Latest on Kevin Shattenkirk, Patrick Sharp, Tyler Bozak, Alexander Semin and more.
Updates on the Bruins and Blackhawks.
CSNNE.COM: Joe Haggerty yesterday reported addressing the defense was next on the “to-do” list of Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney. One intriguing name is St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, as Haggerty cites a league source claiming the Blues had recent discussions regarding Shattenkirk with the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Have to wonder what effect yesterday’s trade of T.J. Oshie to Washington has on the Shattenkirk rumors. Perhaps the Blues no longer feel they need to entertain offers for the 26-year-old blueliner. Assuming they’re still talking to the Rangers and Flyers, or listening to offers from the Bruins, they’ll have to take back a good chunk of change from one of those cap-strapped club if they’re to take on Shattenkirk’s $4.25 million cap hit over the next two seasons.
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Mark Lazerus reports the Blackhawks continue to bide their time waiting for the free-agent frenzy to die down as they work on finding salary-dumping deals. Winger Patrick Sharp and Bryan Bickell remains the prime trade candidates. “A source said that the Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens were among the initial teams with some interest in Sharp,” but the Penguins have since acquired Phil Kessel while the Capitals added T.J. Oshie. The Bruins were believed interested in Bickell, but they recently added big winger Jimmy Hayes from Florida.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I also think the Panthers are out of the running after acquiring Reilly Smith from Boston in the Hayes deal. That leaves the Islanders ($9.2 million in cap space) and Canadiens ($7.3 million) remaining in the Sharp sweepstakes.
Latest on the Maple Leafs and Oilers.
In the wake of the Phil Kessel trade, SPORTSNET’s John Shannon stated via Twitter he believes the Toronto Maple Leafs still have plenty of moves to make. He expects center Tyler Bozak could be gone.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A recent report in the Toronto Sun claimed the Leafs made Bozak available before the draft for a second-round draft pick but they received no calls. Perhaps interest in Bozak will increase now that the shallow UFA pool is draining of talent. The 29-year-old center tallied 23 goals and 49 points in 82 games last season, but there’s a perception that production was largely due to having Phil Kessel as his wingman.
ESPN.COM: Pierre LeBrun wonders if the Edmonton Oilers are in the market for a backup goalie. LeBrun cites sources claiming the Oilers made calls on Michal Neuvirth and Karri Ramo before they were signed by the Flyers and Flames respectively. That could suggest GM Peter Chiarelli isn’t fully sold on Ben Scrivens.
Where next for Alexander Semin?
NBC SPORTS: Jason Brough wonders where’s the best fit for recently bought-out winger Alexander Semin. He suggests Semin, 31, could be worthwhile on a cheap, short-term, “prove it” contract with a contender where the winger can regain his enthusiasm. Brough wonders if he could be a fit with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers or New Jersey Devils.
get rid of Bozak for a bag of pucks bump up Kadri and Holland perhaps sign Matthias to a cheap deal and I like the center group depth wise for the price better han I have in the past few years.
Along with demanding a roll of tape in the Bozak trade, Eric Fehr might be a good fit for a good price as well
http://forecaster.thehockeynews.com/hockeynews/hockey/player.php?3524
The return received for a player of Kessel’s production and on ice attendance record. (not missing a game in 5 years) is low.
However the return for a high end player who had a partial no trade clause restricting where he could be dealt, ultimately only to those teams who were limited in cap space, combined with a high yearly salary over a lengthy period is very good.
I like Kessel, I think he was and is worth a heck of a lot more than what Toronto got for him. That is in a perfect world. Add into the equation the contract issues and I not sure why you guys evaluate the trade as bad. Do you actually think Pittsburgh would give true value for the guy if they know the Leafs are hindered in their possible options.
If the Maple Leafs won more and Kessel’s production was higher, then additional assets could have been traded. I think the trade is fair, and Kessel will succeed with the Penguins.
