Latest on Matt Duchene, Tyson Barrie, and more in your Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
Latest Avalanche trade rumors.
Could Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie hit the trade block later this season?
SPORTSNET: “Just for kicks”, Joe Pack lists the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators and New Jersey Devils as potential trade destinations for Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Duchene, who’s become the latest hot topic in the NHL rumor mill.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens and Blue Jackets lack the cap space to take on Duchene’s $6 million cap hit this season, so it has to be a dollar-for-dollar swap to make it work. And no, the Avs don’t want cast-off players like Tinordi, Semin or Bourque.
The Senators and Predators have plenty of room under the league cap, but they’re budget teams so they also must swing dollar-for-dollar deals. Besides, if the Avs are seriously shopping Duchene, why ship him to a division rival like the Preds? No, they’re not a destination.
That leaves the Devils, who have ownership apparently willing to spend, but they’re also off to a better-than-expected start, so they don’t have to rush into anything yet.
Elliotte Friedman reports teams are waiting to see if the Avalanche can re-sign defenseman Tyson Barrie, who’s a restricted free agent next summer with arbitration rights. If the two sides cannot agree on a new contract, Barrie’s name could be heard more frequently in the trade market. He also claims the Ottawa Senators came close last year to a deal with the Avalanche regarding defenseman Patrick Wiercioch, but it doesn’t appear that one’s on the front burner.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I get why the Avs didn’t want to overpay to retain Paul Stastny and especially Ryan O’Reilly, but Barrie’s a big-minute offensive blueliner earning $2.6 million per season on his current deal. He’ll get a significant raise. They were willing to pony up to keep Erik Johnson. Budget team or not, they have to do the same for Barrie. Otherwise, it’ll be the third straight core player to depart in as many years. That doesn’t exactly send the right message to your fans about building a winner.
TORONTO SUN: If Matt Duchene is available, Steve Simmons believes the Toronto Maple Leafs should pursue him. He suggests offering up Dion Phaneuf and Nazem Kadri and even pick up a little salary to do it. “Would you do that? Would Joe Sakic?”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s assuming Sakic will agree to that return. He won’t. He’s already got two big-minute offensive blueliners in Johnson and Barrie, and Kadri is no replacement for Duchene.
Latest from Garrioch’s “Insider Trading.”
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports sources say “Columbus, Toronto, Los Angeles, Ottawa, Calgary, San Jose, Buffalo and Boston are on a list of more than 10 teams” seeking a top-four defenseman. Among those reportedly being shopped are “Trevor Daley (Chicago), Matt Carle (Tampa), Justin Braun (San Jose), Braydon Coburn (Tampa), Ron Hainsey (Carolina), Carl Gunnarsson (St. Louis), Jake Gardiner (Toronto) and Kris Russell (Calgary).”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daley’s struggling in Chicago, Carle’s been a healthy scratch in several games and Coburn’s a UFA next summer, so I can see those guys hitting the trade block. Ditto Hainsey if the Hurricanes opt to continue rebuilding with youth. With Kevin Shattenkirk back in the lineup, the Blues could be ready to peddle Gunnarsson.
Braun and Gardiner are playing big minutes for their respective clubs, so I’m skeptical over their availability. Ditto Russell, who the Flames could try to re-sign. Besides, if Toronto, Calgary and San Jose are seeking a top-four defenseman, why trade one of their own good ones? That doesn’t make sense.
The Flames would like to move Dennis Wideman, but he’s got a year left on his contract. Russell is more likely to be moved.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wideman also has a full no-movement clause.
Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman’s been trying to make changes, including attempts to trade a defenseman, but he’s finding it tough to make deals. Garrioch also claims “there’s a belief” Yzerman could trade superstar Steven Stamkos if he’s not re-signed by the trade deadline, though Stamkos’ no-movement clause could complicate things.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: For what it’s worth, Yzerman told the Tampa Bay Times he doesn’t believe in making a trade to spark a struggling club, and even if he could, there are too many teams with limited cap space. As for Stamkos, maybe he and Yzerman are waiting for the commissioner’s annual December salary-cap projection before getting down to serious talks. Always helps to have some idea of how much cap space you’ll have to work with next season before negotiating a big contract extension for your superstar.
With Darnell Nurse playing well, the Edmonton Oilers could have nine defensemen when Justin Schultz returns from injury. Garrioch wonders if they’ll make a move using their blueline depth.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mark Fayne recently surfaced in the rumor mill.
