Updates on Brent Seabrook, Patrick Sharp, Kevin Shattenkirk and Patrik Berglund.
Latest on Seabrook and Sharp.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cites NHL insider Bob Stauffer suggesting the Chicago Blackhawks could be forced to trade defenseman Brent Seabrook if unable to re-sign him. Seabrook, 30, is a year away from unrestricted free agency and earning an annual salary-cap hit of $5.8 million. Stauffer believes Seabrook would be a great fit with the Edmonton Oilers. He then spoke with Chicago Tribune hockey columnist Chris Kuc, who tweeted the chance of the ‘Hawks trading Seabrook are “slim to none,” but acknowledged it could cost $7 million annually to re-sign the blueliner.
MIAMI HERALD‘s George Richards tweets there’s no truth to rumors the Florida Panthers are pursuing Blackhawks winger Patrick Sharp, claiming the club isn’t interested in his services.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Even by shedding veterans like Sharp for next season and bringing in cheaper talent, the ‘Hawks will still be squeezed for cap space for 2016-17. I don’t believe Seabrook will be traded this summer and I know Blackhawks management wants to re-sign him. Indeed, re-signing Seabrook is among the reasons they’re peddling Sharp, Bryan Bickell and Kris Versteeg. How much cap space they have for 2016-17, and how much they’ll need to invest in the rest of their lineup will determine Seabrook’s future in Chicago. If the ‘Hawks can’t afford to keep him, I daresay the Oilers would very interested, but so will a number of NHL clubs.
As for Sharp, the Panthers seem pretty much set on their top two lines going into next season. While Panthers GM Dale Tallon has that connection with the Blackhawks as their former GM, I don’t think he needs to add Sharp to his roster.
Updates on Shattenkirk and Berglund.
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: During a recent chat with Stars fans, columnist Mike Heika addressed the recent trade rumors regarding St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk and if he would be a good fit with the Stars. Heika notes the Blues have denied the rumors, but if Shattenkirk became available via trade, he feels the Stars have the assets to acquire him.
STLTODAY.COM: Noting how little the Blues roster has changed in the offseason (apart from the recent T.J. Oshie trade), columnist Joe Strauss believes they were unable to move forward Patrik Berglund because of his contract. Same goes for forward Steve Ott and defenseman Jay Bouwmeester.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It appears Shattenkirk isn’t being shopped this summer, but there was some speculation heading into the recent NHL Draft claiming the Blues were listening to offers. If they come up short in the 2016 playoffs, we’ll likely hear the Shattenkirk and Berglund trade rumors again, though it wouldn’t surprise me if they opt instead to replace the coaching staff. If the Blues put Shattenkirk on the trade block, they might prefer shipping him to an Eastern Conference club rather than a division rival like Dallas.
I think Seabrook and Shattenkirk would look good on pretty much any roster in the league. Both teams would be dumb to trade them away. Seabrook and Keith carried the blackhawks all playoffs. What could the Oilers offer the blackhawks that would help them other than cap space? their D is terrible. and the only real assets they have is up front.
I dont think thats necessarily the case with Seabrook…The Hawks have played a tone of hockey over the past decade, at some point its bound to catch up with them. WIth Kane and Toews contracts going forward might be (stress the might be) wise to trade aguy like Seabrook now while he is going to have a tone of value much more than Versteeg or Sharp and use it as oppertunity to restock some younger more affordable assets to continue to compete further down the road. In otherwords take a step back in the short term to take steps forward down the road….Its a tough call the others they are trying to move may almost cost them to get rid of or atleast they wont be getting great value for them, with Seabrook they would. Not that I think its something that they will do probably but I could see that line of thinking in an arguement.
Or trade Kane for first round pick for next year. Grabbing Austin Mathews and a few prospects and dumping 10.5 million.and sign seabrook (1yr left) and Keith(2yrs left) and hope to fill Kane’s spot (very hard)
But better then trying to fill a hole the size of Grand Canyon if seabrook can’t get locked up and we can’t afford Keith in 2 years
Cap relief is exactly what the Oilers can offer. Is there anything more valuable to the Hawks than that? The Oilers have plenty of prospects and picks that can be handed over to St. Louis or Chicago to enable those teams to continue to bring in young cheap talent.
