lol
So Petry is worth 5.5 mill but the guy who Over the past five seasons, (Kessel) ranks fourth in the NHL in total goals (149), games played (357) and sixth in points (328) is only worth 6?…not sure about that…Don’t get me wrong a contract of substance may come back but no way they hold 2 mill.
I’ve seen a lot of how you talk about the leafs your one of the homers lol but kessel only brings scoring to the leafs and that’s about it I mean 8million for 25 goals?? And even if the team threw it in do you think an 8million dollar player should let that happen?? I don’t think Phil should be worth more than 6 for what he actually brings on the ice with the cap teams want 200 foot players
lol homers ya thats me….8 mill for 162 goals, 394 points in 5 years or 446 games as a Leaf on a bad team with a 2nd or 3rd rate center…, not sure they gave him an 8 year deal based on 1 bad year., thats an avg of over 30 goals and 75 points a season for 5 years playing with a bad team…whole team is terrible defensively not just Phil, his 200 ft game isnt the reason the Leafs lose, but his offensive game is a big (probably the biggest) part of why they win when they do…they wont be holding 2 million dollars.
cant see how you think kessel is an 8million dollar player take nash in nyr pacioretty in mtl toews in chi all play a two way game play the pk backcheck can score those are the guys you pay big money to in the cap era ( pac 4.5 steal of deal) than you look at kessel scores…he can score goals no doubt about it but that is it that’s all brings nothing else to the table and to me that doesn’t equal 8million but just my opinion in your blue and white eyes we differ
Yep me with my blue amd white homer eyes saying the Leafs are a terrible defensive team with no depth and a 2nd or 3rd rate center playing on the top line….I can see that. lol
lol so whats your point you still haven’t stated what else he brings to the game for him to be worthy of 8million I mean someone making that much should be able to score more than 25 with a terrible center but its because the 8million dollar player mailed it in right? he is so worth the money I see you point
Seriously are you drunk? Hes scored more than 25 goals every year he has been a Leaf he avgs 32 goals a year and 77 points, you make it sou d like he is lucky to get 25…wanna know what else he brings he makes a 45 point plus guy out of a third line center (Bozak) who would be lucky to get 15-20 points in a year if it wasnt for the fact he plays with Kessel. Kessel makes the players around him better. Look at JVR with and with out Kessel look at Lupul with and with out Kessel look at Bozak with and without Kessel, look at the games the Leafs win when Kessel gets a point and when he dosent they lose…its pretty simple really. They are a bad team…team as in whole team, they are not bad because of Kessel…he is a good player on a bad team. I understand why you would trade him but its not because he is a bad player…besides youre imaginary reasons show a stat that says otherwise what os it
+/÷? The guy who could very well win the Heart this year and won ot in 2013 (Ovie) had a worse +/- last year than Kessel had this
year.
Or is because he is sooo cancerous in the room when he calls reporters out for being idiots to guys like Reimer for calling his mother, or when he defends his captain like he did in an intervoew about other reporters disrespecting Phaneuf…ya I bet the locker room really hates that stuff. Poison beware a guy who likes his teamates.
how bout when he tells his captain to STFU before a faceoff(look on youtube) or tells everyone he barely gets on the ice in the offseason or lolleygags on the backcheck great example for the young guy or when coaches say they have to run different drills in practise for phil? I think your drunk
imo price has the hart locked up
If hte Leafs are ‘rebuilding’ there should be no issue about picking up contract. They will have younger/cheaper kids in the lineup, they should have lots of room, right? The one thing they are awash in is the $$$.
They should do so happily to make a trade. If they find a team and players/picks that they like, heck, by taking half of Kes/Phaneuf salary for say 2-3 yrs, that would REALLY motivate other teams to trade. Plus they can ask for some extra picks for them taking on the salary. Win/win
Other team gets good player on the cheap (for 2-3 yrs) cap should be higher when they have to pay it all. LEafs fet players they want, and some extra picks? bonus.