It was reported in the Globe by Mirtle that the Leafs have had interest in Bozak for a while. I suspect they are waiting for a higher price – they might have to wait for the deadline. The risk is his play declines with no Kessel. If Perron can net a first, maybe that is possible for Bozak if another team has the need in terms of injuries or whatever? I would be happy with a good 2nd, though.
sigh…. no good return for bozak now, probably have to eat salary to get rid of lupul that leaves dion but after seeing the mediocre return for phil dions wont be great
Are you able to provide any reference point for a player moving of Kessel’s caliber in the last 5 years to show this to be a bad return?
How about some examples. I gave Kesler yesterday & addressed the contract disparities which also has to factor into to trades in a cap world. Cap space has value.
The Sabres moved Vanek and picked up a first round pick that could have been a lotto one and a second round pick…also they got Matt Mouslon a 3-4 time 30 goal scorer.
I don’t see Bozak fetching much. If the Leafs want a second rounder they would probably need to back some salary back as well.
Don’t think Dion is on the move, everything is pretty quiet on that front. Detroit wanted him last year and Babcock is the common denominator, maybe he sees something in Phanuef that we don’t.
Time will tell but it looks like Dion will be staying. Would be crazy for the leafs to be holding salary back on two players for the next 6-7 years. I don’t think he moves unless a miracle happens and someone takes him at full cost.
I agree taz I think dion is staying but to move lupul salary will have to be held…stiker anyway you spin it that return was mediocre a guy like spaling can be found for cheap in FA kapanen,harrington maybe turn out to be decent nhlers a 1st and 3rd but also had to give up a 2nd biggs and erixon yes they saved salary but also ate salary
No facts to support your argument bigbear? I didn’t expect any as you only ever provide opinions.
How can you say the return was mediocre? Compared to what? Kessel returned more than Kesler. More than Seguin, More than Thornton; granted a very old trade that still pisses me off, more than Hamilton & Toronto some how moved a contract that you & others said was impossible to move with out eating 3 to 4 million per season due to term! Now your unhappy with the return?
Leaf fans…….like the team you just cant win with them.
No way I’m holding salary back with Bozak, no way.Lupul, he may not move as there is no market for a broken down winger.
Phaneuf stays.
I figured you would write a bunch of meaningless drivel striker you say kessel got more than kesler? bonino could be the most solid nhler of both those returns! van got bonino,sbisa 1st 3rd and gave up kesler and 3rd so in your OPINION!!! kapenan,harrinton and that 1st and 3rd are gonna be better than bonino,sbisa and the 1st and 3rd they acquired? I guess that’s your facts is it
NO ONE in here ever suggested the Leafs would have to hold back $3/4 million. No one. And you cannot go back and pinpoint that BS statement anywhere. You are just blowing smoke out of y our butt hole as usual. As for the return, you keep believing it was “significant” involving “sure fire” prospects. We’ll see down the line who’s right. In the meantime, why don’t YOU practice what you preach and just let it go?
George, you had said the Leafs should expect zero back for Kessel. You were wildly off the mark. Let’s move on.
George you stated the Leafs needed to retain at least half of his salary and they were going to get nothing for him… What’s half of 8 million dollars?
Never said that Dan. Point to where I did. I did say they wouldn’t get what some thought he would – 2 firsts (like they gave up to get him), a top prospect and not have to hold back salary. Variations of that kept popping up like dandelions in April and I kept re-stating there was NO way they ‘d make a move like that. The Market was too limited for a guy costing $8 mil per year cap hit for the next 7 years. THAT’S what I said.
Pinpoint ONE place where I ever said that Irritatedbeaver. Liker striker you choose to put words in other mouths with no substantiation. But it’s what I expect from frustrated followers of a dysfunctional team from top to bottom.
Another point here, you can debate whether the return was enough, we got some assets. How many teams have had a star player leave town and got nothing in return. Take Ottawa for example:
Zdeno Chara (2006) – nothing
Wade Redden (2008) – nothing
Daniel Alfredsson (2013) – nothing
Erik Karlsson (2019) – ???
You’ve accused me of being a “Leafshater” – does your obsession with the Senators qualify you as a “Senshater?” Last time I looked, no Sens player has been a subject on these threads lately. Kessel has. Repeatedly. When he stops being a subject here then I’ll stop commenting on him.