They also have a very affordable player in Yakupov. The other top end oiler forwards won’t provide cap relief so I don’t think they would be included in a trade. I also don’t think Yak will be traded until they see what he can bring this up coming season with a more balanced line up to free him up a bit. The Oilers will do their best not to sell low on Yakupov’s stock. They will hope it rises, if so they will have plenty of quality to shop around to turn their team in to a possible contender.
Mainly in my mind. Yakupov if improved and RNH if Draisaitl can claim a spot will be great assets to solidify the Oilers holes. If these players don’t pan out they can still move them for lesser assets and continue building.
Shticky does have a point though regarding Seabrook.
Hahaha RNH is a twig I wouldn’t give you our bag of practice pucks from the stanley cup finals for him let alone seabrook or yak in that matter
Both are useless to the Hawks
I won’t get into the whole Seabrook thing. That’s just a radio host’s speculation. The one thing you are wrong about, is the lack of prospects on D. Nurse is a beast and knocking at the door. Klefbom emerged as a full time D man last year. He was picked 19 the same year as RNH. And the addition of Reinhart just to mention the blue chip prospects. Then there is Davidson who looks to be a solid bottom pairing.
Not saying the Oilers wante to trade any of them. Just saying the cupboard is no where as near empty as you make out, Nurse is going to a stud in the NHL in my opinion.
And I listened to that show. And what he said was that Chicago is going to do everything they can to resign Seabrook. That they would rather take a bad trade on Sharp, then a good trade for Seabrook. But that Seabrook might become a casualty of the salary cap, if Bickell or Sharp can’t be moved.
@Ducksfan93: Darnell Nurse & Oscar Klefbom are 2 pretty big assets on the back end.
The only return from the Oilers that might work is Reinhardt.(sp?)
This is kinda tough….normally Id say turning 30 and looking in the neighborhood long term you should move him, but its Seabrook, and even at that price for a player who is going to start to regress it seems pretty reasonable for a guy like that.
I have the same mindset. Normally, I would say ship him out for prospects/picks and regenerate the cycle. In this case, the hit is very respectable and the team is looking to continue to contend. If they intend on making another run or two in the 5 year plan, I think you have to keep him with a longterm, reasonable priced contract.
As I stated many times, imo Seabrook is the true leader on the Blackhawks and I would agree he be an excellent addition to the oilers with their young d and forwards a true leader, top quality dman, and been there and done that. With all that said, don’t want the oilers to have him. Send him to Boston please. If Boston got 2 first round picks and two prospects for Lucic, what could Seabrook fetch if you traded him now.
Agreed the return would be massive.
Seabrook to the Oilers for Draisatl/Klefbom/2nd 2016
Put aside his age and the extra games played in the playoffsw and he’s still a top 10 dman probably. A #1 dman is so hard to get that this deal and a massive extension is worth it for Seabrook. Even knowing he very well may slow down over the last few years of say a 7 year $49M extension
Those two prospects would be an overpayment in my opinion. Oilers lose that trade.
Um no thank you. To expensive from the Oilers perspective.
Draisatl + 2nd or 3rd for Seabrook only after the Oilers talk to him and only if he is willing to sign long term.
Boston got a 1st + player that they later traded—not 2 first. BIG DIFFERENCE.
Chicago likely gets a 1st+ a very good prospect (not top 3 prospect). They may throw on a conditional 2017 2nd if he is to sign an extension.
Yes Dan but they traded that player for another 1st. They also got a pretty decent d prospect in that trade as well. The Flyers got a 1st, 3rd and Gudas for Coburn. Seabrook would net two first rounders and a very good prospect at least imo.
That was a deadline deal though. The asking price would have been somewhat lower had it been the off season.
Dan, no matter how you slice it Boston got two first round picks and two prospect by dealing Lucic.
Yeah Boston should take a run at him to replace Hamilton.
Would cost around our first and a second and two good prospects.
Not sure on what prospects Chicago would want we now have plenty with the three first rounders we just got. Subban or Koko.
Just not Spooner or Pasternak.
