Check out today’s roundup of Jonathan Drouin trade speculation.
Lightning winger Jonathan Drouin remains the focus of interest in the NHL rumor mill.
SPORTSNET: Mike Johnson lists the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Anaheim Ducks and Colorado Avalanche as the seven teams in position to make a pitch for Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Jonathan Drouin, who has requested a trade. Drouin is currently toiling for the Lightning’s AHL farm team in Syracuse. Johnston notes the Bolts have around $2 million in cap space, which could potentially complicate things. He also points out they’re reportedly “looking for a right-handed, puck-moving defenceman and/or a forward with a decent amount of term remaining on his contract.”
TAMPA BAY TIMES: Joe Smith reports Drouin scored twice in his AHL debut with the Syracuse Crunch on Friday. Smith also notes the Lightning, in the market for a right-handed defenseman, have been heavily scouting the St. Louis Blues. He cites an ESPN report claiming Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk is apparently “in play.”
SPORTSNET 960 (via TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Elliotte Friedman thinks the Blues have the most interest in Drouin. He also noted the Lightning have heavily scouting the Blues of late. He notes the Blues have forwards who can’t keep up with their defensemen, which is why he believes they’re in on Drouin and perhaps some other things.
NBC SPORTS: Jason Brough wonders if the Blues will actually give up Shattenkirk in a deal for Drouin, either this season or in the offseason.
THE DENVER POST: Terry Frei believes it’s not outlandish to assume the Colorado Avalanche could have interest in Drouin, pointing out Avs coach Patrick Roy coaches against Drouin during their days in the QMJHL.
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Eric Stephens wonders if the Anaheim Ducks, who are hurting for offense, might get into the bidding for Drouin. He points out the Ducks have the blueline depth to draw upon as trade bait, suggesting pending RFA blueliner (and right-handed shot) Sami Vatanen as an option.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Pat Hickey doubts the Canadiens will acquire Drouin, He notes there’s no indication Lightning GM Steve Yzerman wants to move the unhappy young winger. With the Bolts in need of a right-shooting defenseman, Hickey notes the Canadiens have P.K. Subban, Jeff Petry, Greg Pateryn and Tom Gilbert, and there “simply isn’t a deal for any of those players.” There’s also the matter of how Drouin would handle the pressure of playing in Montreal.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lighting must free up cap space, either in a deal with the Blues or a separate trade, if they’re to take on Shattenkirk’s $4.25 million annual cap hit through 2016-17. There’s also the question of how that move could affect the Bolts efforts to re-sign key free agents like Steven Stamkos, Alex Killorn and Nikita Kucherov this summer.
If the Ducks are willing to offer up Vatanen, who has an affordable $1.2 million cap hit, I think Yzerman could be willing to listen.
The Rangers have several young forwards they could part with but no available right-handed defensemen. Johnston suggest Kris Russell and Dennis Wideman as trade option from the Flames, as well as young forwards to offer up. He notes Wideman’s no-trade clause, but overlooks the fact Russell is a left-handed shot.
Johnston considers the Leafs a long-shot. While they have depth in young forwards as trade bait, they’re thin in right-shooting blueliners, though Jake Gardiner can play both sides of the ice. He also shoots left, so no fit there.The Avs are also a long shot. While Johnston notes Tyson Barrie is an RFA this summer, the Avs (who are in need of blueline depth) aren’t going to part with him.
I also don’t see the Habs as having a shot at Drouin, for precisely the reasons Hickey listed, plus I doubt Yzerman is keen to swing a deal with a divisional playoff rival like the Habs.
Montreal only has 9 right handed forwards of 31 signed forwards in the NHL and AHL combined which is why they are having such a problem on the right wing in the NHL. However, they have many right handed D-man in their system.
In addition to Subban, Petry, Pateryn and Gilbert in the NHL, they have right handed D-prospects such as Juulsen, Nygren (top D in the Swedish league), Ellis, Lernout, Dietz, Didier, Thrower.
If the trade is for a young forward and a young right handed d-man Montreal may be more in play than you think.