Oh, and by the way CO, just to clarify. The loss of Chara “for nothing” cost Muckler his job – as it should have; Redden was no loss at that price – as Sather learned to his chagrin – ask NYRForLife. One of THE most expensive players in the AHL. Go back and check the facts on Alfredsson. He admitted openly that choosing to go to Detroit was a “selfish act” in the hope of playing on a Cup winner. He was one year from retirement so hardly in the “star” class any longer, and besides, he’s now back in the Senators fold with a new position to be determined. And tossing out Karlsson’s name was just childish, petulant drivel.
Sorry but there are so many comments here from senators fans, and yet we never talk about their glorious franchise. I tried to get a conversation going about Bobby Ryan, or as I call him “the poor man’s Phil Kessel”, but nobody took the bait. Lol
what a big cry baby george by the way look what the sens did give up for ryan silverberg noeson and nick ritchie way more than pitts gave up
It would not surprise me to see Bozak or Lupul moved to Philly for Lecavelier and a prospect. Bozak was being asked to do too much as a first liner. Playing as a second or a third liner he would likely do quite well.
I understand the “Leaf fan” comment really I do but I was never sold on Bozak or Lupul really I nelive them to be much bigger contract concerms than Kessel or Dion. With out Kessel as his wimg man Bozaks numbers are going to crater there is now enough of a good sample size to back that up with analytics, if there wasnt enough of one with the eye test lol he is a vastly over paid decent 3 c that could move up with injuries…if they end up keeping him for a season there will be no getting rid of himwith out includimg picks or holdi g salary, I belive he is a player you bite the bullet on now and take what you can get amd move on to a cheaper somewhat comparable alternative…I am not normally a typical “Leaf fan” who just hates on the team and wants to move em all for whatever just in a couple cases imo it makes some sense, Bozak and Lupul are rather scary contracts, not Phaueuf and Kessel.
I remember so many games where Bozak was the only Leaf forward to show any life and he essentially had to cover for Phil who was hanging out a center ice waiting for a fast break. Bozak is a very good second line center, and he’s overpaid by about $500 thousand to a cool million, because Nonis wanted to keep his buddy Phil happy. Under a solid forechecking system with Babcock, he’s exactly the sort of player that they will need…the question is whether The Leafs chuck him out at a fire-sale price or see if he can bring a better game under Babcock’s system.
All of the ‘ditch him” talk right now will see him go well below his actual value. I think that they keep him, at least until Babcock sees how he fits in.
I would hope the Oilers would make a call on Shattenkirk. Adding Sekera is a step in the right direction, but he is the only top 2 D man they have
Who would you trade for shattenkirk? Will prospects and draft picks get it done.
Could Yakupov in the deal work? I wouldn’t give up Yakupov for him. I’d rather them go into the season as is, evaluate the roster than start making moves if need be regarding their top 6. As I’ve been saying all along.
I can’t see the other Oiler top 6 work as I would assume the Blues will move Shatt for cap space?
How would the deal work out?
i agree the Oilers should go hard for Shattenkirk. He’s so good. couple ideas i had:
Eberle for Shattenkirk
Draisatl/Reinhart for Shattenkirk
Draistl/Klefbom/4th for Shattenkirk
In my opinion, they won’t be doing a trade like that. They have done very well in adding without subtracting any core players yet. And with the trades they made, and with Nurse knocking on the door. I think they might be just plugging holes with the belief that Nurse and Reinhart are Coming. I believe Nurse is our top 2 of the future. He is a competitive beast. Can’t wait till he is ready to make the jump.
Yes we need a top 2 D man, no argument here. I just don’t think we will be trading for one.
One other thing, Sekera can play top 2. But he is more of a 3 imo. We still need a legit top 2 pairing.
Shattenkirk would be a great piece to anchor a Flyer Defence-that has young talent ready to come in the next 2-3 years. Shattenkirk, Provorov, Sanheim, Morin could be a elite back end.