Seabrooke gets alotta credit in Chicago – and he should; I think he’s worthy of 4 year extension and he will probably get it. But Niklas Hjalmarsson is the real underrated defenseman in Chicago. Hawks will need to wrap him up long term when his time is due.
Accepting a 4 year term would be a huge home town discount in effect. I don’t think it’s likely, this’ll be the players last huge payday!
Hawks have Toews+Kane in their primes for a few more seasons. Keith+Seabrook early 30s and will decline in 3+ years. Hossa a pair of top seasons left?
The question is IF Seabrook will take a 3-4 year deal. If he wants security of a contract ending when he is 40 then they will send him packing.
You cannot blame either side
With the salary cap so tight…it’s really difficult to retain players that are due for pay raises…hated Rangers losing Hagelin…
Ughhhhhh. Don’t get me started. This team shook off losing Richards, Callahan, Stralman, Boyle, Pouliot, last year pretty well. But now Hagelin? It is starting to look a lot like the team Sather was handed by Neil Smith. I still think they will be a good team. But Gorton has his work cut out for him.
If Seabrooke is available-and would be willing to sign an extension in Edmonton-that would be a trade that could solidify their turnaround. Would have to be draft picks, young players(cheap) and prospect. #1 pick, Darnell Nurse and more.
Once again if the Oiler’s refused to give up Nurse for Hamilton a 22 yr old D-man why would they give him up for a 30 year old D, Seabrook?
I am not knocking Seabrook, He will be a great addition to many teams. His leadership alone would provide a lot for a young team like the Oilers but the Oilers would want him to lead and mentor Nurse. I believe adding Nurse to any trade equation ends that trade.
After all, if the Oilers want Leadership, there are still players who may be able to add that, like Erhoff, who they can add using only money. I also have to believe that there are other D throughout the league who have leadership qualities that could be had for cheaper.
Nurse will provide the oilers with 15- 20 years of quality playing time. Assuming he does reach his projected level. The Oilers need to bring in some mentorship for him not replacements. Sekera and Gryba are fine addition to that end but I would think the Oilers still feel they lack in that area.
Nurse is still a prospect-Seabrooke is a known commodity. Do the deal!
Are you a Chicago fan? Because that’s a terrible deal for Edmonton.
If you are not very familiar with Nurse, I guess I could understand your thoughts on this.
But Giving away a future top 2 for an aging 30 year old top 2 is a lateral movement that progressively looks worse over time. Nurse is an absolute beast. He is amazingly fast. He was the only D that could keep up with McDavid in the OHL. As an Oiler fan I have been really happy to see management finally not rush a player. He could have played last year, but he was sent back to grow. At 6’4 215, I am looking forward to one day seeing him as a regular on our blue line.
I agree with you Jeff. Nurse is the future top d man we have been looking for. Trading him away negates any gain you might get immediately in the deal.
Any trade involving Nurse in my opinion. The Oilers will end up losing in the long run.
Jeff, you really have to get off this Nurse for Hamilton thing, because Nurse was just the starting point. Boston wanted more then just Nurse; therefore to say PC refused Nurse for Hamilton would be in accurate.
Possibly but the way I understood the story of this was that the picks were similar but Boston request Nurse as well.
If Nurse was the starting point why wasn’t a player the starting point in Calgary? Why could Edmonton say no we won’t give you Nurse but we will give you these draft picks and make the deal? I pretty confident it was because Boston wouldn’t do the deal with out Nurse in it.
But unless you can prove to me otherwise I see no point to prove to you my thoughts on it. I admit you could be right perhaps Boston asked for 16 1rst round picks, 16 years in a roll. Yet I am pretty confident the asking price would be similar to what Calgary gave.
My point was simple and you acknowledge. it wasn’t straight up Nurse for Hamilton. That is the only point I was making. But in your previous post you made it sound like a straight up deal just pointing out it wasn’t. Now relax or you might need a Nurse.
Trading Nurse would be a serious mistake in my opinion. He is an absolute stud. Chris Pronger type of player.
Especially since there are other options the Oilers can go to to bring in veteran players to help Mentor Nurse.