Prior to defenseman Mark Streit undergoing pelvic surgery, the Philadelphia Flyers were trying to move him. He’ll be sidelined for six weeks.
Garrioch also touched on the Patrick Marleau trade rumors.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: He basically reviewed what we already know. Marleau’s supposed list of trade destinations are the Anaheim Ducks, LA Kings and New York Rangers. The Kings and Rangers have zero interest, while the Ducks aren’t a fit.
Avalanche GM Joe Sakic called a lot more teams seeking a defenseman than the Ottawa Senators.
Simmons is a hypocrite…Leafs should go after Duchene coming from the same guy who hated on Kessel for years. Duchene is a guy with poor posession numbers whocan be streaky, scores alot and is not a particularly great backchecker…sound familiar Steve. I like Duchene as I did Kessel but coming from Simmons? Kind of amusing. Maybe Steveis just getting bored sinnce he doesnt really have much to complain or write about and needs a new whipping boy
hahaha
simmons needs a new whipping boy because he is the whipping boy and needs to redirect
Leafs looking for a top 4 guy with 2 guys in their top 4 they would move Phaneuf and Gardiner…not quite sure if thats the case but seems strange seeing it. As far as Duchene goes no Phaneuf and Kadri dont really make any sense but Gardiner Kadri and a pick or a prospect could. Barrie and Gardiner could be the begining of a nice top 4 and Gardiners contract is rather affordable.Im not sure tthe Leafs would really have interest or not in Duchene tho.
kadri and gardiner aren’t getting Duchene or for that matter barrie
bigbear, you’re right about that.
The Hawks for better or worse had to move Sharp I know but with the way their bluline is built and some fap isssues still, I am still scratching my head as to why part of the return was Daily?
Daley had been pretty solid at the time……I guess Chicago is just not the right fit for him.
Colorado lets Statsny walk the year prior as a UFA for nothing & trades away what may be the 2nd best 2 way centre in the league 30 or under behind Bergeron in O’Reilly & they wonder why their not playing as well as past seasons. Yes their goaltending hasn’t been great but this may be the worst team in the league on paper & that’s no easy accomplishment when you compare it to Carolina or NJ.
I get the jist of what you are saying really I do ROR has been good but Toews Kopitar Pavelski Little Crosby…not sure based on 15 games Id put ROR in the top 2 of best defensive centers under 30.
Sorry Pavelski is over 30 but still
With out even mentioning Stepan or Turris who both are very good defensively.
orielly is a very good 2 way center much better than stepan and turris but I wouldn’t say top 2
Based on what Big bear?
what are you basing it on shticky?? lol
Im basing on things that can be proven unlike your opinion.
Ill help ya out Big bearpast 5 years 5vs5 close goals against Backes is no 1 Kopitar is 4 Then Stepan then Turris ROR is 13,
If you want to combine goal for and goals agsinst Stepan and ROR are close to even at 17 and 20 with Zajac, and Turris isjust behind Backes at 12 with the top guys being Crosby Datsyuk Kopitar Bergeron….Turris is better 2 way center than ROR and depending how ua look at it so is Stepan.
lol you and your useless stats so do all those stats mean the whole team around those guys are exactly the same? if you cant see that ror is way better defensively than stepan or turris you should stop talking
why don’t you compare the teams they were both playing for and than tell me what you think! just watch ror he is 10x better all around than stepan or turris
…lol wow
You realize they play against the same teams right? Like they are all in the same league? Zajac and Backlund are in tat group of players too how good has NJ or the Flames been the past few years. Pretty sure Turris hasnt had a goalie that wwas in the running for a Vezna or played with players like McKinnon Duchene Landeskog Stastny…you dont make any sense. How come when people talk about great 2 waygame of the others no one says …but look at the teams they play on? Sorry Big bear youre wrong. ROR is not 10 times better than Turris or Stepan.
ROR is better than Stepan? LOL….Says absolutely no stat ever…..
you know shticky knows he is wrong when does a belittling comment! hmmmmm I wonder if a rangers fan would disagree that ror is better than one of his teams players?? lol
Fan, no fan….where is he better…. Point out that stat?
If you’d like…. I can point out where he is less than Stepan….. But I’ll leave that to you!
Here is the simple Ranger hater run down. Lundqvist is great “Well it’s because of the D”, The D is great” well that’s because of Lundqvist” The d and Lundqvist are great” Well that’s because of the d minded forwards”…. Lol! One of the most successful teams in the cap era, and still all of that success, comes with a disclaimer!!!!!! LMFAO!!!!