They will either withhold part of a contract, OR take back bad contracts. But it wouldn’t make sense to do both. I would rather see them take back a bad contract or 2, because the withholding part of a contract has to be for the balance of the contract.
Every year we speculate of who is going to trade down or move their pick and it rarely if ever happens. Looking at the top 10, I can see some scenario’s sure, but to me the most likely scenario is Columbus moving their pick. Their season was derailed by injuries and they know that, as a young team they could certainly feel comfortable moving that draft pick if they can find the right deal for a player who is under 30 and able to help them now. The only issue I’d have is if there is a defenseman with the skills they are looking for that is available out there and worth actually moving the 8th overall pick.
I think the best transitioning defenseman available via trade the Jackets could target is Keith Yandle.
I actually “forecast” the Hurricanes as most likely to trade down. CBJ is most likely to trade “away” the pick.
Kessel will be traded at the draft, that’s my opinion. Leafs won’t consider moving in the draft unless the man they want is taken by Arizona. Then it will only be trading down 2-3 spots. I think Kessel and the #24 pick will be going to Jersey for the #6 pick and Ryan Clowe. Not based on anything more than I think its the best hypothetical hockey trade available for both clubs. Leafs then have the ability to draft a combo on young players, pick up a bad contract and clear away what has been a bad experience for both the Leafs and Kessel. NJ can ice a line of Cammerelli/Zajac/Kessel and has a competitive top live once again.
Although the trade isn’t stupid, I don’t see NJ wanting to trade for Kessel simply because Kessel is far too inconsistent for a team that needs a consistent effort from its forwards. Kessel’s best fit will be on a team with a balanced attack… and while NJ is balanced, I wouldn’t call that an attack.
I think Kessel would be a good fit in NJ because they know how to defend but they need scoring. Phil would probably do better to be outside of the bright lights of TO. If Leafs could do a deal with Columbus or Carolina to get 3 picks in the top 8 that would be phenomenal.
AV’s need a puck moving defenseman. How about Yandle to the AVs for O’Reilly, the Yotes are eating half of his salary and the AVs can get rid of the O’Reilly drama
The Avs have Barrie, Johnson, and Redmond (and Elliott, AHL All-Star, as of today). I don’t think they need any more PMD. They need a legitimate, two-way LHD to play big minutes with Johnson; which is, essentially, a replacement/upgrade from Jan Hejda. Sekera would top my list. Someone like Oduya would be a nice transitional signing until their top prospects become regulars.
Thank you for putting this out there. Barrie was the 8th leading dman scorer in the league, with AJ having his best offensive season of his career. Guys like Redman, Holden and Guenin helped with “secondary” dman scoring. They don’t need guys that are looking up ice, they need guys who can defend and make the right play to get the puck up ice. With their attacking forwards and depth up front the Avs just need more talent on the defensive end. Maybe guys who can defend and pass, add to the secondary scoring, and possess the puck a little better. They don’t NEED to make a big move and certainly don’t need to risk not having the money to pay Johnson, Barrie and McKinnon when they come up for new contracts. With Siemens and even more importantly Bigras are ready to come in they will take good minutes on the left side. They need a 2 way guy on the left (Phaneuf if they can make a reasonable deal) or maybe Maszaros to take some reasonable minutes and play tougher in their own zone. How in the HELL does a one way, soft, easily injured loser like Mike Green help the Avs? What a dumb comment.
This would have been a fair deal two years ago. Now O’Reilly is a bonafide first line quality center and will command a pretty good return. Yandle is more of a 2nd line defenseman now.
Yandle is a New York Ranger
lol ya but the yotes are still paying half his salary that is why nyr paid duclair and a 1st for him imo was a bit of an overpayment good on the pp but more a 4th forward at even strength not stong in his own end
LOL at Mike Chambers (Mike Green, really?). There’s a new blog in Denver: BSN, and they have press credentials for the Avs next season. Their pre-draft coverage has been amazing and once the season starts I think you’ll see them easily outshine the Denver Post. Lyle, check them out; you won’t be disappointed.