NHLnewsTRACKER
@NHLnewstracker
Hearing that the #Sabres are closing in on a 1 year $1.2 million deal for veteran center Olli Jokinen.
No way does Buffalo sign Jokinen. They have 6 centers on the roster already. They still need a top 4 D man. They’re done with FA unless they sign a few for their farm system.
Sign Carlo on a 1 year deal for defensive depth
Done! Colaiacovo signed a one-year contract with the Sabres.
The Sabres have made minor free agent signings to fill the roster in Rochester.
The Sabres’ needs are a right wing and a top four defenseman. Having an abundance of centers, someone like Girgensons can move over to right wing. As for defensemen, I think it is time McCabe and Pysyk moved up to Buffalo full-time.
Sounds pretty bogus to me too.
Linden and Benning are in tough in Vancouver. They have shown they would like to rebuild as they see the writing on the wall. “The core is just not good enough.”
To make the situation worse it is doubtful the twins would waive the NMC’s in their contracts unless they were moved together. Almost makes San Jose’s situation with Marleau and Thorton look pleasurable.
So here they are stuck in limbo until they can figure out what to do with the twins. So what can Linden and Benning do in the meantime?
I don’t worry about the Sedin’s…another few years and they’ll be off the books. And besides, they’re still pretty productive. The best thing I think Benning can do would be to move out a couple of guys like Burrows and Higgins and let kids like Gaunce, Shinkaruk and Virtanen fight it out for roster spots. May not be ideal, but we’re not in a situation like Toronto, where a complete tear down and rebuild is neccessary. I think we can remain competitive while we start playing the kids a little more.
I see the Canucks as the 2nd worst team in the Pacific next season & battling with Dallas to be the 3rd worst team in the West. I have LA, Col, SJ, Cal & Edm all being better than Vancouver next season based on what we know today.
You could be right about that, Striker. I certainly don’t see the Canucks as a playoff contender. I can see them fighting it out for that last spot, and going down fairly quick in the first round if they make it.
I just can’t see LA & SJ missing the playoffs again, I’m still shocked they missed last season & I have Calgary as a lock as well.
Calgary may be the most improved team in the NHL with the resigning of Ramo, additions of Hamilton & Frolik & the continued development of young players Monahan, Gaudreau, Colborne, Brodie, Hamilton, Jooris, Ferlund & Bennett.
I see Vancouver, Colorado, Dallas, Arizona, Edmonton & Winnipeg missing, although it’s going to be tight & the difference in points between 7 & 13 in the West may be as little as 6 points.
Arizona will be bad. Not Buffalo bad last season, that was a joke but certainly the worst team in the West & NHL. Although Carolina will only be nominally better than Arizona.
I agree, it looks like the Canucks are on the regression. Edmonton and Calgary are about to leap frog them. Yet it does depend on their youth and if the Canucks can get enough production out of other players to start utilizing the Sedins in a 2nd line role. Those two are still productive and good players but the Canucks need to start bringing in the next stars and transitioning from being led by the Sedins.
The Canucks really only have 1 scoring line now & moving Vrbata off the Sedins line to try & create a 2nd scoring line was a disaster, especially in the playoffs.
No slight to the other players that make up the remaining forward roster but it’s pretty ugly. Excluding Horvat & potentially Baertschi but both are young & their opportunities to contribute offensively will be limited as they earn their opportunities & continue to develop.
Sedin, Sedin, Vrbata.
Baertschi, Bonino, Burrows.
Higgins, Horvat, Hansen.
Prust, Vey, Dorsett.
Spare. McMillian or other but not a prospect as this player will sit a ton.
Edler, Tanev.
Hamhuis, Sbisa.
Weber, Bartowski.
Clendening, Corrado.
Miller, Markstrom.
I agree about moving Bozak for almost anything at this point, considering we never paid anything to get him as he was signed from NCAA. I can see the revolving lines now, zero chemistry and just the decline in his game by moving Phil.
Edmonton fans talk as though Shattenkirk is coming for free! He will cost any team dearly, be willing to part with Yakupov + a prospect for him at a minimum. If he was to be available there would be a bidding war going on for him.