Im quiet Big bear becsuse your ridiculous statement speaks gor itself. Tjere is no point in arhuing with ya you font know what you are talking about, you van not point to anything thst says zROR is bas hood let slone the off the wall remark je is 10 xs better.
the rangers have a great team all around great team I don’t hate the rangers but lets be honest you will be biased! there is a reason why Calgary offered ror a big offer sheet and than buffalo signed him for big money the guy is 24 yrs old and a great 2 way player already! but ive seen both your comments and you probably think you know more than the gms in the nhl! lol
and how do I argue with shticky I didn’t think sunday was a good drinking day?? that last comment is a jumbled mess lol
So your basis for ROR being better than Stepan is the Offer sheet? LMMFAO!!!! Seriously? Stepan has a year less than ROR with all around better numbers!!!! Bigbear….STOP!!!! Seriously! Your argument is absolutely ridiculous!!!
lmao nyr stop your starting to sound stupid just STOP! you don’t think ror would have just as good or better numbers if he played in NY?? cmon man
So now we’re going into hypothetical? LMMFAO!!!!! Was that the question I asked you? NO!!!! Who’s numbers are better? …..Idiot!!!
Hypothetically ….Crosby Nash, Zuccs would put up 800 points …….LMFAO!!!!!!!
this yr ror…..idiot
Oh…. So you mean Ror …this year…. 5 points ahead of Stepan? LMFAO!!! You truly are a short bus rider!!!!!
And this is why I dont comment any more…….
LOL. Come on Hockey Guru, When did you stop commenting? LOL…. Never?
I agree guru… if these guys don’t agree with ya they start making personal attacks and of course I fire back lol nyr you base everything on stats you have no clue about good hockey play but that’s how we differ I guess lol
Pretty simple…. (and it seems to be you that has a problem with EVERYONE here) ….How is ROR better….. No Hypothetical s… No BS… Give me a stat…? Yeah…. you can’t!!!!!! Stop!!!
opinion based on ….what if’s! …”What if ROR played with Crosby” = duh!!! ROR isn’t Stepan…. PERIOD! Any talk beyond that is hypothetical, and reaching.
I haven’t been on in a while. ( I know you’ve missed me ) Your POV on Stepan is correct. You won’t get an intelligent argument backed by facts and I grew tired of the immature responses that seem to appear whenever someone is losing an argument. I got dragged down to that level and Im not going there again.
I say Stephan is better based on stats but maybe I am wrong. I’d like to see them then you guys can decide who is correct or settle this by a cgae match !
Don’t go away Guru. Everyone here know Bigbear just needs a hug! He pretends to know ANYTHING about hockey, and few here humor him. But in the end of the day, he’s just a giant tard’o! LMMFAO!!!!
stepan will be better on stats he plays on a good ranger team! lol geez you obviously haven’t watched ror very much or you wouldn’t be sayin this!
everyone know nyr lives in the states and still thinks this site is about field hockey its soo funny listening to you talk like you know hockey! does your dad tell you are always right?? LMFAO
Again, Tell me how I’m wrong. If you can’t without hypothetical s…. STFU!!! Or “did your dad tell you you’re right”/// LMFAO!!!! Talking about how good or not good ROR would / could be on x team… is just flat out stupid!!!! But…… I guess that would be right at home thinking for you!!!!!
Johansson as well.
Johansson doesn’t play C.
Pavelski rarely plays C as well.
Your right Schticky, ROR can’t even be mentioned in the same sentence as Toews, Kopitar and Bergeron let alone being better than two of them.
Sorry I didn’t qualify that well. I meant #2 2 way C. Yes I would take Toews, Kopitar before O’Reilly as well but I percieve them as #1’s but both are exceptional 2 way players. I don’t consider Crosby to be all that great defensively.
O’Reilly also played a full season as a LW 2 years ago in Colorado but I’m not just looking at his games this season but his 444 todate.
Eliminating the #2 C thing he slides & might not make the top 5 2 way C’s out of everyone especially if you eliminate age but at 24 his 2 way abilities are exceptional.
the reason is money
1. O Reilly is good (still proving himself) but not great
2. Great is 8 mill, good is 6 million
It’s the cap and contract structure:
You don’t know what you got until 25 years old, at which time you have to make a new contract decision. At that time (and still now), O Reilly is a 5-6 million player.