Question of the day – Jack Eichel had a better combine that McDavid in Buffalo. Does anything think the Oilers may rethink their pick and go with Eichel over McDavid?
I am not saying they should, just interested to see if anyone believes this week may changes any minds in Edmonton.
The combine (interviews aside) won’t change opinions about the top 5-10 players. They’re literally just there for sport. It’ll start to matter (reading between the lines) when looking at the rest of the attendees, where the much harder choices come around (between 16-30 this year, I’d say).
You are correct on the lower guys, how the combine may change their standing.
Austin Wagner is a good example. Reports indicate he will move up in the draft thanks to his performance at the combine.
Is there any chance Kessel gets moved in a deal for Mike Richards? There is not a less Daryl Sutter type player I know that.
Would be interesting to see him on a line with Tavares as well
Leafs would not want Richards contract. He is now a 4th liner making $5M plus-who will probably be bot out if he can’t be traded.
And Kings will NOT want Kessels contract either. No deal to be had here.
It does feel like Babcock will need his locker room leader-that was my Richards thought. Is Dion Babcock’s man or is the C gone?
A word working past his prime team leader is still needed for another rebuild.
If the Bruins were to consider dealing HAMILTON, they should chat with their old GM in Edmonton. There’s probably a nice multi-player deal available that would help both team…Something along the lines of Dougie HAMILTON, Reilly SMITH, Malcom SUBBAN and Chis KELLY for Darnel NURSE, Jordan EBERLE, Leon DRAISAITL or Nail YAKUPOV (Oilers choice) and Mark FAYNE.
I don’t think the Oilers will take Eichel based on this weekend… I heard stories that Lemieux could barely bench his own weight before he came into the league… he did ok
I think the top 3 picks are in Stone- Mcdavid, Eichel, then Strome. Question do the leafs want a D man or a Forward? And another small forward in Marner?
Seems like Provorov is the fast riser-who may go before Hanifan.
Relieved to hear that the Malkin rumours were not exactly centred in truth. That said, I believe as a Pens fan, if they were true and with the rumours of Stamkos being unhappy going around, if they were willing to move him, I wonder if Tampa would consider a swap. Obviously this won’t happen, but Stamkos would sure be an intriguing option alongside Crosby.
The Geno/Sid equation is not working. Pens need to move one. Been too many years of this.
Sutter was one of the better forwards in their playoffs.
I bet that MB makes a few trades adquiring young prospect (2-3 yrs ) in the league and will dangle Fucale , Tinordi Emelin, Eller maybe even Pleks
and sign a couple of off the map free agents like he did with Sekac last yr
Why does Toronto need to trade “Phil the Thrill” how many 30 plus goal scorers are in the league? Why not see what Babcock can do with him. personally I would put him with a good centerman, who is strong on the draw, good in all 3 zones and can score 20 plus goals. If you don’t have that asset, then go and get him. If your willing to pay the price, some one will come to the table.
what? Leafs need to REBUILD not give up assets for a top line center for Kessel. Oh and btw Kessel didn’t score 30 goals this year he scored 25 which put him at 45th in the league while playing every single game with a cap hit of $8 mill, this is why the Leafs NEED to trade him ASAP.
I agree king if we don’t move him more problems will arise in the future hold back do whatever to move him along
Because the rebuild isn’t going to happen overnight, it will take years & Kessel will be in his mid 30’s when they are ready to contend.