With the E. Staal and C. Ward potential UFA “issues” at the end of the coming season, does a trade with the Leafs for some slitghly younger, more cost effective and slightly longer term contracts make sense?
Bozak, Lupul, Reimer
For
E. Staal, C. Ward
The Leafs gain leadership and experience for their rebuild, both players can then be extended for 3-5 more years depending on the price/desire of the players to stay in Toronto (home – and yes I know Ward is from Alberta).
The Hurricanes gain some depth in their top 6 for the next few years while the prospects/younger players like Lindholm and Skinner continue to develop, plus youth in goal at a good price point in Reimer. They also free up some cap space! Almost $3m!
I know Staal and Ward are not exactly the “BEST PLAYERS FOR A REBUILD”… or are they? Decent cap hit this year so no worries about the cap floor, they are used to handling losing (since their cup win several years ago, CAR has been, well, BAD), but their veteran leadership and marquee would help further the young players development by learning first hand what top talent can do on and off the ice.
I know they both have NTCs, but if Shanahan can convince Babcock to come to Toronto to be a part of something special, I am sure he can do the same for Staal and Ward.
The ‘old’ Leafs might have made A trade for Staal but the new mgmt seems committed to an actual rebuild. Leadership can come from the coach and vets on short term deals and those same vets can be traded for picks at the deadline and replaced in the offseason, just as they’ve done this year.
Doesnt make sense for the Leafs or Canes imo. Personally I think Erik Staal has maybe a couple decent but not great seasons in him and is on the downside of his career, Ward is average at best. Its a mistake to overpay for “leadership” which the Leafs will be doing when it comes time for Staals contract, and what do the Canes want with nearly 15 mill worth of another backup goalie 2nd 3rd line center and a spot on the IR? I think they could find better deal. 2 out of 3 of that 15 mill dont see a whole lot of icetime.
If the Canes trade Staal and Ward they will be looking for younger assets just like the Leafs will be if they trade Bozak, Lupul and Reimer.
I don’t see how this trade makes sense. Both sides could probably get better assets for the rebuild and free up more cap space dealing with others.
Trading Seabrook as tough as that will be is the only viable option the Hawks have. Neither Sharp or Versteeg is going to do much to restock the cupboard; that is a flat out salary dump.
What makes the Seabrook situation tough is not his age or ability (he will regress, but it is not going to be a step decline in my opinion and he his 3 years away from that discussion); but the lack of teams with the cap space to make it work. Moreover, those teams with the space are in rebuild mode for the most part where Seabrook makes no sense.
If I were Bowman, I would be shopping him, and willing to ear a portion of the salary at that to get assess now. That is on top of moving Sharp and Versteeg. Gets you out of cap jail moving forward. My move guys? Try this one:
Avs get Seabrook (Hawks eat $2 million)
Hawks get Chris Bigras, Duncan Siemens and a 2nd.
Hawks have lots of options.
Did anyone see the Saad move coming ??
Didn’t think so.
Don’t ever say it’s the only option, etc.. Bowman will do what he wants when he wants.
The Hawks got some value for Saad. Do you think they see that return for Versteeg or Sharp? I say no. Not even close. You can claim Bowman had options with Saad; but in reality he didn’t. The inability to move Bicknell, Sharp and/or Versteeg made Saad a prime target for an offer sheet. That tells me Bowman’s hands were tied. You think Sweeney had “options” with Hamilton? Bowman’s ways out of cap jail are limited right now. Maybe I get shocked and someone takes Hossa off his hands…..
According to NHLnumbers,the Hawks are still over cap; and they are still working on bring Oduya back (they hope). Without moving a Vertseeg, that puts them what $5 milling over?
My last argument to support my statement is in 5 words. Crosby, Malkin, Letang, Fleury, Kessel. That’s a cap load of money ties up in a small number of players…. and the Pens last year almost missed minus a $6 million Kessel.
So, yeah the Hawks can bring back Seabrook. But they sure won’t be winning many Cups in my opinion. Given Bowman’s pedigree and is namesake, does anyone see that as an option? Moving Seabrook means this team has a shot in 2 years for a 4th Cup under Teows and Kane. It’s something you don’t want to do, but something you have to do.