If Yakupov + prospect is all it takes to land Shattenkirk then the Oilers should be all over this. Yakupov might turn into something substantial but the Oilers are well and truly stacked at forward. Shattenkirk and Sekera would make a great 1st line.
I should clarify by prospect I mean a player named Nurse, Draisaitl or Reinhart, it would also probably take a pic, possibly a first but at least a 2nd.
Don’t think they move Draisaitl. They need a player like him, he’s strong on the puck, hard to land guys who are skilled and big. I wonder if they are open to moving one of Klefbom or Nurse.
Something like:
To Edm: Shattenkirk + 3rd
To St. Louis: Yakupov, Nurse and a 2nd
is tangible
Edmonton could fill the hole on the 2nd line RW with Semin on a small contract. Might be worth the risk
Yakupov, and one of Nurse, Draisatl or Reinhart is two expensive. Surely a prospect (one of those guys, I will include yak as a prospect as well (we can argue that but it don’t matter) and a draft pick.
They wouldn’t trade nurse for Hamilton, why would they for Shattenkirk. Draisatl is a big powerful Centre they will need in the west. Best to wait for him to develop. They just picked up Reinhart. I suppose he could be moved for Shat. Yak is on a killer 2 year deal why move him. he is such low risk.
I can’t see it happening. The Oiler’s are better served to see how the season unfolds then make the moves such as that.
Jeff, I find that very interesting Edmonton wouldn’t swap Nurse for Hamilton; Wondering was it one for one or did Boston want Nurse plus someone else being a player, prospect or pick?
Nope. I wouldnt move any of these guys.
I agree. I think I would try to dump a veteran D man or two. And wait for Nurse and Reinhart. Both are blue chips, but Nurse is a beast. Nurse is our future top 2. I think between the coaching and the pieces already added. This team is ready to be more competitive. And it could be a very interesting season. I would not give up any major assets at this point until you give the coach and players a chance.
I’ll take your calls on this Jeff/Oilerfan, you know the team better than I do.
Sharks should consider going after Alexander Semin. They could use another RW.
Devils need a scoring RW also, and are still below the cap floor. On a one year deal they have little to lose and much to gain.
Ummm… No.
I’m starting to think Oiler fans are just like Maple Laugh fans…everyone wants to play there & other GM’s are willing to give up players for nothing. Edmonton is light years away from being a serious contender & the Laughs will have an entirely new mgmt team by the time someone takes them seriously.
Coming from what I assume to be a Buffalo Sabres fan your comments about two historic franchises who albeit have their problems makes me laugh.
Did you think of the Toronto Maple “Laughs” all on your own or did your Dad help you out with that one?
Buffalobob; have you heard of yahoo sports? some great conversations on there as well. might be a better fit for you – Greg Wyshinski is an awesome writer, should be right up your alley
Edmonton will compete for a playoff spot next season. In the end they will come up short but may only miss the playoffs by 6 points or less.
Poiliot, Nuggent-Hopkins, Eberle.
Hall, McDavid, Yakupov.
Korpikowski, Lander, Purcell.
Hendricks, Letestu, Klinkhammer/Fraser/Pitlick; 1 of the 3.
Spare. Gazdic.
Sekera, Klefbom.
Schultz, Ference.
Fayne, Gryba.
Nikitin, Aulie.
Talbot, Scrivens.
They have 1 of the 5 best coaches in the NHL. 20 players signed at 60.782. Lots of money to spend if they can find another top 2 Dman. I have concerns about Talbot but an improved system under a new coach, upgrades at D & the addition of McDavid are going to see them improve significantly. Oddly enough this doesn’t necessarily see them improve significantly in the standings in the West but as stated else where in this thread I see the difference between 7th & 13th in the West potentially to be only 6 points!
Fraser and Aulie are gone.
is that facts or opinions that edm will finish 6 points or less out of a playoff spot striker?
This is a rant so feel free to scan past it lol.
How in the hell can that be fact? Why the heck do you even ask that question? Goes back to my point replayed again and again. People on this site do not know the difference between a fact and an opinion.