You haven’t considered the Leafs conundrum when it comes to Kessel. Right now his “strength” in any proposed deal is that he’s capable of potting 30+ goals a season. And if he is traded and continues to do that without any attempt at conditioning for the duration of his 7 years and $8 mil per cap hit, then maybe the receiving team feels it has received full value. Then there will be those screaming that they never should have dealt him. On the other hand, if the Leafs retain him in the hope that Babcock can change his entire approach and STILL produce goals at that rate and it doesn’t work out that way, even with the guidance of an “elite” coach, then they are really stuck with him for the duration. You think they haven’t been trying to get a bona-fide C for him ever since Burke made that deal? You just don’t pluck one of those off a nearby tree, and none are making their way to the UFA lists these days. Even if they draft a C at # 4 that player will be at least 2 years away from full NHL service.
here me out on this one. I think Malkin would never say yes but im bored:
Evgeni Malkin/Chris Kunitz/Rob Scuderi (their contracts)
to Toronto for:
Phil Kessel/JVR/Nazem Kadri/Leafs 2nd round pick
I do not know why Lyle is saying they will have to retain salary I get his point the cap and what team have to spend but I think how this will go down is Tor. Will not retain any salary but they will take back some to even it out a bit. I do think the biggest thing will be the the eight teams kessel is willing to go to. We just do not know how many of them are good fits for him. I think in the end tho he will go somewhere for a decent return but it will not be what they gave up for him in the first place I think we all can agree on this.
I didn’t say the Leafs “will have to retain” Kessel’s salary. I said they could be forced to because of the limited numbers of teams with available cap space to comfortably absorb that contract entering an offseason where the cap ceiling is expected to rise only marginally. If this were a summer where there were more teams with cap space and the cap was going to rise between $5-$6 million, I wouldn’t be suggesting it. Kessel has considerable trade value, but that contract is a sticking point and could limit potential destinations.
Lyle, instead of saying “retain salary” couldn’t you just say “retain salary or taking a bad contract in return”. They’re two sides of the same coin.
Only if the other “bad contract” has 7 years to run.
Kessel’s contract was at the market rate for a pending UFA of his calibre when he was signed. If he were to hit the UFA market this summer he would have easily commanded $8M (see Petry et al), even after the poor season he just had. And that is the difference between our two arguments. I think they take back a bad contract to make a deal possible with another cap-pinched team, you and Lyle say he’s overpaid and they must retain salary for the entire term. I would expect that from you because you live in Ottawaland but I’m surprised by Lyle’s perspective. Lyle, what do you think is a ‘fair’ cap hit for Kessel?
Where did I say Kessel was overpaid? I didn’t make that statement. I said his contract could be difficult to move.
If he is fairly paid then why do the Leafs need to eat part of the contract for the entire term?
If the Leafs ate $2M per season ($14M total) the net cap impact to the other team would be
$6.0M $6.0M $6.0M $6.0M $6.0M $6.0M $6.0M
If they brought back a 3 year contract with $14M cap hit remaining the net cap impact would be:
$3.3M $3.3M $3.3M $8.0M $8.0M $8.0M $8.0M
Wouldn’t that give the other team a better window to compete for a cup over the next three years. I think it’s a better option for both sides.
If he’s that good, why does his name keep popping up among those the Leafs need to clear out in order to change the “culture” of the team? Perhaps his overall approach to the game and conditioning (or lack thereof) since he signed that big contract is now more glaringly apparent to other GMs who see a need to balance goal-scoring with defensive responsibilities, and who don’t wish to risk taking on for 7 years and $56 mil in cap money a goal scorer whose game may be heading south. Isn’t that a possibility, or does your passionate defense of Kessel not have room for doubt?
The argument for trading him has been stated here so many times I dont feel like explaining it once more. He’s our best player despite his many flaws but it’s time for a thorough rebuild so he’s got to be moved. His game is not on the decline and he is not overpaid. If you want to pay someone to be a great leader with superior conditioning and work ethic sign an AHLer. In the NHL talent + production = money.
Winnipeg has great puck moving defence men that Colorado could use. Possibly they could deal for a good, big forward. But really I’d like them to trade up to great Strome and try to deal with NYI for his brother. Both good, big forwards to compliment Wheeler, Scheifle, Ladd etc. maybe big Buff could get NYI attention.