The Lightning need a right-handed defenseman to bolster their PP right now. Pray, which of those right-handed prospects are going to step up immediately and do that.
TB doesn’t need any more young Dman with promise the inn is full in that regard. They already have Nesterov, Blujus, DeAngelo, Koekkoek, MacLeod, Masin & Walcott. Yzerman his this team over flowing with solid prospects & young players across the board.
I figured one of those columnists would somehow bring the Leafs into the Drouin picture. Geeeeez.
If Yzerman were willing to roll the dice on Nygren, then I could see MTL having an outside ahot at Drouin. It is however, not very likely.
MTL does however need to stop making AHL calibre moves to resolve NHL calibre problems.
Unless Friberg and Lessio come in as call ups and start lighting the lamp nightly, MTL needs to make a move for secondary scoring.
If I’m MB I’m targeting Vrbata, Yakupov, or someone to that effect
TB can afford Shattenkirk’s contract if so inclined. 1 he is only owed 1/2 his cap hit now as the season is 1/2 over. TB has a little over 2 mil in cap space but they have LTIR & ELC monies they are allowed to exceed the cap by that they haven’t really spent as yet.
That said Drouin isn’t getting you Shattenkirk. TB would have to add another significant asset to make that happen.
He’s still got a full season in 2016-17, while the Bolts (as I already pointed out) have key free agents to re-sign. So they have to shed salary regardless.
TB’s cap situation is tight next season but the real pinch doesn’t occur till the season following. With Coburn coming off the books Shattenkirk would make the exact same money.
I also live in an expansion world. I know you don’t want to factor that into the dynamic but my brain works that way. I live years into the future, the nature of my job. I’ll gladly lay down hard cash that there is no way the NHL owners don’t take a billion dollars with expansion teams starting play in the 2017-18 season. 30 mil per team after the NHL skims off their fee’s & the chance to again correct your salary mistakes is to much for the vast majority of teams to give up.
Now I don’t see or understand why StL would want Drouin & certainly not at the expensive of Shattenkirk.
Expansion has nothing to do with this situation, Striker. For the umpteenth time, Bill Daly stated the earliest season for expansion franchises is 2017-18. That doesn’t help the Bolts this summer if they take on Shattenkirk’s contract unless the Blues pick up part of it or the Bolts shed salary elsewhere. Save your expansion talk in trade rumors regarding 2016-17 for 2017 (if that when expansion takes place), and when we know for certain what the rules of an expansion draft will be.
Then TB’s cap situation going into next summer is tight but manageable. They have 47.89 committed to 13 players. Stamkos is the biggest hurdle. Kucherov will get a significant raise. Nemestnikov some form of raise almost all other RFA’s; 6 of them, will have to take their qualifying offers or dam close to it.
Coburn will be allowed to walk as a UFA & I assume when Drouin moves part of the compensation in that package will be the team taking Drouin has to take Carle which will significantly impact the return in assets as Yzerman will use Carle’s salary dump effecting his return but solving TB’s cap issues & I agree with you this can’t happen until the off season.
Stamkos could receive $10 million, Killorn could be over $5 million, Kucherov over $4.5 million. The others could double their current salaries. Brown could rise to $1.8. Namestnikov to $1.5 mil. Paquette also to $1.5 mil. It could cost between $23-$25 million to re-sign all those guys. Toss in Shattenkirk’s $4 million-plus, and they’re squeezed for space. Sure, it’s doable, but it leaves no wiggle room for other moves as necessary over the course of the season. That’s why I expect they’ll move out some salary if they use Drouin to go after Shattenkirk or another top-two defenseman to anchor their PP
Killorn isn’t getting 5 million. Not even close. Great hockey player but a 3rd line LW when everyone is healthy who then gets virtually to PP time.
Almost everyone you listed will have to take their qualifying offers or close to it. Kucherov & Nemestnikov being the exceptions. Unless Yzerman can get Carle’s contract off the books.
Welcome to a flat cap world.
Killorn can certainly get $5 million. Arbitration rights this summer.
Angelo brought up a good thought possobly trying to move a guy like Kilorn and Filpuls which could be a fairly doable deals compared to Carle or Bishop.