That statement is obviously his opinion as until it happens it is not a fact. I am of the opinion the Oilers can make the playoffs. They are a bubble team. But I can see some teams falling back and a team like the Oilers may be able to take advantage.
Of coarse. McDavid will be new to the league and may struggle, Talbot may not pan out and the young D on the Oilers Roster may regress. A young players development is not always linear after all.
So just because I say I believe they will be in the playoff next year or just out side does not mean it is fact. Why would anyone’s prediction be taken as fact? Yet perhaps Striker thinks it is fact. haha. I guess I shall let him answer.
Rant complete 😛
jeff….read up a little further and you will understand why I asked that lol striker says he only deals with facts
It. Is. Fact.
I got in my time machine and checked it out. Also, Coyotes won the president’s trophy – I know, I was surprised too.
lol mines broken down right now taz!
OK Bigbear. I thought that get me in trouble.
It was my irrational rant for the day.
I understand.
Next season will tell what progress has been made with the trades, changes in management,changes in coaching, the FA added and the studs like Leon and Darnell pushing from below. And let’s not forget some kid called Connor. He can’t hurt.
I am not planning a parade. But I am looking forward to a more competitive team.
I sure don’t hate the Leafs, but it has been a long, long time since they could be considered “historic”. I have watched the Leafs pretty much since their last SC win which proves two things – 1) How old I am 2) how long it’s been since their last hoisting.
I do believe the Oilers will be much better this season, now that they have put their history int he past and brought in some real hockey people.
At this point Toronto should look at any one (Semin, Fehr, etc.) that they can sign on a cheap one year deal and hope they have a decent year. Then they can flip them at the trading deadline for picks, since they`re not concerned about making the playoffs anyway. Not exactly the way you want to rebuild, but this year will be a write off anyhow.
I think that was the goal with Parenteau and Hunwick too.
Hunwick got 2 years as did Winnik. I think Hunnwick is a stop gap to allow more time for the prospect Dman to continue to develop but that doesn’t preclude him being flipped this season at the deadline it just makes it less likely. The season after certainly.
I think it’s a great strategy as part of a bigger rebuilding plan & I would argue that Toronto started that last season moving Winnik at the deadline for a 2nd & 4th & to some extent with Santorelli who was packaged with Franson for a 1st.
This year so far they have signed Arcobello & Parenteau to 1 year deals & Spalling who they acquired as part of the Kessel trade only has 1 season to UFA status. I assume that is precisely what will happpen with Arcobello & Parenteau & depending upon Spalling’s contract demands he may be moved also.
I like Spalling as a 3rd line LW playing on a line with Winnik on the right side. These are 2 solid defensive specialists that can also put up decent point production with no power play time.
Supposedly Spaling will be playing Centre, as was promised to him by Babcock. Probably Winnik at LW with Bailey on the RW. If Bozak does not move, then Holland likely gets #3 centre spot, and Spaling moves to 4th line.
I just look at the facts currently. Facts for me being players on 1 way contracts with waiver eligibility. They play or get waved & picked up by other teams unless not really NHL players.
I see it like this in Toronto baring changes before the start of the season. I don’t project rookies or prospects unless their can’t miss NHLer’s now like McDavid, Eichel etc. Many of these players have the ability to play C or the opposite wing.
van Reimsdyk, Bozak, Parenteau.
Lupul, Kadri, Komorov.
Spalling, Holland, Winnik.
Panik, Arcobello, prospect/trade/ufa.
A prospect could bump Komorov & or he or Winnik could flip flop. The #2 RW spot is currently up for grabs.
I think Komorov plays no higher than third line. If Bozak and Lupul are still on the roster at season start, I see the lines as
JVR – Kadri – Parenteau
Lupul – Bozak – Panik
Winnik – Holland – Bailey
Komorov – Spaling – Arcobello
If Bozak goes, Centres move up a spot and add Carrick as the 4th C.
Just my opinion!
Wow, now that I see it in print; those lines look terrible. Think Panik will be playing 2nd or 3rd line next year.