Let me answer you in order
No I dont think they see the return in Versteeg and Sharp and obvioulsy they know that.
I never claimed Bowman had options with Saad, I do think they came close to signing him but he wanted more money and term and Chicago said no more.
Columbus GM JK has been quoted as saying no offer sheet was coming. Fear of one was obvious for Chicago as same for Hamilton in Boston.
Seabrook cannot be replaced right now. I dont think he can be replaced for a while, there are no 2016 UFAs that can do what he does, except maybe Johnson. Maybe they get him at the price of 5.75. Who knows.
I see them keeping Seabrook but things may change.
Bowman has other options, hell I’d try to move Kane before Seabrook. And dont give me no one will take him blah blah blah crap. Anything can happen.
And thats my point. Anything can happen. No way that
” Seabrook as tough as that will be is the only viable option the Hawks have. “
I assume you mean Hossa not Kane. Because yeah, I think teams would look at Kane contract and all. If the Leafs managed to move Kessel, I believe Kane most certainly attracts a much higher level of interest, but the money has to work. Although at this juncture, I think the same argument holds for Kane (if this is in fact what you meant) as does for Seabrook: who replaces him? You end up in the same place Guru.
All the rumours we hear regarding the Hawks are because I don’t see Bowman ending up in the same spot as the Pens, that having more than half your payroll tied up in a few players.
Seabrook has clear trade value. Bowman can easily hit a home run with that move. My idea of Bigras (a blue chip prospect) and Siemens adds the type of youth the Hawks need to balance payroll. It’s a short term hit for a long term gain.
We will have to agree to disagree, but I still think that moving Seabrook ultimately is Bowman’s sole option if the Hawks hope to remain Cup contenders for the foreseeable future. The key to the transaction is getting the body back (like the Preds so luckily backdoored into with Jones, but still had Josi) to take that spot……
There’s no doubt that Seabrook would want more – the question is, are the Hawks willing to give more? Bowman has to determine how long Seabrook will remain an elite defenseman – can he still bring it at say 37, or are we better to trade the asset soon for a possible replacement? Chicago doesn’t have Leddy as a possible replacement; it may impact the dollars and term they will commit to Seabrook.
Nobody would trade for Bozak, Lupul or Riemer…
These are just throw away players.. You don’t want them and neither does anyone else..
At least not at the $$$$ that TO is paying them
Great Post K, and all about the Maple Leafs. I honestly don’t know how you would call those 3 throw away players when they have been in the league as long as they have been. Throw away players are usually replaced and thrown away not resigned and in trade rumors.
There is a trade market for Bozak and I believe he will be moved, T.O might have to take back a bad contract (Shorter Term) to pick up a decent pick in the deal but there are teams that would take him IMO.
Lupul not so much with his injury history but if he has a good season and stays healthy their might be a market for him towards the TDL or the draft next year.
Riemer could be moved I am not sold T.O is in a hurry to do so.
K, guess you didn’t see Clarkson get moved? He was considered impossible to move. In comparison, Bozak and Reimer are easily moveable, especially at the deadline.
They are just players you want to get rid of.. Hence throw away players
I’d love to hear about this market for bozak???????
And I love how you’ll just take a bad contract and receive a good draft pick
I am yet to see a team give a good draft pick to get rid of a bad contract.. Please enlighten me if there was one out there this year, Dino.
Well first K, there is a blue box next to my name that you can press to reply to my comment.
And second K, why wouldn’t there be a market for Bozak? Is he not a serviceable 2nd/3rd line center? By decent draft pick I mean probably a 2nd. I am not going to stand here and say he gets you a first.
Every player has a market K, these are professional athletes the best of the best.
I think if a team was gonna pay a 2nd for bozak he would have been gone already cant see to many teams interested in him at 4million
I also said taking back a bad contract on a short team. I wasnt making a prediction I was simply stating that he is movable and deal can be found. Everyone is assume Shanny is sitting somewhere trying his bag off to trade this guy. We all need to stop acting like we really know whats going on …
What’s your prediction then Bigbear, care to step up to the plate with something concrete or just your usual vague Leafs trolling?