Killorn’s best goals & points totals to date is 17 goals & 41 points scored 2 seasons ago. Last season 15 goals & 38 points. This season even after getting quality power playtime when Johnson & Palat were out he is on pace for 12 goals & 34 points. Now with them back he gets no power play time & points will be even harder to come by.
If you can sell that to an arbitrator for 5 million a season, good luck.
You’re also overlooking his playoff performance last season, which would be used by his agent as part of the case if they went to arbitration. He’s a solid and versatile two-way forward who’s only 26 years old and is a proven playoff performer. He’s also pulling in $2.7 million in actual salary this season. If you don’t think his agent won’t push for between $4.5 to $5 million annually, you don’t understand the arbitration process very well. Besides, it’s probably a moot point anyway.
The original point here was the potential cap difficulty of adding Shattenkirk’s $4.25 million cap hit, assuming that comes to pass. Split hairs all you want over Killorn’s potential raise, adding Shattenkirk significantly affects the Bolts cap space for next season. Assuming they intend to retain their key FAs (including Stamkos and his big raise), they’ll have to shed some salary if they’re to take on Shattenkirk’s salary and still leave sufficient space for other moves as necessary in 2016-17.
I think the real question that will be answered with Drouin is what any team can get in return for a problem or failed first round draft pick. I don’t think Tampa will receive a proven player for a problem just like I don’t think Edmonton would obtain a great return for Yakupov or Montreal would obtain a great return for Tinordi. At least Yakupov has been a regular.
NYI proved they couldn’t receive a great return for Griffin Reinhart (#4 overall) when they moved him to Edmonton.
I think their return will be much less than Shattenkirk.
I think NYI got a great return for G. Reinhart.
Drouin is just a kid. Way to early to write him off. Most of his peers with some exceptions are just getting their feet wet in the NHL.
Thornton had 7 points in 55 games as a rookie. 41 in 81as a sophomore in a much higher scoring NHL.
Your blowing out of proportion Drouin’s situation. This isn’t the 1st or last time a premaadona has tried to get his way in the NHL. Drouin & his agent choose 1 of the wrong managers to try & force his hand.
Tough to gauge Drouins trade value is he the next Seguin or the next Brett Connolly. He really hasn’t proven himself at the NHL level yet. I would never give up Shattenkirk for him. Top defenseman for a prospect doesn’t seem right. I’m a Bruins fan and would love to have him but I wouldn’t give up guys like Pasternak or Colin Miller for him. Maybe lower prospects like Subban, Koko or a first rounder.
It’s funny you say that because I had just submitted a similar rant about Drouin and value but I think it’s awaiting moderation or something cause it hasn’t posted yet. I agree completely, if I’m an NHL team I’m not giving up a top 6 proven NHL forward or a top 2 proven defenseman, especially ones who are in their 20s and are signed to reasonable contracts, and if they’re looking for a package of that and a prospect or a high draft pick as well… no way. He has proven at the level he played with the Mooseheads that he can produce but he hasn’t proven that in the NHL. 70 games with 28 or so assists and a couple of goals, getting 3rd line minutes is about average anyways. He is a former top 3 pick and very young, lots of promise but that’s it at this point in my opinion, just an opinion though.
ahh i did not see Miller mentioned earlier.
Drouin is not the prototypical Bruin either
I know no one in the media has said drouin to the devils but they need offense in a bad way and have severson and Larsson both right handed and have showed some skill? there would have to more to the trade the devils could be a fit
Nice try
Do the Devils Have the Pieces to Make a Drouin Trade Work?
By Mike Stromberg @ColdSportsTakes on Jan 6, 2016, 2:00p
” we’re probably looking at an Adam Larsson or Damon Severson going the other way, if we’re talking defense. ”
Jan 4 USA today
Jimmy Hascup, USA TODAY Sports 12:54 a.m. EST January 4, 2016
“Drouin wouldn’t have to worry about his role here. The Devils have some intriguing young defenseman, more than $9 million in cap space and holes in their top six.”
lol cause I read coldsportstalk??? and usa today all the time!!?? nice try!