Lyle, since the Leafs now have Horton on their payroll, do they need to place him on LTIR? I’m wondering from a cap bottom point of view. Is it up to the team to decide where his salary counts?
Leafs can place Horton on LTIR to free up cap space. If they’re well below the cap ceiling, there’s no LTIR relief.
I wonder if komorov will even be playing next year read he got into some legal trouble back home lol
Yep, nothing happening this year. I don’t think Fehr wants to be in Toronto. He’s played on a good Washington team for a few years and a short deal with the Leafs could harm him more than help. He’s young enough to sign a 3/4 year deal and playing in Toronto might just end his career.
Think he’s going to look for something better and if he has no other option he might go to a team like the Leafs
I think signing Fehr to a 1 year deal, even 2 to center the 3rd line between Spalling & Winnik would be a great addition. Then as discussed flip him at the trade deadline for a pick this year or next depending upon the term. Fehr is a big body & like Spalling & Winnik produces decent points with zero power play time. 19 goals & 33 points this season & 13 goals & 33 points the season prior. He kills penalties & plays a solid defensive game. He was 2nd for face off draws in Washington last season with 863 winning 52% off them.
don’t really see fehr signing with a team that will miss the playoffs
And yet everyone seems okay with tis. I said Saad would give up money for a home town discount in Chicago and was toldby someone he goes where the money is, which he just got loads of.
Yet Fehr could get a rich offer from a bad team IE Toronto ( rich for Fehr ) and your saying no, he wont play for a loser.
So is it all about the money ? Some say yes, others no.
What about a deal based around phaneuf and reimer to the oilers for draisaitl, nikitan, purcell and scrivens?
no lol did you see what kessel got phaneuf isn’t getting drasiatl
Don’t see the Oilers giving up a big body talented player. It’s what they need. Doesn’t matter that he is a centre. Play him on the wing. Gives you two face off options. You can never have too many centres on your team.
Striker is a tool
Sign everyone and trade them at the deadline for riches!!!
Toronto will own 10 firsts, 20 seconds and all 30 third round picks!!!!!
I believe that’s exactly what the Leafs are doing. Signing guys to short term contracts, giving them playing time and trading them at the deadline for draft picks.
That seems like a perfectly logical strategy to me. From Shanahan on down they continually talk about acquiring more picks. This is how.
be interesting to see how it all pans out in the end.
Funny how that was even said on the radio today. Toronto will be trading these guys for picks at the trade deadline.
You need to have some substance of an argument to back up your comments or your sir are the one who looks like a tool.
You guys are delusional..
I mean BigBear is the most reasonable comments I e been reading
How do you explain stuff to these guys without losing it.. Their trades are in “La La Land”
Maybe because he understands that this a hockey discussion forum and not a home invasion??? K, it doesn’t help your case that you are blowing things out of propotion – Striker is off with his assessment sometimes but it’s based on hockey sense that the Leafs need to make certain moves without committing too much. They successfully did this by trading Winnik, Santorelli and Franson last year. What he is proposing isn’t much different. Simple 1 year contracts, trade em for picks if you can, walk away after the year if you don’t get any takers. Its a win-win for the Leafs. When it comes to a guy like Fehr, he isn’t washed up and doesn’t carry a reputation of a has been so he’ll be tougher to sign.
Bigbear does make sense, however he’s pretty sneaky – he doesn’t propose anything just analysis what has already happened. You’re not fooling this guy Bigbear 🙂
We all put out our thought and what we believe in. Thats what makes us individuals.