I say the Leafs can move Bozak for a 2nd plus a contract coming back at the deadline. That’s basically the Santorelli return with the contract to offset the cap. Winnik (2nd and 4th) is another comparable.
I predict a player for player swap regarding Bozak. The leafs will then get a 3rd in a future deal with newly acquired player or keep the newly acquired player.
Lol stfu dan39 seriously listening to your predictions is like listening to a 12 yr old playing play station! Lol sure he will be moved but like Dino said we have no idea what the trades will be it will be a pick that’s what I figure
“It will be a pick is what I figure” and no Idea what the trades will br…then why are you yipp’n at someone for putting out the opinion it maybe a second round pick? lol jeezis can’t wait for that bold prediction to come true so UA can ramble on a what a genius you
are and how you’re right…and others are morons 12 yearolds. Seriously dude you got issues….
.
Shticky trolling again…. Kids biting again??
And no I don’t like Bozak bit remind me what some other 2nd line centers make? Didn’t Buffalo just sign one of them for 7 mill who has the same kind of offensive numbers? How much does Kessler make or Malkin? .. all better players sure but what if a team runs in to injuries around the deadline and the Leafs have plaid over half of that 4 mill and only 2 years (not exactly long term) left on a deal…the cap isn’t that big of a concern they still need to ice a team they can afford to keep him till they get what they want for him.
Cause offensive stats are all that matter eh shticky?? Anyone who compares bozak in any situation with ror,malkin and kessler….well that’s all that needs to be said! And you really think bozak is a 2nd liner?? Geezus
And you saying other people have issues…..lmao
If Buffalo is paying him 7 mill because of intangibles Murray is worse than I thought. Of course offense matters. Lots of big defensive centers don’t get contracts like that Martin Hanzal Brandon Sutter Backes Jordan Staal…all big all decent defensive games none make 7 mill why ya figure? And I said they were better players..I don’t like Bozak but is ROR worth almost twice as muck for more than 3times as long? Not a chance. If they don’t get rid of him before then I could see a playoff tteam thats close to the ceiling possibly giving up a 2nd round
pick for Bozak at the
deafline especially if the Leafs held salary or took a contract back. 50percent of his salary at the deadline means Bozak would be a 5 miil player for 2 + years at that rate he is a bargain.
Are you drunk shticky?
You had me until Jordan Staal….. 6 per….and that’s an old deal…in today’s world that’s 7+ all day. And that is a TEN year deal……uuuuuuggggghhhhhhh! Arguably one of the worst deals in hockey!
So if that’s a bad deal wouldn’t that kinda go to my point? he’s cheaper and its still a bad deal. You don’t pay that kinda money and term for big defensive forwards….they need to produce and I’m not sold that you can say that about ROR.
I like ROR as a player a lot I hate that contract. Even if Bozak dips if he puts up 15-20 goals and around 30- 40 points if the Leafs somehow kept or took back around 50 of hoz salary in contracts
or what ever he is a 2
million dollar player for 2 years…hardly overpaid, and possibly worth a second. Not saying for sure but deffinately not out of the realm of possibilities so to tell
someone their a 12 year old and to stfu…seems a little over the top. lol and then to follow it up with bit he is probably wort a pick…really ya don’t say…I really hoped they would get a chicken or a goat for him.
Actually K, I prefer if you didn’t hit the blue box next to his name. It pushes everything to the side and on my tablet it becomes one single column of 1 letter, sometimes two. But in the end impossible or very difficult for me to read. haha
So as I been Flying in and out of Winnipeg often and living in a hotel the last couple of months I much appreciate you not pushing that blue botton and pushing the comments to far to the right haha
Glad to see Im not the only one with this complaint…lol
Well I hope my club offers the Leafs some cap relief and offers up Boyd Gordon and a mid rd pick for Bozak.
I’d also like to see our 2016 1st rd pick along with Downie (1yr left at 1.75), Chipchura (1 yr left at 875K) and some mid range prospect to CHI for Bickell and Sharp.
thoughts? My ‘Yotes get tougher and more balanced with scoring. Heck Bozak can center Bickell and Sharp =)
Leafs got lots a cap space. The contracts are not that big an issue ATM.
Bozak is more a 3rd line centre.. IMO