Will he win you a cup or carry you consistently to playoffs (we will see)
If any teams signs an non-superstar to superstar money, then your in cap hell for 5+ years. Better odds to let the player walk (ie Doug Hamilton) unless your team is setup to win now, which avs are not.
The trend as of last year, is to try to only sign proven stars to big $
forgot to add:
and the worst part is due to the above, after an average rebuilds (anything other than Chicago/Pittsburg) you have the same situation with stars (duschene, kessel, Hamilton, stamkos?) and if you do not sign them then you need to rebuild again
So here is your cap:
1. Force to rebuild
2. Unless you draft superstars, you need to make a decision:
a) sign star players 5 more years (and probably never win a cup)or let them walk and rebuild again (another 5 years)
10 years to contend, if your lucky
Around and around you go.
Monkeys can manage the NHL better then these clowns. I’d pay to see that
Avs spent too much time convincing themselves O’Rielly wasn’t worth the money vs realizing his real value.
Avalanche was so set in the old ways of bridge contract and all that. I know Sakic was a BIG proponent of that. But the tides were turning on that front. Bridge contracts are disappearing and fast. Avs should have made a long term plan a few years ago and recognizing the young core and locking them in for reasonable dollars, but maximum term. They got desperate in both Stastny, O’Reilly situations and lost them. To have younger players on longer terms is not the worst thing if they’re for reasonable dollars.
Several teams looking for a top 4 dman; by the way Ron Hainsy I available. In what league is Hainsy a top 4 d man. Edmonton now has a surplus of dman they could trade one. Philly is trying to move a dman, Winnipeg has 9 or 10 dman. But no one other then Toronto Phaneauf is trying to move a top 4. Edmonton doesn’t have an NhL top 4. They might with Klefboom and Nurse but I don’t think their the surplus they’re trying to move.
i think colorado trade rumors might be linked totally to money .ownership not wanting to lose too much this year…however here is my dollar for dollar trade Duchene to the Wild for Coyle and Spurgeon. Minnesota might not be able to sign Spurgeon and have Mike Reilly to bring in soon and Coyle is a big boy who can play c or rw and signed to a nice contract.
Colorado could try and move Iginla and or Varlamov around draft day so they can sign Barrie
We can put the Duchene rumors to rest now. Since ROR was taken off his wing, he hasn’t had chemistry with a linemate until now. Him and MacK are on fire and helping the team win. Duchene had a terrible October, which prompted Sakic’s calls. But November has been a 180 for Duchene and the Avs. Roykic are surely eager to see how far the top line can carry this team, so maybe the focus should go back to Stamkos to the Leafs in the meantime.
I can see Avs GM putting feelers out there, but it’s hard to see a scenario wherein a current NHL team has both the space AND assets to pull a trade off. Last season, Buffalo had a LOT of moving parts to work around a trade. Also they had cap space. Is there really a team like that now that could fulfill Avs needs in a meaningful trade for Duchene? I can’t name one good candidate. MAYBE Tampa or Nashville. But Nashville won’t work since they are in the same division. So…maybe THAT reason is the biggest reason Duchene won’t be traded at all.
spector not to nitpick but rene bourque was traded from montreal two seasons ago
I was referring to the Blue Jackets, as they were among the teams mentioned as a destination for Duchene.
New Jersey makes so much sense for Duchene. Yet are they actually good or pretending a bit like Colorado did a while back and Calgary last year.
Perhaps it’s best they don’t give up young assets or draft picks and stay the coarse. Yet Duchene is young him self.
I see the fit their.
NJ doesn’t have the assets to pull a trade like that off. Thinking of Adam Larsson as trade bait? Is that an improvement for the team? NJ are in tough for a couple of years. They must stock pile assets for a while. Their cupboard is too empty for swinging deals like that.
I agree.
Same with Ottawa Jeff, patience,
It’s like poker, you only go all in when you got a full house
I know this comes off as purely “fantasy” trade style but if the Aves really are thinking of trading away Duchene what about the thoughts of him going to to Ducks. There is good history with Duchene, Getzlaf and Perry which could in theory help the Ducks (mysterious) lack of offense this season and they have the depth to offer up something the Aves would be interested in. You start by packaging Fowler + a prospect like Noesen or Wagner … I don’t know what do you think?
Go figure like an hour after posting this, the Ave’s get Wagner from the Ducks……
Hey Leafers need a d-man how about Rob Scuderi?/ and we could throw in a very useful Chris Kunitz and we just want a 7th rounder in return!! DO IT…. DONE DEAL!!!