SHARKS COULD PROBABLY BRING BACK SOME OF THE OLDER PLAYERS FROM BACK IN THE DAY & THEY’D STILL BE PLAYING BETTER. MAYBE WE SHOULD CONSIDER BRINGING BACK NOLAN, FRIESEN, OZOLINSH, SUTER, DAMPHOUSSE, MCSORLEY, GRANATO, VERNON, HRUDEY, IRBE, JANNEY & SOME OTHERS. WE’D PROBABLY STILL HAVE A BETTER SEASON WITH THEM. MARLEAU HAS BEEN THERE SO LONG HE’S BASICALLY PLAYED WITH MOST OF THESE GUYS. IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE WITH MARLEAU. HE BASICALLY CAME WITH THE FRANCHISE HE’S BEEN THERE THAT LONG.
Lyle a leaf hater
Bloody amazing. Point out the flaws in any current Leaf and you’re a “Leafs hater.” And the second that player is dealt somewhere else, those same individuals join the chorus of critics!
Oh, and in case anyone thinks I hate Phil Kessel, I direct your attention to the following, written over a year ago.
https://spectorshockey.net//will-kessel-ever-earn-the-respect-of-leafs-nation/
everyone is talking about the habs cap issues not saying they don’t have any but rather be the habs then say the rangers Pittsburgh or flyers montreal can move a few contracts in trades easily and take the roughly the same amount back I fiqure they have 10 mil in cap space and have to sign galenchuck and beaulieau which should leave them 5 mil
check out what the rangers have to do to get to the cap and still sign key pieces or resign players like krieder
Pittsburgh is actually just fine cap wise. After Letang the will have the cheapest talented defense in the league. Letang at 7 mill and the other 6 coming in at just over 7 mill for all of them together. The you have MAF at 4 mill and Zatkoff at 550 or Murray around the same. That’s everything but 12 forwards for what 15 mill? Then yes you add in Crisby and Malkin and that knocks down another 20 and Hornquist and Perron are another 7. So that’s 42 of the 71 gone no doubt. Dupuis’ career is likely over so subtract 4 and put him on LTIR. Next ship Kuni and his 4 out of town even if a second goes with him. Even if they have to bring back a 2 mill bottom 6 guy. So we re at 45 with 7 forwards to go and only Sutter and Spalling left under contract so that’s 50mill with only 5 forwards to sign. Give Winik and Comeu 1.5 each. Bring up 2 of Bobby Farnham, Scott Wilson, Bryan Rust, oskar Sundquist and Kaspari Kappanan all on ELC deals so that’s 55 million with one forward( preferably a top six winger) left to sign. Give him 4-6 and there’s approx 10 mill left under the cap. Really not do bad when you trim the fat.
Montreal has 17 players signed for 63.712 million. Galchenyuk, Flynn & Beaulieu are RFA’s. They have a ton of wiggle room but with the addition of Petry’s contract & once those 3 RFA’s are signed for about 5 million combined there isn’t much space for any additional help on the scoring front. Hopefully 1 of the Montreal prospects can step up & help on that front although the prospect cupboard for scoring forwards is pretty bare.
The 3 teams you mentioned are facing cap hell. You can add Boston & Chicago to that group as well. Going to be a fun off season as the potential player movement could be significant this summer.
Gino needs a change of scenery and the Rangers need a # 1 center , How about a Nash for Malkin trade ? could work for both teams
No Nash doesn’t help anyone and Malkin is not going anywhere but if he were there is literally a hundred players I would take before Nash, no thanks, no chance, no way. And yes I do see the flaw in my post about the Pens cap, it’s 15 just for defense and then another 5 for goalies. So there’s more like 5 mill left. I thought 10 seemed high. Still 5 is better than most teams.
Nash doesn`t help anyone ? he scored 43 goals and had the best plus minus on the team,he had 14 pts in 19 playoff games.Pens need guys who play a defensive game as well maybe your just overvaluing Malkin
how about this trade
to Colorado ……Gilbert Emelin ,Tinordi and Fucale
to Montreal ……O’Reilly