Bigbear has been right on a few things lately but hey even a broken clock is right twice a day ! :>)
lol easy guru!! lol
lol not trying to fool anyone im just realistic to what a lot of these commenters are saying which wont happen I never once backed off saying the leafs would have to retain salary on kessel I said the ducks would go after a dman they get bieksa! your guess is as good as mine to the trades that will happen but a lot of proposals on here just have no chance of happening and I point out why! one leaf fan said franson would land nick Ritchie lol an upcoming ufa for a top 10 draft pick?? stuff like that just isn’t gonna happen people were throwing out the kessel would get the 5th over or even the top 10 in this draft he can score but huge salary bad attitude,conditioning no hustle on the backcheck and he got what he got but I was wrong I thought he would still have gotten more there is a chance those prospects and picks don’t turn out
LoL ” I said the Ducks would land a D and they went out and got Bieksa”The great Kreskin ladies and gentlemen! He predicted a team would like to upgrade its D in the off season…wow right out there on a limb, and that the Leafs would hold salary, dont mind the fact he also said they would be taking a toxic contract back as well….jeezus BigBear Imtelling ya youre going to do some real ddamage to youre elbow if you keep patting yourself on the back that hard….and Im betting K and big bear are the same person lol
too much really lmao.
Haha, I don’t think they are the same person. What if Schticky and George were the same person……that twist would be better than the one in sixth sense
Shticky sounds a little jealous did one of the kids bite too hard? Oh wait you were the guy saying franson for Ritchie!! Lmao what a moron u still haven’t predicted one thing right!! Lmao you must have played house league for a lot of years to get that hockey knowledge!! Lol
Liepsic is a higher rated prospect than Ritchie Btw
Sorry big bear which part of the Franson and Santorelli for a first and Liepsic are you plaguing at Ritchie was a first round pick and the Leafs got a first round pick or the part where Liepsic is the higher rated prospect according to many scouting reports? Are you suggesting the Preds package wasn’t better? Let’s wait and see what Ritchie does when he isn’t playing against much smaller players
Hockeyfutures top 50- nick Ritchie #19 liepsic no where to be seen!! Lol
Lepsic is ranked hugher than Ritchie by Cory Pronman for ESPNs top 100 prospects McKeens and Dobbers Hockey Leipsc led the ehl in svoring amd put up 45 points in just over70 games in the AHL ( playing men that are bigger and faster) led the ahl in assists for rookies…Mick Ritchie is 6’8 19 years old and put up just over 60 points playing 17 year olds thzt are much smsller znd slower….you just dont get it do ya? Ya call people names and have such great insight like blahblah blah when you dont know what you are talkingabout….cant ever back anything up with out picking ehats at the top of a googlr search thats why people like Striker Guru Durt and mysel all speak jibberish according to you , beczuse for the most part you just dont get it.
Lol all I have to say is if you honestly think liepsic is better than Ritchie you have issues liepsic will be lucky to be a top 6! Geezus it isn’t play station hockey we are talking about
for sure the Bruins will add a top 4 D-Man
I say Shticky and Dino Rondelly are the same person.
I think shticky has multiple on here anyone who agrees with him! Lol
They’re not.
UMMM…Lyle help me out understanding O’Reilly’s contract.
He is paid 1 million each year. With a signing bonus that is paid out each July 1rst for the 7 years of the contract. It starts with 10 million, then 8 to 7.5. The final 4 years being 5 million. Does that not sound front loaded and something they league wanted to end?
I am not sure if it will make it easier to trade him or not. They will have to wait till July 1rst if they want to trade him like toronto did with Kessel. Yet after that the team who picks him up will owe him pretty much nothing in todays Hockey money for the rest of the year.
He is way over paid. Buffalo can have him.
I think GMTM found those mushrooms he was talking about the other day !
Its a Clarkson contract…buyout proof
You can read my take on the O’Reilly and Saad contracts in my “News” section.
I’m hearing Habs are proposing this to Chicago. L Eller. T Gilbert. 2x2nd round picks 2016, 5th round 2016 for P. Sharp and B. Bickell.
This fits into the category of rumours where one team will supposedly empty all their trash and maybe a draft pick or two on another team, conveniently rounding out that team’s roster. There should be a word to quickly classify it as BS without having to spend the time to write a full response.
Sorry Tony, no offense.
I think semin to Pittsburgh has some possibilities. Especially with a one year show me contract.
Honestly I wish the pens would put forth a show me contract to semin and booth with the exception that first one signed gets the deal. Possibly sign boyed as well as center even though I think going with sunqvist as the fourth line center would be the better and cheaper move.