Go back 4 days there were articles here talking about the Devils and Drouin.
How bout Friedman he not in the media?
Elliotte Friedman (via Today’s Slapshot) believes the Lightning will set an expensive price for Drouin if they do trade him, citing his youth (20) and the fact he was a third-overall pick in the 2013 draft. Friedman believes the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils are two Eastern Conference clubs that make sense as potential destinations.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes and Devils have depth in young, affordable talent that could interest the Lightning. It remains to be seen, however, if either club is keen to pursue a deal for Drouin.
lol shticky quit lying man I never once said you were any of those other guys they get things right sometimes not like yourself! its just funny when someone is arguing with me you have to jump in there and take there side meanwhile 2 days before you were saying the exact opposite but that’s how you work just twist words around
Pretty sure there were a bunch of posts deleted because Lyle is sick of ot too big bear yet you keep posting cherrs man I am not getting in to it with ya again good chat
the Devils really do make sense with their stable of young defensive prospects they have. and their serious lack of skilled forwards
According to General Fanager the blues are over the salary cap by $725,000 as I’m not as knowledgeable on all things cap; could someone explain to me how this is correct, is it because they have two players on the injured reserved? if they come off they have to clear space? Sorry just spit balling here.
No. They are allowed to exceed the cap by the sums saved well these players were injured.
Only lawyers can think this stuff up.
Thanks Striker, so when they come back they’ll have to demote or trade.
No. The savings is accrued & can be spent at any time. They are simply allowed to exceed the cap by the money these players essentially; you need to miss a certain # of games before the monies start to accrue, earned well injured, so they are allowed to exceed the cap by that amount if so inclined with no penalty next season. The same for entry level bonuses which Drouin was earning when in the NHL, Vasilevsky, Pacquette, Kucherov & Nesterov.
They did. Drouin got sent down. Your only allowed 23 healthy bodies on your NHL roster until the playoffs start. Then you can carry your blackaces with no penalty as players aren’t actually paid in the playoffs.
Sorry. Got off track. TB facing same scenario with Palat & Johnson returning. StLouis released Gomez when Berglund came back. I assume when Schwartz returns someone will be sent down who’s waver eligible but more likely they will release Upshall as Fabbri & Parayko can be sent down with out having to clear wavers but I believe; although I don’t see either of these players being demoted, everyone else would have to clear. Baring a trade that is.
Let me ask a question and hopefully it’s doesn’t sound absurd or naive but what it all of the hype surrounding Jonathan Drouin? I’m a very involved NHL fan, favorite team is the Bruins but besides that I typically follow most teams throughout the season, prospects, AHL, and try to watch as many NHL games aside from the ones the Bruins are involved in and I just don’t understand why the asking price or perceived asking price seems to be so high.
I understand the kid is very young and is still under his ELC and won’t be an RFA for another season but aside from the obvious (1st round top 3 pick, and great numbers posted with the Mooseheads) he didn’t necessarily light the lamp last season, and it wasn’t a small sample size. Played 70 games, showed some flashes of skill, scored a couple goals, had a good deal of assists… If Tampa was so high on this kid during the draft then why not play the kid, get a couple more years under his belt, allow for a larger “NHL” level sample size and move him at that point when his value is much higher. I just wouldn’t see the rational in moving a top 6 forward or top 3 defenseman, or top prospect and maybe 1st round picks… or any of these other proposed or suspected packages that people have floated around for a player that has yet to really prove anything at the NHL level. If I’m Tampa Bay I’m focusing all of my efforts on moving Stamkos at this point and holding onto Drouin until the draft, or even trade deadline next season when his value maybe higher. That’s my rant, thanks for reading 🙂
My reach of the weekend…
Bruins right handed D Colin Miller+ for Drouin
It’s come to my attention that some of you are resorting to childish namecalling and squabbling in this comments thread. I’ve already deleted 17 of the offending posts today. I won’t have these threads highjacked by petty arguments. I don’t care who started it. If you can’t act like adults, your comments will be removed. If it continues, the offending parties will be banned from further commenting on this site. It’s up to you.
A couple of highlight goals by JD last night.